The chair test
The one rule that matters: when a chair is pulled out to sit down, all four of its legs should still be on the rug. That means the rug needs to extend around 60–70 cm beyond every edge of the table. A table seating six (roughly 180 x 90 cm) usually needs 290 x 200 cm or larger; a table for four often suits 230 x 160 cm. Round tables look best on round rugs or square rugs sized the same way.
Choosing a practical construction
Flat or low-pile rugs are easiest under a dining table — chairs slide rather than catch, and crumbs sweep out rather than sink in. Flatweaves and short, dense wool piles are ideal. Patterned designs and mid-tone colours hide the occasional spill far better than pale plains; for family kitchens and diners, a washable rug takes the worry out entirely.
Shape and style
Match the rug to the table: rectangular for rectangular, round for round. In an open-plan kitchen-diner, a dining rug also defines the eating zone, so choose a colour that ties in with the living area rug rather than competing with it.
Free standard delivery on all orders to mainland UK addresses, and 30 days to return anything that isn't right.