Finding the perfect rug for a dining room presents its own challenges. It must be large enough to take up the space, but not clutter it. Pretty to beautify the room, yet resistant to food spills.
Here are a few tips to help you find the model that will enrich your decor… and your precious moments at the table.
Why a dining room rug?
In the dining room, a carpet acts as a frame by visually delimiting the dining area.
Enrich your decor
The addition of a rug enhances your dining room environment by demonstrating superior craftsmanship. Use this decorative object as a focal point to recall other colors, textures, and patterns in the room.
Protect your floors
Install a mat under the table to protect wood and engineered floors from the wear and tear of chairs that are frequently removed and replaced.
If minor accidents at mealtimes are common, consider an easy-care model like the Nanpur Turkish-style rug, with its faded pattern and preshrunk fabric. With this model, most food stains can be easily cleaned with water and a cloth.
Reduce noise
If you live in a plex, condo or apartment, a dining room rug can muffle the sound of dishes or utensils being dropped during a meal and reduce the noise of conversations.
Ideal dimensions of a dining room rug
A dining room rug should be large enough to move all the chairs back from the table without any problem.
Choose a carpet of appropriate shape
Accentuate the close link between the carpet and the dining room by choosing the right shape and size:
- With a rectangular or oval table, choose a rectangular rug.
- For a square table, choose a square rug.
- For a round table, a circular or square rug works just as well.
Some of our models, such as the Nordic-inspired Elmyra, are available in several sizes. You can choose a rectangular rug with a width and depth ideally suited to the room.
Add 24” on each side
Measure the dimensions of your table and add 24″ to each of the four sides: this should be enough clearance to move the chairs to fit without overhanging the mat.
For example, a table for four people that is 36″ by 48″ requires a mat of about 60″ by 96″. If your table has extensions and you use them regularly, install them before you take your measurements.
Adjust to fit the rest of the room
To help you visualize the space your future rug will occupy, place masking tape that matches the resulting dimensions on the floor. Be sure to keep at least 6 to 18 inches of clearance between the rug and walls or furniture near the table – such as a buffet, bar or island – to avoid clutter.
If there is more space available, you may want to consider a slightly larger rug.
Tips for choosing a dining room rug
Think of your dining room rug as a horizontal work of art: how does it fit with the rest of the room?
Choose dark colors
Choose a rug whose colors complement your surroundings while remaining practical for a dining room. For example, a nice white or beige pattern may require more effort to maintain its pristine appearance, and would therefore be a better choice for the living room or a bedroom.
Food stains are usually much more discreet on surfaces with deep colors. For example, the dark brown and copper shades of the Wonnie rug cleverly camouflage red wine or sauce spills. It even provides extra protection with its stain and fade resistant treatment.
Choose a low pile or flat weave carpet
Big, fluffy rugs are comfortable in the living room, but are ill-suited to the reality of a dining room, where they get in the way of chair handling and don’t hold up well to messes. Instead, choose a thin one, where the food will stay on the surface.
Varied patterns help hide stains
A stain that disrupts the regular rhythm of a geometric rug can go completely unnoticed on a rug with an abstract or gestural design.
If your décor is right, be bold and choose a colorful pattern like Winga, with its dramatic, psychedelic look. Only you’ll know whether or not a spot of color was originally in this sea of brown, coral pink, light blue and golden yellow.
Choose a material that is easy to maintain
Natural materials like wool and bamboo are generally easier to clean at home with a sponge, water, and mild soap. With synthetic materials, most messes can be dabbed with a dry cloth, while stubborn stains may require professional cleaning.
In all cases, avoid scrubbing. This could embed the dirt deeper into the carpet fibers.
By installing a rug that is the right size, shape, and design to match your décor and your everyday life, you can elevate your dining experience. No matter what colour or pattern you choose, it’s like rolling out the red carpet at every meal.
