There are heated debates about whether or not Moroccan rugs belong in the dining room. After all, it's a dining space, and with food and drink comes the unavoidable crumbs and spills. What are our thoughts? It goes without saying that Moroccan rugs are deserving of a spot under your dining room table. Not to mention, caring for our handmade rugs is easier than you think when you choose the right size, shape, material, color, and pattern. Continue reading to find out how to choose the best dining room rug for your space.

 

Why a Moroccan Rug in a Dining Room?

Not sure about putting down a Moroccan rug in your dining room? Here are a few reasons why we think it's a must-do!

They shield your floors. With a heavy table and chairs that constantly scoot in and out, your dining room floors can take a beating. A Moroccan rug will help your floors stay in good condition—as always, use a rug pad underneath for extra protection!

They aid in sound absorption. Do you dislike it when a room echoes? That is not something you want in your dining room, whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply doing homework at the table with your children. A Moroccan rug on the floor will absorb all of the noise.

And, of course, they simply look amazing! What else can we say? We may be slightly biased about the influence of Moroccan rugs, but you have to admit: they bring in warmth and pull a room together like no other.

 

 

Size is Crucial

Take a look at your chairs. The size of your dining table gradually influences the size of the rug you should buy, but so do the chairs. You don't want chairs to trip on the rug when guests stand or sit, so choose a rug that extends at least two feet beyond the chairs when they're pushed in.

We understand that getting a large rug for your dining room isn't always the optimal choice, whether due to budget or space constraints. But, it's best to go as large as you can and keep in mind that if you choose a smaller size, your chairs may catch on the rug when you stand up and sit down.

Address the elephant in the room. So you've determined that the rug should extend beyond the dining chairs. But how far beyond that should you go? (Hint: it's fine if your rug ends just after the chairs!) This is when you consider the size of the room and the rest of the furniture. Many people recommend that your rug stop about six inches short of any sideboards, shelves, or other pieces lining the wall so that it frames the dining table while remaining separate from the furniture. However, you can bring the rug under the furniture if it does not run flush against the walls.

Don't overlook the leaves! When your dining table is at its largest, you should measure for a rug. If yours has a leaf, make sure to account for it when selecting a rug size. We guarantee that once the leaf is removed, it will not feel too big!

 

 

Picking a Material

Choose a low-pile Moroccan rug. High-pile rugs (such as shags) tend to trap crumbs and are more difficult to clean. For your dining room, choose a Kilim or lower pile rug that is 1/2" high or less. This will also make it easier for chairs to slide across. Lucky for you, you can choose the pile height of your liking!

Choose easy-to-clean materials such as wool. Wool, being our go-to material in all our rugs, is your best bet for durability, ease of cleaning, and softness, especially given its convenience. (You can learn *everything you need to know about cleaning Moroccan rugs* in our handy guide.) Moroccan rugs, which are made to withstand the elements, are an excellent choice if you're concerned about spills and stains. And, as an added bonus, they come in a variety of designs and colors.

 

 

Picking Color and Pattern

Consider the color. The lighter the color, the more visible the stains. Both bright and dark colors are much better at hiding stains, but if you do want to go with a lighter rug, we recommend...

Choose a Motif. Even in light colors, patterned Moroccan rugs are ideal for hiding stains and spots from food or drink. If you don't like big, bold motifs, try a subtle pattern—it will hide any flaws just as well!