How to choose the perfect outdoor rug for your home

So what are the benefits of an outdoor rug? Firstly, they provide comfort underfoot in an outdoor living space, all the benefits of an indoor item but in the backyard. They are durable and easy to clean, making them a perfect addition to an entertaining area. Under a dining table they add interest, zone a space, and can easily be cleaned after a meal. They work perfectly indoors too where there can be a lot of mess. Kids zones in particular benefit from the washability and durability. Workshops, creative spaces and mud rooms are also excellent locations for outdoor rugs. The options are endless.

There are no rules when it comes to selecting a rug colour or style for your outdoor area, but we say have some fun! It’s a wonderful way to be brave with colour in the sense that it doesn’t have to be too permanent. You are not painting the outside of your home a bright colour or selecting an expensive alfresco dining setting so maybe that green/ pink/ blue rug is what the space is calling out for.

In terms of design, outdoor rugs are usually flat in style, which is great for maintenance. The patterns available are broad, from simple stripes to more energetic designs like florals and nature-based graphics. If your space is small, a block colour or simple design will work perfectly whereas larger spaces can hold the bolder designs. Like anything in interior design through, the rules are made to be broken!

Ensure the rug is big enough as there is nothing more underwhelming than a rug that is out-scaled by furniture or space around it. As a guide, the rug should be larger than the biggest piece of furniture it will be placed near, such as a table or sofa. Keep in mind space for the dining chairs to be pulled in and out with ease if it’s sitting under a table. There is a great rug placement and size guide available to help you select the most appropriate option.

Outdoor rugs are moisture-resistant and treated to minimise fading. With this said, it’s still best to roll up a rug and store it if it’s not going to be used for a while. Ensure they’re 100% dry before storing as well. As opposed to indoor carpets, outdoor rugs are generally constructed from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene. This is also good news if your gorgeous pet likes to be close by when you’re outside as the rug responds well to spot cleaning and vacuuming if required.

Even though they are designed to be outdoors, you still need to take care of them, just as you would with any alfresco decoration item. Using the rug under a patio or veranda is best to ensure they last a long time.

What are outdoor rugs made from?

Outdoor rugs from Flooring Xtra are made from a synthetic fibre, polypropylene. It’s a great material for outdoor rugs as it’s durable, non-shedding and perfect for children and pets.

Are outdoor rugs the same as washable rugs?

While washable indoor rugs are incredibly practical, they are not appropriate for use outdoors.

What carpet is best for pets?

Pets are wonderful but they can cause damage to furniture and flooring. The best fibre for rugs and carpets with pets is synthetic fibres which are more resilient to stains and spills. A non-loop style that won’t get caught on pet claws and paws is also a good idea.