Choosing the Right Rug for Your Dining Table

Everyone’s dining space and lifestyle is different, so when it comes to choosing a rug for your space, it can feel slightly overwhelming. What colour, pattern, material, and size is best?

A rug can make a room feel more inviting and visually balanced, but the right choice depends on how your dining area flows, how much traffic it sees, and the atmosphere you want to create. Below are the practical tips and insights we often discuss with customers in our showrooms. 

Begin With How You Live. 

Before thinking about colour or shape, start with your everyday rhythm. Does your dining table host everything from family breakfasts and afternoon homework to dinner parties? Or is it a calmer, more intentional space?

A rug can soften sound, add warmth, and help an open-plan dining area feel more grounded. But if your table is a high-traffic, high-activity zone, the material you choose will make all the difference in day-to-day practicality. 

Why Add a Rug Under a Dining Table?

A rug helps frame your dining setting, giving it a sense of purpose and anchoring it visually within a larger room. Without one, especially on timber, concrete, or tiled floors, the table and chairs can look like they’re floating.

Beyond aesthetics, a rug also improves acoustics by softening sound, which is particularly helpful in open-plan layouts or rooms with high ceilings. There’s also the simple pleasure of texture: a thoughtfully chosen rug adds a lived-in warmth that makes everyday dining feel that little bit more inviting.

Size. 

Of all the decisions, size will make the biggest difference. A rug that is too small can make your dining area feel cramped, and chair legs will constantly catch on the edge. To avoid that, choose a rug that extends at least 60-70cm beyond the table on all sides. This allows chairs to move in and out smoothly, keeping dining frustration-free.

Use this guide to find the best rug size for your dining table:

• 6 Seater Dining Table: Rugs around 2m x 3m or larger

• 8 Seater Dining Table: Rugs 2.5m x 3.5m or larger

• Round Dining Table: Pair with a round rug, or a square rug for a modern contrast. You know you’ve chosen the right size if the chairs stay fully on the rug, even when pulled back from the table.

Material. 

The best material depends on how you live. 

Wool rugs are durable, naturally stain-resistant, and soft underfoot, making them wonderful for everyday dining. They age gracefully and remain beautiful for years.

Flat-weave rugs are incredibly practical. They sit neatly under chair legs and are easy to vacuum, shake out, and maintain, making them ideal for busy family spaces.

Jute and natural fibres bring texture and warmth but are less forgiving with spills, so we’d recommend them for lower-mess dining rooms.

Colour & Pattern. 

Your rug should follow your dining table’s lead. It can either whisper in the background or softly stand out. Both approaches can be beautiful.

If your dining table features striking timber grain or an eye-catching silhouette, lean toward a rug that supports it rather than competes. Think gentle neutrals, understated patterns, or tones that blend seamlessly with your space.

For simpler tables, a rug with a touch more character - perhaps a muted pattern or a deeper hue - can bring the whole setting to life. Lighter colours help a room feel spacious, while darker shades add depth and effortlessly anchor the dining area. 

Our lovely showroom team is here to help you find the best rug for your dining space and lifestyle. Step into our showrooms to compare textures, colours, and sizes in person.