Guide to Choosing an Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Breathe new life into a patio, deck, or balcony with a high-quality indoor/outdoor rug in the size, shape, material, and style that works for your space. A weather-resistant rug can define outdoor living areas, add color and interest, and establish a style from which you can build the rest of your patio decor. Explore our Indoor/Outdoor Rug Buying Guide to choose the best option for your home, whether you’re decorating a small balcony, screened-in porch, sprawling patio, or deck.
The Best Indoor/Outdoor Rug Materials
The highest quality indoor/outdoor rugs are made from performance materials engineered to withstand extended exposure to the elements. While natural materials such as cotton, wool, and jute are wonderful for indoor use, these fibers are highly absorbent and aren’t ideal in environments where they’ll be exposed to humidity and rain. The best materials for indoor/outdoor rugs are olefin or polyester:
Olefin and polypropylene both refer to the same synthetic material used to make durable rugs for indoor and outdoor use. Characteristics of olefin or polypropylene include:
- Colorfast and resists fading, even when exposed to sunlight
- Repels stains
- Easy to clean
- Naturally water-resistant
- Withstands wear and tear
- It may not be as soft as other materials
Polyester, the common name for P.E.T. (Polyethylene terephthalate), is another synthetic material often used for rugs. Qualities of polyester rugs include:
- Holds dyes well; available in a wide range of colors
- Resists stains reasonably well; can be stain-treated for greater protection
- Softer than polypropylene and often used indoors, as well
- Light colors may show dirt more readily
Can You Use Coir Door Mats Outside?
Coir door mats should only be used in covered outdoor areas. Coir door mats are made from fibers harvested from the husks of coconuts and do not have the same weather-resistant properties as other indoor/outdoor area rugs or synthetic door mats. These mats can hold water, so they shouldn’t be used in places where they’ll be exposed to rain.
However, in a covered outdoor area, indoor foyer, mudroom, or busy entryway, coir door mats offer a range of benefits: They resist fading from sunlight, are durable enough for heavy foot traffic, and effectively trap mud dirt, and debris before it can be tracked through your house.
Outdoor Rug Sizes and Shapes
A patio rug can overpower your space if it’s too big, but a too-small rug may feel like it’s lost or floating. Outdoor rugs are typically available in the same standard sizes as indoor rugs, from small 2-foot by 3-foot accent rugs to large 9-foot by 12-foot statement pieces.
Follow these steps to choose the best size indoor/outdoor rug for your home.
1. Measuring for an Outdoor Rug
The first step in finding the right size outdoor rug is to measure the space. But this requires more than knowing the dimensions of a room. If your outdoor area is contained—a screened-in porch or small deck—simply measure the length and width of the space. However, if you have a large patio split into dining and seating areas, you’ll want to treat each space like its own room and measure accordingly. Once you have the dimensions, you can choose a rug size that best fits your space and furniture arrangement.
2. Choosing the Right Size Outdoor Rug for Your Space
Designers and decorators follow several general rules when determining an ideal rug size. Consider these tips to help you narrow down on the right dimensions for a patio rug:
If you’re placing a rug beneath furniture arranged on the outer edges of a deck or screened porch, it should be large enough that the front legs of the major furniture pieces rest on it—account for about 3 inches to extend beneath the furniture.
A rug beneath an outdoor dining table should extend far enough around the table that the chairs will still completely rest on it, even when pushed back.
Decorators recommend choosing a rug size that will allow for at least 8 inches, but no more than 2 feet, of clearance from screened walls, deck railings, or edge of a patio.
3. Deciding on a Rug Shape
Designers often match the shape of a rug to the shape of the outdoor space and furniture configuration. For example, an indoor/outdoor runner rug suits a narrow wrap-around porch, small balcony, or walkway where space is limited but you’d still like to add color or textural interest. A large seating area warrants a proportional rug, often in a rectangle or square design that mimics your furniture arrangement. If you have a circular coffee or dining table, a round rug may suit the space.
Outdoor Rug Styles
Outdoor rugs come in a variety of colors, patterns, and monochromatic designs to complement your alfresco aesthetic. Choose from bold or tonal stripes, classic and whimsical florals, sisal-look rugs, and neutral hues. When deciding on an outdoor rug style that suits your preferences, consider these tips for inspiration:
- Create continuity. If your porch or deck serves as an extension of adjacent indoor living space, look for an outdoor rug in colors that coordinate or complement the decor of that room.
- Fit the feel of your space. Tropical-inspired palettes or patterns may suit a poolside patio or deck, while a neutral sisal-look rug may be just the thing for an upscale outdoor dining area.
- Keep contrast in mind. To avoid your rug fading into the background, opt for designs and shades that pop against the color of your deck stain, brick surface, or patio stone.
- Coordinate with other outdoor textiles. Balance bold prints and colors of your patio umbrella or decorative accessories with a neutral outdoor rug to prevent clashing. Or, add interest underfoot with large, vibrant patterns, then opt for understated hues on patio pillows and cushions.
How to Care for an Outdoor Rug
Durable indoor/outdoor carpets resist wear, tear, and stains but will eventually get dirty. Some outdoor rugs can be vacuumed, rinsed with a hose, or scrubbed and bleached, while others require spot-cleaning and gentle sweeping instead. Air-drying is often best. Before washing or cleaning an indoor/outdoor rug, check the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Can Outdoor Rugs Be Left Out All Year Round?
Yes: Outdoor rugs are waterproof and stain-, mold-, and mildew-resistant and can be left outside all year long—even through snowy winters and pollen-heavy springs. However, if you know you won’t be using your porch, patio, or deck during the off-season, storing your rug in a dry, clean place can help it last longer. Indoor/outdoor rugs designed for use in covered or protected areas may not fare as well in inclement weather as a truly “outdoor” rug might.
The right indoor/outdoor rug can totally transform the look of your patio, porch, or balcony. For best results, choose a size, material, and style that works well in your unique space. Find more inspiration on outfitting outdoor spaces and refreshing the inside of your home in our other expert Guides.