Choose the Perfect Size Rug for Your Dining Room
An area rug underneath your dining table finishes a room beautifully when sized appropriately. Determining ideal proportions involves factoring furniture dimensions, room traffic flow, and style preferences. This guide covers a simplified rug size calculator method for choosing the best dining rug dimensions unique to your space.
Standard Size Chart Approach
The most straightforward sizing tactic refers to standard industry recommendations. Here is a basic guide:
- Allow a minimum of 18 inches rug clearance on all sides of a table
- For rectangular tables, rug width should equal table length plus 36 inches
- Rug length should extend 12-24 inches from end of table
So for a common 30” x 72” dining table, minimum rug size equals:
- Width: 72” (table length) + 36” = 108”
- Length: 30” + 24” = 54”
This formula ensures enough surrounding area for pulled out chairs and protecting a beautiful rug from everyday wear and tear.
Proportional Formula Method
A slightly more precise approach tailors your dining rug size specifically to table measurements using a proportional formula. Simply multiply table length + width by 2 for width and 1.5 for length, i.e.:
- Rug Width = (Table L + Table W) x 2
- Rug Length = (Table L + Table W) x 1.5
For example:
- 72” Table Length + 30” Table Width = 102”
- Rug Width: 102” x 2 = 204” (17 feet)
- Rug Length: 102” x 1.5 = 153” (12.75 feet)
The proportional method allows wiggle room for design flexibility while preventing a rug from feeling overly large or small relative to furnishings.
Design Style Considerations
Along with math formulas, aesthetics and rug functionality help finalize exact dimensions that create your desired dining space ambience.For formal dining rooms, choose rug dimensions generously exceeding table and chair parameters on all sides to define the staged area.
In casual households embracing the emerging “grand millennial” layered style trend, play with multiple smaller vintage rugs layered atop each other underneath the table for eclectic character.Rustic farmhouse tables suit larger one piece jute or braided rugs spanning most of the room.
Calculate for Room Size & Traffic Flow
A final calculation factor is overall room proportions and flow plan. Scale your prospective rug size up or down based on available floor space location.Leave enough surrounding borders so a rug doesn’t dominate and overwhelm a tiny space. However in a spacious area, having dining table legs sit partially on and off helps define that functional section.
If defining main traffic walkways, allow ample bare floor borders for pull-out chairs and passing through. Determine if rug size accommodates typical household movements and numbers.Choosing that perfect-sized rug to anchor your dining set requires blending dimensions with personal style for ideal form and function.
Run the numbers using standard industry size charts or a custom proportional calculator using your exact table measurements.Then tweak width and length based on aesthetics, room space and high traffic areas. Your gorgeous new dining rug will embody practical purpose and beautiful design.
Picking the Perfect Coordinating Rug for Your Dining Set
An area rug underneath and chairs surrounding a dining table constitute a “dining suite”. Choosing rug dimensions and material to match the existing pieces creates a pulled-together, cohesive look.But with so many sizes, textures and patterns to select from, landing on the right coordinated rug can prove tricky. Follow this guide for a foolproof method to accessorize your dining furniture with an ideal complementary rug.
Match Color Palette First
Start by analyzing the main and accent colors of your dining chairs and table base. Even with wooden tables, look closely at the stained tone and any painted accents. Choose a rug dominated by a matching color seen in one of the major dining furniture pieces. The hue does not need to be exact, but should coordinate within the same color family for an integrated feel.
You can also pick a rug highlighting a dining suite’s secondary accent color. For example, opt for a deep blue rug under an espresso table flanked by ivory and navy patterned chairs. Just ensure at least one or two other blue decor items or paint colors tie everything together.
Complement Hard Woods
For dining suites with beautiful wood grain table tops and chairs, select area rugs featuring natural fiber textures and earth tones. Try sisal, jute, wools with organic primitive patterns, or muted shags feeling both sleek and cozy. The rustic or Scandinavian vibe allows lovely wood dining furniture to take center stage, while still being grounded by the rug.
If your dark wood dining set has a glamorous, modern style, anchor it with a high contrast black and cream painterly splash rug for drama. There are no rules – have fun mixing materials and styles together across furniture and rug to reflect your personality.
Calculate Correct Scale
Proper proportion creates a tailored made suite effect. Size your new dining rug using a standard industry formula, allowing ample clearance on all sides for chair pull out. Rectangular table rug width should equal table length plus 36 inches. Rug length extends just 12-24 inches beyond the tables own end points.
Next, factor overall rug scale relative to furnishings. Too small rugs floating precariously around table legs appear odd and disjointed.But oversized rugs overwhelm the room, diminishing dining suite impact. Getting dimensions right helps furniture and rug work beautifully together.
Define Traffic Walkways
Consider typical household movements in and out of the dedicated dining space when selecting rug size and shape. Define clear borders if main room circulation passes near chairs.Allow enough bare floor on one or a few sides so occupants can easily pull out seats without tripping on or tugging the rug.For open concept homes where the dining area blends more fluidly with other zones, a wall-to-wall rug establishes an anchored dining suite section. Just mind potential shortcut routes across while sizing up.
Final Rug Material Considerations
The material composition of your rug choice matters too for both aesthetic and functional design traits. Natural fiber rugs like wool and jute beautifully develop character, softness and sheen over time. However, consistent spills may tarnish appearance.More casual spaces prone to wear and tear can benefit from easy-clean synthetic or blended rugs. Sturdy polypropylene construction withstands heavy use and hides stains better long-term.
In summary, pull together your entire dining furniture set with a stunning area rug suited perfectly to your existing palette, style and measurements. A clever coordinating rug ties the full space together in harmony.