Buying Guide – Rob Report

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Picture this: It’s 72 degrees and sunny. You’re barefoot, lounging on a well-cushioned teak sofa, laid out on a woven outdoor rug. The air smells faintly like jasmine. In one hand, a fresh bottle of Aperol Spritz; In the other, a thrilling spy novel. Ah, yes, yard season is here.

With spring blooming and summer on the horizon, it’s time to prepare yourself for the most enjoyable outdoor season yet. Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your backyard or you’re lucky enough to have a private porch attached to your city apartment, no setup is complete without an outdoor rug to give the space a complete touch. It may seem superfluous, but the best outdoor rugs help anchor your seating area, add a splash of color, and liven up the space.

Some of the best outdoor rugs can take your porch, patio, or deck from “a nice place to sit” to “inviting outdoor living room” almost instantly. They add texture and interest and help anchor a space. Whether you’re looking for a natural jute rug or a patterned flatweave, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor rugs on the market – just in time for the first drizzles of summer.


What to consider before buying the best outdoor rugs:

measuringAs with almost every home decor item, the first and most important step before you shop is to measure your space and evaluate which rug size will work best for you. A larger rug can create a room with almost edges, while a smaller rug can draw attention to a seating arrangement while placing it underneath a coffee or dining table.

material: weather happens. From the summer monsoons to the harsh rays of the sun, the elements will always have an impact on your outdoor rug. Discolouration, stains and natural wear and tear are normal, so be sure to consider the material of your outdoor rug – whether it’s easy to wash, clean or even hose down.

design: With your outdoor space, a rug can be the most impactful piece of your home decor. (Outdoor furniture tends to be more uniform and traditional than indoor offerings.) Choosing something simpler, like a solid navy or natural rug, will allow your surroundings to take center stage, while a patterned or printed rug will draw the eye and make your look more inviting. The seating area is the main attraction.


The most durable outdoor rug

This subtly striped rug is made of 100% olefin, which perfectly mimics the look of natural jute fabric but is much more durable. And with Sunbrella trim around the edges (in seven different colors), it’s designed to last outdoors but also works in high-traffic indoor areas. This easy and durable rug fits almost any style, from Mediterranean to contemporary.

Dimensions: From 3 x 5 feet to 8 x 10 feet.
Material: 100% olefin textured Sunbrella acrylic.
style: natural

Buy now from Pottery Barn:

From $449 to $1,349


The best outdoor jute rug

If you have a balcony or covered patio, you can get an authentic natural fiber rug. Topping our list is jute, a durable and weather-resistant fiber that is less synthetic. This product from Anji Mountain is very well reviewed, comes in four sizes, and ships promptly. Handwoven in India, we love that this rug is GoodWeave Certified, which means it’s made by adult artisans and helps provide education to thousands of at-risk children in India.

Dimensions: From 4 x 6 feet to 9 x 9 feet.
Material: Double layer jute.
style: natural.

Buy now at Target:

From $220 to $541


Most outdoor rug painting

Do you want to make a statement with your outdoor living space? This bold, graphic rug from West Elm will add an instant dose of charm. To maintain aesthetic balance, stick to neutral pillows and furniture made of teak or iron. Soft and flexible, we like this rug to work indoors too, and it’s made in a fair trade facility.

Dimensions: From 5 x 8 feet to 9 x 12 feet.
Material: Recycled polyester.
style: accident.

Buy now from West Elm:

From $255 to $680


Best outdoor coastal rug

If you’re looking to create the ultimate coastal retreat within your outdoor oasis, try a striped rug like Lido from one of our favorite interior design stores that brings together tradition, Serena & Lily. Available in navy blue and white or light blue and white, it reflects the easygoing beach lifestyle. Bring it all together with teak furniture, a few oversized hurricane lanterns, and a fringed parasol to really set the scene.

Dimensions: From 2 x 3 feet to 9 x 12 feet.
Material: Polypropylene.
style: coastal.

Buy now on Serena & Lily:

From $198 to $2,498


Best round outdoor rug

We love Annie Selke’s large collection of elegant indoor/outdoor rugs. If you’re looking for a circular rug to give your outdoor space a more rounded feel (ha!), this finely woven option allows your patio’s hardwoods or stones to show through. Available in four sizes and seven colours, this rug features a latex backing so you don’t need a separate rug pad.

Dimensions: From 4 feet to 10 feet round.
Material: Polyester fiber is made from recycled plastic bottles.
style: bohemian.

Buy now on AnnieSilk:

From $164 to $1098


Best Scandinavian Outdoor Rug

If your outdoor space conveys the clean lines and open energy of Nordic and Scandinavian style, Article’s Baken Earth Outdoor Rug makes a chic, complimentary element. We like the half-and-half color scheme to be a bit unusual, and the scattering pattern adds some interest. Since it’s a larger size, try this under a dining table or as an anchor for a sofa and coffee table setting.

Dimensions: 6 x 9 ft.
Material: polyester.
style: Scandinavian.


Best outdoor runner

You’re probably thinking to yourself, why would anyone need an outside runner, when trails don’t exist outside? However, slim balconies do! If you have a tight outdoor space attached to your condo or apartment, there are plenty of stylish options to fit your specific measurements. Our pick is the Citizenry rug for its natural design and textured surface. The sand color is easy to blend with almost any balcony furniture, but note that it also comes in a lighter colour.

Dimensions: 2.24 x 8 ft.
Material: jute.
style: natural.

Buy now on The Citizenry:

$345


The best kilim inspired outdoor rug

If you want to recreate the lush, old-world feel of a cozy den, a richly colored kilim-inspired Persian rug will suit your needs. The Ruggable gets our vote for best of the bunch because we love its comfort package that always includes a rug pad in the price (unless you opt out). Additionally, it is machine washable. This means you can enjoy worry-free evenings outdoors with kids, dogs and red wine. . . All at once!

Dimensions: From 3 x 5 feet to 9 x 12 feet.
Material: Washable material.
style: rug.

Buy now on:

From $129 to $719


The most elegant outdoor rug

This was a tough one, because we really stand behind all of our outdoor rug options as being stylish. However, we rate the Masika rug from Lulu & Georgia top for its unusual and subtle design that will fit into almost any outdoor aesthetic. Muted tones of grey, black and white will blend in with your plants and greenery. We also appreciate that it comes in sizes up to 8 feet by 10 feet.

Dimensions: From 2 x 3 feet to 7.10 feet x 10.3 feet.
Material: 100% polypropylene.
style: accident.

Buy now on LuLu and Georgia:

From $85 to $765


Best outdoor silicone mat

Monochrome shore mat

Not all doormats are created equal. These colorful and modern mats from Shore are made of silicone in a bold, oversized texture. Interestingly, they’re meant to provide a supportive feel and massage underfoot, making them perfect for lounging around barefoot outdoors, or even doing a yoga pose or two. Although it comes in classic black and navy, we love the bright and unexpected hues of lavender, mango, and peach.

Dimensions: From 18 x 27 inches to 2.6 feet x 9 feet.
Material: silicone.
style: Postmodernism.

Buy now on beach rugs:

From $189 to $1,125

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