15 Dining Rooms That Prove Rugs Are Worth the Spill Risk

An Impactful Runner

When done right, a dining room rug can become the centerpiece of the room. Here, a striking runner creates a beautiful runway effect. While mirrors and plants provide sculptural elements, the color in the space comes from the bold combo of red, black, and orange in the rug.

Monochromatic Magic

By matching the rug to the chairs, this otherwise muted palette stands out. The texture in the white rug also makes it feel homey rather than industrial. For the very brave—or maybe just the white wine drinker—this is an easy way to may a big statement.

Same Shape

By mimicking the shape of the table, this circular rug helps create the feel of a dining room, even in a larger open floor plan. The natural materials of the rug also nicely compliment the light wood table, further adding to the pleasing symmetry in this little tableau.

Blue Dreams

If you want to go beyond neutrals, it can help to tie the color of the rug to something else in the room. Often, this can come in the form of curtains or a piece of furniture. Here, however, the turquoise blue in the rug is echoed in a unique collection of blue glass bottles.

Chic Separator

A rug can also act as a separator between the dining area and the rest of the living area. While helping break up the space, this rug also lives in harmony with the rest of the room. Black accents throughout the room and on the rug really help ground the space.

Layered Cowhide

Who said you had to go with a rectangular rug? Here, layered cowhide creates a unique dining room rug. It gives an elevated, rustic vibe that's found elsewhere in the room.

Bold Beige

Who says beige has to be boring? Here, the rug breaks up a space that makes use of rich, textured blacks, creating a clear spotlight for the center of the room: the table.

Unexpected Neutrals

This quirky room is full of personality, even down to the rug. Beige and white stripes alternate in a kind of checkerboard pattern, making the otherwise muted palette feel unique. The pattern also makes it easier to downplay the dreaded stains on a risky lighter rug.

Natural Palette

A mostly neutral palette of beiges and whites—including the rug—allow the black chandelier and storage cabinet in this dining room to really pop.

Color & Texture

Blue and white always feel at home in a dining room, perhaps because blue and white porcelain plates have been so popular throughout history. Here, the classic combo is found in a textured rug that makes the room feel both laid-back and timeless.

Woven Beauty

Rugs woven out of natural fibers like sisal jute are remarkably sturdy, making them great for high-traffic areas like a dining room. They also go with almost anything, allowing their textures and patterns to make a welcome statement.

Faded Elegance

Faded rugs, whether you get them second-hand or buy them to look pre-owned, allow you to incorporate color and pattern without making things too busy. Plus, you get all the advantages of hiding the occasional spill without the rich colors. In this room, the rug provides visual interest while still matching the washed-out, beachy vibes of the house.

Zigs and Zags

Sometimes, more is more. With a little forethought, you can tie in even the brightest rug into an equally bright space by connecting colors. Colorful glass, curtains, and chairs all pull colors from this rainbow rug.

Bold and Blue

Dark walls and wood are offset by a lighter blue rug, keeping the room from feeling too somber.

Geometric Interplay

This dining room breaks two rules oh-so well. Typically, a rug mimics the shape of the table, and you want the rug to be big enough to include the chairs too. But here, a small, rectangular rug sits under a round table.

This look works because, like the other few pieces in the room, it makes a big statement. Just like with the snake diptych on the wall, you don't need to overdo a space if you pick décor pieces that are bold and full of personality.