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10 Rugs You Won’t Regret Bringing Into Your Dining Room

Our fave easy-to-clean rugs that can handle any mess.

March 10, 2022
Photo by Rocky Luten

You know by now that area rugs aren’t just for your living room or bedroom. Whether it’s the size of your coffee table or it goes from corner to corner, an area rug can instantly add beauty, warmth, and polish to any space—yes, including your dining room.

While there’s no reason that you should shy away from dining room rug, you do want to be mindful of potential spills and crumbs. No judgment on our part—we’ve all dealt with our fair share of clumsy dinner guests! That's why we chatted with designer Julia Miller of Yond Interiors, and Stephanie Purzycki, CEO and co-founder of the interior design consulting company The Finish, about the best rug materials that are easy to clean (more on that below) and curated best ones from our favorite brands and stores.

Ahead, 10 easy-to-clean dining room rugs that are no match for crumbs, spills, or stains.

Photo by Wayfair

1. Dash & Albert Malta Wool Striped Area Rug, $74+

Gone are the days of overly formal dining rooms. We’re all about bringing some coziness into this space and the heathered look of this rug can make any room feel more relaxed and casual—and easily hides stains you haven't been able to clean yet. The flat weave is easy to vacuum and spot clean, and you can get more mileage out of your investment by flipping it over for a that looks (almost) brand new.

Photo by Julia Gartland

2. Armadillo Hand-Braided Round Jute Rug, $750

Perfect for round dining room tables, this hand-braided jute rug from Armadillo is also a go-to for high-traffic areas. While we'd normally layer jute rugs under a more colorful piece, the subtle yet impactful design on this one is definitely not something we'd want to hide.

Photo by Joss & Main

3. Carroll Oriental Hand Hooked Wool Area Rug, $198+

If your style veers traditional, this orange and navy option is bound to liven up your space and camouflage stains due to its intricate pattern. Plus, how cute are the multi-colored tassels that adorn each end? Talk about the perfect mix of polished and playful.

Photo by Etsy

4. Vintage Heriz Rug Hand Knotted, $985

Feeling bold with a capital B? Go nice and bright with this red patterned beauty. We could see it paired with an elegant tulip table and some wishbone chairs for a funky yet luxe looking set-up.

Photo by Ruggable

6. Jonathan Adler x Ruggable Inkdrop Rug, $109+

All of Ruggable’s pieces are known for being machine washable as well as water- and stain-resistant—we love a good triple threat! This beauty is part of the brand’s collection with designer Jonathan Adler and would look gorgeous in any dining space, no matter the material of your table or your room's vibe.

Photo by Rugs.com

6. Rugs.com Hand Braided Jute Rug, $49+

If plain jute isn’t quite your style, this hand-braided rug features a little bit of flair with a classic diamond pattern. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from ivory to navy to fit any vibe.

Photo by Etsy

7. Vintage Mohair Wool and Silk Rug, $1,300

This mohair beauty will feel ultra-plush underfoot while adding vintage charm to any dining room. It would pair beautifully with a classic wooden dining table and could also serve as a nice complement to bold velvet chairs, too. If you’re looking for an authentic Turkish rug, this one is reasonable for the size—just don't forget to take the beater brush off your vacuum to keep this rug in good shape for years to come.

Photo by AllModern

6. AllModern Uptown Cream/Black Tufted Wool Area Rug, $70+

All about going mod? This fun geometric rug brings intrigue while keeping things sophisticated and minimal. Pair it with a round black dining table and some sleek chairs, and you’re golden. And if you're thinking that a cream dining room rug shouldn't exist, know that a bit of spot cleaning is all it takes to keep this beauty stain-free.

Photo by Walmart

9. ReaLife Rugs Machine Washable Persian Distressed Rug, $60.99+

If you’re looking for something ultra wallet-friendly and can also be tossed in the washing machine without worry, we’re all for this Persian-inspired find. It rings in at under $200 for the largest size, and has gotten rave reviews from happy shoppers.

Photo by West Elm

10. West Elm Boho Washable Rug, $100+

Pro tip: Look to the kids' section if you’re in need of a durable washable rug that shines without breaking the bank. We’re feeling the pink option but there’s also a neutral grey.


FAQs

What fabrics are best for a dining room rug?

According to Miller and Purzycki, wool and mohair are best when it comes to an easy-to-clean dining room rug. “Depending on how the rug is constructed, a wool rug can shed over time, but we find that the routine maintenance of shedding is worth it for the natural durability,” shares Miller. Purzycki is also a proponent of rugs made from natural fibers and agrees that wool in particular is a go-to. “It's environmentally friendly, plus you don't have to worry about off-gassing, especially if you have little ones,” she shares. And if you go the synthetic route (nothing wrong with that!), look for washable styles that make cleaning a breeze.

How do I clean a dining room rug?

There’s no need to cry over spilled milk—simply grab a damp cloth and spot clean. “We find that spot cleaning with a mild soap after a spill can nearly eliminate a stain, and regular vacuuming (without a beater brush) can extend the life of your rugs,” Miller says.


Do you have a favorite store for dining room rugs? Let us know in the comments!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

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Sarah Lyon

Written by: Sarah Lyon

Freelance writer and interior design enthusiast

2 Comments

Mehdi April 19, 2023
That is great. We have awesome handmade Persian rugs online.
Please also visit our website www.epersianrug.com
 
Salt T. March 11, 2022
What about the rug in the article cover photo?