Should You Put a Rug Under a Dining Room Table?

So, you have a stunning dining room table that you adore. Now, you’re probably asking yourself the next question in the home decor series: should I put a rug under my dining room table? Ultimately, this is a highly personal decision with no right or wrong answers. But if you're torn on the matter, don’t worry: there are plenty of tangible criteria you can use to help you make your decision. 

From aesthetic appeal to practical benefits like comfort and preservation of your flooring, there are plenty of reasons to start shopping for the perfect dining room rug. But there are also downsides like making cleaning more difficult, posing a potential trip hazard, and taking up additional space around your table. And, of course, there’s the issue of finding the right rug size, style, and shape for your vision.

Here’s how to decide if putting a rug under your gorgeous dining room table is right for you and your home decor. 

Pros of Putting a Rug Under a Dining Room Table

A well-chosen rug under a dining room table can elevate your space, enhance its appearance, and add functional value. Here are some key benefits of dining room rugs to consider.

Enhances Aesthetic Appeal

A refined rug can pull together a space and create a more cohesive, desirable overall look. For example, you can introduce personality with a pop of color or an interesting pattern, add light or darkness to a space for contrast, or make your dining area feel more elegant with a timeless design. You can also match your rug to the upholstery of your dining room chairs or the art prints hanging on your wall to tie different design elements together.

A rug under your dining table can also be a clever way of visually defining the dining area. This is especially true in open floor plans when one space flows freely into another. The right rug can visually distinguish one area from another and create a clear boundary for your dining area. 

Provides Comfort and Warmth

Rugs aren’t just about the way a space looks visually: they can also greatly impact the way a space feels, especially if you have hard floors (like tiles or wood). For example, rugs provide a soft surface underfoot, giving you plush comfort during meals or when walking around your space. This can be a welcome touch if you prefer a cozy feeling under your feet, especially during colder seasons when hard floors feel particularly chilly. 

Rugs also provide aesthetic warmth. The visual and physical comfort of a rug translates to a warmer and more inviting dining space, and stepping onto a rug can set the tone for a more relaxed and comfortable meal. Researchers have even found that walking on carpets “induces less stress than walking on wood flooring.”¹

Protects Flooring

We know how much you love the beautiful flooring under your dinner table. Unfortunately, dining areas are high-traffic and prone to scuffs from furniture movement. But the good news is that a rug under dining room tables can act as a shield, safeguarding your floors from damage, scratches, and scuffs caused by chairs.

Dining areas are also prone to spills. But if you have a rug under your table, you’ll protect your main flooring from spilled drinks that leave you frantically researching how to remove water stains from wood table tops and flooring. A rug catches messes before they seep into your wood flooring and gives you time to clean up before it leaves a permanent stain.

Cons of Putting a Rug Under a Dining Room Table

While rugs under dining room tables can offer undeniable benefits for your space, there are also some drawbacks to consider before rushing out to buy one.

Here are some of the potential downsides to keep in mind.

Maintenance Challenges

As we just mentioned, dining areas are (of course) prone to food and drink spills. But this means that the rug will also require regular cleaning and upkeep, especially when it comes to spills, crumbs, and dropped food. A rug can also trap regular dirt, dust, and debris from the home, and might require more regular cleaning than bare floors. Ultimately, even in the most well-kept homes, a rug will likely require regular cleaning for both hygienic and aesthetic purposes. Learn more about dining room furniture upkeep with our tips on how to clean a wood dining table and how to refinish a dining table.  

Potential Tripping Hazard

While rugs can be beautiful, they can also be potentially dangerous. The edges of a rug can become a tripping hazard, especially if they’re not secured properly. This might be of greater concern for both older adults and little ones, although anyone can be prone to accidental trips and falls. 

Research has found that a majority of fall-related visits to the emergency room occur at home.² To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your visitors, ensure your rug is secured properly and is at a height that’s suitable for your home and needs. 

In some cases, rugs can also impede easy movement at the table. For example, dining chairs may catch on a rug, making it difficult to slide them in and out. To avoid this, select a rug specifically for a dining area (such as one with a woven pattern) for maximum accessibility. In terms of sizing, ensure the edge of the rug isn’t directly beneath the chairs, as this will present a problem when you go to sit at your table.

Space Considerations

While a rug can elevate and define a space, it can also make it feel cramped (especially in smaller dining rooms). When this is the case, instead of feeling light and spacious, a rug can potentially overwhelm a room, making it feel smaller. Meanwhile, if a rug is too small for your dining area, it might look awkward and out of place. 

Speaking of space, note that rugs under dining room tables can sometimes limit the flexibility of your living room furniture arrangement. Instead of unique configurations, you’ll likely want to keep your dining area confined to the area of your rug. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Rug for Your Dining Room

Now that you know the potential benefits and downsides of putting a rug under dining room tables, you can choose what’s right for you. And if you do decide you want a luxurious, dreamy rug for your dining area, how can you decide on the perfect rug to complement your dining room table style? The rug market is growing in value by billions of dollars every year,³ meaning you have plenty of options to choose from. 

Here are some tips to help you select the perfect dining room rug for your space. 

Size and Shape

First and foremost, rug size is one of the most important factors to consider. If you plan on placing the rug directly under your table, we recommend that it extends at least 24” to 30” beyond the edge of the table. This gives your rug ample room to comfortably accommodate the dining chairs as well, even when they’re pulled out.

Next up is rug shape. Consider the layout of your room as a whole, as well as the shape of your table. Generally speaking, you probably want the table and rug to be the same shape: round tables with a round rug, rectangular tables with a rectangular rug.

Material and Durability

From synthetic fibers to hand-tufted yarn, there are plenty of options to choose from. But when it comes to a rug for your dining area, our suggestion is to opt for materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains. For example, look for rugs made from 100% Polypropylene, which is easy to clean and maintain. 

If you choose a rug made with a less-resilient material, be sure to follow the care instructions. For example, you might need to blot stains immediately, clean using a mild soap mixed with equal parts white vinegar and water, vacuum regularly (with the beater bar off), and in extreme situations, bring it to a professional.

Also, when considering materials, look for low-pile or flat-weave rugs to reduce tripping hazards and make chair movement more seamless.

Style and Design

A dining room rug isn’t just about functionality and warmth: it can be a useful tool for injecting personality and style into your space. To leverage the design potential of your rug, choose a rug color or pattern that you adore. 

A bold or patterned rug can be the focal point of your dining space, while a more neutral, subtle rug can complement your existing scheme. If you do have a smaller, darker room, you might choose a light color to open up the space visually.

Ultimately, your dining rug can be an extension and reflection of your personal style. Whether you want a classic Persian or Oriental piece, something more modern and minimalist, or a unique abstract design, your rug can enhance the interior design and visual aesthetic of your dining area.

Explore James+James Rugs and Dining Room Tables Today

Placing a rug under your dining room table is like the cherry on top—or underneath—of your favorite dessert: it’s just the thing you need to make it perfect. And when you’re ready to explore the finest dining room tables, look no further than James+James. 

Our solid wood dining room tables are classy, elegant, and made to last. In our selection you’ll find handcrafted tables, as well as stunning pieces personally curated by our team, all made of solid, high-quality hardwood.

Not sure where to start? Contact one of our design consultants for assistance today.

Sources: 

1. PubMed Central. Do Carpets Alleviate Stress? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026825/   
2. National Library of Medicine. A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adult Falls That Resulted in Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8669898/ 
3.  Market Research Store. Carpets and Rugs Market Size, Growth & Forecast Report 2022-2030. https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-srckk45efgmck#overview