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How to Choose an Outdoor Rug for Your Porch, Patio, or Balcony

May 6, 2021
outdoor tan floral rug on patio with wicker furniture

When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, spending more time outdoors becomes a priority. Whether you’ve got a porch, patio, or balcony, the right outdoor rug can help transform your space into an outdoor oasis perfect for lounging and entertaining. 

No matter what activities you use your outdoor space for, it’s important you select the right outdoor rug for the job. Not only do you want to make sure you choose a washable outdoor rug that’s mold and mildew-resistant and built to resist color fading from sun or chlorine exposure, you also want to choose the right size, color, and style to suit your needs. Check out our tips on how to choose an outdoor rug.

How to Choose Your Outdoor Rug Size

Choosing the size of your outdoor rug depends on two factors: What type of outdoor space you have and what you’ll be using it for. 

Small outdoor spaces, such as front porches and balconies, will require a small outdoor rug, likely a 3’x5′, 5’x7′, or runner to add style and set the space apart. 

For outdoor areas with more room, like patios and decks, a large outdoor rug, such as a 6’x9′, 8’x10′, or 9’x12′, works best to tie the area together and provide a nice cushion underfoot.

outdoor black and white rug with boho chair and table
Outdoor Nomada White Rug in 6’x9,’ $329
Photo by: @meaganmarquisliving
outdoor grey geometric rug on porch
Outdoor Meseta Grey Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: @204park
outdoor striped rug under dining table on patio
Outdoor Offset Stripe Black Rug in 6’x9,’ $329
Photo by: @brittnimehlhoff
outdoor black and white rug with black and white furniture
Outdoor Cobblestone Black Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: @the_broadmoor_house
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You’ll also want to consider the primary use of your outdoor space and what furniture you want to incorporate. If you’re looking to create a cozy outdoor nook with a chair and small table, a small outdoor rug or runner rug will look best so as not to overwhelm the space. 

For an outdoor dining area, you want a large outdoor rug that will allow you to place the table and chairs entirely on the rug while leaving enough of the rug around to allow the chairs to remain on it even when pushed away from the table. An outdoor lounge area with a sofa, table, and accent chairs will also require a large outdoor rug. You want either the front two feet of the furniture to sit on the edge of the rug or have all the furniture on the rug to create a defined area that’s grounded by the rug. 

How to Choose Your Outdoor Rug Style

An outdoor space allows you the freedom to experiment with different decor themes without worrying about the way the rest of your home is styled. Since your patio, porch, balcony, or other outdoor area are likely only used a few months of the year, it’s nice to make it feel special. You can do this by choosing an outdoor rug in a pattern that suits your theme. 

outdoor tropical green rug on porch under dining table
Outdoor Tropical Green Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: Tom Bassett
outdoor blue geometric rug with off white furniture
Outdoor Halo Diamond Navy Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: @zevyjoy
outdoor black and white geometric rug on patio with umbrella
Outdoor Loseta Black Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: @homewithharper
outdoor green trellis rug on porch with black and cream furniture
Outdoor Varia Trellis Forest Green Rug in 8’x10,’ $439
Photo by: @graceinmagnolias
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For a vacation-inspired outdoor space, placing a tropical outdoor rug with palm leaves or other plants will give you an island vibe. 

outdoor tropical palm leaf rug on patio with neutral furniture
Outdoor Filifera Palm Green Rug
Photo by: @jcdesign1.1
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If you prefer a more formal feel, opt for a classic style, like a floral or trellis pattern, in neutral colors. 

outdoor tan floral rug on patio with wicker furniture
Outdoor Carmela Suzani Natural Rug
Photo by: @halfway_wholeistic
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For a vibe that feels casual and lived in, opt for outdoor rugs with minimal designs, like stripes, chevron, or geometric patterns. 

outdoor blue striped rug on patio under dining table
Outdoor Offset Stripe Navy Rug
Photo by: @zevyjoy
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You can play up your rug with coordinating pillows, chair cushions, table linens, and accent tables in the same decor style, or try mixing and matching for a unique look. 

How to Choose Your Outdoor Rug Color

Anything goes when it comes to the color of your outdoor rug. Most outdoor spaces are a blank canvas before they’re decorated, allowing you to choose any palette that suits your taste.

Outdoor rugs in shades of green or blue promote a sense of calm and play off the surrounding natural elements. These work well with neutral furniture that let the colorful outdoor rug be the focal point. 

outdoor blue and teal rug on balcony
Outdoor Ombra Teal Rug
Photo by: @liz_kamarul
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If you want to make a bold statement, a black and white outdoor rug will really pop. Pair it with natural tones for a boho vibe.

outdoor black and white boho rug on patio with boho furniture
Outdoor Nomada White Rug
Photo by: @undecorated_home
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For an elegant and understated space, try a light tone, like a tan or off-white outdoor rug. Keep the rest of your color palette neutral as well for a monochrome look.

outdoor tan and white geometric rug on patio
Outdoor Loma Natural Rug
Photo by: @the.orange.home
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How are you getting your outdoor space ready? Share in the comments, below!

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Home Design Ideas

Michelle Gant
Michelle is Ruggable's Content Manager. When she isn't browsing antique stores for home decor, you can find her sipping red wine, snuggling with her rescue pup, or plotting her next adventure.

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10 Comments


Tina Rinella
June 22, 2021 at 1:07 am
Reply

Why are there no ROUND outdoor rugs?????



    Alisha Warren
    February 27, 2022 at 8:37 pm
    Reply

    If it’s not too late answering your question. Overstock.com has round outdoor rugs

Tina Rinella
July 1, 2021 at 6:44 pm
Reply

I need a big ROUND outdoor rug. When will you have those…….pleeeease??????



    mm
    RUGGABLE
    July 1, 2021 at 8:31 pm
    Reply

    Hi, Tina!

    Thanks for your question.

    Unfortunately, we do not have a timeframe as to when we will have Outdoor Round Rugs. Please be assured we have made a note of your feedback and have passed it on to our Product & Development team.

Tatiana Cuevas
July 10, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Reply

Are these rugs safe on composite decking like Fiberone?



    mm
    RUGGABLE
    July 22, 2021 at 9:18 pm
    Reply

    Hey, Tatiana! Our rug pad consists of rubber and recycled polyester and thermoplastic rubber (a latex-free synthetic material most commonly used in yoga mats). Our rug pads are also 100% latex-free!

    The synthetic, latex-free, thermoplastic rubber in our Rug Pads won’t stain or leave residue on hard surface floors or vinyl. However, we recommend double-checking with the flooring manufacturer to ensure your flooring is compatible with this material.

Lonnie Rapp
April 3, 2023 at 7:21 pm
Reply

I cannot stand the synthetic plastic rugs. I’m really looking for something durable and a fairy attractive for an elegant patio and that does not include plastic.



    mm
    RUGGABLE
    April 10, 2023 at 12:25 pm
    Reply

    Hi, Lonnie! We are happy to give further insight into our rugs to help you determine if they fit what you are looking for! To confirm, our Outdoor Rug Cover is made of polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier. Additionally, we do offer samples in case you’d like to get a closer look at colors/designs and the texture/feel of our rugs prior to placing an order.

    Please feel free to see more info on our samples here, if interested: https://myruggable.com/sample_faq

Janice
May 30, 2023 at 6:08 am
Reply

How often should these be removed and replaced? How often cleaned? I have had a stroke and am left with limited ability to walk, plus I live in sunny and humid Florida. Thank you for your time in answering.



    mm
    RUGGABLE
    June 2, 2023 at 11:26 am
    Reply

    Hi, Janice! Great question! How often you should switch out your rug or clean it is ultimately up to you and your space. There is no specific timeline on when to clean it – regular maintence of vacuuming and/or sweeping your rug as well as spot cleaning works just fine for smaller messes/clean ups! You can do full washes in the washing machine whenever is most convenient for you and it is recommended after a large accident/mess but for daily activity sweeping and spot cleaning are equally effective.
    As for swithing it out, some customers like to have multiple Rug Covers to switch out to help change up their space, match the holidays, and help cycle out the decor intheir space. However, other customers use the same rug and have it down consistently! Switching it out may have with normal wear and tear a rug will experience overtime but it is not necessary to help maintain the upkeep; after all, they are washable and easily able to be spot cleaned!😊

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