While an indoor rug can be the focal point of your living room, an outdoor rug is just as important for your backyard or patio, especially now that the weather’s getting warm enough for us to enjoy it. ‘An outdoor rug is an essential for the warmer months, as it can give your outdoor space a cohesive look, section off corners, and simply add some coziness underfoot,’ says New York City-based interior designer Sasha Drozdetski of Sasha Marie Interiors. ‘It can also serve as the major centerpiece of a patio or backyard, bringing extra color into the mix.’
When picking an outdoor rug, Sasha says to be mindful of three things: your personal style, the size of your space, and the materials used. ‘You want to make sure your outdoor living space is an extension of your indoors, so match styles accordingly,’ she says. ‘For sizing, make sure at least six inches of space is open on all sides and your furniture sits comfortably on top of the rug, or else it’ll look too small.’
Finally, per materials, the best options are polyester or polypropylene, because they’re easier to clean and tend to be more durable than natural materials like jute. (If you need more tips, make sure to read our guide on how to clean an outdoor rug.) Alternate synthetics include nylon and acrylic, and although all rugs aren’t water-resistant, some performance fabrics are: You just have to check the labels.
However, doing all this research absolutely takes a lot of work, which is why I’ve made the process as easy for you as possible. Here are my favorite rugs for the outdoors, from bright maximalist looks to modern farmhouse styles, so you’re absolutely guaranteed to find the option that works best for you.
Made of handwoven polyester for a weather-resistant option, this pretty rug uses geometric patterns in varying shades of blue and white for a coastal vibe.
Material: Polyester
Available sizes: 2’x3’, 3’x5’, 8’x10’, 5’x8’, 9’x12’, 2.5’x9’
This rug attempts a modern take on the traditional Chinese yin and yang symbol, and has been designed to bring balance to your home. The 100% polyester material provides extra durability.
Material: Polyester
Available sizes: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
Created by Nigerian architect Mariam Issoufou of Atelier Masomi, this rug features black recycled polyester in a jacquard weave, with a contrasting warm white design inspired by traditional Moroccan rugs.
Material: Recycled polyester
Available sizes: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
This gorgeous distressed rug has been designed to mimic traditional Oriental designs, and the nature-inspired patterns blend tons of colors together for a unique look.
Material: Polypropylene
Available sizes: 2’x8’, 5’x7’, 8’x10’
While you might be tricked into believing this rug has been made of jute, that’s just an illusion: Instead, this handwoven number is all polypropylene, but the neutral tones and natural weaving will fool just about anybody.
Material: Polypropylene
Available sizes: 2’x3
Was $289.99, now $115.99 at Wayfair
With entertaining season almost here, this indoor-outdoor rug is the perfect buy for guests. The clean-lined double border adds a contemporary feel to both your living room and patio.
Material: Polypropylene plastic
Available sizes: 5’x7’, 8’x10’, 4’x6’, 6’x9’, 9’x12’, 10’x13’11
Was $276, now $169.99 at Target
This Moroccan-inspired rug is available in pretty much any size you desire, so you’re bound to find an option that’ll fit well in your space. It has a hand-drawn feel as well, which lends a comforting touch.
Material: Polypropylene
Available sizes: 7’6”x10’9”, 11’x15’, 2’x10’, 2’x12’, 2’x8’, 3’x4’, 3’x5’, 3’9”x5’7”, 8’6”x11’, 6’x9’, 10’, 6’3”x9’, 5’3”x7’6”, 10’x13’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 10’x14’, 6’3”x9’2”, 8’6”x13’, 7’6”, 3’x5’3”, 7’7”x10’10”, 3’9”x6’3”
Justina Blakeney’s tropical styles are a must for the summer, and this outdoor option boasts a magical jungle-inspired motif filled with flora and fauna. The burst of vibrant yellows, oranges, pinks, teals, and greens will add so much joy to your space in an instant.
Material: Polyester with a polyurethane coating
Available sizes: 2.5’x7’, 2.5’x10’, 3’x5’, 5’x7’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
Need a trip to Italy soon? Well, the next best thing is purchasing this sunny yellow rug, complete with breezy white horizontal stripes for interest and summer vibes.
Material: 80% polypropylene, 20% polyester
Available sizes: 4’x6’, 5’x7’, 6’x9’, 7’x10’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
Picking the best outdoor rug for your space can be a little tricky, especially as you navigate interior design trends, your own personal style, and the size of your space. However, these picks have all been selected with durability and style in mind, which should help make your search just a little easier.
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