Choosing an Outdoor Rug: Buyers Guide

Choosing an outdoor rug is the best way to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. Outdoor rugs not only add a personalised touch of style but also help to define and anchor different areas, create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, and protect your flooring from dirt, stains, and weather. If you’re wondering how to choose an outdoor rug, several key factors should be considered. Think about the material of the rug, the right size and shape for your outdoor space, and where you want to place the rug. The style and design of your outdoor rug are important for making the area feel like home, but you should also consider how easy the rug will be to clean and maintain.

The Benefits of Outdoor Area Rugs

Choosing the right outdoor rug can transform a plain deck or patio into a stylish and inviting area. The beauty of choosing the right outdoor rug is that it requires minimal effort for a significant improvement. By selecting a rug that complements your home or garden, you can easily elevate the appearance of your space without the need for major renovations or costly investments. It's a low-effort, high-impact way to enhance your outdoor space and make it more visually appealing, and create a comfortable place for you and your guests to gather around. At Ruggable, our outdoor rugs are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials that are easy to clean, allowing for effortless maintenance. All you need to do is select the perfect style, and the proper sizing that fits well within your space. With the right placement, your outdoor rug will help define different areas of your garden, patio, or balcony, to create a cohesive look and a visual anchor for your outdoor furniture. And you’ll never have to worry about keeping the area clean with changing weather, as Ruggable Outdoor Rugs are machine-washable, right at home!

Best Material for Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are made from a variety of materials, each offering specific benefits for withstanding outdoor conditions and weather. The best materials for an outdoor rug include polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and natural fibres such as bamboo or sisal. These materials are resistant to fading, moisture, and mould, making them perfect for outdoor use.

Polypropylene and polyester

Polypropylene and polyester are popular choices for outdoor rugs because they are known for their excellent weather resistance. These materials are water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use even in rainy or humid climates. They are also highly durable and resistant to fading, ensuring long-lasting colour that won’t fade easily under the sun.

Nylon

Nylon is another material known for its durability and resilience. It offers excellent resistance to stains, making it ideal for outdoor rugs used in spaces where spills and dirt are common.

Natural fibres

Natural fibre rugs like re-jute, bamboo or sisal bring a touch of organic beauty to outdoor areas. They are treated to be weather-resistant and provide a natural, earthy aesthetic that suits outdoor spaces. Choosing an outdoor rug with water- and weather-resistant and stain-resistant properties is crucial when it comes to ensuring that your rug can withstand exposure to the elements, resist mould and mildew, and remain visually appealing over time.

Are outdoor rugs waterproof?

Ruggable’s collection of outdoor rugs is water-resistant, meaning they can withstand exposure to moisture and light rain. However, they are not completely waterproof, and prolonged exposure to heavy rain or standing water may eventually penetrate the rug's fibres and lead to damage.

Can you leave an outdoor rug outside?

Yes, you can leave an outdoor rug outside. Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the elements and Ruggable’s collection is made from materials that are resistant to mould, moisture, and mildew. However, it is still recommended to take necessary precautions, such as placing the rug in a well-drained area and covering it during extreme weather conditions, to prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance. If dirt and grime build up, toss your Ruggable Outdoor Rug into the washing machine on a cold cycle.

Choosing an Outdoor Rug Size & Shape

When selecting the right size outdoor rug for different outdoor spaces, several factors come into play. Before you buy your outdoor rug, measure the size of the space to understand the exact dimensions of the area where your rug will go. A larger area may require a large rug to cover more space, while a smaller area may benefit from a smaller rug to avoid overwhelming your patio or deck. Outdoor runner rugs work well for narrow spaces or walkways, providing a stylish and functional point of interest. Rectangular and round rugs are popular choices, but consider the shape that best complements your outdoor furniture arrangement.

Choose a patio mat based on how much coverage you need around or under specific outdoor features, like grills or play areas. Ultimately, the right size outdoor rug should strike a balance between accommodating furniture and covering the desired space, while enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor area without feeling overwhelming.

Outdoor Rug Styles and Design Options

Ruggable has a wide range of outdoor rug styles and patterns to suit different spaces and personal styles. Whether you like a nature-inspired bohemian vibe modern aesthetics, or bold patterns, you’re sure to find an outdoor rug that’s right for you. 

For a boho sanctuary, opt for rugs with intricate patterns and rich colors. If a modern look is more your thing, go for clean lines, minimalist designs, and neutral tones. Abstract and geometric patterns can add a contemporary touch to the outdoor space. While floral prints are perfect to complement your real life garden.

It's important to choose a style that matches your outdoor decor and creates a harmonious look. By selecting the right style and pattern, the outdoor rug becomes a cohesive element that enhances the overall aesthetics of the space.

How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Rugs

Regular maintenance is a must when it comes to improving the longevity and beauty of your outdoor rugs. Depending on where they are placed, different cleaning frequencies may be required for different outdoor rugs. 

Outdoor rugs placed in shaded areas or under covered patios may accumulate less dirt and debris, and can be cleaned less frequently. Sweep the area often to ensure debris doesn’t sink deeper into the fibres.

However, rugs in high-traffic areas or those that are exposed to direct sunlight might need more frequent cleaning. In these cases, consider washing your rug once a month or season to prevent the build-up of dirt and stains, or fading.

Luckily, caring for outdoor rugs isn’t too difficult.

• Shake off or sweep up any loose debris.

• Spot clean any stains with a mild detergent and water, and allow the rug to air dry completely. 

• For washable rugs, like Ruggable that need a full clean, simply peel the Rug Cover off the Rug Pad and pop it in the washing machine.

Ruggable Outdoor Rugs are designed to withstand the elements and foot traffic. But keeping them cleaned and well cared for goes a long way to extending their lifespan, and looking great for years to come.

Our Tips for Choosing an Outdoor Rug

• An outdoor rug is a great way to make your outdoor space, like patios or decks, feel warm and inviting

• Make sure you pick a rug size that fits your space and can anchor any outdoor furniture

• Ruggable Outdoor Rugs are made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements and are water-, stain-, and mould-resistant

• Choose an outdoor rug that suits your design and style tastes to work perfectly in your own home

• It’s important to take care of your outdoor rug with regular cleaning and washing to ensure longevity

• Outdoor rugs are waterproof and can be left outside, but exposure to extreme weather and standing water can impact their lifespan

• Measure your outdoor space before ordering an outdoor rug so you get the correct size

• Consider where your rug will be placed, and don’t overwhelm small spaces with rugs that are too large