Buying Guide: Choose The Best Outdoor Rug For Your Porch
The next time you purchase comfortable lounge chairs and a dining table for entertaining guests on the patio; consider complementing all this with a stylish outdoor rug.
Putting rugs into an outdoor porch or space can add a delightful flair to the environment. Here are some tips and tricks for making the most of this flooring choice.
A stylish outdoor rug allows your outdoor space to become part and parcel of your interior.
There are a variety of outside rugs to choose from, and with a bit of patience, you are likely to find one that suits your taste and needs.
Today, outdoor rugs are specifically designed to reflect the trending styles found in floor coverings within the interior of the house; regardless of whether you are decorating the veranda, patio, porch, or solarium.
How to find the Best Outdoor Rug
Below is a list of things you should consider when looking for the best outdoor rug for your home.
1) Choose Suitable Material
The first thing you need to consider is the material – is it natural or synthetic?
Natural materials include things such as bamboo or rattan, while synthetic fabrics include acrylic or polyester. The choice is up to you, but here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Some natural rugs, such as bamboo, can hold up to many different environments, so they can be great for outdoor porches. The texture adds a nice level of detail to the space, contributing to the overall look and feel. On the other hand, natural fibers break down very easily in wet environments, so they’re not a good choice for areas that are exposed to lots of water or rainfall.
As for synthetic fabrics, they tend to be inexpensive and widely available. There is more variety when shopping around for this option. You can choose something vivid and bright, or a more muted color. Even if these rugs get wet, they can usually just hang dry and be good as new.
Keep in mind that synthetic rugs that are meant for outdoor areas don’t have the same softness and give that indoor carpeting has. Many customers expect the same type of fabric, but it’s drastically different.
You can use outdoor mats indoors
Because they are softer than you think, an outdoor rug can be used in high-traffic interior areas. Natural fibers such as hemp, sisal,
In regards to maintenance and cleaning, synthetic floor covers made of plastic or polypropylene dry quickly when washed and can be easily hosed down. They are also light and can be moved around easily. These types of rugs are usually cheaper than the ones made out of natural fibers.
2) Get the Measurements Right
The second thing to do is get some measurements of the outdoor space, whether it’s a patio or balcony, or some other area. Be sure to get the measurements accurate so that the chosen rug will fit snugly.
Some outdoor spaces may be a bit tricky to measure, but it will be worth it in the end. Take into account things such as fireplaces, pillars, columns, and other things that could stand in the way. Rarely is a patio or balcony a perfect rectangle, so don’t worry if it requires a bit of extra help to get the dimensions right.
Fortunately, these kinds of rugs are available in a variety of shapes and dimensions.
Now, for rugs that aren’t going to cover the entire floor area, a good rule of thumb is to have the rug be two feet larger than whatever it’s sitting underneath. For example, if the rug is going under a table and chairs, then measure the seating area. Then add two feet all around for the rug space. This ensures that when people push their chairs back, they are still standing on the carpeting. It makes for a more put-together space.
If you choose to place a rug under your furniture, it is advisable that all the legs of the furniture sit on top of the rug, or have only the front ones sit on the rug.
3) Pick a Matching Style
Once the fabric and size are chosen, think about color and design. Some porches have an earthy feel that looks very nice. Others are more contemporary and have bright colors and flashy patterns. There is no right or wrong answer here, and it’s all up to the personal preference of the homeowner.
Muted brown outdoor rugs have been overtaken by time and events. Today, outdoor rugs are available in many colors. These floor covers come in patterns of all kinds including stripes, brightly-colored solids, and geometrics.
When choosing a pattern, it is important that you choose one that compliments your home’s existing furnishings.
You should also consider whether the rug will be visible, for example, a bold colored rug under a dining table may be interesting to look at when peeking out from under the dining table, but it may also be overwhelming if left to stand alone.
Have fun with it because an outdoor space should feel cozy and like home.
Maintenance and cleaning
The process of cleaning and maintaining rugs in good condition varies from one manufacturer to the other.
However, you can clean your outdoor rug using a hose, diluted dish soap, and scrub brush.
Below is a brief guideline on the proper way of cleaning and maintaining an outdoor rug.
- Always clean both sides of the rug
- Dry the rug under the sun after cleaning
- Always clean your rug on a need be basis, that is, at the start and end of each season or on a monthly basis.
- In cold conditions, always store your rug.
- The best way to store your rug is to roll it up and not to fold it.
- Always store your rug in a dry place and cover it up with a plastic.
- You can maintain your rugs new look by removing algae and moss using diluted vinegar or bleach.
In short
How long the rug lasts is relative. Heat and sun might affect the rug, so putting it in a covered area will extend its life. If you leave your rug exposed to the outside elements year-round, you can typically expect to replace it every couple of years. Some rugs are more long-lasting than others, and keeping the rug clean helps it last longer.
Cleaning. You can keep the rug clean by vacuuming it, or just shaking it, and cleaning the spots. For a proper cleaning hang it up and hose it off. Then let it dry thoroughly before putting it back on the ground.
Read the label. When buying a rug, check the label. The label should say that the rug is UV-stabilized. That makes it more weather-resistant and resistant to fading, mold, and mildew. 100 percent polypropylene is a good choice for material.
Indoor use. Outdoor rugs are a good option for indoors. They are affordable and durable, and they suit well for mudrooms and high-traffic areas.
Machine- and handmade rugs. Handmade rugs are naturally more expensive, but feel softer and are more like indoor rugs. They’re better for covered porches as they hold water. Machine-made rugs are better for exposed areas, as they dry faster.
Skid protection. If the rug is slipping, add a mesh pad under it. Pad can also help air circulate, which helps prevent rotting.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs can add color, style,
In the past few years, rugs have become more colorful and more contemporary. Traditional Oriental designs are always popular, but you can also find bold colors and patterns, especially florals, geometrics, and botanicals.
