Quick answer: a 6x9 rug is 12 inches wider and 24 inches longer than a 5x7, and covers 54 square feet vs 35, or 54% more floor. Choose a 5x7 for rooms up to about 10x11 feet, loveseats and sofas up to 72 inches, and the foot of a queen bed. Choose a 6x9 for rooms about 10x12 to 11x13 feet, sofas up to 84 inches, and under a queen bed with room to step out on both sides.
- 5x7: 60 x 84 in, about 152 x 213 cm.
- 6x9: 72 x 108 in, about 183 x 274 cm.
- Neither works under a dining table for four; that needs an 8x10.
5x7 vs 6x9 Rug Dimensions Side by Side
| 5x7 rug | 6x9 rug | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feet | 5 x 7 ft | 6 x 9 ft | +1 ft wide, +2 ft long |
| Inches | 60 x 84 in | 72 x 108 in | +12 in, +24 in |
| Centimeters | 152 x 213 cm | 183 x 274 cm | +31 cm, +61 cm |
| Area | 35 sq ft | 54 sq ft | +19 sq ft (54% more) |
| Rug pad | about 4'10" x 6'10" | about 5'10" x 8'10" |
Yes, a 6x9 is bigger than a 5x7 in both directions, and the extra length matters more than the extra width. Those 24 inches are what let a rug run past both arms of a standard sofa or both sides of a queen bed. For the full picture of each size on its own, see our 5x7 size guide and 6x9 size guide.
Which Size Fits Your Room?
Leave 12 to 18 inches of floor between the rug and the walls (8 to 12 inches in a very small room). That gives these ranges:
| Room size | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to about 8x10 ft | 5x7 | A 6x9 would reach almost to the walls |
| 9x11 to 10x11 ft | 5x7, or 6x9 if the sofa is over 72 in | Let the furniture decide |
| 10x12 to 11x13 ft | 6x9 | A 5x7 starts to float |
| 12x14 ft and larger | Neither; an 8x10 or 9x12 | Both sizes look like islands |
5x7 vs 6x9 in the Living Room
The sofa decides it. A rug should run at least 6 inches past each arm, and the long side of either rug goes parallel to the sofa.
| Seating | On a 5x7 (84 in long) | On a 6x9 (108 in long) |
|---|---|---|
| 60-inch loveseat | 12 in each side: ideal | 24 in each side: room for a chair at each end |
| 72-inch apartment sofa | 6 in each side: works | 18 in each side: ideal |
| 84-inch standard sofa | 0 in: too small | 12 in each side: works |
| 90-inch sofa or sectional | Too small | Too small; go to 8x10 |
Depth matters too. At 60 inches deep, a 5x7 holds the sofa's front legs and a coffee table, but chairs go at the ends. The 72-inch depth of a 6x9 gives a little more room around the coffee table. For chairs facing the sofa with front legs on, you need an 8x10. If a 5x7 is on your shortlist, our guide on whether a 5x7 is big enough for a living room goes deeper.
5x7 vs 6x9 in the Bedroom
Turn either rug sideways so the long side runs across the bed, starting just below the nightstands. Here is how much rug shows on each side:
| Bed (width) | 5x7 (84 in across) | 6x9 (108 in across) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin (38 in) | 23 in: ideal | 35 in: generous |
| Full (54 in) | 15 in: works | 27 in: ideal |
| Queen (60 in) | 12 in: works, a little tight | 24 in: ideal |
| King (76 in) | 4 in: too small | 16 in: works; 8x10 looks fuller |
A 5x7 also works across the foot of a queen or king bed, under a bench. See more layouts in our bedroom rug size guide.
Can Either Go Under a Dining Table?
Rarely. Chairs need about 24 inches of rug past every table edge, so the rug must be the table's width plus 48 inches. A 5x7 (60 inches wide) only fits a 12-inch-wide table and a 6x9 (72 inches wide) a 24-inch table. That is a cafe table, not a dining table. A standard four-seat table needs an 8x10 or an 8-foot round rug; our dining room rug size guide has the full chart.
Cost, Weight and Pattern
- Cost: a 6x9 uses about 54% more material, so in the same design it usually costs noticeably more than the 5x7. A well-chosen 5x7 in the right room is better value than a 6x9 that crowds the walls.
- Weight: both are easy for one person to move, but neither fits a home washing machine unless it is sold as washable.
- Pattern: large center medallions are designed for bigger rugs and can look cropped on a 5x7. All-over, geometric and striped designs scale down well.
Quick Checklist: 5x7 or 6x9?
Pick the 6x9 if any of these are true:
- Your sofa is longer than 72 inches.
- The room is 10x12 feet or larger.
- You want 2 feet of rug on each side of a queen bed.
- You want chairs at both ends of the sofa with their front legs on the rug.
Otherwise the 5x7 is the better fit. If you are torn between the two, the in-between size is a 5x8: the width of a 5x7 with an extra foot of length. When in doubt, go bigger; a slightly large rug looks intentional.
Do the Tape Test
Mark both sizes on the floor with painter's tape: 60 x 84 inches for the 5x7, and 72 x 108 inches for the 6x9, sharing one corner. Place the furniture as it will sit and look at both outlines for a day. It takes ten minutes and saves a return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 6x9 bigger than 5x7?
How much bigger is a 6x9 than a 5x7?
Is a 5x7 rug too small?
Is a 6x9 rug too small for a living room?
Is a 6x9 rug good for a full bed?
What size is between a 5x7 and a 6x9?
About RugKnots
RugKnots is a family-owned rug company in Hagerstown, Maryland, importing and selling hand-knotted rugs since 1987. We hand-inspect every order, offer free U.S. shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Questions? Reach out and a real person will reply within one business day.
