The rug or no rug in dining room debate is as old as time, or at least as old as rug production. There are pros and cons to both.
People who place rugs under their dining table argue that rugs add warmth and comfort to the room, as well as visual interest.
They also help to protect flooring from spills, scratches, and other damage, especially for those with children.
On the other hand, those who are against the idea of having rugs in the dining area claim that they trap dirt and dust and can be difficult to keep clean.
Also, they feel that rugs tend to get in the way when you’re trying to move chairs around the dining table.
So, is it worth it to have a rug under the dining table? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Why do people put rugs in the dining room? The Pros
The benefits of putting a rug under your dining table include;
1. To protect the floor
Placing a rug in the dining room can help to protect your floor from scratches or scuffs.
This is especially important if you have hardwood floors, as they can be easily damaged by the dining chairs.
2. Color and Personality
Dining rooms can be tricky to style, but rugs are always a great way to inject some color, personality, and character into the space.
They can anchor the space and help define the style of the room.
3. Muffle noise
Pushing and pulling chairs in the dining room can be quite noisy so investing in a good rug can help to reduce the noise level.
Rugs can definitely help to muffle noise in a room, especially if they are thick and/or absorbent.
This is because they help to deaden sound waves as they travel, which can result in a quieter overall environment and make your dining experience more pleasant
4. Add warmth
Adding a rug to your dining room can really help to keep your floor warm in the winter.
Also, it adds an extra layer of cozy comfort to chilly evenings spent enjoying a meal with family and friends.
You’ll however want to choose a rug that has a nice, soft texture so that it feels comfortable underfoot.
The drawbacks to having a rug or carpet under the dining table
There are a few drawbacks to having a rug or carpet under your dining table, which include;
1. Difficult to clean
Placing a rug under the dining table can be difficult to clean if food spills and crumbs get stuck between the fibers.
So when choosing an area rug for your dining room, you’ll want to make sure that the material is easy to clean.
Also, choose a low-pile carpet because food and dirt tend to accumulate and get stuck inside the high carpets.
2. Rugs trap moisture
Rugs underneath dining tables are notorious for trapping moisture from spills and creating an environment that’s favorable for mold and mildew growth.
Over time, the rug can become moldy and smell bad. Also, your hardwood floor might also get damaged by the trapped moisture and mold.
To avoid this, you should clean the rug in the dining area regularly to prevent any nasty surprises.
3. Makes moving furniture difficult
Another disadvantage is that it can be difficult to move furniture around when you have a rug under the dining table.
Dining chairs are often moved in and out and this can cause the rug to bunch up, making it hard to get a good grip on the furniture.
So, rug or no rug in the dining room?
There are a few things to consider when determining whether or not to put a rug under your dining table such as;
-
Size of the dining room
Think about the size of your dining room. If you have a small dining room, a small rug may make the space feel more open and airy compared to a large one.
On the other hand, if you have a large dining room, a rug can help define the space and make it feel cozier.
-
Type of flooring
Your type of flooring also matters when it comes to choosing a rug for the dining area.
If you have hardwood floors, be sure to choose a rug with a non-slip backing so that it doesn’t shift around and will not damage the floor as well.
-
Traffic in the dining room
What kind of traffic do you expect? If your dining room gets a lot of foot traffic, be sure to choose a durable rug that can withstand wear and tear.
-
Style of your dining table
Think about the style of your dining table. If you have a very simple, clean-lined table, a patterned or colorful rug can add some visual interest.
If your dining table is already quite ornate, however, you might want to stick with a simpler rug so as not to make look overwhelming.
-
Dining room color scheme
Think about the overall color scheme of the room. You’ll want to choose a rug that compliments or contrasts with the other colors in the space.
Conclusion
There’s no easy answer when it comes to deciding whether or not to put a rug or carpet under your dining table.
On one hand, a rug can add comfort and style to your dining room. On the other hand, carpets are notoriously difficult to keep clean – especially if you have young children or pets.
And, of course, both area rugs and carpets can trap dirt and dust.
So what’s the best option? Ultimately, it depends on your individual circumstances.
If you have young children or pets, for example, you might want to avoid putting a carpet under your dining table (unless you’re prepared to vacuum regularly).
Also, if you entertain often, you might want to consider a stain-resistant rug that can withstand wear and tear.