The 10 Best Outdoor Rugs to Instantly Upgrade Your Patio
You’ll wish you bought one years ago.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Odds are there’s currently an area rug or two inside your home, but are you giving your outdoor space the love it also deserves? If not, allow us to introduce you to the best outdoor rugs. From protecting your bare feet from splinters and dirt to adding an extra layer between the elements and your porch, these pieces are insanely practical. Plus, just like your favorite indoor styles, they make it a breeze to transform a blasé layout into something inspiring your friends will actually want to talk about.
Whether you have a tiny patio or a large outdoor deck, rest assured there’s an option available to fit your area—just be sure to measure it first before committing to a style. “A rug should be used to fill space, not cover up unwanted real estate,” say Vy Truong and Han Dang, co-founders and principals at Very Handsome Studio in Houston, Texas. “When choosing a rug, make sure that it has room to breathe and that it’s not filling the entire floor space, just grounding it.”
In honor of the upcoming dining al fresco season, we rounded up the 10 best outdoor rugs to spruce up your entertaining area. Whether you need something that can hold up to extreme weather, is pretty enough to bring indoors, or offers great style on a budget, there are plenty of worthy choices below.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- Stiff at first
The last thing you want to worry about with your outdoor furniture is having to bring it inside every time it rains. Luckily, this durable rug can withstand everything from downpours to prolonged sun exposure. It’s stain and fade-resistant, easy to clean, and the stiffness you’ll feel when it first arrives should soften over time.
Materials: Polypropylene yarn
Care instructions: Hose off, hang dry
Sizes: 4 options
Colors: 7 options
Customer review: “This rug is very well-made and seems to me like it will last for many, many years and stand up to some brutal weather.”
Rugs USA Navy Magnolia Striped Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry
While you could, of course, have a cabana stripe rug in your home, we think one would look even better on your patio placed underneath your favorite outdoor chaise. Just be sure to bring this rug indoors if you’re expecting a lot of rain, as it can take a while to dry out.
Materials: Polyester
Care instructions: Hose off
Sizes: 4
Colors: Navy, Grey, Pink, Black
Customer review: “Beautiful finish on this cabana stripe rug. Basic black and white stripe screams nautical. Made it easy to decorate my deck!”
Pros
- Affordable
- Reversible
Cons
- Can tear
If you need a new patio rug ASAP, Amazon is the place to shop. This patterned option is highly rated and reversible, meaning you can skip washing it and simply flip it over when you’re in a pinch. And since it’s so affordable, you can easily grab it in several sizes for all your outdoor areas that need covering.
Materials: Polypropylene
Care instructions: Hose off
Sizes: 8 options
Colors: 6 options
Customer review: “I got this rug for such a good deal on the Spring Sale, and it came in the same day. I was hesitant to order the beige because I didn’t think it would match my furniture well, but it looks great! Totally worth the price and is a good wicker quality.”
Anthropologie Hand-Loomed Heidi Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Pros
- Very soft
Cons
- Colors can fade in the sun over time
Most of the time, outdoor rugs can’t compete with the comfort and quality of indoor options. However, this hand-loomed version is an exception. Not only should it feel great beneath your feet, but it’s also quite durable.
Materials: Recycled polyester
Care instructions: Dry cleaning recommended
Sizes: 5 options
Colors: Green, Dark Orange
Customer review: “Surprisingly excellent quality rug, very thick but also soft on the feet. Really transformed our patio space. So many outdoor rugs are ugly or don’t feel nice, but this manages to check all the boxes.”
Pros
- Cozy
Cons
- Difficult to clean
Looking for a super cozy option? This Article style is crafted with smooth and eco-friendly recycled polyester, with one reviewer even mentioning that it’s soft enough for their baby to play on. Offering a sleek, simple design, it’s also ideal for anyone who prefers a more understated look.
Materials: Polyester
Care instructions: Hand wash
Size: 6 x 9
Color: Gray
Customer review: “This rug is beautiful. It’s really soft for an outdoor rug. Lovely for our baby to play on and looks stylish.”
Pros
- Comes in many colors and sizes
Cons
- Ends may turn upwards for a little while
If you want something that can truly work both indoors and outdoors, this style lives up to its promise. Made of a soft yet durable material and available in multiple colors and sizes, this rug is perfect for your patio and/or living room.
Materials: Polypropylene
Care instructions: Hose off
Sizes: 5 options
Colors: 7 options
Customer review: “Really like this outdoor rug. Colors are as pictured, and seems like it will hold up well outside. Fast shipping, too!”
Crate&Barrel Capri Performance Indoor/Outdoor Blue Area Rug
Pros
- Handwoven
Cons
- Pricey
When it comes to the best large outdoor patio rugs, this navy option is the crème de la crème. While it only comes in a few colors and sizes, it’s handmade with a specialty weave that makes it well worth the price.
Materials: Polypropylene
Care instructions: Dry cleaning recommended
Size: 6 x 9
Color: Navy
Pros
- Weather, stain, and tear-resistant
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn’t lay flat
Don’t be fooled by its affordable price tag—this vibrant polypropylene option is weather, stain, and tear-resistant. Though it can really work anywhere, it’s sturdy enough to be placed underneath a workbench or grill.
Materials: Polypropylene
Care instructions: Spot clean with detergent
Sizes: 3 options
Colors: Red and White
Customer review: “This rug has held up well outdoor in the California sun and with all the rain we had this year. It also brightened up the space. I would recommend it.”
Design Within Reach Indra Indoor-Outdoor Rug
Pros
- Soft
Cons
- Pricey
High-quality rugs can be a huge investment, but once you find the right one, it should last you ages. Made in India, this fringed indoor-outdoor rug is very lightweight yet durable. Even better, the company behind this style spearheads a weaving training program for women in need, so you can feel good about supporting a business that gives back.
Materials: Polyester
Care instructions: Not listed
Sizes: 4 options
Colors: Fog, Poppy, Tide
Faro Handwoven Performance Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Pros
- Handwoven
Cons
- Should be stored for severe weather
Outdoor rugs, much like outdoor furniture, have gotten prettier and more stylish in the past few years. Designed by London-based company Studio Anansi, this handwoven rug has two opposite black-and-white patterns on each side that will perfectly complement a modern minimalist aesthetic.
Materials: Recycled polyester
Care instructions: Hose off
Sizes: 4 options
Colors: White and Black, White and Natural
Customer review: “Just bought this rug, the colors are amazing. Made my outdoor space!!! Love it!”
What to look for when shopping for an outdoor rug
First and foremost, consider the main purpose you want your outdoor rug to serve. “Understanding where and why you need a rug in the chosen space is the first rule of thumb,” note Truong and Dang. “Oftentimes, those needing to purchase a rug intend to use it as a cover-up material rather than a design feature, which tends to be the wrong reason to purchase.” Instead, use your rug to section off areas or fill an empty-feeling zone, they suggest.
When it comes to materials, many outdoor rugs are made with sturdy synthetic fabrics like polypropylene or polyester. These tend to be the best kinds, as they’re water-resistant and easy to clean. (Conversely, styles made with natural fibers like cotton or jute absorb water and are much more prone to mildew unless regularly left out in the sun to dry.) As a bonus, many of these synthetic materials are now derived from recycled bottles or other forms of waste to do better by the planet.
How to style an outdoor rug
According to Truong and Dang, many of the same rules apply to styling outdoor and indoor rugs. “Rugs are visual investments that can help pull a room together,” they note. “If you want to ground a table, make sure that item has enough room to be two-thirds on the rug and one-third off the rug. If you need a rug to fill a space, then make sure that the rug has at least three to six inches of space around its vicinity without touching walls, objects, or any floor transitions. If the intention is to cover a large area, make sure to offset the rug by at least 30 percent from the actual room size, especially if it’s a statement rug.”
How to clean an outdoor rug
How you clean your outdoor rug will depend entirely on its materials. Those made with synthetic fabrics can typically be hosed off and spot-cleaned with soap. Meanwhile, some knitted rugs made of natural fibers may be machine washable. Keep in mind that once washed, it’s important for natural fiber rugs to dry out completely so they don’t develop mold. To help ensure your rug lasts as long as possible, always check the instructions for preferred cleaning methods.
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