One of the joys of designing outdoor spaces is the ability to create a unique look and feel. However, this also means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Before considering designs and color palettes, it's important to evaluate your specific outdoor area and determine the ideal rug size. The size and shape of your rug will depend on the dimensions of your balcony, patio, porch, deck, or other outdoor space.
What are The Common Outdoor Living Areas?
Outdoor living areas are unique to personal preferences, available space, and the climate. However, some popular outdoor living areas that are worth considering include patios, decks, balconies and pergolas.
Outdoor spaces can be tailored to meet your specific needs and desires. From a tranquil corner with a hammock to a backyard with all the bells and whistles, the possibilities are endless. Your outdoor living area can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of your home.
Common rug sizes for patios
- 7x7 Patio
- 14x14 Patio
- 12x14 Patio
- 18x20 Patio
Common rug sizes for pergolas
- 8x8 Pergolas
- 10x10 Pergolas
- 16x16 Pergolas
- 16x20 Pergolas
- 20x20 Pergolas
Choose the Right Size for Your Patio
Similar to other outdoor spaces, the dimensions of your rug should be determined by the size of your patio, the furniture you have in place, and how you want to arrange the rug and furniture. Fortunately, there are some helpful guidelines that can assist in measuring out the ideal rug size for your unique space.
Determining the Appropriate Rug Size for a 7 x 7 Patio
If you're planning to use your patio for small social gatherings or as a cozy spot for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, then a smaller size would be perfect. To showcase the natural flooring and prevent cluttering the area, make sure to leave approximately one foot of space around the rug.
- For smaller spaces: 5X5 rug will fit nicely
- Layered: 3X5 or 2X4 depending on how you layer it with furniture
Determining the Appropriate Rug Size for a 14 x 14 Patio
To ensure that your table is set up correctly on a 14x14 patio, review the recommended guidelines.
- Fully grounded: 12X12 is a great size
- Layered: 10X10, 9X12, 8X10 works well
- Accentuated: 5X7 or 6X9 keeps the focus on the rug
Determining Rug Size for a 12x14 Patio
Whether you're setting up a dining room table or creating a cozy sitting area, it's important to pay attention to the details. If you're using a dining room table, take inspiration from outdoor table setups. For a sitting area, make sure to leave an extra foot of space around the rug and decide whether you want your furniture to be fully on the rug, overlapping with just the front legs, or right along the sides of the rug.
- Fully grounded: 10X12 rug
- Layered: 8X10 to 6X9 depending on how you choose to layer things
Determining the Appropriate Rug Size for an 18 x 20 Patio
When it comes to a spacious area, you have a choice to make. Will you opt for one large rug to cover the entire space, or create separate seating areas and use smaller rugs to define each one? The decision is yours.
- Fully grounded: 12X15 rug in the middle of the area
- Layered: 9X12 rug, an 8X10, or choose a custom size
Choose the Right Size for Your Pergola
Determining the Optimal Outdoor Rug Size for an 8' x 8' Pergola
It's important to be mindful of the size of the furniture and rugs when designing a smaller pergola. To optimize the space, consider three common layouts: placing furniture fully on top of the rug, placing it partially atop the rug, or setting chairs just off the outskirts of the rug.
Rug Sizing Options Based on Three Layouts:
Take a look at these three different layouts to determine what rug sizes will work best for your space:
- Smaller sizes: 5X5, 4X6, or 3X5 rug
- Medium sizes: 6X6 SQUARE or ROUND rug
Determining the Ideal Outdoor Rug Size for a 10' x 10' Pergola
When it comes to designing your 10x10 pergola, there are three main layout options to consider: fully grounded, partial layering, and accenting. Depending on your chosen layout, your rug selection can range from an 8x8 to a 4x6 size.
Choosing the Right Rug Size and Shape for Your Space:
- SQUARE or ROUND
- 8x8 rug: Ideal for laying furniture fully atop the rug
- 5x7 rug: Perfect for partial layering
- 4x6 rug: Fits naturally in front of the furniture
Determining the Optimal Rug Size for a 16' x 16' Pergola
If you're planning to scale your pergolas to 16x16, remember the three layout options: accentuating, partial layering, and fully grounded. To anchor your entire space, opt for a larger rug and place your furniture on top of it. A good rule of thumb is to:
Different styles and sizes of rugs to consider:
- Fully Grounded: 14X14 ROUND/SQUARE
- Partial Layering: Sizes ranging from 10X10 to 12X12
- Accentuating: Consider sizes such as 9X9 or 8X10 to enhance your space.
Unique Shapes for a 16x20 Pergola
Rectangular pergolas offer a variety of options that differ from the square and round shapes suggested above. Although these shapes remain popular choices, square rugs, in particular, can be useful if you position your rug closer to one side of the pergola than the other.
- Fully Grounded: Opt for a 12X15 rug, the largest size commonly available, to balance out the larger space of your pergola.
- Layered: If you prefer a layered look, consider a smaller 10X14 or 9X12 rug.
Choosing a rug for a 20x20 Pergola
In symmetrical spaces, it's best to opt for the largest rug size possible. Then, arrange your seats, side tables, and other accents with the front legs resting on the edge of the rug or the rug entirely in front of the seats. This will bring a sense of harmony to your design.
Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Different Rug Sizes and Styles
Consider the following rug options to elevate the look of your outdoor pergola:
- Fully Grounded: for 12x15 rugs to complete the look of a 20x20 pergola.
- Layered: rugs work well in square or round shapes.
- Choose 12x12 rugs for a symmetrical aesthetic.
Choose the Right Size for Your Balcony
Setting up a balcony is similar to creating a pergola – leave approximately 18 inches of space around the perimeter to give your rug the opportunity to stand out.
- Balcony Sizes of 4x6-5x7: A 3X5 area rug is the perfect balance
- Larger Balconies: look at common options like 4X6 and 5X7 rugs
Choosing the Right Rug for Your Balcony Shape. The shape of your balcony should be taken into account when selecting a rug. For a square balcony, a square or circular rug would be ideal, whereas for a long narrow balcony, a runner would make more sense. Achieving a Balanced Balcony with the 18" Guideline
By adhering to the 18" guidelines, it's possible to create a harmonious and well-proportioned balcony.
Outdoor Rug Layouts
Creating an Optimal Space for Outdoor Dining you'll need a table and ample space to accommodate everyone while maintaining a visually appealing atmosphere. Here are some suggestions to ensure your outdoor dining area is perfect for family gatherings:
- Tables for 6: often placed on 8X10 rugs
- Tables for 8: often placed on 9X12 rugs
- Tables for 10+: sit on a 10X14 or 9X13 rug
Looking to add some coziness to your small outdoor space? Consider investing in an outdoor loveseat! To make it even more inviting, choosing the right rug can make all the difference. Start by assessing the size of your loveseat and decide if you want the rug in front of the seats or under the front legs. Typically, small loveseats are around 50 inches, so a 5-foot-long rug would be a perfect match.
Rug Material to Choose for Outdoor Spaces
Looking for the perfect outdoor rug material? Look no further than versatile polypropylene. With a variety of styles to choose from, including natural fiber looks and bold graphic patterns and colors, these rugs will elevate the aesthetic of any space. Plus, they're suitable for both indoor and outdoor use!
Benefits of Indoor/Outdoor Polypropylene Rugs:
Polypropylene rugs designed for indoor/outdoor use are perfect for families with kids or pets. They are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a practical option for any home.
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