There is nothing like a nice area rug in a dining room. I like hardwood floors but sometimes you just need those rugs to make it better in my opinion. And if you have children it is nice to have that area rug in the living room because if you are sitting on the floor on a regular basis then it can get quite uncomfortable. A hardwood floor really is hard and that rug would give you enough cushion to help your knees while playing blocks or dollhouse with your kids. And they are easy to clean as well. And when you get sick of it you can just get another one.