Comfortable and stylish outdoor area rugs will help you get your outdoor area ready for summer. They make your outdoor pool pop and give barefoot or sandal-footed guests a soft place to rest their feet.
What Materials are Good for Outdoor Rugs?
People who live in a humid climate and keep furniture and rugs on their porch or balcony all year should invest in a moisture-proof rug to avoid mold and mildew. These rugs contain a backing that stops moisture and rainwater from ruining the material. Use a rug with a UV-resistant, protective coating to stop fading from excess sunlight.
Look for rug pads to protect area rugs placed on your porch. Rugs will shift when your dog runs in and out of the house, or when you hurry outside to retrieve packages. A rug pad will keep the material in place, and ensure it retains its shape.
Worried about visitors tracking in dirt from outside? Consider jute or sisal rugs, which may soak in debris or dirt. These natural fiber rugs are excellent for back porches and mudrooms. They provide a place for people to wipe their feet before they come inside, and are easy to clean. Consider a bamboo rug if you need a rug close to your pool. Bamboo area rugs are hypoallergenic and resist water and mold.
Although jute and sisal rugs are fine as doormats, synthetic rugs are best for patios, balconies and larger spaces.
Using Synthetic Rugs for Your Outdoor Space
Olefin, acrylic and polypropylene rugs are equipped to withstand rain, sun and mildew. These synthetic rugs last for years without showing any damage. They’re easy to clean, too. They usually require spot cleaning with mild solution and regular cleaning with water. Synthetic materials will keep their colors even when exposed to lots of sunlight and heat. The colors won’t fade or bleed into each other. Use a man-made area rug as an anchor under furniture and change cushions and pillows as needed to maintain the look you want.
You’ll find thousands of rugs made with polypropylene and other synthetic materials at affordable prices. These man-made area rugs come in every conceivable size, style and pattern. Most synthetic rugs are as soft as wool or other natural materials. You can also choose rugs that blend natural and synthetic materials.
Cleaning Synthetic Area Rugs
Follow the cleaning suggestions on the rug label or manufacturer’s website. You can make your own spot cleaner using a quart of lukewarm water and a teaspoon of white vinegar or use a mild commercial detergent.
You may have to deal with spilled drinks if you have an outdoor entertainment area. Pour baking soda or salt on the spill to remove the stain. The crystals will soak up the liquid. Use a hand vacuum to get rid of the remaining baking soda after the liquid has dried.
Styles and Weaves
Low pile, flatweave rugs are a great choice because they can endure lots of foot traffic and retain their shape. Flatweave rugs will resist wear and tear from outdoor parties and the elements.
Look for patio or balcony rugs that match your hammock, chairs or other furniture. You’ll also want your rugs to fit in with the textures of planters or outdoor lighting. Use red, orange or rust color rugs as a contrast to natural wood furniture. If you have a chrome table and chairs, use a grey and white striped rug to complement the pieces.
Sizes and Shapes
Outdoor rugs are available in many sizes, just like indoor area rugs. Measure your patio or balcony to determine the right size for your rug. If the area measures 4’x6′-5’x7′, use a 3’x5′ rug. A 6’x9′-7’x10′ area needs a 5’x8′ rug, and a 9’x11′-10’x12′ area needs an 8’x10′ rug. A 10’x13′-11’x14′ area needs a 9’x12′ rug, and an 11’x16′-12’x17′ area needs a 12’x14′ rug. Allow 30″ from the edge of a dining room table to the edge of a rug, so guests can safely pull chairs in and out from under the table. Make sure the front legs of your furniture are underneath the rug’s edges if you use your patio or balcony as a conversation or living area.
Find a rug shape that complements the style and shape of your furniture. Use round rugs under round furniture (or near doorways), and rectangular rugs under rectangular sets. Oval rugs are appropriate for halls and entranceways. Half-circle “wedge” rugs are usually placed in doorways and look great in a flush position against a wall. Narrow runners are great for balconies or outdoor walkways. Leave 2″-24″ free from the perimeter of your patio to the rug’s edges. The extra space lets people walk around the rug/furniture and will make your patio seem larger.
