What to know before you choose rugs & runners
An area rug is the design equivalent of drawing a line in the sand (but much softer). It helps define your space—especially in open floor plans—by framing furniture groupings and creating visual zones.
The trick to making an area rug work? Size and placement. Ideally, your rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on it. That way, everything feels cohesive, not like it’s floating in space.
Area rugs are available in endless patterns, textures, and pile heights. You can use them to introduce a bold focal point or to quietly tie the room together. Either way, they’re the element that makes everything else in the room make sense. And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside.
Runners are ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways—adding comfort and character in one long line.
Besides adding comfort underfoot, runners help guide the eye and add a finished look to spaces that are often overlooked. They’re perfect for layering in texture, adding a pop of color, or softening hard flooring in areas where you’re constantly on your feet.
And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside. Form and function, rolled into one long, stylish line.
A rug is one of the most transformative design tools at your disposal. Rugs ground your space (literally), add softness underfoot, and set the color tone for a room. Rugs are great for centering a room in your home, creating zones within a space, decorating, dancing on (the list goes on and on). Choose one that makes your room feel complete. And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside.
Rugs can be made of many fibers, such as nylon, wool, acrylic, cotton, or polyester. Wool is cozy and durable. Cotton is light and breathable. Synthetics are ultra-practical and budget-friendly. You’ll also find jute, sisal, and even recycled materials for more textural, eco-conscious options.
Whether you’re layering multiple rugs for depth or using one large area rug to unify a space, your rug choice can define the energy of a room. Just be sure to size it right—going too small is one of the most common design mistakes.
Pro tip: Area rugs and runner rugs that are meant to encompass an entire room or hallway should be 8-15” off of the wall creating a border of floor around them.
How do you select a color palette for dining room rugs & runners?
Choosing the right color palette for your dining room is an exciting (and fun!) process. Incorporating color (or the lack thereof) into a space will dramatically influence the mood and aesthetic. While it may be tempting to hit up your local hardware store to buy a gallon (or two or three) of paint, and go to town, the planning process is an important step. No one wants to repaint a room once the furniture is in. So, here’s the best way to think about incorporating color into your space:
First, set the mood: Before deciding on your color palette, think about the mood or atmosphere you want to create in your dining room. Yearning for a calm and serene environment? Or perhaps a vibrant burst of energy? Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose hues that align with the desired mood or vibe of the room. Warm-toned colors (reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks) can make a space feel warm, inviting, and cozy. Cool-toned colors (greens, blues, purples, grays, and most whites) can make a room feel grounded, calming, and clean. But, using too many warm colors can make a room feel closed off, and too many cool tones in one room can make a space feel cold and unwelcoming. Neutral colors (blacks, whites, and browns) add a sense of sophistication and professionalism to a space.
Then, choose a color scheme: Now for the fun part! Once you’ve selected the mood, you can start to build your color palette. Take into account existing furniture and decor elements. Choose colors that complement or skillfully contrast your furnishings to create a cohesive look. A handy tip to a cohesive color story? Use the 60-30-10 rule as your guide. The dominant color (60%) sets the tone, the secondary color (30%) adds depth, and the accent color (10%) brings a pop of interest. Your dominant color in your color palette may be the color you choose to paint your walls or the color of a large area rug. Your secondary color may be used for upholstery or statement furniture. And for that final touch, the accent color brings a spark and is usually found in artworks, cushions, or decorative pieces. If you’re going for a monochromatic color scheme, consider the 60-30-10 rule in terms of shades of color.
Finally, find balance and contrast: Once you’re ready to start applying color in the dining room design with paint or decorative touches, achieving the right balance between colors in your color palette is crucial. Consider the visual weight of each color and distribute them evenly throughout the space. Neutral colors are often paired with brighter accent colors to contrast a space. Pairing complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) or juxtaposing shades of light and dark can enrich your design with depth and complexity.
While some colors are more popular than others for certain rooms or design styles, pick a color palette that feels right to you. Interior design is all about self expression. You do you. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to express your unique style. Want more interior design color tips? Check out our free online interior design course on Color Theory.
Understanding the color wheel: gray
From ethereal silvers to deep, commanding charcoals, gray serves as a wonderful neutral foundation in interior design. Celebrated for its sophisticated nature, gray can give your space an air of traditional elegance or contemporary flair. Gray's versatility makes it suitable for nearly any room. In communal spaces like living rooms or kitchens, lighter grays can contribute to a lively and inviting atmosphere. In spaces designed for rest or concentration, such as bedrooms or home offices, darker grays can evoke a sense of tranquility and focus.
Layering various tones of gray in your dining room, from light to dark, can create a sophisticated and cohesive look. To prevent a gray scheme from feeling flat, introduce a variety of accent colors, textures or patterns. For a timeless look, combine gray with crisp whites or deep blacks. For a pop of vibrancy, consider accenting gray tones with bold colors like mustard, teal, or coral. Combining gray with natural elements like wood, stone, or greenery can soften its coolness and add warmth to the space. Metallic finishes such as silver, gold, or copper beautifully complement gray, adding a touch of luxury and refinement. Metallic light fixtures, picture frames, or decorative items can introduce a glam feel to your space.
The perception of gray paint can significantly change under different lighting conditions. Natural light can enhance its softness, making it feel more airy and open. Though gray paint can often read white in larger rooms, so don’t be afraid to go darker if you want the color to shine.
How do you pick a design style for a gray dining room rugs & runners makeover?
Picking an interior design style for your dining room is a personal and immersive journey. It starts with introspection and an exploration of your aesthetic preferences, daily habits, and the overall ambiance you wish to create. We recommend the dining room style match nicely with the rest of your house. Consider the architecture of your home, the flow of natural light, and how the space is used to ensure the design style not only looks appealing but also serves your needs effectively. The goal is to create a space that feels inviting, comfortable, and uniquely “you”.
There is no right or wrong way to define your style. Start by gathering ideas and inspiration. Identify what colors, moods, and materials you are drawn to. Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design? The warmth of rustic charm? The rich textures of bohemian flair? Or the sleek functionality of minimalism? Your chosen style should resonate with your personality and make your space feel like a true extension of yourself.
There are dozens of design styles. One style may speak to you the most and you’ll be ready to go all in (do it!). If not, mixing elements from different styles can yield a unique, eclectic look that’s distinctly yours. Need some help defining your style? We created our own design style quiz to help you learn more about what you gravitate towards in design. The result is like the perfect blend of your personality and home. Take the quiz and your Spoak Sign be your inspiration.
Once you know the design style you want to achieve for your dining room makeover, the fun begins! You can start planning out your color scheme and decor ideas.
What’s the best way to design and decorate a gray dining room?
Creating a dining room that serves as a welcoming hub for meals, gatherings, and memorable conversations begins with thoughtful planning. The arrangement of furniture not only influences the room's aesthetic appeal but also its practicality and comfort. By employing a strategic approach to your dining room design, you can achieve a space that harmonizes form and function, making every meal an experience to cherish.
Whether you're in the process of a dining room remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:
- Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the dining room and complements the style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
- Dining Table & Chairs: The heart of the dining room, your table should be chosen with care, considering its shape, size, and placement. This piece sets the tone for the room's overall design and functionality, acting as the anchor for all other elements. Pro tip: Divide your table’s outside dimensions by 24 inches to find out how many people you can seat comfortably. Complementing your table, the chairs should offer comfort and style.
- Storage Furniture: Practical yet stylish storage solutions like buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are key to a clutter-free dining area. They provide essential storage and a space for serving dishes. Position these pieces to maintain a clear pathway around the table, ideally 3-4 feet from the table’s edge.
- Area Rug: Love them or hate them, rugs in the dining room are a hot topic. A well-chosen rug can define the dining space and add a layer of warmth and texture. If you opt for a rug, ensure it extends at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out.
- Decorative Lighting: Central lighting, such as a chandelier or pendant, should be positioned directly above the table to illuminate the area evenly and serve as a visual centerpiece. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
- Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the dining room. Don’t forget the curtain rod!
Get creative and have fun with your dining room makeover! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Room.