When shopping for a mid-sized rug, you will frequently see both 5x7 and 5x8 options. While one extra foot in length might not sound like a dealbreaker, it can completely change how the rug interacts with your furniture. Choosing the wrong one can leave your room feeling either slightly cramped or awkwardly stretched.
In this guide, we will break down the exact differences between 5x7 and 5x8 rugs, how to measure your space, and which size is best for different rooms in your home.
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The 12-Inch Difference
A 5x7 rug covers 35 square feet. A 5x8 rug covers 40 square feet. That extra 5 square feet is entirely concentrated in the length of the rug.
If you have a standard 84-inch (7-foot) sofa, a 5x7 rug will perfectly align with the edges of the sofa. A 5x8 rug will extend 6 inches past the sofa on both sides. This subtle extension is often the key to making a room look professionally designed rather than just "furnished."
Which is Better for the Living Room?
In almost all living room scenarios, the 5x8 rug is superior.
Because living room furniture is usually arranged horizontally (a long sofa flanked by side tables), you need the extra length of a 5x8 to anchor the entire arrangement. If you use a 5x7, the side tables or accent chairs will often fall off the edge of the rug.
"Many manufacturers cut corners and label a 160x230cm rug as a 5x8. That is actually 5'3" x 7'6". Always read the exact inch dimensions before you buy to ensure you are getting the full 8 feet of length."
β Naheed Mir, Founder of RugKnots
Which is Better for the Bedroom?
In the bedroom, the winner depends on the size of your bed:
| Bed Size | Best Rug Size | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Bed | 5x7 | A 5x8 is often too long for a standard kids' room and will hit the opposite wall or closet door. |
| Full Bed | 5x7 or 5x8 | Both work well. Choose 5x8 if you want more rug showing at the foot of the bed. |
| Queen Bed | 5x8 | A Queen bed is 60 inches wide. A 5x8 rug placed horizontally leaves 18 inches of rug on each side. A 5x7 leaves only 12 inches. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 5x8 rug big enough for a dining table?
No. A 5x8 is too narrow. When chairs are pulled out, they will fall off the 5-foot edges. You need at least an 8x10 for a dining room.
Do 5x8 rugs cost more than 5x7s?
Usually, yes. Because they use more material, a 5x8 is typically 10% to 15% more expensive than a 5x7 of the exact same style.
Keep Exploring
Ready to find the perfect fit? Browse our curated collection of 5x8 area rugs.
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About RugKnots
RugKnots is a family-owned rug company based in Hagerstown, Maryland. Founded in 2010, we've spent over 14 years helping homeowners and designers find the right rug β from hand-knotted Persian heirlooms to durable machine-made everyday pieces. We hand-inspect every order before it ships, offer free U.S. shipping, and back every purchase with our 30-day return guarantee.
This article was written by our editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Our writers work directly with our buyers and customer-experience team, who handle thousands of rug questions every year. If you have a question this article didn't answer, reach out β a real human will get back to you within one business day.
