Outdoor Rug Size Guide: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Space

If you have a personalized space, like a pergola, porch, deck, or patio, consider curating it with a well-sized outdoor rug to perfectly complement the area. Outdoor rugs benefit your feet as they provide cushioning, comfort, and heat insulation when placed correctly. But selecting the right rug size can be daunting. A large rug can make the space seem untidy, while a smaller rug may seem out of place.

To solve the problem, refer to this outdoor rug size guide. It covers everything you should consider before selecting the right size for your outdoor space.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Rug Size for Common Outdoor Spaces?

One of the most common questions people ask is, “What size outdoor rug do I need for an outdoor space?” 

The ideal rug size depends on the space available and how you plan to use it. The key is to pick a rug that complements your layout and enhances the area without overwhelming it. Below are some common examples of outdoor spaces and recommendations for the ideal rug size.

Patio

When choosing an outdoor rug, keep the material and durability in mind. It should complement your patio furniture in terms of style and function. Remember, the rug should be large enough to ground the table and chairs, while a slight portion along the edges should be left uncovered for visual appeal.

Pro Tip: Any rug you place should be large enough to ground the furniture, but not so much that it overwhelms the remaining space. Finding balance in a space is crucial to creating a well-proportioned outdoor layout.

Pergola

A pergola is a sleek structure that provides shade to an outdoor space. Add the right rug and turn your pergola into a cozy seating space. Pick a rug that complements the shape and scale of the pergola.

Important: Choose the perfect size for your deck rug so that it seamlessly fits the layout of your pergola and floor plan.

Porch

A porch is meant to make guests feel welcomed the moment they arrive. To enhance this inviting space, consider an outdoor rug that complements your home décor and holds up to daily foot traffic.

Note: Porches are high-traffic areas and are usually the first to face the changing weather. Hence, choose durable and weather-resistant rug materials like polypropylene or polyester blends. Rugs made from such materials, including their backing, offer slip resistance, which is necessary for grip and safety.

Deck

Think of your deck as a segue from your living space to another zone that’s outdoors. Pick an outdoor rug depending on your deck’s size. Learn more about how to place an outdoor rug on a wooden deck.

Related:
Outdoor rugs on wood decks: things you should know
Tips for selecting rug colors that match your decor

Selecting the Perfect Rug Size for Your Outdoor Furniture Setups

Finding the right outdoor rug size for any open space is just the first step. In addition to getting the measurements right, you must consider how the furniture blends with the rug. The right size will help create a functional, stylish, and cohesive space. Also, the rug size (length, width, and shape) should be based on the layout of your seating area, keeping the size of the table and the number of seats around it in mind.

Seating (outdoor sofa and armchair, outdoor loveseats)

A backyard gives you the flexibility to place various types of seating arrangements like outdoor sofas, armchairs, and loveseats. But remember, when placing the outdoor rug, leave about 18” of open space around the edges to maintain visual balance and avoid clutter. You can leave about 8” if you’re working with a smaller space. 

As for the size, a 5'3" round rug goes well with an on-the-edge layout with table and chairs. A 7'3" square rug would blend perfectly under a legs-only furniture arrangement.

Dining Area

When you place an outdoor rug under a dining table, leave enough space, at least 24” around the table. The gap will help the chairs slide in and out comfortably, without tugging on the rug. It will also protect the deck or patio surface from scratches, usually caused by the chair legs. To make this visually more appealing, consider extending the rug about 30” beyond the table’s edge. The extra margin enhances aesthetics and anchors the dining setup.
An 8x10 square or round rug will work well with a rectangular table, between sizes 60” and 72”. A table larger than 84” would sit well on top of a 9'2" x 12' rectangle outdoor rug.

Small Spaces or Outdoor Conversation Areas

The best part about using rugs outdoors, even in small or cozy areas, is their ability to create the illusion of more space. Whether you place the piece on a patio, deck, porch, or beneath a pergola, the right rug can make the area feel larger and more open. For example, you can place an oversized outdoor rug in a compact space to make the space appear visually larger.
Place outdoor rugs measuring 2' x 3' rectangle, 2'7"x10' runner, or even a 5’x8’ rug on a small patio or deck. Alternatively, you can also go with oversized options, like a 10’x14’ rectangle rug and place the furniture on it, making the space more inclusive.

Measure Your Space Before Selecting the Right Outdoor Rug Size

The outdoor rug sizes above are the most popular choices. But selecting a rug for your space at home doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Lucky for you, The Rug Decor offers customizable rugs to fit your unique space perfectly. The size and shape of an outdoor rug need to be selected based on the available space, per square foot. Using a measuring tape, evaluate the square footage of the available outdoor space, and select the outdoor rug based on those numbers. Refer to our guide to measure your space for rug selection.

Also, the footprint of furniture, like the area in which it is placed, will influence the size of the rug and its layout. Remember to leave some visible flooring around the edges of the respective area, like a patio or deck, to deter it from looking cluttered.

Common/Popular Outdoor Rug Sizes and Their Use Cases

Need additional help in selecting the right piece for an outdoor space? Our experts at The Rug Decor have curated a chart featuring different outdoor rug sizes from the smallest to the largest, to help you make an easy decision.

Alternatively, you can use our rug size calculator to make a more accurate decision.

FAQs 

How big of a rug do I need for my patio?

To find the right outdoor rug size for your patio, measure the area and the space dedicated to the furniture arrangement. Use these measurements to purchase a rug of proportionate size.

What size rug to choose for a 6-person outdoor table?

Our experts recommend adding at least 2’ to all sides of your table’s dimensions while measuring for a rug. On that note, a six-chair table can easily lie atop an 8×10 rug or larger.

What size rug do I place under the outdoor dining table?

Square or round rugs about 8x10 sit well under an outdoor rectangular table, provided that its size is between 60” and 72”. A table larger than 84” would sit well atop a 9x12 outdoor rug.

What size rug do I choose for an outdoor deck?

A deck rug should be big enough to accommodate the front legs of all major pieces of furniture. Remember, the piece should be at least 2' wider than the table on all sides.

What is the average size of an outdoor rug?

The size of a rug depends on the size of the space available to you. Determine the precise size by measuring the area and accounting for the furniture on it.

Related:

Cleaning and Maintaining Guide for Outdoor Rugs
Tips to Keep Outdoor Rug from Blowing Away