A good rug is an essential piece of outdoor décor. It’s an unassuming item that does a lot of the heavy lifting—practically and aesthetically—and is a great addition to a backyard or patio space.
Outdoor rugs can bring a casual elegance to an often overlooked part of the home. And these days, there are all kinds of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns to choose from, which can make shopping for an outdoor rug a daunting task. Natalie Reback, an interior designer and architect with Re:Design Architects of Brooklyn and Long Island, New York, likes to choose a rug that complements not only her patio furniture, but the landscape as well.
“Neutrals and solid colors are always a safe choice, as they are easy to coordinate with other furnishings and are classic enough to match changing trends,” she told HuffPost.
Those whose style leans more traditional might enjoy a braided fiber rug. But for those who aren’t afraid of a little excitement, Rebuck likes to use an outdoor rug as an excuse to inject some visual excitement into the space.
“Bold geometric patterns—as well as stripes—are very timely and can add a touch of modernity to a patio area,” she said. However, beware of black and dark rugs, which can become barefoot barefoot and fade if exposed to direct sunlight.
Aesthetics aside, Rebuck mentioned that material is the most important thing to consider when purchasing an outdoor rug. “Think about the kind of climate you live in and the amount of light the rug will be exposed to,” she warned. “If you’re furnishing a covered patio space, you can choose natural fibers like jute or sisal, but if your space is exposed to the elements, something synthetic is best.”
Synthetic carpets last much longer than carpets made of natural fibers and can withstand the harsh effects of rain, dirt, and exposure to UV rays. They can be cleaned more easily and can be rinsed, swept, or even power washed for a deeper clean to remove dirt or mold build-up, especially towards the end of the season.
Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of beautiful outdoor rugs based on Rebuck’s picks and general recommendations, along with must-have carpet cleaning products. They cover a wide range of aesthetics and price points. Pick one up and see how it gives your entire backyard a quick and easy facelift.
Annie Silk
Handwoven Annie Selke Journey rug
Interior designer Nathalie Ryback recommended this cute tweed-like rug. Available in eight sizes, it has the look of a natural fiber rug but is made from a durable polypropylene weave. It is easy to clean, non-slip and comes in two colours. She pointed out that polypropylene is “a popular outdoor carpet fabric made of plastic,” explaining that “it is a type of fabric that is very hard, soft and resistant to ultraviolet radiation.”
CB2
Handwoven Farrow rug
West Elm
West Elm Poolside Geo Rug
Available in three colors, this incredibly sophisticated yet slightly retro geometric rug is the perfect way to add a pop of color to a garden space. Get it in four different sizes. This rug stood out to both Rebuck and me, and it’s a testament to its eye-catching appeal.
Joss and Maine
Robinson rug for indoor and outdoor use
Available in five sizes, this gorgeous striped rug is chic and subtle without drawing the focus. It’s natural, earthy, and elegant all at once. This rug is also made of polypropylene, and Rebak emphasized that “because of the way [polypropylene is] Made, it dries very quickly and repels basically any type of dirt, dust or liquid. It’s ideal for humid climates and areas with a lot of foot traffic.”
condition
Arroyo rug article
If you prioritize sustainability, check out this beautiful rug from Article with a subtle ombré pattern that’s just as timeless as it is. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, which Rebuck said is often the case with polypropylene rugs, making it an eco-friendly option.
Amazon
Safavid Courtyard Collection carpet
As reliable and beautiful as it is, Rebuck recommended this rug that can stand up to the elements and high traffic. The non-shed fabric is stain, weather, and UV resistant, making it a long-term and durable investment. It’s available in six colors and 29 sizes.
Amazon
Outdoor rug from Fab Habitat
Available in nine sizes and 20 color and pattern options, this is a versatile patio rug that is durable, water-resistant, stain-resistant and long-lasting. It easily folds or rolls up for simple storage or transportation and adds a lot of fun to the space. No wonder Rebuck is in it.
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Material: Elko Geo Indoor/Outdoor Mat
Add a subtle touch of elegance to your outdoor area with this handwoven rug from Article. Their neutral colors blend beautifully with all greenery aesthetics and textures, making them a great Rebuck-approved choice.
etsy
Brown and cream rug from Etsy
ungainly
Ruggable Outdoor Olena Charcoal Rug
Add a touch of mid-century modern style to your outdoor area with this bold geometric rug from Ruggable. It’s warm and inviting and features pops of cool color. They are extremely durable, machine washable, and perfect for outdoor areas and high traffic. It is available in five different sizes.
Wayfair
Wayfair
You can never get too much green in an outdoor space, and this striped rug will give the entire area a breath of fresh air. It has a non-slip backing, is kid and pet friendly, won’t shed and can stand up to the elements and spills. It is available in seven sizes.
AllModern
AllModern Welty Raven Rug
Add a striped moment to your space with this weather, water and stain resistant earthen rug. Available in different plunge sizes.
Amazon
Three-pack of 30 Seconds Mildew & Mold Stain Remover
This is Rebuck’s go-to cleaner for their outdoor carpets. She said, “I love to power wash the rug and remove any mold and dirt from the rug.” This cleaner comes in a three-pack and is especially adept at cleaning up stains caused by algae, mold, mildew, and algae and is safe for any greenery in the surrounding area.
Amazon
Scotchgard heavy duty water shield
Reebok sprays their rugs with this water shield at the start of each season to protect them from the elements. It’s safe to use on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede, and more on things like patio furniture, rugs, umbrellas, outdoor apparel, and beyond. Try one on its own or in groups of two, four, and six.
