How to Choose an Outdoor Rug for your Porch or Patio

Designing an outdoor living space can be very exciting because there are endless possibilities. A great place to start is with an outdoor rug. Whether you have a small nook or a large patio, outdoor rugs are the perfect choice! They are economical, durable, easy to clean and colorful! The right outdoor rug can set the tone for your patio or deck décor. But where to start? Here are some things to consider as you look for your perfect outdoor rug.

What is the Vision for your outdoor space?

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Designing an outdoor space is similar to an indoor space. Consider how you want the space to feel, and what the space is being used for. Is it a sitting area on your deck to relax and enjoy the day with friends and family? Is it an outdoor eating area for grilling out, or pool parties? Or is this area your front porch where you want to make anyone that steps foot on it feel welcomed?

Choosing the correct Size Outdoor Rug

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Selecting the right size for your outdoor rug is really based on the layout of your deck or patio. Outdoor rugs come in a plethora of sizes, ranging from 2x3’s to 11x14’s. When deciding on the size of rug that you need, consider your space and what you are trying to create in that space.  

Entryways:

A 2x3 rug can be great for a small space. If your entryway is larger, try using a 3x5 or 4x6 to give it a little more flare or umph! This gives a touch of color and serves the purpose of welcoming guests into your home.

Large porches, decks or patios:

Select from a range of 5x8 to 9x12 depending on what look you are trying to achieve. You could make a small sitting area to anchor your rug with patio furniture such as chairs, benches and tables. When placing your rug be sure to allow 12-24 inches from the rug’s edges to the perimeter of your patio space.

What Rug Size is Best for an Outdoor Seating Area?

There is no right or wrong when it comes to the size of your patio rug outdoor because it completely depends on the size of your patio, porch, or backyard. Depending on where you want to put your outdoor porch rug, you can consider this rule of thumb: your furniture should be placed on the rug, and there should still be at least 25 inches left on each side. 

Keep these points in mind while buying your outdoor patio rug:

1. Make up your mind what is the purpose of your outdoor seating area. Do you want to have a cozy breakfast spot in your backyard? Or do you want a cottage core dining table to host Sunday brunches? Be clear with the purpose for which you need the rug.
2. Measure your patio/porch to know what size of outdoor patio rug you need.
3. Measure the furniture that you want to keep in your outdoor setting. If you do not already own the furniture and are planning to buy the furniture later, you can buy the furniture, keeping your rug as a reference.
4. The rug should be 50 to 55 inches bigger than your table and chairs combined so that when the chairs are pulled out, there is still space to walk around on the rug.

Ensure that you invest in a good quality outdoor rug for the porch so that it can last long. The best material for outdoor rugs is jute. You can also go for synthetic rugs. 

What Rug Size is Ideal for a Small Patio Seating Area?

If you have a small patio seating area, you should consider square or circle rugs as they will give you enough functional space in a small patio. 

 Selecting the Right Shape of Outdoor Patio Rug

If you are wondering what is the best shape for rugs for outdoor porch, we have prepared a complete guide for you. 

1. Rectangle Rugs: Rectangle rugs are ideal for open seating areas in backyards or patios. If you have ample space in your backyard, you can get a large rectangular rug like 6x9 or 8x10. 
2. Square Rugs: For porch and front patios, square rugs work the best. Square outdoor porch rugs will anchor all your furniture while giving you enough walking space. As people decorate their porches with planters and other decorative items, a square-shaped rug is preferred.

Round Rugs: Round rugs are best for smaller spaces. You can also use a round rug to layer over a square rug to give it a unique look.

Materials and maintenance of your outdoor rug

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Selecting the material of your rug might not seem as important now, but it makes a big difference down the road. Your outdoor rug material determines how much time you will have to spend on maintenance. Conditions such as moisture and UV rays can deteriorate your rug overtime, so it is important to stay vigilant. Outdoor rugs have two main categories:

Synthetic Fiber Rugs

These rugs are made of polypropylene on the face and back of the rug. This is what makes an outdoor rug waterproof, and perfect for your porch or patio. Polypyrene can be scrubbed and hosed down, making clean up a quick and easy task. However, they are not as soft and organic as natural materials. The durability of the material make synthetic fiber outdoor rugs a good choice for certain areas of high traffic indoors, such as a mudroom or foyers.

Natural Fiber Rugs

Rugs in this category can look great on a deck or porch, but material choice is more important. Common materials like jute and seagrass rugs cannot be used outside. Bamboo or sisal are a great choice for a covered porch away from moisture and can connect the space to it’s outdoor scenery. Polyester is the most common natural fiber rug. It is stain and flame resistant, meaning cookout accidents aren't the end of your outdoor rug. You will need to bring this rug inside in the event of inclement weather.

How to Style Your Outdoor Space with Rugs

While styling your outdoor rug for your porch, you should consider these factors:

1. Consider the size

There are many sizes of outdoor rugs and shapes for you to choose from, meaning that you can find one that will suit your outdoor space. What you can do in large spaces is use multiple rugs or put two rugs and just offset them to give an illusion of multiple rooms. In small areas, people can even place a small 3 x 5 rug or buy a lovely rug runner.

2. Choose a Rug that Matches your Theme

It is recommended that you choose a rug that will support your theme. An outdoor patio rug should assist you in getting the look that you want. For instance, if you want to have a number of people over for a party, you can get a bright-colored rug or get a rug that can give you the Moroccan feel if all you want is a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Coordinate with your Furniture:

It is important to ensure that you coordinate your rug with other other decorations. You can coordinate this rug with your outside cushion, patio set, planters, or outdoorsy ornaments and decor. 

Cleaning Your Outdoor Rug

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Taking care of your outdoor rug is easy! Be sure to give it an occasional sweeping or shaking to remove any debris. They can be spot cleaned with a mild soap and water and depending on the material, hosed off. Just be sure to let your rug dry thoroughly, either by draping your rug over a railing or laying it in the warm sun. If you want to store your rug for the winter, do the above and then roll it up and put in a corner of the garage. If you do not have the space, you can wrap it in a tarp and place it standing in the corner of your yard and it will be ready for use come next spring. With a little care you can get years out of your outdoor rug. If you leave your rug out all year long in the elements, you are looking at about a two year lifespan. Either scenario is dependent on the environment you have your rug in and how you take care of your rug.

FAQs on outdoor patio rug

1. How do I prevent my outdoor patio rug from blowing away?

The easiest way to prevent your outdoor patio rug from blowing away is my keeping heavy furniture on it. Alternatively, you can use rug tape to hold it in one place. 

2. Can I leave my porch outdoor rug outside all year round?

Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions like sun, rain, and snowfall. Just ensure there is enough room for water to drain and your rug dries completely. 

3. Can outdoor patio rugs be left in the rain?

Yes, you can leave your outdoor rugs in the rain without worrying about it. It can withstand the rain. If you live in an area where you experience heavy rainfall and high humidity for the better part of the year, look for rugs made from jute or other materials to avoid fungus and mold growth.

4. How long do outdoor rugs last?

With good care and maintenance, a good quality outdoor rug can last for more than 10 years. Depending on the quality of your rug, it has a lifespan of 7 to 15 years. 

Designing your porch, patio or deck can be exhilarating. With so many rug colors and materials to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether it is an evening of s’mores in the fall or a pool day in the summer, your outdoor space needs the right rug. Browse our selection of outdoor rug and let us ship it right to your door for free!