How To Pick The Right Size Rug For Under Your Kitchen Table In A Few Easy Steps

Adding a rug under your kitchen or dining table can bring both style and function to your space. It helps define the eating area, which can be particularly helpful in an eat-in kitchen. A rug also adds a layer of warmth and texture and protects your floors from wear and tear with people sliding their chairs in and out frequently. But choosing the right size rug for your space is key if you want it to visually balance your table, allow chairs to slide easily, and help the rug stay neatly in place without becoming a tripping hazard. A good rule of thumb? Choose a rug that's 24 to 30 inches larger than the table in all directions. That extra space makes room for chairs to be pulled out on the rug while keeping everything looking clean and intentional.

When you decide to add a rug to your kitchen for an elevated style, you'll likely come across a few common sizes for the under-the-table area, like 8 feet by 10 feet, 9 feet by 12 feet, or 10 feet by 14 feet. The best one for you depends on the size of your room and the table and chairs. Whether the table is round, square, or rectangular might also play a role in picking the right rug, as matching the rug shape to your table shape can help create a more cohesive look.

To find the perfect rug for your space, start by measuring your kitchen table. Use a tape measure to check and record your table's exact length and width (or diameter, if you're working with a round table). Then, just add at least 24 inches to each side to come up with the minimum rug size needed for your chairs to stay on the rug when pulled out. So, if your table measures at 4 feet by 6 feet (a common 6-chair table size), your rug should be 8 feet by 10 feet to comfortably accommodate the furniture. If you can't picture how the ideal rug size will look in your space, grab some painter's tape and outline the rug's dimensions on the floor. This visual guide helps you see how the rug will fit into the area with your table, chairs, and surrounding furniture.

If your measurements put you in between two rug sizes, look at the size of the room and opt for the rug size that leaves enough space for pulling out chairs. Generally, a larger rug is the better choice, even if it goes all the way to the wall. It's better to have some rug to spare than to risk catching the edges with chair legs and feet because the rug is too small. 

Once you sort out the rug size, lay a non-slip rug pad underneath your new rug to prevent shifting. Aside from helping your rug last longer and providing extra floor protection, pads help you avoid slipping on your rug. After all, picking the perfect rug size won't matter much if the rug is moving around all the time, and non-slip pads help put a stop to this unwanted scenario.