Just imagine a hot summer’s night, where the stars are shining and a gentle breeze is passing through. There’s no way you want to be stuck inside, especially since you’ve got guests over.
While your patio is nice and clean, it’s lacking a je ne sais quoi. And if you want to go barefoot, sit on the ground, or lie down to watch the stars, it’s not very comfortable either.
Well, we’ve got the perfect solution: outdoor rugs here and there will instantly upgrade your space! This post will give you a thorough outdoor rug size guide so you can get the perfect ones for your home.
Consider the Dimensions of Your Outdoor Space
The key to making a smart purchase is knowing what you’re working with first. So before you head out, start by measuring the area where you plan to place your rug.
For tight areas, a rug that’s proportional to the space will make it feel cohesive rather than cluttered. Measure the total length and width of the space, but be sure to leave some visible flooring around the edges.
For larger spaces, a rug can serve as an anchor for specific seating or dining areas. Make sure the rug is large enough to create separation between distinct zones (e.g. dining vs. lounging). However, avoid covering the entire floor, as this can make the space feel heavy.
Match the Rug Size to Your Furniture Layout
Not only do the dimensions play a big role in determining what size rug for an outdoor patio you should get, but the furniture layout also has an impact on your decision. Let’s explore some common outdoor setups and the ideal rug dimensions for them.
Outdoor Dining Area
Are you planning on hosting outdoor dinner parties? Then the rug under your dining table should be large enough for both the table and chairs. Ensure there’s enough room for the chairs to slide in and out without going off the rug too.
As far as the rug size for an outdoor dining table goes, you should ideally add at least two feet to all sides of your table’s dimensions. For example, a typical setup for a six-chair table might need an 8×10-foot rug.
Outdoor Seating Area
According to the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), 82% of consumers underutilize their outdoor living spaces. If this is you, then adding a simple rug can make your outdoor seating area much more appealing.
For lounge areas with sofas or sectionals, your rug should fit the furniture layout while keeping everything anchored; the front legs of your seating should rest on the rug. For an L-shaped sectional, a 9×12-foot rug is probably ideal. For smaller three-seater sofas, consider 5×7-foot or 6×9-foot options.
Outdoor Conversation Area
Another way to get more use out of your outdoor space is to have an outdoor conversation area. For ones with smaller pieces like armchairs and coffee tables, the rug should encompass all seating furniture. As a result, you’ll get a cozy and defined area.
To achieve this, use a 5×7-foot rug. This typically works for four chairs arranged around a coffee table. If you’re outfitting the space beneath a cabana canopy, tweak the orientation to fit the shape of the seating arrangement.
Rug Placement Tips for Visual Balance
After you’ve bought a rug, you can just slap it down and hope for the best. But in most cases, that won’t work.
To achieve visual balance, center the rug under the main piece of furniture (e.g. dining table or coffee table). This works for both seating and dining areas.
If there’s enough space, aim for the rug to extend beyond the furniture footprint by about 6-12 inches. Not only does this add visual balance, but it increases the sense of space too.
Aesthetic and Material Considerations
Yes, this is an outdoor patio rug size guide, but the material and style of your rug also play a significant role in functionality and design.
Because they’re exposed to the elements, outdoor rugs should be made from durable and weather-resistant materials like polypropylene, nylon, or jute. These materials are resistant to fading from the sun, plus they’re easy to clean.
In addition, choose a rug that complements your outdoor furniture in terms of color, pattern, and texture. For instance, a neutral-toned rug can provide a calm, grounding effect, while a bold, patterned rug can act as a focal point.
On that note, who says you have to stick to only one rug? Multiple rugs can help define different functional zones, especially in large outdoor areas.
One way you can utilize various rugs is to use one under the dining area and a separate one under the seating area. Just make sure that the rugs complement one another for a cohesive look.
Common Rug Sizes and Their Uses
To wrap things up, we’ll show you some of the standard area rug dimensions and what they’re used for. That way, you can optimize your outdoor rug layout.
4 x 6 Feet
This is ideal for small patio tables with two to four chairs. It can also be used as a small accent rug under a coffee table.
5 x 7 or 5 x 8 Feet
This works well for intimate seating areas. Consider using it for dining tables for four people too.
6 x 9 Feet
This rug size is a great fit for a standard seating area with a sofa and two chairs. You can also use it for a dining table for six.
8 x 10 Feet
This size suits larger seating arrangements. Think about using it for sections or outdoor dining tables for six to eight people.
9 x 12 Feet
This is perfect for large outdoor spaces. Use it to cover expansive seating areas or dining tables for eight or more.
Utilize This Outdoor Rug Size Guide
After reading this outdoor rug size guide, you’ll have a better idea of what to buy and what to avoid. Ultimately, choosing the right outdoor rug comes down to balancing space, furniture layout, and visual flow.
If you measure your space and understand your furniture needs, you can pick a rug (or two) that ties your outdoor area together. As a result, you’ll make it both functional and beautiful!
Are you ready to perk up your outdoor space? Then Decor Outdoor’s got you what you need. Check out our collection of outdoor rugs now!
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