Patio Glow-Up: How to Pick the Right Outdoor Rug

This is the time of year people bring out their patio furniture for summer relaxation and entertaining. Chairs are wiped down, tables are cleaned, cushions are put back in place.

It’s also a good time to evaluate your outdoor furniture and accessories to see what still works, what might need to be replaced and what special touches you may want to add this year.

About 85% of American households have some type of outdoor space, be it a backyard, balcony, porch or patio, but at least half of those spaces need some sort of updating.

While casual furniture upgrades can be pricey, there’s one easy improvement that is cost-effective and impactful: adding an outdoor area rug.

If you’ve been flipping through online images of pretty patios, pay attention to the pictures that make you pause. Chances are, the setting includes a patio rug.

Why? Patio rugs are pretty! They add color and design, enhancing the style of your outdoor space.

Outdoor rugs come in a wide range of sizes and patterns to match the overall feel of your backyard retreat.

An outdoor area rug also brings added dimension to your casual furniture setting. You can use one to define a particular zone within a larger space – a conversation or dining area, for instance.

But patio rugs are practical, too. They add cushion underfoot, protecting bare feet from heated or rough surfaces and reducing slips on wet tile, slate pavers and treated concrete.

Outdoor patio rugs also shield decking, patio slates and pavers from scratches caused by rearranging heavy outdoor furniture or adjusting your chair at an outdoor dining table.

Best of all, rugs help keep dirt outside by trapping grass and debris before it’s tracked indoors.

As the popularity of patio rugs has grown, so have the choices in color and design. While you likely will focus on the aesthetics of your backyard oasis, an outdoor rug shouldn’t be chosen on looks alone.

Consider what you want to achieve with your rug. Among other things, you can use patio rugs to:

Add Color and Style

Patio cushions aren’t the only accessories that add a punch of color to your outdoor decor. Choose an outdoor patio rug in a hue that complements your cushion fabric or one that adds texture. Rugs woven from natural materials, for instance, look well with wood furniture and other natural materials, and their woven texture can hold its own alongside wicker.

Define an Area

Exterior patio rugs are particularly helpful in creating entertainment “zones.” Place one rug in the center of a group of chairs to create a conversation area; place another underneath a table set in our outdoor dining area. Patio rugs can visually pull pieces together in a smaller space or set them apart in larger areas.

Elevate a Style

A patio rug gives your outdoor area that finishing touch. Use a bold rug to provide the “wow” factor for your stylish outdoor decor or to perk up a neutral palette. Pick a solid color or subdued pattern for traditional patio furniture or dress it up with something a bit flashier. The fun is in the choosing!

Protect

Going barefoot in summer has its pitfalls, from hot deck boards and patio slates to rough concrete and gravel. Patio rugs protect bare feet from extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces and hazards like rocks and splinters for a more comfortable outdoor experience. As people wander in and out, rugs also help keep dirt, grass and the like out of our homes.

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Depending on what they are made of, some outdoor area rugs may be better suited to your purpose than others.

Polypropylene (olefin) rugs are a popular choice for their durability; they are fade- and weather-resistant. They dry quickly and are easy to clean with a hose – some are even machine washable. Potential downsides: Polypropylene rugs may feel rough and tend to mat. Rugs made from this highly flammable material should not be used near grills or fire pits.

Polyester rugs come in bright colors and tend to feel softer underfoot. They resist most stains, are easy to clean and can be more durable than polypropylene. However, they don’t dry as quickly as polypropylene rugs.

Durable nylon rugs resist stains and matting, so they’re good for high-traffic areas. However, unless they are coated for UV resistance, they may fade over time. In full sun, they may feel hot underfoot.

Sustainable materials like bamboo, jute and sisal may seem like a natural choice for outdoor use. However, these fibers tend to soak up water, trapping moisture against the surface beneath and contributing to mold growth. It’s better to use rugs made from synthetic fibers in exposed areas and natural-fiber rugs in areas that are more protected.

How do I know what size outdoor rug to buy?

The size of your outdoor rug is important, too, so measure where you want to use it.

Consider your furniture placement to ensure you buy the right size outdoor rug for your space. For example, you will need a rug two or three feet larger than your grouping if you want it to contain all your furniture. A smaller rug will work for arrangements where only the front legs of the furniture sit on the rug, or where furniture is placed around the rug without touching it.

Is your rug in a high-traffic area? While indoor-outdoor area rugs are meant to be walked on, corners that interrupt your traffic pattern could pose a tripping hazard.

While design and style make patio rugs attractive additions to your outdoor space, they also have a practical side. Rugs cushion bare feet, protect surfaces from scratching and help prevent slips.

As you shop, keep in mind where and how you want to use your patio rug to find the right size rug in a material that matches your needs for durability, fade-resistance and washability.

A patio rug enhances an outdoor space, adding style, color and visual interest. The right patio rug not only completes a space but also enhances your outdoor lifestyle.

Ready to shop? Christmas Central offers a wide selection of outdoor rugs to make the best of your outdoor living spaces.

Yes, outdoor rugs are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions, from scorching hot sun to torrential downpours.

Further, most are also quick-drying, so you can step back outside ASAP once those summer showers have passed.

Some rug materials dry faster than others, however – something to consider when carpeting an uncovered patio or deck.

Most experts recommend buying a polypropylene rug for durability and rapid drying times.