Outdoor rugs add an aesthetically pleasing accent to your outdoor space while, at the same time, they work well to keep dirt, dust, and weather-related moisture on the right side of the door and off of your interior flooring. Whether you're shopping for an outdoor area rug to spruce up your patio, or you're simply looking for something that family members and incoming guests can wipe their feet on before entering your home, it's important to look for rugs that offer both function and fashion to ensure the perfect combination of durability and aesthetic appeal. Follow these tips to find the ideal rug to suit your specific outdoor needs and home design preferences.
Choose Flat Weave Rugs That Stand Up to Heavy Foot Traffic
While fluffy rug styles are perfect for indoor use, outdoor rugs endure a fair share of foot traffic, so it's important to choose a rug that will maintain its shape and appearance after multiple outdoor soirees or a continual parade of guests and family members entering and exiting your home. Flat weave rugs are designed to shed less, which helps to minimize wear, and the tight construction offers both durability and stability underfoot.
Select Colors and Patterns That Blend with Your Existing Outdoor Design Scheme
If you're looking for a rug to place poolside or complement your patio furniture, choosing colors and patterns that mesh well with your outdoor decor helps ensure a uniform appearance and attractive design flow. To accentuate modern outdoor furnishings in white, black, or grey, consider a black or light blue chevron rug with white or cream contrasting stripes to place beneath a table or outdoor sofa, or to use as a runner along one side of the pool. If your patio table and chairs consist of natural wood, consider a solid color such as red, orange, or rust to create a welcoming contrast.
Consider Weather-resistant Rugs
Weather-resistant rugs are ideal if you plan to keep your rug outside year-round or if you live in a climate that is prone to moisture. To avoid mildew and mold buildup, choose a moisture proof rug with a backing that prevents rainwater or melted snow from pooling. For warmer climates, rugs with UV-resistant coating work well to protect the material from fading when exposed to excessive sun and heat.
Look for Rugs with Gripping Power
Gripping power is essential when it comes to keeping outdoor dirt and dust away from your indoor carpet, linoleum, or tile. Woven outdoor rugs constructed with jute or sisal naturally cling to debris on shoes and boots, so you don't have to worry about people tracking in the outdoors. Additionally, sisal and jute material rugs are extra-durable, which makes them perfect for placement in front of the door or in any other high-traffic area, such as the mudroom or back patio, where incoming guests or family members wipe their feet.
Decide On the Appropriate Size to Match Your Entryway or Patio Dimensions
When deciding on the appropriate size for your outdoor rug, it's important to choose dimensions that will complement your space but not overpower your design scheme. For patio coverage, circular rugs work well when placed beneath small tables or between two outdoor benches, while rectangular rugs help tie together outdoor furniture sets. For smaller areas such as the front steps or entrance into the home, choose smaller accent rugs or door mats that fit the space and provide optimal coverage but don't fall over the edges or create excessive bulk.
Pick Out Rugs That Are Easy to Maintain
While dirt buildup on outdoor rugs is unavoidable, the good news is that there are several weave and style options that allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. Stain-resistant rugs stand up to the elements and can easily be hosed down to remove loose debris, while hard fibers such as jute and bamboo are naturally resistant to dirt, which allows for minimal maintenance. Flat weave rugs are easy to spot-clean with either pre-moistened wipes or mild detergent and water, and they can also be treated with fabric protector spray to prevent stains from absorbing into the fibers.
