If you’re looking for ways to up the ante on your outdoor setting, consider adding a new outdoor rug to bring the space together.
Outdoor furniture and ornaments such as coffee tables, sofas, and garden parasols have a longer life span compared to rugs. Hence, it’s important to carefully choose which type of rug best suits your outdoor needs.
The outdoor rug’s lifespan will cut shorter than normal for homes in a more humid climate where mold and mildew love to pester.
In this article, we will share with you a few things that make a good outdoor rug.
Material
A practical outdoor rug is made from high-quality material that is built to endure environmental elements such as the weather.
Acrylic, Polyester, and Polypropylene are the materials you may want to look for in an outdoor rug. These materials are obviously synthetic, engineered fibers that are made to resist the absorption of water and are also quick to dry.
A good outdoor rug should also be UV resistant, so it won’t fade under prolonged sun exposure, and— unlike Hemp or Wool materials—they are stain, mold, and mildew resistant. But of course, with proper care, rain or shine, your outdoor rug will still look great all year round.
Also, consider buying an outdoor rug without rubber backing, as rubber-backed rugs can ruin most floors. They leave out permanent marks on floors and can also discolor them.
Size
Choosing the size of an outdoor rag is just similar to how you would choose the size of an area rug for your living room. The size of your rug should depend on the size of your porch, deck, or patio. You’d better buy your outdoor furniture before buying your rug. That way, you’ll know what size of outdoor rug you will need.
Your outdoor rug should be large enough for the legs of the furniture to sit onto. Although it’s not really necessary for all the legs of the furniture to fit on the rug, the front legs of the sofa and chairs should always fit.
A rug is not only for accent but also serves as an anchor to the furniture in every space. It makes the space feel more like a room. Outdoor area rugs are usually inexpensive, so why not go big?
Shape
As for the shape of the rug, whether round, square, or rectangular, it will depend on the shape of your space. Is your space rounded, squarish or elongated? Do you want a rug with the same shape as your space or a rug that contrasts?
A rectangular or elongated courtyard will have a calming effect when a rectangular rug is placed. Perhaps a round rug that brings out a circular feature in a linear space will look more appealing to you. A contrast in a space adds interest and personality.
Choosing the shape is a matter of personal preference. There isn’t any hard-and-fast rule regarding the shape of an outdoor rug, but it won’t hurt to follow a few guidelines.
Color
Outdoor rugs get stepped on and become soiled and filthy from day one. Because of this, rugs that come in several colors are more suitable for outdoor spaces. Stains will look less apparent on tonal or dithered rugs.
If you don’t know what dithered rugs are, they’re rugs with a dominant color when you look at them from a distance—but are actually made up of many tones on closer inspection. This will help hide the dirt and make cleaning less frequent.
Care and Maintenance
Just like any outdoor furniture, outdoor rugs also require proper care and maintenance if you want them to live longer.
A good outdoor rug should be able to withstand natural elements and should be easy to clean. Their longevity will depend on the right care and maintenance. A good outdoor rug should be sturdy enough to get scrubbed down with a thick-bristle brush to remove dirt and dust and machine-washed with soap.
Also, take into consideration the space where you will place the rug. Be aware of the drainage and airflow. If the space doesn’t have much drainage, you may need to tend to it more frequently.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs can add life and character to your outdoor space. They help make the patio, porch, deck, or balcony look more balanced. An outdoor rug should not dictate how you design your space but should serve as an anchor to your furniture.
And at the end of the day, rugs—especially outdoor ones—get wet and soiled. There’s no other way to avoid it. The best thing you can do is take proper care, especially when they get wet. Don’t let the rug stay wet for a longer period to avoid the growth of molds and mildew—even on mold and mildew-resistant rug surfaces!
