Outdoor rugs are a great way to extend your indoor style to your outdoor seating or dining area, balcony, or front porch. Selecting the right outdoor rug size is an important consideration when designing your outdoor space, though this may not always be a simple decision. Read on to find the perfect size to suit your outdoor space.

In This Guide:
1. Measure Your Outdoor Space
2. Determine Your Desired Layout
3. Factor In Function
4. Consider Popular Rug Sizes

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1. Measure Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor rugs can add style and comfort to your outdoor spaces, adding softness underfoot and creating defined seating areas. Measuring your space is the first step in finding the correct outdoor rug size.

Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the area to determine the available space. You’ll also want to measure any existing outdoor furniture so that you can choose a rug that looks proportional to your seating area and desired layout.

Tip!

To find out more about choosing right outdoor rug style to pull your space together, read our guide How to Choose the Best Outdoor Patio Rugs for a comprehensive rundown.

2. Determine Your Desired Layout

When it comes to outdoor rugs, there are four common layouts to choose from. Instead of simply placing the rug in the center of the space, these layouts use the seating to determine the best area rug sizes and placement.

Legs Only

The legs-only layout means only the front two legs of your furniture are situated on the outdoor rug, with the back two on the bare floor. A table is often placed in the middle of the outdoor rug. This layout serves to bring together the space, while still creating a more expansive feel. With outdoor rug sizes of 5' x 8' or 8' x 10', you can create a cohesive look with a budget-friendly price tag.

All-In

An all-in outdoor rug will cover the entire floor or designated area that any furniture sits on. All four legs of each piece of furniture should be placed on the rug, bringing the space together tightly. Outdoor rug sizes of 9' x 12' and 10' x 14' can accommodate all your furniture within their confines, while creating a distinct seating area apart from the rest of the outdoor space.

On the Edge

This layout has all seating on the bare floor, with the front legs skirting the edges of the outdoor rug. Outdoor rug dimensions of 4' x 6' are better for smaller spaces, creating a floating feeling in the center of the seating arrangement.

2' Allowance

Suitable only for dining sets and ideal for round rugs, a rug that extends an extra 2' beyond the table will allow for chair legs to easily slide in and out without getting caught. This layout also allows for all the furniture to fit on top of the rug, creating a formal and attractive look.

Tip!

To avoid looking awkward, your rug should be at least a foot wider than your seating on either side.

3. Factor In Function

Whether you’re looking for a rug to go below a bistro set or a spacious sectional, here are some common rug sizes that pair well with different types of outdoor spaces.

Seating Areas

As a rule of thumb it is best to leave an open space of 18" around the border of the outdoor rug in order to draw focus to the rug itself. If your space is smaller, you can reduce this number to 8".

• For an on-the-edge layout with only a coffee or end table in the middle, a 5' x 8' rug will work best.
• A 7' x 9' rug works for a legs-only arrangement.
• For an all-in design, 9' x 12' will work well to transform the space and create its own focal point.
• A small circular rug can work well beneath a small table or between two benches.

Dining Areas

You will want at least 24" around your dining table to allow for chairs to easily slide in and out without getting caught on the outdoor rug. This outdoor rug size can also help to protect your deck from scratches and scrapes from the bottom of the chairs. When you place a rug under a dining set allow about 30" from edge of table to edge of rug.

For a round rug and dining table you want each piece of furniture to sit within several inches of the edges of the rug. This is around 5' to 8' to comfortably seat four to six guests.

Entryways & Porches

The best outdoor rug sizes for a porch or entryway depends on the size of the area you are working with. A small 2' x 3' outdoor rug will be great for a small space in front of a door, or even as a welcome mat. This smaller area rug size also works well on front steps. If you plan to showcase only a few items such as a pair of chairs, a bench, or a glider, an outdoor rug size of 3' x 5' or 4' x 6' will suffice.

Balconies

For a longer outdoor space such as a balcony or terrace, or to create a walkway, a runner is the best option. When selecting a patio runner, you need to ensure that you can arrange your furniture on the rug while keeping pathways open. You can also use the runner as a designated pathway. The length of the runner must not be longer than the area you will be using it in.

4. Consider Popular Rug Sizes

Outdoor rugs are available in an assortment of sizes, so it can be a little daunting picking the correct one for your space. There are some common rug sizes to consider to make the process a little easier.

Small

Small outdoor rugs sizes usually measure 4' x 6' or smaller. They are ideal as accent rugs on patios or to create a welcoming entryway.

Medium

Medium outdoor rug sizes include 5' x 8' and 7' x 9'. They can help you create numerous designs, define the style of and even divide outdoor areas.

Large

Large outdoor rug sizes include 8' x 10' and 9' x 12'. They are a great way to change the entire look of a space and/or create clear boundaries of an area, allowing you to designate separate outdoor spaces with ease.

Extra Large

Outdoor rugs that measure more than 12' wide are considered extra large. These are best used in spacious areas where they will be able to cover the entire floor without overlapping or bunching up at the ends.

Runners

Outdoor runners are long and narrow rugs that are often used in entryways, hallways, and areas with a large amount of foot traffic. They also work well on narrow balconies and patios.

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