How to: Choose the right size rug for your Dining Room

So you need a new rug. You may be wondering: what's the rule of thumb? Too large and it may it seem as if you’re trying to hide the floor. Too small and it may seem as if you’re trying to hide a stain. Choosing an appropriate rug size is not an exact science, but it’s not complete guesswork, either.

While you may be able to get away with non-traditional choices in other rooms, it’s best to follow the general rules of decorating when it comes to your dining room rug. Here are a few guidelines to help you make a smart design statement in your dining room:

• When your dining room table sits on a wood floor, a rug underneath can save your floors from unsightly scratches made by pulling chairs in and out. A rug also protects your floors from spills.
• A rug can muffle the noise in the room, easing conversation.
• Aesthetically, a dining room rug provides a frame for the table, adding to the overall décor of the room. You can even place a rug over carpeting to bring style into your eating space.

Make sure the rug is large enough! While your table size and space limitations may actually dictate the size of the rug your dining room can accommodate, here are a few rules of thumb to remember when making your purchase:

• Ideally, your dining room rug should be about four feet longer and wider than your table. You need 18 to 24 inches on each side so you and your guests can slide chairs out without worrying about falling off the edge of the rug. If your rug is too small, chairs can still scratch the floor and get tangled in the edge of the rug when trying to slide the chair back into place.
• To determine the size of rug you need, first measure your table. Then add 36 to 48 inches to each measurement. Be sure to include any extra table leaves in your figure because you want your new rug to accommodate the entire length of your table. In most cases, an 8×10 or 9×12 rug will fit your area and leave plenty of room for your chairs.
• Most rugs are rectangular, perfect for standard dining room tables. An 8-foot or 10-foot round rug can set off a circular table and compliment the style in your room.

As you consider your options and the best measurements for your space, take into consideration any sideboards or extra pieces of furniture in the room. Your new rug should not extend beneath those pieces.

If you've loved these tips on how to choose the best rug size for you dining room, stay tuned for Friday's feature on dining room trends! We'll be bringing you the latest styles and trends for your dining space.