The Dining Table Rug Trick I Swear By

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated decorating choices in a dining room—the rug under the dining table.

I know, rugs in dining spaces get a bad rap. Spaghetti sauce + a soft wool rug = no thank you.

But here’s my favorite solution that I’ve used in our own dining room for years: an outdoor rug under the dining table.

Yep, outdoor.

Rug | Murals | Curtains | Curtain Rod | Chandelier | Faux Tree (similar) | Faux Flowers | Vase

Why You Should Use an Outdoor Rug Under Your Dining Table

Here’s why I love it:

• Low pile = easy chair sliding. No more tugging and scooting chairs like a tug-of-war match.
• Super easy to clean. Spills? Crumbs? A quick wipe or hose-down (yes, seriously) and it’s good as new.
• Tons of cute patterns. They’ve come a long way in the style department, and most guests don’t even realize ours isn’t an indoor rug.

Related: My Unbiased, Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable

Voila! No one will ever know. I’m telling you, outdoor rugs are easier to clean than indoor washable rugs. (And we have a lot of experience with washable rugs.)

Favorite Outdoor Rugs to Use Under a Dining Table

These are some of my favorite outdoor rugs to use under a dining table.

Top Row: 1 | 2 | 3 | Middle Row: 1 | 2 | 3 | Bottom Row: 1 | 2 | 3

Helpful Rug Tips

But beyond durability, there are a few decorating rules worth remembering when picking the right rug:

1. Go big. Your rug should extend at least 24” beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on the rug, even when pulled out.
2. Stick with low pile or flat weave. Fluffy rugs = chair sliding hazard + major cleaning regret.
3. Pattern helps hide messes. A forgiving print can disguise everything from juice spills to crushed crackers (ask me how I know).
4. Match the shape. Round table? Round rug. Rectangular or oval table? Go rectangular.

Related: 25 Best Places to Buy Rugs Affordably Online

We’ve loved how our outdoor rug pulls the whole dining space together while making everyday life (and cleanup) a little easier.

So if you’ve been on the fence, now you know—yes, you should put a rug under a dining table. Just make it the right one, an outdoor one in particular if you have kids.

More Rug Resources

• My Unbiased Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable
• 25 Best Places to Buy Rug Affordably Online
• Floral Block DIY Outdoor Rug