Do rugs belong in the dining room? Apparently it's a very heated debate — and a question that doesn't have an easy answer.
There are several pros and cons associated with having the accessory in your dining room. Critics point out that a rug can often make it difficult and awkward to move and pull out chairs, not to mention it could even cause damage to the rug over time. Even more mention that using one in an eating space is just asking for a dirty, messy rug you'll need to clean up (just think of Thanksgiving!).
But for every rug-hater, there are just as many rug lovers. They say these floor coverings add more warmth and texture to a dining room, they clearly designate an eating area in an open floor plan and they protect your hardwood floors from scratches and damage.
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It's true that rugs can offer both form and function, but more than anything, they need to be right for your room and lifestyle. "I think it's a personal choice, not necessarily a 'must-have,'" one commenter wrote on a Houzz forum dedicated to the design dilemma. "If you have small kids, I might opt out for now — easier to clean underneath. That being said, a rug does help 'ground' the dining table and can complete the look."
"I don't think it's a necessity. Your space, design preferences and needs should dictate," another commenter wrote. "We have been doing without a rug for several years now and it works well and looks fine to us. I love the look of a rug there but it wasn't practical in our situation." It seems like there's one thing most people agree on: It's more about your own personal preference, rather than "right" or "wrong."
If you're going to go for the layered rug look in your dining room, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Opt for darker, patterned rugs, which will camouflage stains and spills, according to Apartment Therapy. Make sure it's durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear it will experience over the years — rugs created for outdoor patios and spaces are some of the most sturdy options out there. And finally, when choosing your rug, keep this in mind: bigger is better. Select a rug that's larger than the size of the table and chairs to ensure you can position your furniture on top of the rug to prevent scuffs and to make the room look well-proportioned.
If you want to do away with rugs in your dining room completely, then there are also a few pointers to consider. First, you should line the bottom of your furniture with felt pads to prevent damage to your floors and to make it easier for guests to move the chairs, Kristi Linaeur, the blogger behind Addicted 2 Decorating, wrote on her site. The bare design also looks better when you have at least one statement piece in the room, whether it's eye-catching floors, colorful chairs or a one-of-a-kind chandelier.
(h/t Apartment Therapy)
