Boost your outdoor space with rugs
An outdoor rug feels great underfoot, defines a patio or exterior sitting area and brings in an element of softness and texture.
Materials
There are two categories of materials from which outdoor rugs are made, synthetic and natural. Examples of synthetic fibres are polypropylene or acrylic, whereas natural rugs tend to be made of materials like bamboo or sisal. Synthetic rugs are lightweight, inexpensive, waterproof, and often produced in vibrant colours. The downside is that they are noticeably much less plush under foot than what you are used to indoors. Natural fibre outdoor rugs come in more organic shades, have a lovely texture and are durable if kept dry.
Shape
Consider the proportions of your outdoor area when choosing the shape of your rug. Round patio tables look good over round rugs, while outdoor seating groupings can be nicely defined by a square or rectangular rug. When deciding on scale, a good rule to go by is as follows: around an outdoor dining table, you should be able to pull out all of the chairs and have the chair legs remain on the rug. Alternatively, in a sitting area, the rug should be large enough so that at least the front legs of all major pieces of furniture in a grouping are on the rug.
Maintenance
Care instructions will vary depending on materials but generally, it’s best to clean an outdoor rug with a hose, scrubbing brush and diluted dish of sugar soap. Make sure to clean both sides, then let your rug dry in the sun. To remove moss or algae, add a little vinegar or bleach to your washing solution. If it’s made of a softer fibre, you might like to vacuum or beat it with a carpet beater before washing. Don’t leave an outdoor rug outside during winter if it snows in your area or you run the risk of having a major trip hazard.