Considerchoosing a dining room rugbased on several factors including sizing, materials, and pile height.

Another key factor to consider is the material and how easy it is to clean.

Is the rug easy to wipe clean or are stains hard to get out?

Light colored patterned rug underneath dining room table

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

If the rug is too small, it can create tripping hazards and make moving chairs difficult.

If it is too large, it can overwhelm the room or run into nearby furniture pieces.

A good rule of thumb is to add 24 inches to all sides of the dining table.

A dining room with light pink walls, a light blue rug, and vibrant green printed curtains

Mary Patton

The resulting measurements make the ideal rug size.

Therefore, you must choose a rug that is easy to clean.

Long pile rugs trap food bits, making them hard to clean and remove stains from.

Light colored patterned rug under corner of dining room table

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

For a dining room rug, it is best to choose low pile or flat weave rugs.

Light-colored rugs are much harder to get stains out of, making the remnants of a stain more visible.

With that in mind, choosing a dark-colored rug is ideal for dining rooms.

Closeup of a corner of a shag rug showing pile length

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Another option is to choose a patterned rug.

For a flowing, harmonious space, match the rug shape to the shape of the dining room table.

However, if you favor a more eclectic look, try mixing and matching shapes.

round dining room rug

Arbor & Co.

A round rug with a square table will create a bolder visual impact.

These natural fiber rugs are water and dirt-repellent, making them a great choice for dining rooms.

Wool rugs are the perfect choice for those looking to incorporate a plush rug without compromising on durability.

White and taupe dining room with woven rug

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

However, wool rugs are on the expensive side.

Cotton Rug

Cotton rugs are another natural fiberrug typethat offers both softness and easy maintenance.

Oftentimes, the entire rug can be washed.

Light colored rug under dining room table with dining chairs pulled out

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

They are ideal for dining rooms that may not be used frequently.

Nylon Rug

Similar to polypropylene, nylon rugs also offer durability.

Nylon is not as stain-resistant as polypropylene, but many rugs are treated to repel staining.

Nylon rugs are washable, which is a great feature when working to remove food spills.

Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Indoor/outdoor rugs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

These rugs are often made from a blend of materials, including natural and synthetic fibers.

These rugs are designed to withstand heavy use and can be easily cleaned.

With that in mind, they are ideal for high-traffic dining rooms and homes with children or pets.

Polysilk Rug

Polysilk rugs are a blend of, you guessed it, polyester and silk.

Polysilk rugs are also resistant to moisture and are durable for spaces that have heavy foot traffic.

Cost

The size and material of the rug you choose will greatly affect the price.

For example, a large wool rug will be much more expensive than a medium or small synthetic rug.

Many retailers run sales during these times, and it is common to find rugs for cheaper prices.

How Often is the Dining Room Used?

Considering how often the dining room is used will help you determine how durable the rug needs to be.

If it isnt used often, a cotton rug may be just fine.

How Big is the Room?

Another important factor to consider is the size of the room.

Is the dining room large with lots of open space?

Then a sprawling rug may be the perfect addition to add warmth.

The rug must be able to accommodate all the chairs when pulled out to avoid causing a tripping hazard.

What is the Layout of the Room?

Do You Have Pets or Children?

Pets and children add another layer of wear and tear to a rug, including unavoidable spills or stains.

Ask the salesperson whether or not the rug comes with any warranties and what the return policy is.

Buying Online

Buying online does not allow you to personally feel the rug before purchasing it.

It can also be difficult to gauge the exact color of the rug.

However, online shopping provides you with a much larger selection of rugs than in-store options.

When shopping online, check details regarding the rugs measurements, material, and pile length.

Dont forget to factor in the cost of shipping the rug, if the retailer doesnt offer free shipping.

In-store options include Home Depot, Home Goods, World Market, Pottery Barn, and IKEA.

Online retailers include Ruggable, Wayfair, Amazon, and Overstock, along with many others.

The important thing is that you choose a rug made from materials that are durable and easy to clean.

This approach can overpower the room and make the space feel unbalanced.