11 Great Outdoor Rugs for an Easy Summer Refresh
Interior designers share their top picks for small spaces, mess-prone areas, and more
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Furnishing an outdoor space typically begins with potted plants, a surface for drinks or meals, and a comfortable place to sit. But before you call the setup complete, layer in an outdoor rug for the perfect finishing touch.
A rug will anchor the living area while also providing an opportunity to bring in personality with comfort underfoot, says Rochelle Lee, an interior designer.
To start, assess the surface the rug will sit on. Choosing the correct rug fiber is key, and the most common options are natural fibers and recycled polyester or polypropylene. Natural fiber rugs made from cotton or jute can have a more relaxed and organic feel. But they tend to retain moisture, which limits their longevity. Synthetic materials, including recycled polyester or polypropylene, will allow the rug to repel moisture while resisting mildew and can be easily cleaned, Lee says. It’s a great option to consider if you’re working with a concrete balcony or a wood deck. (Read more on what makes a good outdoor rug.)
Even though we’re well into summer, we still have months of outdoor living ahead of us, so now is a good time as any to invest in this staple. We turned to interior designers to learn more about their favorite outdoor area rugs. Here are their top picks.
Mess-Prone Areas
The outdoors can get, well, messy. And debris, natural or otherwise, is a familiar sight. Helicopter seeds, fallen leaves, and anything else the wind sends through will often find their way to your setup. A patterned rug with a busy motif can help with that.
Designer Larina Kase says patterns are prime for hiding dirt and stains, while rugs without fringe are generally easier to keep clean. Anyone who’s ever tried to vacuum a rug with tassels can attest to that.
Climate is another factor to consider when selecting an outdoor area rug. For example, a light-colored version may not be the best choice if you live in a region (such as the Northeast) where yellow/green pollen can be prevalent.
Jaipur Living Polaris Rug
According to Marlene Friedberg of Marlene Interiors & Design, polypropylene is the best all-around choice for outdoor rugs because it’s UV-resistant, which makes it less likely to fade quickly, and it’s easy to clean. Most high-quality outdoor rugs are made of this material, and it can be budget-friendly, the designer says.
This indoor-outdoor rug from Jaipur Living is ideal for patios, balconies, and pool areas. Minor stains can be treated with mild soap, and the rug can be rinsed clean with a garden hose.
Momeni Riviera Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, 8'x10'
Made from 100% yarn-dyed polypropylene, this patterned rug is available in eight sizes and features a synthetic latex backing.
Bunny Williams Cleo Navy Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3'x5'
For those who aren’t afraid of a bold print, the Cleo rug is not to be missed. This handmade rug is made of washable polyester fiber and is available in six sizes and two colors.
Ballard Designs Lakin Performance Rug, 8'x10'
The Lakin performance rug is reversible and available in three sizes. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas and can also be used indoors.
A Splash of Color
The designers we spoke with shared the same sentiment: An outdoor rug is an ideal way to add texture and personality to a space.
Kase has a penchant for patterns and advocates for going bold. Consider a blue and green rug accented by pink and orange flowers or the two-toned Marimekko rug featured below. The color wheel is your oyster. “Pops of color are so much fun outside, where you won’t get tired of the bright color as you might in your everyday space,” she says.
Marimekko Papajo Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 5'x8'
Available in two bold hues and four sizes, this cheeky accent piece is part of a collaboration with the Finnish design house Marimekko. The shed-resistant rug is made from recycled polyester and is handwoven.
Annie Selke Fiesta Stripe French Blue/Green Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 3'x5'
Lee loves this patterned rug for its distinctively coastal feel. The reversible rug is UV-treated for fade resistance and is currently available in three distinct shapes and sizes.
Grassy Areas and Covered Patios
While the idea of a brightly patterned rug layered on grass may seem good in theory, Lee advises against it. Any sort of fiber set on the ground (natural or not) will prevent airflow, trap moisture, and eventually lead to mold and mildew. Instead, opt for temporary use, perhaps for social gatherings.
If you do choose to go in that direction, Friedberg suggests opting for rugs made from recycled plastic, which is often noted as PET or polyethylene terephthalate. According to the designer, rugs made from this material are often naturally fade-resistant, lightweight, and very easy to clean. (They can be hosed off, and they dry quickly.)
Jaipur Living Revelry Rug, 5'x8'
Friedberg recommends this two-toned indigo rug from Jaipur Living. It’s made from PET yarn, which gives it a natural fiber feel and is prime for grassy areas, patios, and impromptu picnics. It’s available in a variety of sizes, including a runner that’s 2 feet, 6 inches by 8 feet.
Jaipur Living Respite Rug, 5'x8'
If you’re looking for an outdoor rug for a covered patio or a space with moderate sun exposure, Friedberg recommends this handwoven polyester rug. It’s softer underfoot compared with a rug made from polypropylene, and it’s relatively fade- and water-resistant. That said, rugs made from this material tend to absorb more moisture and may not be as durable as polypropylene, so bear that in mind when deciding where it will live.
Small Spaces
Regardless of how confined your outdoor space may be, there are still opportunities to layer in this decorative staple. Stripes can be a great way to visually extend an area, such as a narrow balcony. They’re also prime for making a space look larger. People with tiny patios take note.
Scale also plays an important role in tight quarters, so don’t be afraid to experiment with shape and size. For example, a long balcony can benefit from a runner or two smaller rectangular rugs if the space allows it.
Here are a few designers picks for small spaces.
Hauteloom Idana Outdoor Area Rug, 5'3"x7'
This medium-pile polypropylene rug features a subtle stripe pattern with just the right touch of texture. It’s available in three sizes, including a runner.
Surya Rakesh Outdoor Printed Rug, 2'7"x12'
This printed rug is available in a wide array of shapes and sizes (including runners, oval, and round) and offers just the right touch of color and pattern.
CB2 Diver San Ribbed Handwoven Performance Indoor/Outdoor Runner Rug, 2.5'x8'
If less is more is your design ethos, this minimalist outdoor rug is one to consider. Choose from three shades (black, sand, and neutral) and a variety of sizes.
An outdoor area rug is more than just a decorative detail; it’s also functional. It provides a soft landing pad against, say, a concrete surface, and can help tie the elements of a space together. “Like an indoor living room, an outdoor space feels more finished and personalized with an area rug,” says Kelsey Clark, design editor of Havenly, a virtual interior design service.
Last but not least, don’t forget to invest in a rug pad. They can be crucial in preventing slips and trip hazards.
