In Ireland, our warm weather is often fleeting, so making the most of it is essential. One simple way to enhance your outdoor area is with the right outdoor rug. Perfect for adding life and character to your garden area, an outdoor rug helps to create an inviting space to soak up some sun.
In this guide, you'll discover how to select an outdoor or garden rug to effortlessly brighten up your outdoor living area. Whether it's setting the scene for summer barbecues or just enjoying a quiet afternoon outside, we've got you covered.
The Benefits of Outdoor Rugs
Add colour and vibrancy: an outdoor rug is a great way to inject colour and life into your garden or outdoor living room. Choose from a range of colours and patterns to instantly elevate the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Create an inviting space: with the right rug, your outdoor area or deck can become a welcoming extension of your home. Rugs have the power to turn a one dimensional patio into a comfortable, inviting lounge area.
Define areas: outdoor rugs help map out a seating area; adding balance and cohesion to your outdoor living space.
Durability: most outdoor rugs are made from durable materials such as polypropylene. These rugs can withstand high foot traffic and continuous exposure to outdoor conditions.
Style & Colour
Consider the aesthetic you're looking to create when selecting your outdoor area rug. Bright, vibrant colours are perfect for transforming your patio into an energetic and inviting area. Bold shades of cherry red, sunny yellow or ocean blue often complement the natural greens of your outdoor surroundings; adding a sense of vitality to your space.
Outdoor spaces and environments are well matched with bold designs and so we'd often recommend selecting an outdoor rug with eye-catching geometric or striped prints. Our Brink & Campman Habitat Matisse and Alfresco Halsey Mustard Outdoor Rug, for example, are great options for your garden area.
Botanical and floral print rugs blend seamlessly with outdoor settings, enhancing the connection between your seating area and the surrounding garden. A rug like the Sanderson Manila Artichoke, can help to create a smooth transition from home to garden.
Remember, the style and colour of your rug should reflect your personal taste while complementing the outdoor furniture and surrounding landscape.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Outdoor Rug
It's important to choose a rug that fits well in your garden area or patio, allowing space for your furniture to fit comfortably.
While we would always recommend measuring the space where the rug will sit, typically outdoor settings benefit from medium, large or extra-large rugs. In spacious areas, a larger rug can help to map out a seating area, such as a dining or lounging area, making the space feel more organised and welcoming.
Blending Indoor Comfort with Outdoor Living
Choosing a rug that fits well both outdoors and inside your home means you can enjoy its beauty and functionality year-round. During the warmer months, place your rug outside to add warmth and style to your outdoor seating area. When the weather turns cooler, bring the same rug indoors to bring a touch of freshness to your interior.
Outdoor rugs are typically hard wearing; perfect for placement under furniture such as a dining room table. Our Patio Indoor-Outdoor Rug in Diamond Grey or the Alfresco Halsey Duck Egg Outdoor Rug are great options for both indoor and outdoor use; boasting style, durability and versatility.
Care & Maintenance
Outdoor rugs are typically made from durable materials such as polypropylene. Easy to maintain, these rugs can simply be wiped and shaken clean. In the event of any spills simply spot-clean the pile with a dry, white cloth.
If your rug becomes saturated from the elements hang it over a railing or place it on an incline to allow water to drain off and air to circulate, speeding up the drying process.
Before storing your outdoor rug for the winter, give it a thorough clean and allow it to dry completely. Roll the rug up rather than folding it to avoid creases and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help maintain its condition and ensure it’s ready for use when the warmer weather returns.
