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How to choose the right dining room carpet for your home

Published on 28 Nov 2023

Your dining room is lovely, but you might find it’s missing that extra bit of pizazz. The answer could be right beneath your feet — a lovely dining room carpet or rug.

This decor feature has the power to define your area and add some style. But, it also brings a serious serving of practicality to the table. The only hiccup? Choosing the right one can be a bit of a head-scratcher with all the options out there. Thankfully, some simple but effective tips can help you unravel the world of textures, patterns, and hues.

Your property inspiration

If you have “coastal haven” on your property list, this thatched beach house in Kleinemonde would be a winner. An entertainer’s dream, its standout feature is undoubtedly the tastefully decorated dining room that overlooks panoramic views of Kleinemonde beach and the endless sea. A rug has been cleverly used to mark the dining area in an open-plan space. But its earthy hues (together with elegant wooden furniture) also give the area an undeniably warm and inviting atmosphere for casual breakfasts, dainty high teas, or sumptuous dinners.

Choose the right dining room

Find your perfect dining room carpet match

There’s a lot to keep in mind when choosing your carpet or rug. A fluffy option could collect dust and crumbs. A shorter length could catch chairs. A low-quality material will show wear and tear. To help, here are some tips to create a pleasant dining experience:

Consider your lifestyle: First, decide if you even need a carpet or rug to begin with. If you have a good reason like defining your space, breaking up the tone between your table and flooring, or want to add comfort, go for it.

Size it up right: Your dining chairs should fit comfortably on the rug, even when pulled out to sit. Coverage of about 60 cm on either side of the table is the sweet spot. Your rug should also not cover the entire dining room space but give the edges a chance to ‘breathe’.

Pick your colour palette: Depending on your scheme, you can dial up or dial down your dining room carpet colour for balance. Colour can also impact the mood you create so choose wisely. Generally, darker colours are preferred for this area as they camouflage stains and spills from food and drinks.

Play with patterns: While block colours are perfectly fine, patterns can inject some personality into your dining room space. Patterned carpets also hide stains and make the wear and tear that happens over time less glaring. If you opt for a patterned carpet, pick one that has a repetitive pattern so the parts that show look consistent outside your table and chair ends. An irregular pattern needs more placement thought or it could make your setting look off-centre.

Mirror your table shape: Unless you’re going for an offbeat look, the general rule of thumb is to remain consistent with your table. That is, a square table should get a square rug while a round table should have a round rug, and so on. A mismatched shape tends to make the corners of the table the focal point.

Tread carefully with textiles: While a plush carpet is heaven to the feet, it can trap crumbs and catch on chairs. Rather go for a flat weave or short pile rug that has a smooth surface, is durable, and is easy to clean. Wool, cotton, nylon, sisal, and jute are good material choices that will add both flair and comfort to your space.

Shop with absolute care: A dining room rug, even the most budget-friendly option, is a long-term investment. Before sealing the deal on a carpet purchase, seek out testimonials. In-store, you should see how the carpet looks in different lights, feel the texture, and measure the size.

In the end, it's all about what feels right for you. Trust your gut. If you walk into a room and can already see the rug tying everything together, that's the one. Your dining room, your rules. Go with what speaks to you.

Your dining room carpet FAQs answered

1. Should a dining room have a carpet?

This is a personal preference. There are several advantages to having a dining room rug such as defining your dining area space, creating a style aesthetic, protecting your flooring, or dampening table and chair sounds. However, going bare can show off your beautiful flooring or create a fuss-free minimalist look. It comes down to your tastes, needs, and the nature of your space.

2. What type of carpet is best for a dining room?

A dark-coloured or patterned rug is great for camouflaging stains and wear. For materials, look to short-pile or flat weave rather than a fluffy, plush rug. The former tends to be more durable and practical for dining room spaces.

3. What are the disadvantages of a carpet in a dining room?

Carpets make wonderful additions to the dining room space. But, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Stains and spills need regular cleaning to stay in good condition. Because they attract crumbs, dust, and pet dander, they can create challenges for people with allergies or asthma. An incorrect carpet choice can catch chairs and tables, creating a hazard or unsightly wrinkles. And lastly, they can get frayed with regular wear and tear, needing replacement after some time depending on the quality and use.

Your home should inspire you

The dining room right carpet not only adds a touch of luxury to your dining space but also complements your style, creating an ambience that reflects your unique taste. And when it comes to selling your home, these thoughtful touches can make all the difference. For help with showcasing your home, turn to the property professionals at Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, the most prominent real estate company in South Africa. Boosted by expert home staging and stellar marketing, we pride ourselves on a high seller success rate. Get in touch at your convenience.

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