While Chicago is heading indoors, it’s still patio season here in Florida! So many wonderful memories are made outdoors with our friends and family, making it one of my favorite areas of a home to design. There are many factors that we have to consider when designing for outdoor areas, which can make choosing the right furniture and accents difficult. One of these difficult pieces is outdoor rugs—yes, outdoor rugs! This important accent is so often forgotten, but the perfect patio rug will enhance any outdoor space.

 

To make your buying process easier, we’ve put together a guide on how to best choose a rug for your patio that will be beautiful and stand up to the test of time.

 

Sizing It Up

This is one of the most important aspects of choosing a rug. One that is too small will throw off all your hard work, and if it’s too large it can overwhelm the space. You should use the same standard for indoor sizing when choosing an outdoor rug: The front legs of each piece should be on top of the rug.

 

Nature-resistant

The climate in your area is an important factor in choosing a rug. If it’s hot and dry, look for rugs that are UV resistant to avoid the colors fading in the sun. Water can also damage many materials, so if you have a lot of rain or snow, look for rugs that are labeled as water-resistant.

 

Both natural and synthetic fibers often work outdoors. Synthetic rugs for the outdoors are usually polypropylene. This material is usually water-resistant and can sometimes be hosed off for cleaning. Natural fibers such as seagrass can be used outside, and materials like this take wear and tear well but can mildew if rain is an issue.

 

Stay In Sync

To keep the design of your home cohesive, carry your style outdoors. Take note if your home’s style is contemporary, Mediterranean, vintage, or your own unique look. You can use your rug as an extension of your style.

 

Hopefully, our guide helps you choose the perfect rug for your patio! Are you looking for help from an interior designer? Schedule a consultation with us today.