The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Outdoor Rugs

A well-placed outdoor rug stands out perfectly in the area where you place it and with your outdoor furniture. The important thing to remember is that it is essential to choose the right carpet depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Some designers try to blend their décor to seamlessly match the surrounding garden and create a relaxing atmosphere. On the other hand, incorporating a rug different from the décor around it also creates an interesting look. Before you go out and buy one yourself, check out the dos and don’ts of choosing outdoor rugs.

Decide on a Location

The location of your outdoor area rug is one of the most important details to decide. The main issue that rugs present on most outdoor surfaces is that they trap moisture underneath them. When this happens, it typically wears down the area underneath the rug faster than usual. Concrete and stained decks are prone to mildew growth when a rug remains on that surface for too long. This creates a potential health hazard, so it’s best to avoid that situation.

Those who still have their hearts set on an outdoor area rug should choose one that is not absorbent, like a natural fiber rug. They should also roll it up when it gets wet outside. On stained wooden decks, the extra moisture discolors and reduces the sturdiness of the surface when mold is left to grow. Steel decks, while strong, are prone to rust and degradation over time. Materials like tile are not safe from water damage either, as the grout gets damaged when left with excess moisture for too long.

Match Your Furniture

Matching your furniture to your rug is important to keep your outdoor living space uniform. For example, black metal furniture on a beige carpet is neutral but elegant. Alternatively, bringing in some unique colors like a deep-blue carpet and furniture with white cushions creates a somewhat seaside-inspired design. Mixing varying colors and materials allows you to play around with different design factors to make something unique to you and your style.

Choose the Best Size

Getting an idea of how much space you have for a rug is important for ensuring a good fit. Choosing the right carpet size will help you take advantage of your space and choose a carpet that stands out. For example, if you only have a small spot by a pool, a bright red carpet and umbrella will pop against the water. You only need a small amount of space to achieve this effect.

On the other hand, you do not want to get a carpet that is too large. A carpet that is too large for your space makes it feel incomplete and creates the effect of a smaller lounge area. A good strategy is to anchor your rug with your furniture or arrange it so it’s barely touching the edges of the foot of each seat. Following either approach creates a border that helps enclose the area. This uniform design makes your space more comfortable and allows it to be separate from the rest of your yard.

Consider the Shape

You are not bound by the simple carpet shapes found in most homes. If you want to avoid a cliché or basic look, you can custom order several unique rug shapes. However, there is no shame in going with a more classic look either. Creating your outdoor space is a time to let your creativity run free. When ordering a custom-designed rug, using different odd shapes allows you to make the design of your outdoor area yours to enjoy. Circular carpets make the lounge area seem larger, while ones made specifically for your yard with uneven measurements help prevent odd fits.

An important consideration to keep in mind is the ease of use of your rug. When pulling out chairs around a table, being able to smoothly move them around is important. Oblong-shaped carpets create a pleasing look, and you can easily manage your furniture around them. Large rugs of those shapes are an eye-catching addition that sets the tone for the rest of your design. While you do not have to design your outdoor area around your rug, having a vibrant floor helps when you are limited to the things you can customize.

Make a Budget

Depending on the intricacy of the carpet and its material, the price can vary, so it’s good to get an idea of how much you want to spend. High-end carpets are a worthy investment that greatly impacts the look of your home, both inside and out. The best way to set your budget for an outdoor rug is to decide how much of your patio or yard you want to furnish. From there, consider things you still need, like décor or furniture. Increasing the size of your carpet naturally increases its value, while custom-cut designs add to your rug’s appearance and charm.

The material is the final decision for you to consider. This is often the toughest part considering the issue of moisture. An area rug made of a natural, nonabsorbent material allows you to protect the surface the rug is on to a certain extent. However, you’ll still need to maintain the carpet to keep mildew from growing on its surface. Properly washing the rug helps mitigate that problem. The best outdoor materials are typically artificial materials like polyester or nylon. The catch is that they are not likely to absorb and dry out any moisture they capture, so it’s best to roll them up when it gets wet outside.

There is only so much you can do by imagining the ideal backyard setup for your home. By taking your creative prospects and planning out your design, your dream home comes closer to fruition with each new addition. Outdoor area rugs greatly impact the overall presentation of your backyard living area. They help to frame a space and make it stand out on its own. You and your future guests can enjoy a relaxing conversation without feeling like you are sitting in the middle of your yard, but rather in an outdoor space built to accommodate everyone. Knowing the dos and don’ts of choosing outdoor rugs is important for achieving that goal.