Disclosure: This is post is sponsored by Revival and may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you (in fact, you may even get a discount!)
You know that feeling when you want to redecorate a room but have no idea where to start? That’s exactly how I felt about my dining room. With outdated ’90s chicken wallpaper that needed to come down and nothing but a dining table and chairs in place, it was hard to visualize how the finished space could look. I needed a starting point. Then it hit me—what I really needed was a great rug!
I personally think picking a rug is one of the most exciting parts of decorating a room. It’s a major visual element and can be an excellent focal point for a dining space. The right rug adds warmth, texture, and personality. But in a dining room it’s not just about style—it also needs to be practical!
I was thrilled to partner with Revival for this post because they’re one of my absolute favorite sources for rugs of all kinds. When picking from their selection, I knew I’d find a dining room rug I’d love for years. Finding something practical can sometimes mean limited style options—but not with Revival! They offer plenty of beautiful, easy-to-clean rugs in a variety of sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for both your space and your budget.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect dining room rug, plus share how I found the ideal one for my own dining area! But first, can we take a second to appreciate the before and after?! It was so incredible to see how some paint and a new rug could completely transform the space! After reading this post head over to pick out your own rug and use my discount code 10OFF-REMI for a discount on your purchase! (It’s good til April 4, 2025 so hurry on over there!)
Step 1: Find the Right Dining Room Rug Size
Before anything else, you need to lock in the right size. As a rule of thumb, your dining room rug should extend far enough beyond the edges of the table so that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out.
Here’s a quick, general guide to sizing, but definitely take your own measurements! The graphic below from Revival’s rug size guide is a great to help visualize how much space you need on all sides of your table.
- 6’x9’ for small tables
- 8’x10’ or 9’x12’ for medium to large tables
- Round rugs (8’ diameter) for round tables
How I chose:
For my six-person dining table, I went with a larger rug to keep the proportions balanced and prevent the space from feeling cramped.
Step 2: Choose the Best Material for a Dining Room Rug
Once you’ve got your dining room table rug size figured out, you can start thinking about different rug materials. Once you’ve determined your rug size, the next step is selecting the right material. Since dining rooms are prone to spills and heavy foot traffic—especially if, like mine, yours is near a doorway—you’ll want a durable, easy-to-clean option like a washable rug.
Think about how you prefer to clean your rug:
- Do you want a washable rug that can go in the laundry?
- Or are you fine with spot-cleaning and vacuuming?
Here are some of the most common materials to consider:
- Wool: Soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant
- Polypropylene or synthetic fibers: Budget-friendly and stain-resistant but may not feel as high-quality
- Jute or sisal rugs: Adds texture but can be harder to clean
- Cotton: Lightweight and easy to switch out but less durable.
And Don’t Forget to Consider Pile Height!
Beyond material, you should also consider pile height, which refers to the thickness of the rug fibers.
- High-pile rugs feel cozy and luxurious but can be harder to clean. They can also be a trip hazard in high-traffic areas.
- Low-pile rugs are generally best for dining rooms. They’re easier to clean, handle foot traffic well, and won’t trap crumbs as easily.
How I Chose:
I had seen a lot of washable rugs made from polyester, but I prefer natural fibers for home decor. I was ready to compromise—until I found out Revival offers a washable wool rug. Game changer! I get the durability and softness of wool with the convenience of easy cleaning. Who says you can’t have it all?! You may also be able to tell from the photo that it is a low pile, flatweave rug – both great for easy cleaning!
Step 3: Pick the Right Shape for Your Dining Table
Now, let’s talk shape. This is a pretty easy step – simply match the rug shape to the shape of your table. Of course, feel free to get creative, but generally you’ll want a round rug for a round table, a square rug for a square table, and so on.
How I Chose:
This was an easy one for me. With my rectangular table and space, a rectangular rug was no doubt the best choice for me! Here’s a look back at the space before adding the rug to give you an idea of the space we were working with.
Step 4: Select a Rug Style
Now for the fun part—choosing what your rug will look like! You have two approaches:
- Match the rug to your existing decor. Go with this option if you already have a defined style.
- Pick a rug first, then build your decor around it. This way is super fun if you’re starting from scratch!
Either way, at some point you’ll need to identify which style you want – this is the general category of rug design you’ll be looking at. Knowing which style you like best will be very helpful for narrowing down your search. Here are the options you’re likely to see:
- Traditional rugs are perfect for classic elegance or farmhouse inspired spaces.
- Modern rugs are ideal for sleek, minimalist spaces
- Boho or vintage rugs can add an eclectic touch
- Neutral patterns are great if you already have statement furniture, art, or walls
- Bold patterns work if most of your decor is understated
- Vintage rugs are a broader category in which you might find any of the above rugs. Selecting a vintage rug is a great way to add instant character to your home!
How I Chose:
I’ve always loved the look of traditional rugs. And if I were looking for any other room, I’d love to get one of Revival’s beautiful vintage Turkish rugs, but I knew I wanted something washable for my dining room. The “Helen” rug was the perfect option – it provided the warmth and character of a traditional rug, while keeping things conveniently washable!
Step 5: Explore Rug Color and Pattern Options
Once you’ve identified which style you like the best, you’ll have a variety of color and pattern options to choose from. Make sure you think carefully about your color palette, and how your rug options will tie into your existing dining room furniture and flooring.
This can also be a practical choice – If you’re worried about stains, darker rugs or busier patterns are great at hiding any spills or marks!
How I chose:
I knew I wanted a lighter rug to contrast with my dark wood table and a pattern that would bring in other colors from my decor in other rooms. Luckily, Revival had plenty of options to choose from! I was so excited to find a light, patterned rug with some warm honey tones to coordinate with my hardwood floors. It was so exciting to see how well all the colors came together once I got my rug in place.
Step 6: A Note on Dining Room Area Rug Maintenance
To protect both your rug and floors, consider a rug pad—it prevents slipping and adds extra cushioning.
For cleaning:
- Spot-clean spills immediately.
- Deep clean seasonally, depending on the material.
Revival has great tips on how to clean each of their different types of rugs, so be sure to check out their advice when you make your purchase!
Why I love my choice:
Since my rug is washable wool, I don’t have to stress over spills or messes. It’s durable, soft, and easy to clean—perfect for a dining room where food accidents are inevitable!
How to Choose the Perfect Dining Room Rug: Trust Revival!
Choosing the right dining room rug is about balancing size, material, color, and function to create a space that’s both stylish and practical. My advice? Consider what you already have (in terms of your furniture, flooring, and general style aesthetic) and use the rug to enhance and connect those elements.
Oh, and It sure helps if you shop at Revival – they have an incredible selection of high-quality rugs in sizes, styles, and colors to suit any living room. Take a look today and finally find that missing piece to your dream living room design! Be sure to use my affiliate link (click here!) and discount (10OFF-REMI) if you’re looking for a new rug!
For more dining room inspiration, check out these dining room table makeovers, and stay tuned for my own! We just created a brand new top for our dining table and I can’t wait to share! You’ll also love our posts on quick kitchen updates that don’t require renovating and easy butcher block kitchen island ideas to get you inspired!
