Dear Jessica,
I need an area rug for my dining room, but am unsure about what size to get and could use some style tips. Can you steer me in the right direction? — Molly, Greensboro
Dear Molly,
With so many different styles and types of carpets available, there are a number of things to consider when you are investing in a dining room area rug. Here are some general tips to help you stay focused while shopping:
• Make sure that your area rug will complement your other design elements, not compete with them. When shopping, keep in mind that too many colors and patterns in a space can look haphazard. Begin your quest for the perfect style by considering the other fabrics and patterns already in your room. If your wallpaper or window treatment fabric has a busy pattern, select a subtler pattern for your area rug. If the walls and upholstery are fairly subdued, go for a more patterned option to create interest in the space.
I recommend bringing samples of your paint colors, wallpaper, and chair and window treatment fabrics with you when you go shopping. Every room does not have to match, but I like to have a general color flow from room to room or the surrounding areas.
As a rule, patterns are practical for higher traffic areas or areas that may get dirtier more quickly, like a kitchen or dining area. The more pattern, the less wear and dirt will show through, therefore requiring less maintenance.
• Evaluate the formality of your furnishings when selecting a rug. If you have a very formal dining room table, don’t purchase a casual-style area rug. For example, if you have a Chippendale dining table, you would not want to purchase a tribal kilim carpet. With a more casual, mission-style table, however, a kilim might be a nice choice.
• When determining the perfect size to fit under your dining room table, measure the width and length of your table, and then add 4 feet. Most dining room tables require at least an 8-foot-wide or larger area rug. The chair legs should not be off the rug when folks are seated at the table, or when they pull the chairs out to seat themselves; usually 24 inches will suffice.
• Once you have narrowed your choices, see if you can borrow a favorite to bring home. Most carpet stores allow you to borrow a carpet or carpets. Once your rug is in place, make sure you view it from all angles. Carpets fibers lay in a very distinct direction and therefore look lighter or darker depending on where you view the carpet. Also, view the area rug in a variety of different lighting conditions. Few stores can simulate your home lighting.
Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.
