As The Big Lebowski's The Dude would say, a rug can "really tie a room together." But what about a patio or a balcony? If you've got one of the best outdoor rugs, it will not only add a pop of color and texture to your space, it will feel better underfoot than a hard ground or deck surface and help to keep your tootsies—and consequently, your floors—from getting dirty once you head inside. It can even help to hide any unsightly areas that are better left unseen. And with statement rugs exploding in popularity, your choices are more versatile—and stunning—than ever. We tapped interior design expert Jessica Welling for some insight into how to pick the best outdoor rug, including sizing advice and tips for seeking out the best fade- and stain-resistant materials for the elements. Below, the 12 most gorgeous (and affordable!) outdoor rugs on the market.
12 of the Best Outdoor Rugs to Zhuzh Up Your Backyard in a Hurry
Who's ready for patio season?
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The Best Outdoor Rugs at a Glance
Best Overall Outdoor Rug
Hauteloom Windaroo Outdoor Rug
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Most Colorful Outdoor Rug
Anthropologie Heidi Outdoor Rug
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Best Outdoor Striped Rug
Home Dynamix Tripoli Mateo Outdoor Rug
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Best Waterproof Outdoor Rug
Fab Habitat Lhasa Outdoor Rug
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Best Outdoor Plastic Rug
Playa Rug Amsterdam Outdoor Rug
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Meet the Expert
Jessica Welling is the Seattle-area-based interior designer behind Jessica Welling Interiors. She studied at the New York Institute of Art and Design. While residential interior design is her passion, some of her favorite projects have been in the outdoor living space.
What Size Outdoor Rug Do I Need?
Your outdoor rug will often (though not always) exist in a larger space that it would indoors, so you’ll need to do some measuring to figure out what size you’ll need. “The rules are essentially the same as they are for indoor rug sizing,” says Welling. “For a dining space, the rug needs to extend at least 24 to 30 inches farther than the dining table on all sides.” She adds that all four legs of each chair should stay on the rug—even when they're pulled out.
If you're not looking for a full table setup, Welling says to follow the same advice. “For an outdoor living room or small seating group, the most important thing is to find a rug that's large enough that the front legs of your seating furniture can all sit on it,” she explains. “When in doubt, bigger is almost always better.”
How to Choose an Outdoor Rug
Once you’ve figured out what size outdoor rug you need, Welling says that the color should be your next decision. “Color is important,” she says. “I always want to choose one that looks good with the other elements in the space, such as your deck wood or other furniture and accessories.”
What's more, because it's outside, you've got license to go a little bolder than you might in your house. “Don't be afraid to choose a bolder color and pattern than you might for your living room rug,” Welling advises.
Last but not least, consider your cleanup. “Unless I'm using woven plastic outdoor rugs, I try to choose ones that are predominantly a darker color and with minimal white or cream,” says Welling. “I have two kids and a big muddy dog, so nothing white is going to stay that way.”
There are a couple of other factors that come into play, too. Outdoor rugs come in a number of different fabrics, from soft, high-quality recycled plastics to fiber blends that will withstand the elements while retaining a more natural look. Despite your dreams of having a coastal-looking natural jute or sisal rug in your al fresco space, Welling cautions against it. “Natural fibers don't tend to hold up well when exposed to sun and rain, so I don't recommend any of these materials for outdoor use," she says.
Instead, lashook for a synthetic dupe, like this gorgeous Rugs USA Ashen rug, $36, or opt for one of Welling's two material standouts: plastic and polypropylene.
- Plastic: “I'm a big fan of plastic outdoor rugs,” Welling says. We know what you're thinking: "Who wants to walk around on hardened plastic?" But updated weaves of the synthetic material are actually quite soft on the feet. They're also a breeze to clean and will hold up over time. “They're made of long tubes of recycled plastic woven together, so they're 100 percent waterproof, and you can just rinse them off with the hose,” Welling says. “These are my go-to choice for any outdoor living space that's not under cover because they won't mildew or get filthy. They're also inexpensive.”
- Polypropylene: Next to plastic, you’ll find that most practical outdoor rugs made of polypropylene, a durable and flexible form of thermoplastic. “These will look and feel more like indoor rugs, though they are sturdier and not as soft,” Welling explains. According to the design guru, it's a great choice for a sunroom, covered patio or any space that's not going to be constantly damp. "While polypropylene outdoor rugs are water-resistant, they can still grow mildew, and ground-in dirt is difficult to remove," she warns.
Ready to pick the perfect outdoor rug for your space? Check out our list below. The majority of our outdoor rug picks will be durable and low-maintenance thanks to their largely plastic and polypropylene materials. Because outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes, we also chose selections with lots of available sizing. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a PureWow editor seal of approval—something you'll also find on our list.
- Pros: pretty, mildew-, stain- and weather-resistant, wide size range
- Con: creases when folded over
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 2 feet by 2 feet 11 inches to 8 feet 10 inches by 12 feet
- Pile: low
This Hauteloom beauty from Boutique Rugs checked all the boxes we were looking for. It looks every bit as attractive as a living room rug, it can take a wallop from the elements, it's easy to clean and it comes in a wide size range.
Commerce Director Nicole Briese has been using this on her lanai since March 2023 in the 7 foot 2 inch by 10 foot 2 inch size. “The bright pop of blue completely changed my outdoor space, making for a bright, airy respite from the world," she says. "I’ve also been extremely impressed with its ability to hold up outdoors. Though it’s only been a few months, the Florida sun where I live can be brutal, and I’m not seeing any fading or wear. It's also surviving rainy season nicely, drying quickly after getting semi-soaked. My only complaint is that while it’s nice and sturdy, it can crease where it blows up on super blustery days. I’ve taken to cementing it in place with a chair when need be—perhaps I need a rug mat?”
- Pros: bold, beautiful colors, cushy
- Con: not waterproof
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: 5 feet by 8 feet to 8 feet by 10 feet
- Pile: low
This hand-loomed Anthropologie mat packs a punch with its bold colors. It’s best used for covered spaces, as the polyester material can get waterlogged (and we all know what that means—mildew!), but what it lacks in convenience it makes up for in style. Reviewers also say it feels plush to walk on, so it will make your hidden outdoor nook feel super cozy.
- Pros: easy to clean, climate-pledge friendly, stain-resistant
- Con: light color may show dirt easier
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 5 feet 3 inches by 7 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 10 inches by 10 feet 2 inches
- Pile: low
The muted palette of Home Dynamix’s striped rug will make any space feel warm and inviting without detracting from its ambience. While its lighter color also means more dirt may show, it's made of stain-resistant polypropylene, so you can hose it down as often as you need to to keep it looking pristine—you'll just want to make sure it fully dries. Customers like the sturdiness of this floor cover as well as the fact that it smooths out easily, though the company notes it may have a few creases upon arrival. It also happens to be Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, which signifies that it's free from many harmful substances.
- Pros: waterproof, UV-resistant, stylish
- Con: can crease
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 2.5 feet by 8 feet up to 8 by 10 feet
- Pile: low
Who says plastic has to look cheap? You would never guess that this designer-esque Fab Habitat pick, a brand reportedly known for its durability, is made of 100 percent premium recycled polypropylene plastic that's super easy to care for. Its plastic tubes also mean its got a little squish under foot, making your outdoor space all the comfier. Better yet, it's UV-resistant, meaning those vivid colors aren't likely to fade anytime soon. No wonder it's the top material choice of our interior design expert!
- Pros: weatherproof, easy to clean, reversible, eco-friendly
- Con: limited size options, less soft
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 4 feet by 6 feet to 8 feet by 10 feet
- Pile: low
Talk about a statement piece! More than simply looking attractive, this dual-sided eco-friendly option is stain-, fade-, UV- and water-resistant, and easy to clean besides. It's also downright reasonably priced. Since it's constructed from 100 percent recycled polypropylene straws, it might not be as soft as other options, but we think is pros far outweigh its cons.
- Pros: weather-resistant, versatile, budget friendly
- Con: synthetic
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 2 feet by 3 feet to 10 feet by 14 feet
- Pile: low
We totally get it—we want the beachy vibes a natural-fiber jute rug can bring in our outdoor setup, too. We’re not saying you can’t go that route if you *really* want, but since Welling advised against it, we found the next best thing—a jute dupe. The easy-going tan hue and breezy braided tassels of this synthetic power-loomed rug will trick your brain into thinking you've found the real deal (and for a steal, we might add). Since it's far more durable, you'll enjoy it for longer, too—no one-season wonders here! Note that a rug pad is recommended for this pick.
- Pros: made in Turkey, large size available, soft under foot
- Con: slippery synthetic back
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 2 feet by 4 feet to 12 feet by 15 feet
- Pile: low
Like our design expert Jessica Welling said, bigger is almost always better. If you’re looking to cover a more ground than the average bear, the nuLoom Miriam floor cover goes up to 12 feet by 15 feet in size. It’s made of weather-resistant polypropylene, but has a nice low pile you won't trip over (something that's important when you're traipsing up and down deck stairs) and can be used both indoors or outdoors. Given its neutral design, we're guessing you won't be hard-pressed to find a spot for it inside come wintertime.
- Pros: durable, water resistant, wide size range
- Con: limited color selection
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 2 feet by 3 feet to 8 feet 6 inches by 12 feet
- Pile: low
Conversely, if you're looking for something a bit smaller, this one goes as low as an an unassuming 2 feet by 2 feet all the way up to 10 feet by 12 feet. Aside from loving its bold stripes, which shoppers say are "more beautiful in person," and the low-maintenance polypropylene material ("We have had for a few months in our screened in porch and it has held up very well between a dog and two kiddos," wrote another happy buyer), we love its price point—especially at 40 percent off.
- Pros: shed-resistant, sustainably sourced, handcrafted, Fair Trade-certified
- Con: not entirely waterproof
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: 5 feet by 8 inches to 9 feet by 12 feet
- Pile: low
We’re willing to sacrifice some outdoor rug benefits for beauty. This rug is made of 100 percent recycled plastic polyester, so while its not as water-resistant as some of the other outdoor materials on this list, you can't deny that it's beautiful. Handwoven with colorful personality, it will add a new level of style to your outdoor boho haven. It's also made to withstand the elements, though it will require a little extra TLC to keep it in tip-top shape. (The manufacturer recommends vacuuming it regularly and having tough stains professionally cleaned.) To make a true statement with this stunner, go for the largest size available, which measures 9 feet by 12 feet size.
- Pros: weatherproof, folds into included carrying case, cleans well
- Con: expensive, can tear in rocky terrain
- Material: polypropylene
- Size Range: 8 feet by 12 feet to 8 feet by 20 feet
- Pile: low
A big outdoor rug will create a cozy living space in front of your camper on all your adventures this summer, and this Mountain Mat will be just the ticket. Wrote one Amazon shopper: "Having camped in Northern AZ for years, having a good mat outside the camper really helps keep the dirt out." This one, in particular, "cleans up like a dream." The geometric design looks great in the neutral gray, and it folds into a handy carrying case (included with purchase) for travel. The one caveat? You'll have to take care where you place it, as the shopper noticed that it did not hold up against rocky terrain.
- Pros: statement piece, Oeko-Tex certified
- Con: limited sizing
- Material: polypropelene
- Size Range: 6 feet 7 inches by 6 feet 7 inches
- Pile: flat
Sometimes, a square rug is the best shape for your space. It only comes in the one size in the square option, but at just over 6 feet in both directions, it’s likely to work with most small conversation sets. To keep its artistic design looking top-notch, spot cleaning is recommended (though it can withstand water), and reviewers say you'll definitely want to do so, since quality of this chic rug is much higher than the price would suggest. (Psst: It can go inside, too.)
- Pros: non-skid construction, fade- and stain-resistant, reversible
- Con: can snag easily
- Material: nylon, polypropylene
- Size Range: 4 feet by 4 feet to 8 feet by 8 feet
- Pile: high
The classic, hand-braided look of this Rhody rug is highlighted by its circular shape, which will suit a wide variety of decor styles, from the cottagecore to the modern maximalist. The nylon-and-polypropylene blend makes it both durable and easy to care for, while also giving it a good heft. (Read: It won’t move around or curl up too much.) I’ve had one of these rugs for years and find it to be super durable, hide dirt well (don’t judge!), and really enliven every space with its colors and texture.
How to Clean an Outdoor Rug
As we mentioned above, most modern outdoor rugs are made of plastic or plastic-blend fibers, which are relatively easy to clean. Here’s how tokeep your outdoor rug looking good as new.
- Get rid of surface dirt. Take this first step to ensure cleaner clean-up if you’ll be spraying it down. Give your rug a good shake, then use a broom or even a vacuum to destroy hidden dust and dirt.
- Spot clean stains. Using a bristle brush ($35), some dish soap ($17) and water, you'll want to scrub any dirty spots that stand out to the naked eye.
- Spray it down with the hose. This is the best way to clean an outdoor rug. Just make sure you let it dry properly before laying it back down.
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Nicole Villeneuve is a freelance writer based in Toronto and has been writing about all things pop culture, entertainment and lifestyle for more than ten years. She's a thrift-store expert, group chat GIF spammer and somehow still regularly watches MTV's Teen Mom.
Nathalie Feingold is PureWow’s former Affiliate Content Resident. She’s always willing to test out the next hot product (her skincare regimen currently includes snail mucin serum), and she’s unafraid to try new trends (yes, even low-waisted jeans). She’s previously written and edited for magazines in both San Diego and Valencia, Spain. Her ultimate favorite hobby is laying out at the beach with a good book in hand.
Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She has been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across pretty much all categories, but currently focuses on wellness, books and fashion. She's most passionate about all things physical and mental health, and whether she's covering dating trends, reviewing sleep products or interviewing therapists, doctors and other health professionals, her ultimate goal is to help PureWow readers feel their best from the inside out.
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