An outdoor rug for the patio can effortlessly give your patio a whole new look and offer a multi-functional space for sitting, placing your outdoor home furniture, and relaxing during the warm months. But unlike indoors, the best outdoor rug for a patio should have certain properties which make it suitable for the patio outdoor décor and external weather conditions. Below is a detailed guide on choosing the best outdoor rug for your patio.
Outdoor Rug Material
The material plays a significant role in the durability and life of outdoor carpet for patios. When it comes to outdoor mats for the patio, you will find two categories to choose from, natural and synthetic. The selection of the right outdoor rug material greatly depends on the style you prefer and the environmental conditions in your area. Below are some common materials for an outdoor rug.
Synthetic
Synthetic fiber is an artificial fiber with the properties of plastic. An outdoor rug with synthetic fiber can resemble natural fibers, but other properties will differ. Here are some pros and cons of synthetic fibers as outdoor rugs.
Pros
- They get wet and dry easily, making them perfect for rainy regions
- They are easier to maintain
- They are lightweight and inexpensive
- They are mold and mildew resistant
Cons
- They aren’t as soft and plush as natural fibers
- They lose color under sunlight
Natural
On the other hand, natural fibers are obtained from natural sources such as animals and plants, which are processed to give the desired properties. Below are some pros and cons of natural fibers as an outdoor rug.
Pros
- Natural fibers like bamboo and jute are great for the environment
- Bamboo fiber is suitable for outdoor weather with easy maintenance
- They can be woven into beautiful textures and patterns
Cons
- Natural fibers like jute and bamboo can feel rough to tough
- They are also prone to mildew if not cleaned and drier properly
Placement
Outdoor area rugs serve a practical and fashionable purpose, just like indoor area rugs do. Your outdoor patio rug should ideally be placed in a location that can offer both. Place your rug beneath it to draw attention to an outdoor table or your luxurious outdoor sofa set. Another benefit of placing your furniture over the rug is that the deck tiles will be protected from scratches, and the furniture grouping will be defined as a single, unified space.
Outdoor Rug Shape
Outdoor rugs come in different shapes: round, square, rectangle, oval, and semi-circle. The right shape depends on the space available and the intended use. Rectangular rugs go well with big sofa settings and can be used for multiple purposes. A round rug, on the other hand, is ideal for only small-sized furniture sets. Square rugs show versatility, add symmetry to your outdoor setup, and are perfect for close-packed outdoor furniture. Oval-shaped rugs are for entryways or pathways, whereas half-circle rugs are perfect for doorways.
Designs
You can choose mats that go with your taste of style and desired color scheme, as well as the general ambiance of your layout. Once you’ve determined what size outdoor patio rug is perfect for your space, this becomes easier. Choosing the right design for an outdoor rug is possible by prioritizing the factors impacting the design selection. For instance, the color palette is the first thing you would look at when picking out an outdoor rug. Consider bringing a striking red, or bright orange with a textured print or a bright yellow outdoor rug to liven up a bland black or white furniture set.
Alternatively, achieve a monochromatic dining space with a black or white patio rug. You must also pay attention to the outdoor theme you have decided on for your deck. If your furniture mainly consists of outdoor chaise lounge and pool furniture, then textured jute and bamboo are ideal picks. For a more elegant and luxurious deck décor, you can opt for plush and soft feel rugs as they will not be dirtied by pool water and wet feet.
Outdoor Rug Size
When choosing the shape and size of your rug, consider the space of the outdoor area. A large outdoor rug for the patio looks regal, but you don’t want to cram up the whole backyard with a single rug. The rug size also depends on the area you plan to cover. If you aim to group up the entire outdoor furniture in one place, make sure the rug is large enough to go underneath all the furniture. If your rug is just for a show or pathway décor purpose, consider a longer and narrower rug while leaving some space on both sides.
Intended Use
Consider the areas in your home with carpets; the same principle can be used outside. Some popular rug placement ideas for outdoors include outside of a door to catch the dirt from feet entering the house, in front of the couch as a foot placement space, behind the chaise lounge, and underneath the dining table.
A rug works best anywhere you want to complete a style or improve an outside space. Rugs work well in areas where you want to boost the cozy factor and level of comfort. A rug should be placed wherever you want to shield a surface from chairs scratching against it and high traffic.
Maintenance
It would help if you learned how to clean an outdoor rug properly to keep it fresh and new. Also, for natural outdoor rugs, cleaning regularly becomes even more important. The simplest way to clean an outdoor rug is to spray it with a garden hose. If that’s the approach you like, seek polypropylene-made rugs.
Spot cleaning with a mild detergent to remove embedded dirt is recommended for polyester and rugs made of natural fibers like seagrass, jute, or sisal. Some rugs must be hand washed, while others, especially outdoor ones, can be machine washed or dry cleaned by a professional.
Additional Features
The additional features offered by an outdoor rug might hike the price but also save you a lot of replacement. These additional features depend on the unique needs of the homeowners. Hence, an outdoor rug with waterproof properties is a blessing for people who experience a lot of rain and hail storms. Opt for an outdoor rug with UV protection and excellent light fastness properties for hotter and longer days in the sweltering sun. And if you live in an area where heavy winds blow, an outdoor rug with anti-dirt properties will suffice.
