Have you ever decorated a room and felt like there was just something missing? The truth is that the right rug is one of the easiest ways to tie a room together. This goes for your outdoor spaces too.
An outdoor rug can make a patio, deck, or porch feel more comfortable and complete. It can define a seating area, add color and texture, and help your outdoor furniture feel like part of one intentional space.
But choosing the right outdoor rug takes more than finding a pattern you like. You also need to think about weather exposure, materials, size, placement, and how the space will be used. Read on as we explore how to narrow down your options and choose an outdoor rug that fits your home.
1) First, Start With Where the Rug Will Go
Before comparing colors or materials, think about where the rug will be used, and ask yourself the questions below. These questions are critically important since an outdoor rug on a screened-in porch may not need the same weather resistance as one placed on a fully exposed deck.
- Will the rug get direct sun?
- Will it sit on an uncovered patio or deck?
- Is the space screened-in or covered by a roof, canopy or gazebo?
- Is the area exposed to regular rain and humidity?
- Will it sit beneath a dining set or a seating area?
- Will children or pets use the space often?
The more sun, rain, and foot traffic the rug will face, the more important durability becomes. This is especially relevant here in North Georgia, where outdoor furnishings are typically exposed to strong sun, high humidity, seasonal pollen, and sudden rain showers.
2) Choose The Material That Best Fits Your Space
Outdoor rugs are most commonly made from synthetic materials because they generally handle moisture, stains, and sunlight better than many natural fibers.
Polypropylene (i.e. Olefin)
Polypropylene, sometimes called olefin, is one of the most common outdoor rug materials. It is also a popular choice for outdoor and performance upholstery. It is often chosen for outdoor rugs and fabrics because it:
- Resists moisture
- Is relatively easy to clean
- Handles stains well
- Is available in many colors and patterns
- Can work in exposed outdoor areas
Polypropylene rugs can vary in softness and construction, so it is still worth seeing and feeling one before buying.
Polyester
Polyester outdoor rugs are often soft and colorful. Many offer good resistance to stains and fading, although performance can vary by product. Polyester may work well for:
- Covered patios
- Outdoor lounge areas
- Poolside spaces
- Shoppers who want a softer feel
Some polyester rugs are made with recycled materials, although that depends on the specific product.
Jute, Sisal, or Seagrass
Natural-fiber rugs made from materials such as jute, sisal or seagrass can bring warmth and texture to a space, but they are usually less suitable for fully exposed outdoor areas. These materials may absorb moisture and can be more vulnerable to mildew or deterioration when they stay damp.
They are generally best suited for:
- Screened porches
- Sunrooms
- Covered spaces protected from rain
- Low-moisture areas
For the look of a natural-fiber rug with easier outdoor care, consider a synthetic rug designed to resemble jute or sisal.
3) Look for Outdoor-Friendly Features
While it’s important to shop rugs made specifically for outdoor spaces, please keep in mind that not every rug labeled “outdoor” performs the same way. Depending on where the rug will be used, be sure to prioritize features such as:
- Moisture resistance
- Fade resistance
- Mildew resistance
- Easy-clean construction
- Breathable or open-weave backing
- Compatibility with an outdoor rug pad
Keep in mind that terms such as “fade-resistant” or “weather-resistant” do not mean a rug is immune to sun, moisture, or wear. Even outdoor rugs benefit from proper placement and care. In other words, even dedicated outdoor rugs can mold, fade, fray, or wear out if neglected or left to the elements.
4) Choose the Right Rug Size
A rug that is too small can make an outdoor furniture arrangement feel disconnected. Meanwhile, the right size helps pull the space together.
Before shopping, be sure to measure:
- All furnishings that will near or on the rug
- The dimensions of the furnished parts of the patio, deck, or porch
- Any door openings or walkways, including those between furniture pieces
When considering different rug sizes, an easy tip we recommend is to use painter’s tape to outline possible rug sizes on the floor before buying.
Rug Sizing for Outdoor Seating Areas
For an outdoor seating area, there are two common arrangements.
Option 1: All Furniture Legs on the Rug
With a large enough rug, it is possible to fit a sofa, chairs, coffee table, or other pieces entirely on the rug. This tends to create the clearest sense of a defined outdoor room, however, it also requires more space and a larger rug.
Option 2: Front Furniture Legs on the Rug
Alternatively, a more flexible option is to place only the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug. This still connects the furniture visually while allowing you to use a smaller rug. Whichever approach you choose, the rug should feel large enough to support the entire furniture grouping rather than float beneath the coffee table by itself.
Rug Sizing for Outdoor Dining Areas
Just like inside the home, a dining rug should be large enough for the dining chairs to remain on the rug when they are pulled away from the table and in use. As a general starting point, measure the table and allow roughly 24 inches of additional rug space around it. This gives diners room to move their chairs without catching the rug’s edge.
Always check the actual placement in your space, especially if your dining area is close to walls, railings, doors, or other furniture.
Consider Any Unusual or Narrow Spaces
Not every outdoor area is a simple square or rectangle. For instance, for a narrow balcony, a runner or smaller rug beneath a bistro set may be enough to define the space.
By contrast, for a large patio with separate dining and seating areas, two rugs may work better than one oversized rug. Round rugs can also work well beneath round tables or anywhere you want to soften strong angles.
5) Consider Your Existing Outdoor Furniture and Home Exterior
Once you have narrowed things down by your patio space’s intended use, spatial limitations, and degree of weather exposure, it’s finally time to dive into the fun stuff like colors and patterns.
To make sure your new outdoor rug will fit with your existing furniture and your home’s exterior, always consider:
- The color of your home’s siding, brick, and deck or patio surface
- Your existing outdoor upholstery
- Your existing patio furniture finishes
- Nearby plants and landscaping
- The general style of your home
Depending on your approach, you either want to choose a rug that can blend seamlessly with those elements, or contrast with them as an accent. For a quieter look, choose colors already present in the space. For more visual interest, use the rug to introduce an accent color or pattern. Because outdoor furnishings are often exposed to dirt, pollen, and traffic, keep in mind that medium tones and patterned designs may be more forgiving than very light, solid colors.
Bonus: More Outdoor Rug FAQs
Do I Need an Outdoor Rug Pad?
Another question we hear from shoppers is whether they should consider an outdoor rug pad. Under the right circumstances, an outdoor rug pad can offer several benefits.
Outdoor rug pads may help:
- Add cushioning
- Reduce slipping
- Keep the rug in place and more stable
- Improve the airflow beneath the rug, allowing for quicker drying
Since outdoor rug pads can vary by material and manufacturer, be sure to confirm that any pad you’re considering is designed for outdoor use and is appropriate for whatever surface is beneath it. This is especially important on wood decking or other surfaces where trapped moisture may cause discoloration, damage, or accumulation of mold, mildew or fungus.
How Do I Care for My Outdoor Rug?
Perhaps one of our most common FAQs we hear from shoppers regarding their outdoor rugs, is how to clean and care for them. So much so, we’ve written a dedicated article answering How to Clean and Care for an Outdoor Rug.
Can I Use an Outdoor Rug on a Wooden Deck?
Outdoor rugs can be used on most wood decks.
However, it is very important that water not be allowed to sit trapped beneath it. The easiest way to ensure this, is to place outdoor rugs on wood decks only where there is some cover from rain and other elements. Additionally, look for a rug made with breathable construction, and avoid assuming that every backing material is safe for every deck surface.
After heavy rain, make sure to lift the rug or allow air to circulate beneath it. You should also follow the care recommendations for both the rug and the deck finish. For more detailed guidance on this process, don’t miss How to Clean and Care for an Outdoor Rug.
The Recap: Final Thoughts on Outdoor Rugs
The right outdoor rug should fit your space, support your furniture arrangement, and hold up reasonably well under the conditions it will face.
Start with the practical questions:
- Where will the rug go?
- How exposed will it be?
- What material suits that location?
- What size works with the furniture?
- How much upkeep are you comfortable with?
Once you honestly assess those questions and narrow your options down, choosing a color, pattern, and the rug itself becomes so much easier.
Looking for help making that decision? Our team at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet can help you compare outdoor rugs, indoor rugs, patio furniture, accessories and more in person so you can choose pieces that work best in your space. Come see us today at any of our North Georgia furniture and mattress store locations.
