Are you envisioning an elevated transformation for your outdoor space that reflects sophistication, but is still highly functional? In this feature, we lay out everything you need to know about shapes, patterns and the types of outdoor rugs available, as well as how to choose (or design) one that takes into account your aesthetics, existing furniture set-up and stylistic themes. We’ll guide you through finding the perfect luxury rugs to complement your alfresco living space.
Adding the ideal rug is one of the simplest—yet frequently disregarded—first steps to establishing a welcoming outdoor living environment. Outdoor carpets offer comfort, define the area of space and give an artistic flair to parts of your home that are often thought of as largely functional.
Get set to transform your terrace, lawn, garden, or outdoor seating area into a luxurious, relaxing and inviting space that elevates casual gatherings to a focal point for socialising.
Embracing furnished outdoor spaces not only boosts your options for entertainment and hosting but is a great way to connect with nature in elegance. Fresh air, leisurely hours and added comfort in what becomes an extension of your living space are some of what rugs do to transform how you use patios and balconies. The most obvious aspect of a rug is that it creates a plush and warm surface where you would typically find solid floors, but there are several things that differentiate outdoor rugs from others.
Outdoor rugs offer dependable protection from the elements like rain and hail. In areas of the outdoor space, like the deck, which may experience considerable traffic, it protects the surface from wear and tear. Outdoor surfaces can fade owing to the UV rays of the sun, but a rug helps protect these surfaces, which are much more cost-prohibitive surfaces to replace.
A premium outdoor rug repels water, a unique feature of its construction that makes it suited for an environment that may have prolonged exposure to the elements. Water-resistant outdoor rugs add to the longevity and surfaces from weather-related damage like mildew and mould.
A vibrant-coloured rug or one with stylish fibre would lend a luxurious feel to your entertainment space, and make it more visually striking and inviting. Outdoor rugs add warmth to the ambience, and by following the same design ethos from indoors, you can create a harmonious sense of order that extends your style across all your entertainment areas.
The rug will help you demarcate specific zones outdoors. If you place the rug intelligently, you easily separate an outdoor lounge from a dining area or a reading corner from the barbecue spot.
The attributes of these rugs make them perfectly suitable for being used indoors, outdoors or in transitional areas like doorways or the kitchen, which may be exposed to considerable traffic or where there might be more need for the durability these rugs offer.
If you like bright colours and jazzy evenings hosted on the patio, outdoor rugs come in a host of colours, patterns and prints. You might want to consider having a store of rugs for different occasions in custom patterns or curated colour palettes that align with your outdoor furnishings, the better to create unique design narratives. Here are some more details on customisable options that are available:
While there is a wide range of polypropylene rugs, these come in natural textures and hues, which offer clever ways to integrate even the most natural and earthy look. Consider rugs in tan, beige or other lighter shades of natural hues which are unobtrusive but can really brighten up your patio. Polysilk outdoor rugs add a touch of natural warmth. The synthetic fibre is analogous to natural wool and non-absorbent, an attribute that prevents the onset of mould and mildew.
Choose colours that offer texture and character to your outdoor space. Rugs in brighter colours like green, yellow, red and green will hold their colour, perfectly reflecting different moods and seasons of the outdoors. Blue or green rugs are complementary to classical outdoor furniture, while purple and pink could be ideal choices if your furniture is more modern and plush. Brown and earthy shaded terrace mats are an excellent camouflage to dirt and dust, ideal for steps or entryways.
It is advisable to err on the side of bigger sizes when it comes to outdoor rugs, mainly because a smaller rug can appear incongruous with the spaciousness of outdoor spaces. For a large lounge area with appropriate seating patterns, common sizes are 9 ft. by 12 ft., which would work equally well in a dining area with an 8-seater table on the deck. If you have a smaller table, a 6-seater perhaps, then the ideal size would be 8 ft. by 10 ft. The general rule is to allow 2 to 4 ft. of spare space on all sides of the table. For smaller zones in the space like a reading nook or a coffee table area, a standard 3 ft. by 5 ft. rug is ideal.
The principal attributes you need in materials for outdoor rugs are durability, quick drying and resistance to water. In this section, we are going to look into some of the most used and best-suitable materials.
Resists stains, repels water and offers considerable durability; all of which make it an excellent choice. It is resilient against the elements like sunlight and rain, meaning your rug's colour doesn’t fade with extended sun exposure. Soft weaves offer underfoot cushioning, making it both visually and sensationally durable.
Polysilk is an engineered material created especially to resist all possible weather conditions. This attribute makes it one of the most popular choices for outdoor rug material. Moreover, the material is stain-resistant and the fibre makes it feel very similar to wool, which is a traditional rug material.
Nylon is a quick-drying, resilient, water-repellent and stain-resistant material is another popular choice. It is no different from the other materials in this context, however, nylon rugs should not be placed in direct exposure to sunlight because the material can get hot underfoot. That being said, during winter evenings, a nylon rug could be heated to provide great comfort underfoot.
Among natural materials, wool is a good choice. It’s durable, soft, and offers warmth while being durable and relatively easy to maintain. It is a fire-retardant too, a worthwhile quality for peace of mind when you’d still like comfort near your barbecue area.
Outdoor rugs are intentionally designed to minimise cleaning and maintenance; however, caring for any piece of your home decor will extend its lifetime. Here are some recommended ways to make sure your rug remains in good condition.
Grass, flowers, soil, dirt and other debris are bound to fall on the rug daily. A shake of the rug over the grass is enough to get rid of most of the loose debris. Alternatively, a stiff bristled broom can be used over the surface.
In the case of minor spills, spot cleaning with a rinse-out detergent is more than sufficient instead of having to clean the entire rug.
These rugs are meant to endure the elements but it is best to roll up and protect your rug from prolonged exposure to heavy and prolonged bouts of rain
Some portions of a large outdoor rug may be more exposed to greater foot traffic because of its positioning. It’s best to rotate the rug every few months to disperse wear over the whole surface.
For a deep clean, outdoor rugs can be power washed and hung to dry in the sun. This would help in getting rid of dirt embedded deep in the surface and not apparent to the naked eye.
With any styling choice, it’s best to consult with experts. Our experienced team of interior designers have a few tips that they swear by.
FCI London has more than 40 years of experience in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.
Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary designer rugs, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
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If you need any advice on selecting, designing or layering bespoke rugs, take advantage of our free design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options, ensuring that you end up with an aesthetic you love.
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