Rules to Follow When Placing a Rug Under Your Dining Table - Beija Flor Answers

Rules to Follow When Placing a Rug Under Your Dining Table

Ready for a new dining room table rug, but not sure how to go about it? Here are some advice and handy tips on choosing the perfect rug.

Photo of Natasha Johnson
By Natasha Johnson
Photo of Joel Taylor
Edited by Joel Taylor

Updated February 24, 2023.

A rug under your dining table adds texture, color, and warmth to your dining room while also protecting your floors. However, putting a rug under your dining table takes some thought to ensure that it is both functional and stylish.

» Need advice on which rug to choose? See how to choose the right one

The Type of Rug Matters

When selecting the kind of rug you want to buy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

  • Wear and tear: This area is used often, with chairs being moved constantly, and food or liquids potentially falling on the rug. You'd want a rug that can withstand everyday use.
  • Difficulty to clean: Synthetic/man-made fibers tend to be much easier to clean and manage. If you have heavy chairs and an animal hide rug (cowhide or sheep's wool for example), it could cause rips in the rug or hold on to difficult stains.
  • Color and design: Although this is a harder-working rug, we still want it to be pretty! Here you can look at your living room's color scheme and what mood you'd like to create.

How Far Should Your Rug Extend Beyond Your Dining Table?

Once you have found your dream rug, the general rule of thumb when placing a rug under your dining room table is that the table and chairs should be sitting on the rug, even when the chairs are pulled out. You can use the dining room table as a base to measure your rug, though it's often advisable to err on the side of caution and choose a bigger rug.

» Ready to purchase the perfect rug for your dining room? Check out the Beija Flor dining room rug collection