Outdoor rugs bring a high level of visual intrigue, perfectly matching with outdoor furniture and the materials of your landscape and home. Outdoor rugs can also often be used in indoor settings as well. They are ideal for entryways, mud rooms, kitchens and more. There is no rule that says if you find an outdoor rug you absolutely love, that you can’t use it anywhere you like (of course, the same cannot be said for indoor rugs which will fall apart quickly when exposed to the elements). In this article, we’ll cover questions people have about outdoor rugs as well as our recommendations for the best quality brands. Let’s dive into the world of outdoor rugs!

What Material Is Used For Outdoor Rugs?

In order to hold up against precipitation, wind, debris, and harsh UV light, your outdoor rug needs to be made of a durable material. In fact, there are few overlaps in rug material types between indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor rugs are typically made of fiber, synthetic fiber, jute, sisal, shag, hide, hessian fabric, and chenille fabric. These are materials that are not designed for outdoor living. By contrast, outdoor rugs are made with materials that can repel water or stains while still remaining comfortable and attractive. Let’s cover some of the most common materials for outdoor rugs:

Jute

Jute is a fiber that’s made of the stem of the family of Malvaceae plants, which has actually been used for thousands of years around the world to weave burlap sacks and many more household items including mats and rugs. It’s a strong and hardy material, but it is best used in a semi-protected location since it can become damp and attract mold if continually exposed to water. It can also fade in direct sunlight over long periods of time, although that natural patina may be desirable. Jute makes a very comfortable outdoor rug as long as it is protected from direct weather.

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic material that is used all around the world in a wide variety of applications including clothing and of course rugs. It is known for its resistance to stains and unless it’s out in direct sunlight for several years, it will hold its color exceptionally well. While nylon is not a sustainable material, its long lifespan can make it almost as eco-friendly as natural materials that break down and need replacing more frequently. When used as an outdoor rug, nylon is a great material that can handle the demands of a walkway, patio entry, outdoor kitchen, and other high-traffic areas.

Polyester

Another synthetic material that has many applications, polyester is known for its durability and versatility. You can find polyester in practically any color or combination. Like nylon, polyester holds its color better than many other materials which makes it ideal for sunny locations. While polyester will not be affected by water or water-soluble spills, it doesn’t fare very well with oil-based stains. Keep your polyester outdoor rug in areas where you don’t expect to eat, to reduce the risk of stains from oil-based food and condiments.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic material widely used around the world for outdoor rugs and for good reason. It lasts a long time, resists moisture, doesn’t lose its color to the sunlight, and is completely stain-resistant. There is one downside, however: polypropylene doesn’t hold up very well to areas of high foot traffic so it’s much better used in a lounge area. While it’s not a naturally sourced and sustainable material, a polypropylene outdoor rug will improve your outdoor living space for years to come.

Sisal

Another completely natural and sustainable fiber, sisal is made from a type of agave plant. The fibers are used in all sorts of applications including baling twine, door mats, and outdoor rugs. Like jute, it has the tendency to become damp and attract mold and it will fade in direct sunlight. This makes it another material that does best in covered patios and pavilions, but not underneath the open sky.

Which Outdoor Rug Material Is Best?

There’s no perfect rug for every outdoor living space. Factor in exposure to the elements, durability, ease of cleaning, and of course your own personal aesthetics. You may also want to consider sustainability and whether you have any pets that might be eager to sample a bit of rug here and there.

Sheltered Spaces

For covered patios and pavilions, you can choose any material. The closed roof will protect the space from rain and snow throughout the year as well as much of the most intense sunlight during the summer. The area under the roof is actually much like an indoor living room in this respect. Outdoor rugs made from both jute and sisal work very well in the safety under the roof . These natural materials can make the space feel cozy. Or, you could go for a bold pop of color with a synthetic rug material.

Exposed Spaces

In exposed outdoor lounge and dining spaces, choose a rug that can withstand lots of foot traffic, direct sunlight, plenty of moisture, and the possibility of spills. A polypropylene outdoor rug will do an amazing job serving your family and your guests in the outdoor lounge or dining area. You could also choose a nylon rug for a multi-purpose seating/dining space, but avoid polyester in dining areas unless you choose a pattern that easily disguises oily stains.

Walkways

Just like using a rug in a hallway gives it more presence and a sense of comfort, you can do the same outdoors.

Covering your outdoor walkways with an outdoor rug can make the paved areas more attractive and even safer. Synthetic rugs with a higher pile can be very comfortable on bare feet. The walkways will likely see a high amount of foot traffic so you’ll need a durable outdoor rug made of nylon or polyester which are comfortable underfoot, colorfast, and durable. Choose a polypropylene rug for walkways that don’t see a lot of traffic but deserve to be adorned with a pop of color.

What Kind of Outdoor Rug Styles Are There?

Outdoor rugs set the tone for an outdoor living space. You’ll find styles that can enhance both traditional and modern outdoor living spaces. Today, there are almost too many choices. Let’s go over some of the most well known and popular outdoor rug styles:

Minimalist

Sometimes an outdoor living space is already stunningly beautiful and its design would only be complicated by an energetic design. Many homes and landscapes with a contemporary design use a minimalist approach where the rug is a focal point, but not the only focal point. It is equal in presence to the other manmade and natural elements in the space. Monochromatic rugs, or those with a very simple and understated pattern, could be great choices for a minimalist space. On the other hand, if you want the rug to be “the” focal point, go bold with bright colors and large patterns that say, “look at me!”

Modern

The strong visuals of a patterned rug will build a striking influence on the overall feel of a space and make it even more memorable. There are so many amazing patterns in outdoor rugs. Get creative and express your personality with geometric designs, interesting color combinations, or fun patterns.

Traditional

For homeowners that want a more formal outdoor setting, a traditional outdoor rug is a wonderful option. The patterns and designs could evoke all the traditional styles of Middle Eastern or classic European styles and elevate the elegance and visual intrigue of your outdoor living space. The colors can be either bold or subtle, but the key is the pattern: it does not jump out at you but demands closer inspection.

What Color Should An Outdoor Rug Be?

Once again, there’s no perfect answer because every person and every outdoor space is different.

One of the biggest considerations when selecting an outdoor rug is the color. In fact, that’s what we look for first before we look at the materials. Of course, most outdoor living spaces won’t call for bold colors such as neon green or shimmering gold, but there is an almost infinite number of color options and combinations to choose from to give your patio, deck, or porch a lot of personality. Let’s cover some of the most popular outdoor rug colors, from bold and striking to elegant and understated:

Blues and Darks

Some outdoor living spaces call for darker colors and blues are the most typical option because blue is a soothing color that works well with natural elements. A darker color such as navy blue can contrast brilliantly with the light colors of a landscape design, especially white, tans, and reddish browns. If you’ve got a sunny patio that could use a splash of color, consider how these colors could interact with the other features.

Monochromes and Neutrals

There’s a lot to be said for keeping things simple. A minimalist and monochrome outdoor rug can be much like a blank canvas that lets the major features in your outdoor living space take center stage. Grays can make the space feel simple, elegant, and expansive. Neutrals in natural tones are immediately soothing. They are also the chameleons of rugs, fitting in easily with any decorating theme. Neutrals can also include black and white, since these colors bring attention to more colorful elements in the vicinity such as upholstery or flowers.

Bright Colors

The majority of your time in the outdoor living space will likely be when the air is warm and the sun is out in full force. You can take advantage of this physical and visual heat by applying an outdoor rug with bright summer colors to your outdoor living space. These colors include yellows, reds, oranges as the main draws as well as light browns, tans, and white to accentuate the beautiful patterns.

Pastels

Pastel colors can make for a relaxing intimate space. They can include lighter yellows, pinks, blues, and greens as the base colors and will rarely have bold contrasts in their design. Pastels also lighten up a dark patio such as one surrounded by dense evergreens.

What Are Some Major Brands Of Outdoor Rugs?

Sometimes looking for the perfect outdoor rug for your backyard can be overwhelming. The market is also flooded with cheap rugs that won’t last more than a season. One of the best ways to find some inspiration for your outdoor living space is to see what the most well known outdoor rug companies have to offer. Let’s cover the major outdoor rug brands and their outdoor rug offerings

Colonial Mills: When you look at products from Colonial Mills, you immediately recognize a deep level of care in their design and manufacture. Their beautiful rugs and other home goods and accessories make for some modern and traditional patterns that truly enhance an outdoor living space. Don’t forget to check out the Colonial Mills store!
Nourison: The selection of both indoor and outdoor rugs from Nourison has been a major draw for backyard decorators everywhere for over four decades. Their product line includes a variety of woven goods that can improve plenty of indoor spaces, patios, and other backyard spaces as necessary. Check out what Nourison has to offer!
Ruggable: There’s one thing that every indoor and outdoor rug from Ruggable has in common: they can be washed in your washer and dryer. This eliminates the need for expensive rug or carpet cleaning service. Hose off the biggest debris, throw it in the wash, and your outdoor living space will be back to gorgeous in no time! Check out all the elegant styles at the Ruggable store.
Rugs.com: When it comes to finding the right outdoor rug, there are few better resources than Rugs.com. You can find pretty much any style, color, pattern, function, and size of rug with just a few clicks of your mouse. The Rugs.com Amazon store is a great place to start as you build out the perfect backyard hangout.
Safavieh: The creative folks at Safavieh have carved out a place for themselves in the home goods world. Beyond some incredible indoor and outdoor rugs, they also feature stylish lamps, furniture, and tons of other home accessories which makes the store convenient for one-stop-shopping for both indoor and outdoor spaces. WIth some truly beautiful designs and styles, Safavieh products can elevate any outdoor living space.
Unique Loom: Unique Loom prides themselves in featuring a diverse array of outdoor rugs as well as practically any other woven carpet product you could think of, both machine woven and hand knotted styles. The Unique Loom store is a great place to start putting together your outdoor living space style.

How Big Should An Outdoor Rug Be?

The most important consideration to make in selecting an outdoor rug is the size. Though the size differences may appear rather small on paper, an improper pairing between outdoor rug and outdoor living space can either make or break the success of the area.

An outdoor rug that’s too small for the space can look like a careless afterthought and make the surrounding features appear far too big and open. Meanwhile, an outdoor rug that’s too big for the space can make everything feel cramped and cluttered. Let’s cover some of the most common outdoor rug sizes and how they can be used best:

Smaller Areas

The 2x3, 3x5, and 4x6 rug sizes you’ll find will be best used in smaller, more intimate spaces in your outdoor living space. With respective areas of 6, 15, and 24 square feet, you can see that they have a wide range of sizes just within the category. These rugs will typically be found at the base of a lounge chair, in between outdoor benches, or just outside the back door. The most versatile sizes can make excellent gap fillers, but they shouldn’t be overused in that one or two in a space are fine; more will just create visual clutter.

Midsize Areas

5x8, 6x9, and 8x10 rug sizes are ideal for the various core areas of your outdoor living space, including porches, lounge areas, and dining areas. With respective areas of 40, 54, and 80 square feet, you’ll see that these rugs are much larger than their smaller cousins and can fit perfectly into smaller outdoor shelter structures. You can use these rugs to anchor down the patio areas where you want to define a space and add a living room feel to your patio or deck. You can also use these rugs underneath an outdoor dining table and let them be the foundation for all your gatherings.

Bigger Areas

9x12, 10x14, and 12x15 rug sizes are the biggest you’ll find in the outdoor rug world and they can help you make the largest stretches of your outdoor living space feel just like an extension of your home. With respective areas of 108, 140, and 180 square feet, these are the commanding pieces of your wide open paved areas or large shelter structures. These eye-catching rugs can transform your outdoor living space and make your backyard an elegant destination.

Black and White Outdoor Rugs

The Veranda Collection from Safavieh is composed of wonderfully tasteful rugs that can transform both contemporary and traditional outdoor living spaces. One rug in particular brings a beautiful and trendy pattern that can create tons of visual intrigue in a space. This outdoor rug is designed not to shed any of its threads over time, enabling a clean look for much longer. It’s composed of 87% polypropylene, 9.3% polyester, and 3.7% latex, ensuring that it will hold up against plenty of foot traffic around your outdoor living space. It is available in four different shapes, seven delightful color combinations, and a variety of sizes that can make sure it will fit wherever you need it.

Colorful Outdoor Rugs

The Lyon Collection from Unique Loom is a surefire way to add dramatic bursts of color to an otherwise bland outdoor living space. The Colorful Modern Floral Garden Area Rug portrays a range of detailed flowers against a base color such as black or ivory to bring out the wonderful contrasts and shapes of natural beauty. Its backing is made of cotton to ensure that the surface is always soft and comfortable. The durable polypropylene surface ensures the rug won’t be damaged by weather. The Lyon Collection is available in five different shapes, two color bases, and many variable sizes so it can bring a few fun bursts of color to your outdoor living space.

Blue Outdoor Rugs

The Positano area rug from Nourison is our recommendation for bringing a deep blue color and a strong, yet elegant presence to many of your outdoor spaces. The flat weave style of the rug keeps things simple and low key, allowing it to sustain a solid background for both rustic and contemporary spaces. The Positano is made from 100% polypropylene, which allows you to simply wash using a garden hose and air dry by hanging it outside. It’s also non-shedding so you’ll never get that dirty disheveled look that so many lesser quality rugs get over time. It’s available in three different shapes, many different sizes, and 10 different colors in case the blue isn’t your favorite!

Boho Outdoor Rugs

A Boho outdoor rug brings a fresh style to your outdoor space. It is best exemplified by eclectic colors and patterns reminiscent of traditional patterns, but with a modern flair. With so many options available, we recommend browsing the Cabana Collection from Safavieh to see the gorgeous colors and arrangements available. The Botanical Indoor/Outdoor area rug is a long-lasting and beautiful addition to any outdoor living space. It’s entirely composed of polypropylene and built in a low pile to help ensure that nobody accidentally trips on the corner. It comes in four different shapes, two pleasing color combinations, and six applicable sizes.

Modern Outdoor Rugs

We’re happy to recommend an exciting collaboration that has resulted in a truly outstanding outdoor rug. Ruggable has combined their talents with acclaimed designer Jonathan Adler to create this incredible outdoor rug. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking design that builds a three dimensional visual texture in your outdoor living space. From there, the benefits lay in wait as you’ll soon discover that the rug is also machine washable and completely non-slip. It’s available in three different color combinations and eight different sizes so you can even build up a tapestry across your patio. Don’t miss out on the fruits of this collaboration!

Floral Outdoor Rugs

Sometimes what’s missing in an outdoor living space is some vibrant splashes of color to liven things up. The Aloha outdoor rug from Nourison can bring exactly what your porch or patio needs to appear much more lively. Not only are the colors bold and bright, but the rug has a commanding three dimensional texture that calls even more attention. When you add the Aloha outdoor rug to your outdoor living space, you’re adding safety, beauty, and durability. The 100% polypropylene build keeps your rug looking as good as new for many years of relaxing or entertaining outdoors surrounded by friends and family. This outdoor rug is available in many different sizes, three different shapes, and four striking color combinations.

Best 5x7 Outdoor Rugs

The 5 foot by 7 foot area is a sweet spot in the design of many outdoor living spaces. The Courtyard Collectio n from Safavieh has an array of fantastic designs, strong weaves, and comfortable surfaces that enhance all aspects of your outdoor living. This waterproof rug can be the missing puzzle piece in between outdoor chairs and benches and a coffee table. The polypropylene material is further bolstered by a rubber backing that helps it stay in place and stand strong against moisture. It is available in a range of colors and shapes as well as plenty of alternative sizes so you can match beyond that 5’x7’ space!

Best 8x10 Outdoor Rugs

The 8 foot by 10 foot area may not seem that much larger than the 5x7 area on paper, but it’s actually more than twice the size. This calls for a carpet that’s much larger without losing any of the qualities of construction and design. The Madrid Filigree textured weave outdoor rug from Jonathan Y really knows how to pull an outdoor living space together. The polypropylene material enables easy cleaning, which is useful for such a large outdoor rug. It’s available in multiple shapes, 11 different colors, and some additional sizes that allow you to continue to add pops of color to your outdoor living space.

Crate & Barrel Outdoor Rugs

The Okatee Handwoven outdoor rug from Crate & Barrel brings a level of elegance and sophistication to an outdoor living space that few home goods companies can match. Perfect for tying a space together underneath the shelter of a covered patio or pavilion, this outdoor rug is stunningly made of recycled materials such as plastic bottles. The Okatee Handwoven outdoor rug softly blends into practically any outdoor living space and draws visual intrigue to the other beautiful components that sit atop or surround it.

Recycled Plastic Outdoor Rugs

As you probably know, there is far too much plastic in landfills. Many companies have innovated and made some incredible products using recycled plastic, including some great outdoor rugs. The Outdoor Rug from FH Home is a bold addition to outdoor living spaces with its bright colors and elegant composition, bringing a fun and beautiful look to any paved surface in your backyard or front porch. Every piece of this outdoor rug is entirely recycled plastic and it’s reversible to switch things up from time to time! With a wide range of bold colors and several useful sizes, this is an environmentally conscious outdoor rug that you shouldn’t miss out on!

Wayfair Outdoor Rugs

Among the many incredible home and outdoor goods you can find at the Wayfair store, we have a suggestion for a great outdoor rug. The Shanklin Chevron Area Rug from Beachcrest Home effortlessly fits in both indoor and outdoor settings. The high quality polypropylene material is weaved in a power loom pattern to ensure safety and beauty wherever you want to put this rug. The subtle, yet intriguing texture is weaved together with little flashes of color, ensuring a look that’s never bland or boring. It’s available in the rectangle cut in five different sizes and features two different color combinations.

West Elm Outdoor Rugs

Everyone who’s been shopping for outdoor rugs has likely come across the West Elm website at some point and we can definitely make a recommendation. The Summit Outdoor Rug from West Elm brings a rustic design with some gorgeous color to your outdoor living space. It’s extremely low maintenance despite its homely look and it’s even reversible so you can change up the pattern if necessary. You can even easily use the Summit outdoor rug inside your home to achieve some excellent continuity. This outdoor rug has five different size options to make your outdoor living space even more perfect!

Now, the only choice is… which one? We hope this has given you some great ideas for choosing the best outdoor rug for your backyard.

All About Outdoor Rugs: Setting Your Outdoor Living Space Up For Comfortable Entertaining