A rug is a decorative element that can bring color and texture to a room. It adds functionality and a pleasant aesthetic feel when it’s the right size. However, if it’s too big, it becomes impractical and can negatively impact the overall look of the space.
A dining room rug can be too big if it covers the entire floor area of the dining room and exceeds the recommended dimensions for a dining room rug. You’ll know it’s too big if it extends away from the dining furniture and under other furniture in the room, such as sideboards, armchairs, and pub tables.
In this article, I will discuss situations where a dining room rug can be too big and guide you through the process of determining the right size.
Contents
When a dining room rug is too big
If you’re not into interior design or are buying a dining room rug for the first time, it can be difficult to imagine a rug being too big.
But a high-quality and durable rug can be expensive, so you want to make sure it’s the right size before making a purchase.
With that in mind, let’s go through the most common situations where a rug can be too big for a dining room.
When it takes up the entire room
In interior design, aesthetics can be just as important as functionality. So when you place a rug in your dining room, you should not only think about how it helps with noise reduction and prevents furniture scratches on the floor.
You should also think about how it helps with the overall look – not just the design and color of the rug, but also the impression it leaves behind.
For example, if the dining room rug is too small, it might look like you’re trying to hide a stain. And if the rug is too big and covers the entire room, it may look like you’re trying to cover up the entire floor – likely because it’s ugly.
According to Anjie Cho, a holistic space expert, a rug that covers the entire room can make it feel cramped and small. This is especially true if the rug has a bold or vibrant pattern.
Since we’re dealing with interior design, aesthetics are a major concern. So if your dining room rug covers the entire room, it might be time for a new one.
When it exceeds the recommended dimensions
If you place a dining table and chairs on a rug, they should leave a border of 24 inches (60.96 cm) all around the edge.
The lowest recommended border is 18 inches (45.72 cm) to allow guests enough space to push their chairs away from the table and pull them back in.
If the clearance around the table is too small, guests could damage the floor when pulling their chairs back. And if they are pulled forward, the chairs may trip over the rug, which is likely to cause disturbance and embarrassment.
However, if the border of the rug exceeds the recommended dimensions by far, it’s probably too big.
In this case, there’s a risk of tripping when entering the space and taking a seat.
That is, unless you have exceptionally large dining chairs. In that case, you’ll need to measure the area to account for the necessary additional space.
When it extends under other furniture
When placing a dining room rug, you should consider the positioning of other furniture besides the dining table and chairs.
The rug should only cover the area under and around the dining table and chairs. If it extends in a way that it goes under other furniture, it’s likely too big.
You’ll notice this if the edge of the rug sits under the front legs of a chair or side table. This piece of furniture will sit unevenly, which can be visually distracting.
Factors to consider when choosing the size of a rug
To choose a dining room rug that’s neither too big nor too small, you need to consider aesthetics, functionality, and limitations imposed by the space.
So think about everything from the dimensions of the table to the dimensions of the chairs, as well as any other furniture you may have in the room.
The dimensions of the table
To get a sense of the size rug you’ll need, first arrange your dining room furniture as you would like it with the rug in place. The rug should be large enough to cover the area underneath the table and provide enough space for the chairs to be pulled back naturally.
Estimation won’t be enough, though. You’ll need to take note of the dimensions using one of the two following methods:
- Use a tape measure to capture the dimensions of the table.
- Then add 24 inches (60.96 cm) to all four sides of the table to get the dimensions of your ideal rug.
Or, if you have unusually large dining chairs:
- Arrange the dining table and chairs as usual.
- Pull the chairs back as if you were going to sit down.
- Use removable masking tape to mark the area that the rug would occupy, making sure to plan for extra space behind the chairs.
- Use a tape measure to measure the marked area.
The size of the dining room
Once you have taken the measurements of your table and added the border on all sides, you should be good to go. These numbers are the ideal dimensions of your rug.
However, you should also consider the overall size of your dining room. For example, if a rug with the ideal dimensions reaches the walls of the room, you may want to consider buying something smaller.
It’s recommended to leave some space between the rug and the walls to allow the room to breathe.
Additionally, you should consider getting a smaller dining set whose size is better suited for the space.
On the other hand, if your room is spacious, consider increasing the amount of space you leave on the rug to pull the chairs back.
Other furniture in the dining room
Most dining rooms have cabinets, bars, and side tables in addition to the main table and chairs.
So a good rule of thumb is to have the rug large enough for the table but not so big that it reaches the walls or other pieces of furniture.
If you don’t have a choice due to the size of the furniture, you may need to remove some pieces of furniture from the room.
For example, let’s say the side table is sitting so close when seated that it’s also on the rug. In that case, it’s likely too tight for guests to move around and sit comfortably.
Conclusion
A rug in the dining room can be too big, making the space feel cramped and unsuitable from an interior design perspective.
The dining room rug of the right size covers the area under the dining table, allowing enough space for the chairs to be pulled back without scratching the floor. It also allows the room to breathe by leaving enough floor area at the edges.