How to Choose the Ideal Outdoor Rug for Your Patio

As outdoor living spaces are considered in a way to be an extension of your home, you want to make them as cosy and beautiful as they can be. As a result, designing your ideal outdoor space can take just as much effort as designing your interior. From choosing the right set of outdoor furniture to repainting your facade, or adding a stylish outdoor rug, you have many things to consider. 

Because there are so many elements to think about, some people tend to see outdoor rugs as an afterthought or they even avoid using them altogether. This is quite a shame considering the potential that a rug can have. Just like in the interior, a well-chosen rug can give the outdoor area a new dynamic by setting the tone and enriching it with texture and cosiness.

In fact, designers know this very well which is why they often start from the rug and continue to decorate the space around. And as a result, outdoor carpets are quickly becoming an outdoor decor staple, with an abundance of designs available to give your outdoor space a distinctive look. If you’re reading this, chances are you too feel that a rug can be a welcome change in your outdoor area. So, to help you in your search, we’ve selected some of the best outside rugs for sale and tips on how to make a better purchase. 

Best Outdoor Rugs

Brighton Beige Multi Outdoor Patio Rug

If you’re looking for an outdoor rug constructed from tough and hard-wearing materials, this is just what you need. The Brighton rug is suitable both for indoor and outdoor use with a flatware surface that has a high low finish, giving this brand a distinctive and unique look. It can be easily cleaned with only cold water and mild soap. Designed with a water-resistant and easy-to-clean fabric, you will never have to worry about the weather or small spills. This rug also features an anti-slip backing.

Braided Jute Oval Rug

If you are on the hunt for a rug to complement a rustic outdoor table, then a braided Jute oval rug is a perfect choice. This rug features a perfect combination of raw style and durability that will bring to your outdoor space an effortless sophistication and distinctive look. Besides, its solid neutral colour will perfectly blend with your existing decor. 

Tropical Inspired Rug

You can define or liven up your outdoor living space with bright-coloured outside rugs that will create a comfy and inviting place to enjoy. Besides the most popular geometric, stripes and medallions, you can always opt for bolder designs featuring florals or tropical motifs. This way you can bring a summer vibe to your outdoor living space. A modern palm tree effect will also work well when paired with furniture and flowers, adding a cosy feel and soothing ambience. 

Thanks to its high-quality structure and easy-care polypropylene fabric, this rug is waterproof and UV resistant and doesn’t feature any harmful substances in its construction.

Features to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Rugs

Thanks to the modern advances in fabrication there are countless designs of rugs available that feature different designs, shapes, and colours. You only need to know which qualities to look out for to narrow down the vast majority of options. Let’s consider each one of them separately.

Material

Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor carpets are exposed to different weather conditions that can destroy the rug’s quality over time. However, you cannot completely prevent all those things from happening but you can choose a material that lasts longer and is durable. This way you can prevent fading and preserve your rug in good condition for much longer. 

Most outdoor carpets are stain-resistant and waterproof and are usually made from synthetic. Polypropylene is the most popular outdoor rug material, as it’s stain-resistant, won’t fade easily, and can handle well sun exposure and heavy foot traffic. The only downside is, that it’s highly flammable due to its chemical makeup, therefore you should be very careful to keep it away from possible heating places such as fire pits or grills. 

The other type of rugs is made from natural fibre mostly bamboo or sisal. Natural fibre rugs have an effortless and organic feel which makes them a dreamy addition to any outdoor space. They are a great choice for covered porches away from moisture. However, they aren’t very easy to maintain due to the easy formation of mildew which eventually destroys the natural fabric and causes the rug to start decomposing.

Size

Size is yet another factor you need to bear in mind. Where and how you intend to use the rug will dictate the best size to choose for your patio. If you want your patio to be fully covered you can opt for a larger rug that can go under the seatings and the table. For small outdoor places, you can reduce the size of the rug and choose a smaller design that frames the coffee table and holds at least two front legs of the sofa.

Budget

Well, making a change always requires an investment of some kind. So, understandably, considering your budget and how much you are willing to invest to beautify your outdoor living spaces, comes down to whether you want a more luxurious or modest-looking place. Some materials cost more which doesn’t always translate to better quality as well. 

Outside rugs are considered more or less disposable because the weather degrades them over time. The average cost of an 8×10 outside rug is around $125 and the price can get even higher depending on the style and construction you choose.

Maintenance

This feature is usually very much dependent on the choice of material you choose for your rug in the first place. When you buy a new rug you will most probably get an instruction list with recommendations by the manufacturer on how to properly maintain it. Some rugs require little to no maintenance, and you can easily clean them with either hose, scrub brush, or soap. You also need to make sure you sweep them regularly or shake them to remove any debris. 

Besides, they can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water or hosed off depending on the material. A good rule of thumb is to clean your rug monthly, or at the start of a new season. If you live in a colder climate area it’s important to store your rug during snowy winter months.

Shape

When deciding on the shape,  it’s good to think about the overall shape of your surrounding furniture and whether you like to imitate it or add a bit of contrast. Most outdoor rugs are available in a rectangle, square, or round shape. By choosing the right shape of the rug you can bring a polished and finished look to an otherwise bare patio or deck area. For instance, if your outdoor living area has a rectangular shape, placing a rug that has the same shape will usually fit well and have a calming effect.

Design

The rug is the most humble piece of outdoor furniture since it gets steeped on and becomes dirty from day one. For this reason, it’s always good to consider buying rugs in colourful designs and patterns that will not only bring vibrancy to your living space but also make it look more cleaner.