The 11 Best Outdoor Rugs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

Our team of expert testers put 31 of the industry’s top outdoor rugs to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating each option on its quality, texture, durability, and overall value. From spilling grape juice and BBQ sauce on the rugs to placing them atop rocks and other hard objects, we spent more than a day simulating real-life scenarios to see if these rugs fit the bill. Our editors used these insights—alongside in-depth reviews from our at-home testers—to inform the final selections included on this list.

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What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Rug

Material

NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter says the most important thing to consider when buying an outdoor rug is the material. “You want something that is stain- and mold-resistant, waterproof, and won’t fade from direct sunlight,” she said. Most of the options we tested are made of polyester or polypropylene (a type of thermoplastic), which tends to be softer underfoot than natural fibers like jute. Plus, while waterproof options are a little harder to come by, synthetic materials offer some water resistance.

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When shopping, Decorist designer Elise Payne says to think about the elements and whether the area will be covered. “I love a jute rug for outdoors, but a natural material would be better suited for a covered area, as it isn’t quite as mildew-resistant as a synthetic rug,” she notes. “Synthetics, on the other hand, are pretty indestructible.”

Maintenance

“The great thing about outdoor rugs is they are typically so easy to clean,” says Payne. Though it depends on the material and weave, most polyester and polypropylene options can be rinsed off with a hose and air-dried in the sun. Flatter weaves can also be swept, vacuumed, and even scrubbed if needed. Beyond standing up to the elements, this low-maintenance appeal is why many people use outdoor area rugs in high-traffic indoor spaces.

Size

Outdoors or inside, no matter where you place it, sizing is crucial. As with indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs should be big enough that either all furniture legs can be placed on top or just the front two. For dining areas, make sure it’s large enough that the entire table and all chair legs can go on top, preferably even when pulled out. Some outdoor rugs come in just a few select sizes, while others (like the Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug) come in dozens of sizes.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home design, outdoor living, and textiles. For this story, she interviewed two interior designers for product recommendations and insight into the best materials, colors, and styles. She then compiled insights from our home testers and researched dozens of today’s best-selling outdoor rugs. The chosen options ultimately stood out in terms of quality, maintenance requirements, durability, size and color options, and overall value. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering furniture, decor, and cleaning products.

The Spruce’s Lily Sperry contributed additional research and reporting, interviewing landscape designer Amber Freda for further insight on outdoor rug considerations and styling. Sperry has been with The Spruce since 2019. We also consulted NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter and Decorist designer Elise Payne for additional expert tips for outdoor rug shopping.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor