A good carpet is an important part of the outdoor decor. It’s a humble object that does a lot of heavy lifting – both practical and aesthetic – and is a great addition to a backyard or patio.
Outdoor rugs can add a casual elegance to an often overlooked part of the home. And these days, there are all kinds of sizes, shapes, colors and styles to choose from, which can make shopping for an outdoor rug an overwhelming task. Natalie Rebuck, an interior designer and architect at Re:Design Architects in Brooklyn and Long Island, New York, likes to choose a rug that not only complements the outdoor furniture, but also the scenery.
“Neutral and solid colors are always a safe choice, as they are very easy to coordinate with other furniture and are classic enough to age well with changing trends,” she told HuffPost.
Those with a more traditional style may enjoy a fiber-style braided rug. But for those who aren’t afraid of a little pizzazz, Rebuck likes to use an outdoor rug as an excuse to introduce some visual excitement into a room.
“Bold geometric patterns — as well as stripes — are very current right now and can add a touch of modernity to an outdoor space,” she said. However, she cautions against black and dark rugs, which can get very hot to bare feet and fade if in direct sunlight.
Aside from aesthetics, Rebuck stated that the material is the most important thing to consider when purchasing an outdoor rug. “Consider the type of climate you live in and how much light the rug will be exposed to,” she warned. “If you’re furnishing a covered patio, you can choose a natural fiber like jute or sisal, but if your space is exposed to the elements, it’s best to go with something synthetic.”
Synthetic rugs will last much longer than one made from natural fibers and withstand the harsh effects of rain, dirt and UV exposure. They are easier to clean and can be rinsed off, swept or even power washed for a deeper clean to remove dirt or mold build-up, especially at the end of the season.
Below, we’ve compiled a selection of beautiful outdoor rugs based on both Rebuck’s picks and general recommendations, along with her must-have rug cleaners. They cover a wide variety of aesthetics and price points. Choose one and see how it gives the whole backyard a quick and easy facelift.
Annie Selke
Annie Selke Journey handwoven rug
Interior designer Natalie Rebuck recommended this cute tweed-like rug. Available in eight sizes, it looks like a natural fiber rug but is made from durable polypropylene fabric. It is easy to clean, non-slip and comes in two colours. She noted that polypropylene is a “popular outdoor carpet fabric made from plastic,” and explained “it’s an extremely sturdy, soft, UV-resistant type of fabric.”
CB2
Faro handwoven performance carpet
West Elm
West Elm Poolside Geo Rug
Available in three colours, this incredibly sophisticated and slightly retro geometric rug is the perfect way to add a pop of color to a garden area. Get it in four different sizes. This rug stood out to both Rebuck and me, which is a testament to its eye-catching appeal.
Joss & Main
Robinson indoor/outdoor carpet
Available in five sizes, this cool striped rug is stylish and cool without drawing attention. It is at once natural and earthy and modern chic. This rug is also made of polypropylene, and Rebuck emphasized that “because of the way [polypropylene is] made, it dries very quickly and basically repels any kind of dirt, dust or liquid. It’s perfect for humid climates and areas that get a lot of foot traffic.”
Article
Article Arroyo carpet
If sustainability is your priority, check out this lovely rug from Article with a subtle ombré pattern that’s as understated as it is timeless. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, which Rebuck said is often the case with polypropylene rugs, making them a good eco-friendly choice.
Amazon
Safavieh Courtyard Collection rug
As reliable as it is beautiful, Rebuck recommended this rug that can withstand the elements and heavy traffic. The non-shedding fabric is stain, weather and UV resistant, making it a long-lasting, durable investment. It is available in six colors and 29 sizes.
Amazon
Fab Habitat outdoor rug
Available in nine sizes and 20 color and pattern options, this is a versatile patio rug that is durable, waterproof, stain resistant and long lasting. It can be easily folded or rolled for easy storage or transport and adds plenty of pizzazz to a space. No wonder Rebuck is into it.
Article
Article Elko Geo indoor/outdoor carpet
Add a subtle touch of style to your outdoor area with this simple handwoven rug from Article. Its neutral hues blend beautifully with all the aesthetics and greens, making it a solid, gorgeous Rebuck-approved option.
Etsy
A brown and cream rug from Etsy
Robust
Robust outdoor Olena Charcoal Rug
Add a touch of mid-century modern style to your outdoor space with this bold geometric rug from Ruggable. It’s warm and welcoming and has pops of cool colours. It is extra durable, machine washable and ideal for outdoors and high traffic areas. It is available in five different sizes.
Wayfair
Wayfair
You can never have too much green in an outdoor space, and this striped rug will give the whole area a breath of fresh air. It has a non-slip back, is child and pet friendly, will not fall and withstands the elements. It is available in seven sizes.
AllModern
AllModern Welty Raven rug
Add a stripe moment to your room with this earthy weather, water and stain resistant rug. It is available in different diving sizes.
Amazon
A three-pack of 30-second mold and mildew stain remover
This is Rebuck’s go-to cleaner for her outdoor rugs. “I like to power wash the carpet and get the mold and dirt off the carpet,” she said. This cleaner comes in a wooden package and is particularly adept at cleaning stains caused by algae, mold, mildew and moss, and is safe for all surrounding greenery.
Amazon
Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield
Rebuck sprays her rugs with this water shield at the beginning of each season to protect them from the elements. It is safe to use on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede and more on things like patio furniture, rugs, umbrellas, outerwear and more. Try one alone or in packs of two, four and six.