Your outdoor space is like an extension of your home, a place where you can relax and unwind while enjoying the beauty of nature. Like your home’s interior, the exterior should feel comfortable and inviting.

One way to make your outdoor space more inviting is by adding a rug. With the right rug, you can transform your outdoor space into a cozy and stylish retreat. Rugs add warmth, color, and texture to your patio or deck, making it feel more like an outdoor living room.

But if you’ve never decorated with an outdoor rug before, it can seem a little intimidating. How do you choose the right size, color, and style? And how do you go about incorporating it into your existing outdoor decor? Follow these rules for decorating with an outdoor rug to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

How Are Outdoor Rugs Different from Indoor Rugs?

Before you go and purchase a rug for your outdoor space, it’s important to understand the differences between an outdoor rug and an indoor one.

Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are better at withstanding harsh weather, exposure to sunlight, and heavy foot traffic. They’re typically made from durable synthetic materials such as polypropylene or polyester that are resistant to mold, mildew, and fading. These materials also make outdoor rugs easy to clean and maintain.

You don’t want to place an indoor rug outside, as the elements can quickly damage and ruin it. Additionally, indoor rugs are typically heavier, thicker, and have a different backing than outdoor rugs. This makes them less suitable for outdoor use. Therefore, getting a rug specifically designed for outdoor use is important if you want it to last and look good in your outdoor space.

Benefits of Rugs Outdoors

Why add a rug—or rugs—to your outdoor area? Outdoor rugs are a great investment for a variety of reasons. Here are some benefits that come with incorporating outdoor rugs into your decor:

• Comfort: Outdoor rugs add a layer of softness and comfort to your outdoor space, making it feel more inviting and cozier. This is especially great for areas with hard surfaces, like concrete or wood decking.
• Space definition: With the help of an outdoor rug, you can visually define and separate different areas in your outdoor space. For example, you can have one rug under a dining set and another one under a lounge area.
• Colors and patterns: Rugs are an easy way to add color, texture, and pattern to your outdoor space. They can tie together all the different elements of your decor and create a cohesive look.
• Flooring protection: An outdoor rug can act as a barrier between your flooring and outdoor furniture, preventing scratches and other damage.
• Ease of change: Outdoor rugs are relatively inexpensive compared with other outdoor furniture and decor pieces. This makes them easy to switch out when you want to change the look of your space.

Outdoor rugs allow you to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor living area that reflects your personal taste and style. Now, let’s dive into some rules for decorating with an outdoor rug to make the most out of this versatile decor piece!

Rules for Decorating With Outdoor Rugs

Rules for decorating? Yes, we know it sounds a bit rigid, but following some guidelines can help you create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.

Rule 1: Choose the Right Material for Your Space

When shopping for an outdoor rug, make sure to choose a material that’s suitable for your specific space and needs. Consider factors such as the amount of foot traffic, exposure to sunlight, and weather conditions in your area. Polypropylene and polyester are popular choices for outdoor rugs due to their durability and resistance to mold and fading.

Rule 2: Size Matters

In general, it’s best to choose a rug that’s slightly larger than your furniture arrangement. This will help define the space and create a visual anchor for your outdoor seating or dining area. But make sure not to go too big, as it can overwhelm the space and make it feel cluttered.

Rule 3: Layering Is Key

Don’t be afraid to layer multiple rugs in your outdoor space. This can add depth and texture to your decor and help define different areas within the same space. Just make sure the rugs complement each other in terms of color, pattern, and style.

Rule 4: Consider Your Furniture Placement

Think about where you want to place your furniture before choosing a rug. For example, if you have a large dining table, make sure to choose a rug that’s large enough for all the chairs to comfortably fit on top of it. Likewise, if you’re placing a rug under a seating area, it should be large enough for all the furniture pieces to sit on top of it.

Rule 5: Mix and Match

Outdoor rugs come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different rugs to create an eclectic and unique look. As we mentioned above, however, just make sure they have compatible color schemes or patterns.

Rule 6: Anchor the Rug

To prevent your outdoor rug from slipping or sliding, make sure to use an anchor underneath. This could be a rug pad specifically designed for outdoor use or double-sided carpet tape. This will help keep your rug in place and prevent accidents.

Outdoor rugs are a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space. They offer a blend of style, comfort, and functionality that can transform any patio, deck, or garden. Follow these rules for decorating with an outdoor rug to find the perfect rug for your space and make the most out of this versatile decor element.

At Decor Market, we offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor rugs in various sizes, styles, and colors. Our high-quality yet affordable rugs are perfect for any space. We offer fast and free shipping sitewide, so you can enjoy your new outdoor rug in no time. We also offer complimentary design services to help you create the perfect outdoor oasis. Shop now and start transforming your outdoor space today!