Much like your favorite indoor rugs, the best outdoor rugs are well-crafted, visually dynamic and tie together your space while providing a soft layer underfoot. What’s more, rugs are functional layers for any design scheme, which is especially key in an outdoor space. Sometimes, the shopping experience around purchasing one of these rugs is anything but straightforward. From honing in on a cohesive color palette to determining whether a washable rug is a priority, there are so many different factors to consider.
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Jessica Harris, interior design expert and manager of production design at Living Spaces, advises that synthetic materials are ideal when it comes to outdoor rugs. Plus, their colors and patterns are virtually limitless. “They are easy to maintain, affordable, and compatible for everyday outdoor use,” says Harris. “Plus, because their textures can range anywhere from seagrass-coarse to buttery-soft, synthetic outdoor rugs can accentuate every type of space.” In keeping with her advice, here’s a curated list of some of our favorite outdoor rug options available now.
The Forbes Vetted editors, like all consumers, want materials that hold up and help make daily life a little bit easier and more comfortable. To find the best outdoor rugs, we took our own daily lives into consideration. When we evaluate products like outdoor rugs, we scrutinize the details that matter including the materials, durability, how it looks, how it feels underfoot and how to clean it and keep it looking its best.
In addition to articles about how to dress the spaces that make up our daily lives both inside and outside, we also written, researched and in some instances, tested a slew of products ideal for our outside spaces. This includes input on the must-have outdoor furniture as well as recreational products, like the best projectors for backyard movie night.
We refresh this story regularly and it was last updated August 2023.
As home and kitchen experts who keep our pulse on the industry, we sought out reputable brands that stand up to constant everyday use, are easy to maintain, and meet the needs of consumers who are seeking to spruce up their outdoor spaces. We investigated brands like Dash and Albert, Serena & Lily, Pottery Barn and Ruggable, among others. When narrowing down our best picks, we also studied customer reviews and looked to see that these recommended outdoor rugs are buyer-approved.
Here are the most important factors worth keeping in mind as you consider your options.
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Materials One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor rugs is the material that they’re made from. Outdoor linens are typically crafted from synthetic fibers, which allow them to hold up better when exposed to rain, sunshine, and other weather.
“Polypropylene or olefin is one of the most highly sought-after outdoor rug materials for its strength, comfortable texture and weather-resistant properties,” explains Harris. “Polypropylene offers the same feel as natural fibers—for a smaller price tag.”
While you may encounter some outdoor rugs made from natural fibers like cotton, keep in mind that they’re more prone to developing mold and/or mildew if they get wet.
ConstructionRugs can be made in several ways, and the best option for your outdoor space depends on how exposed the area is, as well as your personal style preferences. Flat weave rugs are some of the thinnest options, and they dry quite quickly when wet. However, they’re generally not very soft underfoot, and you may need to add a rug pad underneath for comfort.
On the other hand, you may find low- or high-pile rugs, which have a more plush feel. They tend to be more comfortable under bare feet, but they take longer to dry and may not be suitable for uncovered locations.
There are also braided rugs, which offer a classic appearance and soft feel, but cheaply made options are prone to unraveling, especially if they’re put in high-traffic locations.
SizeNaturally, it’s important to select a rug that’s an appropriate size for your outdoor space. “The size, shape and color of the rug should match your space and furniture,” explains Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. “Leave some bare floor around the rug, and pick a shape that suits your layout. For example, a round rug can soften a square patio.”
Care InstructionsOne of the benefits of outdoor rugs is that they’re generally quite easy to clean. Many products are stain-resistant and can simply be hosed down and scrubbed with soap when needed. However, some high-end rugs may require professional cleaning to remove stains, while others can be cleaned in the washing machine.
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DurabilityThere are several factors that can impact an outdoor rug’s durability. Rugs that are made from high-quality materials and are well-constructed will hold up better over time, and it’s also beneficial to look for a rug that’s UV-resistant if it will be in an exposed location, as the sun’s rays can cause the colors to fade.
“The best material for outdoor rugs is polypropylene,” explains Kropovinsky. “It is strong, stain-proof, fade-proof, waterproof and easy to clean.”
Polypropylene is a lightweight, flexible type of plastic, and it’s surprisingly soft when woven into rug form, providing both durability and comfort. Plus, it can generally be hosed down outdoors for extremely easy maintenance.
You may also see outdoor rugs made from polyester, another durable and weather-resistant synthetic material. Harris explains that polyester is also generally stain-resistant and doesn’t fade in the sunlight.
Generally speaking, most outdoor area rugs are safe to leave outside in the rain: “Outdoor rugs can handle rain, but not flooding,” explains Kropovinsky. “If you live in a humid or rainy area, you may want to choose a rug with a low pile or a flat weave that dries faster and resists moisture better.”
When selecting an outdoor rug, you’ll want to make sure it’s listed for use in uncovered areas or as weather-resistant. Both of these terms mean that the fabric can safely get wet. However, some rugs, such as the Serena & Lily Shasta Rug and Pottery Barn Performance Outdoor Rug, should not be left out in the elements, as they’re not as durable as other options.
When shopping for an outdoor rug, most experts recommend looking for products made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or polypropylene. “If you go with a synthetic rug option, you’re typically good-to-go when it comes to mildew and mold resistance,” says Harris.
Harris recommends rolling them up when stormy weather is expected. “To increase the lifespan of your rugs and keep them looking their best, bring natural rugs inside when heavy rain is on the way. After heavy rain, hang the rug to dry on both sides to speed up the process.”
Flatweave rugs, such as the Latitude Run Sarica Flatwoven Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, tend to dry faster than rugs with a high-pile. Additionally, if you’re planning to place your rug in a location where it will be in direct sunlight, be sure to look for a product that’s listed as UV-resistant.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
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