How To Choose the Best Outdoor Rug
The right rug defines an outdoor living space and enhances the aesthetic of a patio, deck, or porch. It offers comfort underfoot, but also protects surfaces from damage and adds an element of safety to prevent slipping on a slick hardscape. With so many materials, patterns, and shapes available, choosing the right rug to enhance your space can be challenging. Consult this helpful guide to learn more about rug placement, fabrics, and styles so you can choose the best rug for your patio, deck, or other outdoor living area.
How To Size an Outdoor Rug
Choose the largest rug your outdoor space will accommodate; a rug too small will look awkward, pose a tripping hazard, and make maneuvering patio furniture more difficult. A rug placed under a patio table or outdoor conversation set should fit under all of the furniture, not just a portion of it, and extend past the seating or dining area by at least six inches. For an accent rug to use under a coffee or end table, choose a size that extends two inches beyond the furniture. Measure the outdoor space and add the appropriate number of inches all around to achieve the perfect size.
The Best Outdoor Rug Fabrics
When deciding between synthetic and non-synthetic fabrics, think about where you’ll place the rug. Non-synthetic fabrics and blends, including cotton, sisal, and jute, look natural and outdoorsy, but they’re subject to fading and can trap moisture from rain or humidity. The best place for a non-synthetic rug is in a covered area out of the elements.
Outdoor rugs made in synthetic fabrics are typically more durable than rugs made in natural materials and can survive heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, moisture, and spills. The most popular synthetic materials for an outdoor rug include:
Polypropylene – This synthetic is easy to clean, resists stains and fading, and it’s tough enough to endure heavy use.
- Well suited for: rainy or humid climates
- Best place to put it: under a patio dining table or outdoor bistro set
- Avoid: placing near a grill or fire pit, as plastic-composed polypropylene is highly flammable
Polyester – Available in an array of hues to match outdoor décor, polyester rugs generally resist fading and retain their color beautifully.
- Well suited for: dry climates and enclosed porches
- Best place to put it: under a chat or patio conversation set
- Avoid: placing in an outdoor dining area; polyester is stain-resistant, but oil and grease are difficult to remove.
Nylon – Outdoor rugs made in nylon are easy to clean, stain- and fade-resistant, and super durable.
- Well suited for: high-traffic areas
- Best place to put it: walkways and entryways
- Avoid: leaving a nylon rug in direct sunlight for long periods; keep it cool in the shade to avoid burning human feet and pet paws.
Outdoor Rug Shapes & Styles
The most typical shapes are round, square, and rectangular, but outdoor rugs are also available in hexagonal, oval, and other non-standard shapes.
- Define an outdoor dining or seating area with a large square or rectangular carpet.
- Place a round rug under a small table or patio daybed in the same shape.
- Use a rectangular runner on a narrow balcony or veranda.
Outdoor rug patterns run the gamut from distressed oriental to bold chevron. Colors range from ivory to black and include pastels, brights, and neutrals. Choose the best rug style for your outdoor area based on the colors, patterns, and themes that complement your décor.
- Choose an oversized palm or floral pattern in varying shades of blue, green, and cream for a coastal or Boho-chic deck.
- If your outdoor furniture is bright and colorful, neutral gray, beige, or navy will complement the area without overwhelming it.
- An outdoor rug with a trellis, Greek key, or Moroccan motif makes a stunning focal point for global patio décor.
- Choose a kilim-style weave or classic stripes for elegance in an outdoor setting with a traditional theme.
- A solid or natural herringbone pattern suits an outdoor area where the focal point is anything but the rug.
- For uncomplicated or neutral outdoor décor, a bold green, red, or multi-colored rug provides a cheerful pop of color.
Now that you know how to choose the best outdoor rug or carpet for an outdoor space, explore our tips, advice and ideas about other home décor.
