Outdoor Rugs

Your One-stop Outdoor Rug Guide

When the sun’s finally out, it’s time to start thinking about decorating outdoor spaces in your home. Whether it’s a deck, patio, porch, or a small balcony, every bit of that real estate can be turned into an outdoor oasis that’s perfect for entertaining, leisure reading, or simply enjoying a glass of wine (or two). We’ve got a few tips for you—with no need for renovation.

Set the Mood with an Outdoor Rug

A rug is an important element in your outdoor decor. Outdoor rugs set the mood and tone of the space while protecting your furniture and your floor. “An outside rug is a game-changer,” says Interior Designer Jessa Schulz. “It definitely completes any space! To keep the theme cohesive, we went with a neutral patio carpet that blends with our furniture but still adds a lot of depth and texture to our sitting area.”

Take Design Cues From Your Surroundings

If you’re not sure where to start with your decoration, we’ve got one simple advice: look around you. Get design inspiration from what you already have.  “Before decorating our space, I try to find a color scheme to base everything around,” explains Jess. “We have a dark exterior, rich wood beam, and a concrete pad. Therefore, dark and rustic is one of our primary focuses. I like to keep things neutral and serene. You can always add a piece of character using outdoor rugs for your deck and patio.”

Don’t be Afraid to Layer

Depending on the overall design of your outdoor living area, your space might be quite large. In these cases, don’t be afraid to choose multiple rugs for your outdoor space and layer them. Sometimes, even two of the same rug with some space between them can be a very striking design element.

Incorporate Nature

In outdoor spaces, you have some unique design options that you just can’t find indoors. If your deck has a nice view, feel free to tone the rug and outdoor decor down to let nature take the spotlight. Pair a couple of square outdoor rugs and spice it up with some plants perhaps?

You can Think Outside the Box

Although these are called outside rugs, there is no absolute in where you can use them. Because they’re made to endure the outdoors, you can also use them where you need your rug to hold up against some stress: A kitchen where spillage might be an issue or an antre where your rug would have to face a lot of shoe soles.

You Can Lean More on the Practical Side Either

Sometimes we may rest our feet on areas our eyes do not necessarily meet. Under dinner tables, for one, might be a nifty touch that would add an element of exclusivity to your dining area.  If you are thinking about using an outdoor rug under your outdoor dining table, make sure it is big enough to pull a chair out from the table without the legs being off the rug.

When thinking about outdoor rugs, most people picture something like a welcome mat. Welcome mats have their function, but outdoor rugs can come in a variety of chic and useful styles. Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are made from materials and techniques that can handle the elements. To help understand the variety of outdoor rugs, here’s everything you need to know about outdoor rugs. 

Outdoor Rugs: What to do and what not to do? 

• Do find an outdoor rug style that complements the outside furniture and décor.
• Do use a rug pad with your outdoor rug.
• Do think about the size and shape you want.
• Do choose an outdoor rug that accents the space it’s going to inhabit.
• Do make sure the front legs of all your outdoor furniture can be placed on the outdoor rug.

• Do not bring your indoor rug outside.
• Do not be afraid to choose an outdoor rug that offers color. Patterns can be a perfect pick too.
• Do not shop for an outdoor rug before measuring the area you have in mind for the rug.

Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are made from materials that can withstand the outdoor elements, which is why indoor rugs should not be brought outside. Because of these durable materials, they also hold up well in high-traffic areas.

Man-made materials like polypropylene and polyester are top picks for outdoor rugs as well. Polypropylene rugs are very durable and stain resistant. Most polypropylene outdoor rugs are 100 percent UV resistant and can be dyed with vibrant patterns and colors. Polypropylene rugs are a comfy choice and come with a very affordable price tag.

Final Tips

Shopping for an outdoor rug is just as much fun as an indoor rug. Outdoor rugs can be as stylish and chic as indoor rugs and unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs can do double duty and often don’t have a high price tag. To make sure your outdoor rugs last, keep these final tips in mind.

• Choose the right material for your outdoor area. Synthetic fibers are the best pick for open areas since they dry quickly and don’t mind moisture. Natural fibers are sturdy and sustainable, but some can’t handle the rain, making them a great choice for covered porches, patios and gazebos.
• Make sure to purchase a rug pad. Rug pads are a flooring essential whether the floor is inside or outside. They help prolong the life of any rug.
• Clean up spills as soon as the liquid hits the rug. Always check the rug’s individual care information, but usually, a mild solution of dish detergent and water will take care of spills.
• Hang outdoor rugs in the sun to dry after a rainstorm or wash. Be sure both sides are completely dry before putting them back.
• Leaf blowers are handy for getting rid of dirt and other outdoor debris.
• Clean and store rugs before the snow season if you live in snow-prone areas. Always clean a rug before you store, and wrap it in plastic to keep unwanted pests from moving in.