The age-old design conundrum- do rugs belong in the dining room? And while there is no definitive yay or nay, much of this free-flowing aesthetic argument depends on– you guessed it– personal preference. However, there are a few design features that nod their aesthetic heads to when a rug should be used, and when it’s a fashion faux pas. We’ve outlined the pros and cons of each so you are equipped to make the best design choice for your space. Keep reading to answer the generational question: do I need a rug in my dining room?
Geometric, fun, and lively aesthetics are all the rage right now. If your South San Francisco dining room seems to be lacking in personality– add it with a patterned rug. Patterns play well with monochromatic interior design– think mid-century modern and modern farmhouse spaces. The aesthetic tends to harness a pleasantly mundane color palette that yearns to be awakened with a fun and fresh geometric rug. No more bah humbug vibes in this space.
Today’s living areas tend to be open and free-flowing. For those of us enjoying loft living or having an open concept space situation, we lack walls that provide built-in, defining space solutions. Enter the rug. One of the easiest ways to define your dining room is by adding a rug. By doing so, you anchor the space and bring much-craved definition and interest to an otherwise underwhelming area.
While visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing, the industrial space with its exposed metal piping often lacks much-needed warmth. And with these spaces being so open, often lacking in well outlined, defined living spaces, the rug provides an easy solution to carve out a definitive eating area. Offer up some balance with the introduction of a rug. You’ll add necessary warmth the space craves, while also creating a defined and anchored dining area– a win-win in our minds.
Modern and industrial spaces are not the only design aesthetics that play well with dining room rugs. Craftsman style and bungalow homes, as well as traditional spaces, tend to be rich with wood- often heavy wood trim and moldings, coupled with wood floors. These spaces need a rug to add visual interest and softness while also breaking up the monochromatic aesthetic and making the space on trend worthy.
Mid Century Modern is known for its sleek lines and low profiles. It’s the appeal and has been all the rage, with some variations of the style along the way. Much of this aesthetic plays oh so well with an appointed rug- to soften that sleek vibe and offer much-needed dimension and interest to the space. So add a rug here- your dining room– and aesthetic– will thank you.
If your space’s color palette skips to the beat of a neutral drum– balance it with a rug. Today’s spaces tend to be filled with monochromatic color choices and accessories that beg for balance. Offer it with a rug to define the space and give much-needed color. Keep the space warm and inviting. On the other hand, if you have a dark and moody space, offer up some color balance by pairing a bright and light rug to elevate the feel of the space, so that it doesn’t feel heavy.
But- what if you’re still asking yourself- do I need a rug in my dining room? Well, we’ve got you covered and are here to offer up some design configurations where the space is perfect just the way it is, sans rug.
If your dining space is rocking some upholstered chairs, you’ve already added warmth and definition. Should you have hardwood floors in this space, the upholstered chairs add a nice balance to the area– what a rug would do without the upholstered nature of the chairs. In this situation, we feel the room can carry its weight– sans rug.
You’ve heard it before– countless times. The most aesthetically pleasing design spaces are ones that offer up balance. Mixing wooden tables and chairs, with metal ones offers the juxtaposition the space craves to offer the eye that balance it so desires. The wood adds warmth and the metal adds a sleek, industrial vibe. The two are like the perfect pair so no need to break up this design marriage with a rug. They hold their own nicely.
A similar principle can be applied to rocking a wood table and wood chairs– the successful design factor here– different color chairs, even design. Alternate chair colors and shapes. By doing so, you’re bringing in much interest and texture with the pieces already in the space. Potentially adding a design element here such as a rug may make the space feel cluttered and busy.
Your space is light, bright, and airy. You gravitate toward a clean, pure, and organic aesthetic. Keep it that way. Playing heavily on a minimalist design aesthetic makes the intent known- and when done well, this space balances itself without the much-needed anchoring that a rug provides to…well…an unanchored space. Go with mid-century modern white chairs with wooden or metal legs, paired with a sleek round or rectangular table.
The dining room design debate may continue to be just that but regardless of the aesthetic you swing with, creating a comforting, warm, and inviting space will always be on trend. If you’re considering adding a rug remember:
Will the rug add warmth?
Define my space?
Add visual interest?
Provide balance?
Defining your space is specific to what you love, don’t love, and how you want your room to look, feel, and function. Know what’s important to you in your dining space, what you want the purpose to be, and how you want to feel in your space. Hone in on the design features that speak to you– rug or no rug– to create the perfect dining room in your home.
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