Chair movement decides the size
Pull each chair back as someone would when sitting down or leaving. Its back feet should remain supported rather than dropping over the rug edge. The moving footprint is more useful than the seat count on a product listing. Measure the extended table too if that arrangement needs to work regularly.
A calculation you can adapt
IKEA’s sizing guide suggests roughly 60–80 cm beyond the tabletop on each side as a starting allowance. Verify this with your chairs. For a 180×90 cm table and 75 cm on each side, the target is 330×240 cm. A nominal 8×10 ft rug is about 244×305 cm, shorter than this example’s length target.
Round tables
For a circular rug, add twice your chair allowance to the table diameter. A 120 cm tabletop plus two 75 cm allowances gives 270 cm. Mark the circle and move chairs in several positions. A rectangular rug is another option if it better defines the dining zone.
Surface and stability
Test whether chair feet glide predictably. A low pile or suitable flatweave can be easier to assess than a deep, loose pile. Cleaning directions matter where crumbs and spills are routine. Include the pad: too much softness can make narrow chair feet unstable.
Before ordering
Check chairs at both ends, cabinet doors, room circulation and the extended table. Keep the full rug clear of unrelated walking routes where possible. The aim is a stable usable dining area, not simply a symmetrical border around the table.
Source and further reading
IKEA rug sizing guidance; calculations are our worked examples
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