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Rugs 101: The Best Size For Your Dining Room Rug

by Aanchal Gupta December 03, 2018 7 min read

One of the most exciting — and challenging — spaces to design is your dining room. From the furniture to the lighting, every detail matters. But if something feels a little off, the culprit might just be your rug!

Choosing the right dining room rug size is essential for both style and functionality. This guide will walk you through the ideal dining rug dimensions to enhance the look and feel of your dining space while ensuring practicality.

Rug Size Basics for Dining Rooms

It is not just the patterns and color palette but the dining room dimensions that matter. Here are some typical dining room carpet sizes available in the market: 


Common Rug Sizes for Dining Rooms:

5x8 feet

5x8 dining room area rug are available in rectangular shapes. We have many designs and styles in 5x8 to choose from that will enhance your space. 

6x9 feet

6x9 rug for dining room inspires you to add character to your dining space. These rugs will allow you to make your house feel like a home. 

8x10 feet

8x10 dining room area rugs are the most common.  Most people have six chairs for their dining table and the 8x10 will fit perfectly. 


9x12 feet

A 9x12 rug is going to be the most versatile rug.  It will accommodate 8 chairs for a dining room rug and works beautifully in family rooms.   

 

Dining Room Rug Size Gudie Based on Table Shape and Size

Rectangular Tables

  • Rectangular tables and rectangular or oval rugs for the dining room go well. These area rugs are ideal for an intimate dining experience with a group of 4-8. Selecting appropriate dining rug dimensions is crucial for pulling out your chairs quickly. 

  • Examples:

    • 4-seater dining table: Use a 5x8 or 6x9 rug.

    • 6-seater table: Opt for an 8x10 rug.

    • 8-10 seater table: A 9x12 rug works best.

Round Tables

  • You can highlight and flaunt round tables with curvy edges. Do it elegantly with round rugs. These are mostly preferred when the spaces are small, and you want to make them more cosy and whimsical. 

  • Examples:

    • 4-seater table: Choose a 6-8 foot round rug.

    • Larger round tables: Opt for a 10-foot round rug.

Square Tables

  • Square rooms with square tables are best, as well as rugs that are square in size. It keeps everything looking balanced and neat, fitting perfectly without feeling too small or awkwardly oversized.

  • Example: For a 4-seater square table, use an 8x8 rug.

Placement Tips for Dining Room Rugs

While selecting what size rug for dining room table would go best, make sure that you carefully adhere to its placement rules. Here are some of the key placement tips for your rugs: 


  • Measure your dining room carpet size before you set out to buy it.

  • Leave at least 3 inches of your dining rug size in front of each leg of your furniture.

  • The dining room rug size makes it spacious and easier for you to pull the table and chairs

Rug Shapes for Dining Rooms

Rugs for dining rooms are available in a wide array of shapes:

Rectangular Rugs:

Transform your rectangular dining or square dining spaces with our best-selling rectangular rugs

Round Rugs:

Round rugs for dining spaces are uniquely distinct in their own skin. They are perfect centerpieces for your living and dining spaces. 

Square Rugs:

 

Our vintage collection of square rugs with classic motifs goes well with your small dining and reading spaces. 

Oval Rugs:

A stylish and versatile collection of oval rugs are standout additions to any room with their simple geometry and mural designs.  

How Big Should Rug Be Under Dining Table

The very first question that arises before buying a dining room rug for dining areas is whether it is a great idea to place it under a dining table. Well, absolutely, because it effortlessly enhances the decor of your space and makes it a more comfortable space to use. 

The second concern is what size rug under dining table should you go for in order to give the aesthetic feel you are aiming for. 

So, how big should rug be under dining table? Generally, as a homeowner, you would want the rug of your dining room to be at least 24 inches with tables on all sides. This is perfect as the rug will be easily visible and could be accessible for all chairs and the table in the centre. 

However, for selecting the dining room rug size, it is important to consider the shape and size of your table as well. So, if the diameter of a round table is 50 inches, add 24 inches more and calculate the right size of rug under dining table. Similarly, for a square table, calculate 48 extra inches as it has both width and length. Moreover, while buying a larger rug, ensure leaving at least 12 inches of space from the walls on all four sides, allowing the room to breathe. 

Dining Room Rug Measurements 

Here is a quick breakdown of the dining room rug measurements: 

For Round Tables 

  • Four Seats: 36 to 44 inches in diameter

  • Upto Six Seats: 44 to 54 inches diameter

  • Upto Eight Seats: 54 to 72 inches diameter 

For Rectangular Tables: 

  • Four Seats: 36 inches × 48 inches long

  • Upto Six Seats: 36 inches × 60  inches long

  • Upto Eight Seats: 36 inches × 78 inches long

Choosing the Right Rug Material for Dining Rooms

Creating a warm and inviting dining experience for your guests might be one of your priorities, and selecting the right material helps you achieve that. Here’s how:

  • Durable Options: Your rugs should sustain the weight of your heavy furniture and last longer. 

  • Stain-Resistant Materials: Spills are bound to happen, so choose rugs made with quick stain-resistant materials. 

  • Natural Fiber Rugs (Jute, Sisal): Natural fibres offer deeper and brighter vibes that blend well with your contemporary interiors. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Dining Room Rugs

Here are some commonly observed mistakes you should try avoiding while selecting the right rug for you:

  • Avoid reading the dining table rug size chart to understand how to measure the dining room rug. 

  • Overlooking the placement, care, and maintenance.

  • Mismatching the shapes. Not all rug shapes go well with all room shapes. 

How to Care for Dining Room Rugs

Caring for your dining room rugs is an easy-to-manage task. Here’s how:

  • Pick the right dining rug size.

  • Prefer dark colours in case you have a spill.  

  • If possible, clean up those stains and spills instantly. 

  • Prioritize regular, easy maintenance, but seek scheduled professional assistance. 

Final Thoughts on Dining Room Rug Size

In this journey of finding the perfect size rug for dining room, it's not only about the dimensions, but it creates a space that reflects your style. Rug & Home helps you to keep your home aesthetically defined and goes with the latest trends. This dining room rug size guide allows you to explore our wide selection of rugs in various sizes, patterns, and materials accordingly. So, elevate your dining area and make every meal memorable. Choose quality, choose a style, and choose Rug & Home for all your rugs and home decor online

FAQs on the Rug Size for Dining Room

1. How big should the rug be for the dining table?

When measuring for dining rug dimensions, consider the size of your dining table and the surrounding space. A rug that is too small may look disproportionate, while a rug that is too large may overwhelm the space.

2. What is the rule for a rug under the dining table?

The rule is to choose a size that can accommodate both the chair and the dining table.  A common guideline is to select a rug that extends at least 24 inches (61 cm) beyond the edges of the table on all sides. 

For rectangular or oval tables, the rug should ideally extend beyond the chairs when they are pulled out, ensuring that all chair legs remain on the rug even when in use. For round tables, the rug should be large enough to accommodate the table and chairs, with at least 2 feet of extra space around the perimeter.

3. How do you calculate rug size for the dining room?

To calculate the rug size for a dining room, measure the length and width of the dining table, including the chairs, when they are pulled out. Add at least 24-36 inches to each dimension to ensure there's enough space for the chairs to move comfortably. This extra space also accommodates the chairs even when they are pulled out for seating.

4. Is it a good idea to put a rug under a dining table?

Indeed it is. A rug is a smart addition to the space as it provides a soft and cushioned surface underfoot. Rugs give a definition to the space and, more importantly, protect the floor from any kind of spillage. 

Want to learn more tips about rug selection and decoration? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with our blogs! Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up with what's going on in our showrooms.

Looking for dining room furniture? We have tables and chairs available on our web store. 

5. Where to place a rug in a dining room?

The first step is to understand the size and shape of your rug. Ensure that all legs of the table and chair can fit onto your rug. The thumb rule is to keep the rug extending out at least 24 inches from the table legs. 

6. How big of a rug for a 72-inch dining table? 

The 8×10 inches size rug will easily accommodate a rectangular-shaped 72-inch table. For 72-inch round-shaped tables, consider a rug of 9×12 inches for your spacious dining room. 

7. What is the rule of thumb for a rug under a dining table?

The rule of thumb for a rug under a dining table is to choose a rug that is at least 18-24 inches larger on all sides of the table. This allows for the chairs to fit comfortably on the rug, even when they're pulled out.

 

Aanchal Gupta

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