We spoke with a design expert on how to shop for one.
Expert consulted: Brantley SnipesLandscape Designer
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Whether you are lucky enough to live in a place where it's warm all year round or you simply cherish the few blazing months on offer, you will need the best outdoor rugs for your space, whether it's a tiny terrace or a sprawling backyard. Similar to indoor rugs, not all outdoor rugs are created equal: The better-made ones will last for at least a few years, and the not-so-great ones will fall apart after just a sprinkle of rain. We chatted with Mississippi-based landscape designer Brantley Snipes on how to identify what exactly makes an outdoor rug great.
Snipes also offered a few tips when it comes to buying the best outdoor rugs for you and your space. "It should all flow," Snipes says. "It's the connector from your yard to the inside. This is a great way to transition between the two, and rugs allow you to do that." So if you want to upgrade your outdoor area, it's time to get one of the best outdoor rugs your money can buy right now. Ahead, we picked out more than 10 options that are versatile, fun, and comfortable. Shop our favorite picks now and enjoy them for years to come.
We're kicking off our list of the best outdoor rugs with this West Elm find, which we are crowning the best overall. Why, you may ask? It has been one of the brand's best-sellers for five years! Yes, five! It is simple in both texture and color (all-weather polypropylene designed to look like jute) and comes in six sizes, including a six-foot circle, so it really would work in pretty much any outdoor space. As is the case with lots of outdoor goods, it is durable and easy to care for. Just shake it out and vacuum regularly.
Sizes: 5' x 8', 6' round, 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12', and 10' x 14' | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Vacuum and shake out debris regularly
"I love how durable yet stylish this rug is. It's easy to sweep or rinse off if needed and adds a touch of Roman aesthetic to my otherwise very concrete backyard space. The clean lines and geometric shapes are just what I was looking for!" Senior Commerce Manager Mackenzie Dunn says. This Greek key-adorned rug comes in three additional colors, so if you'd prefer something more neutral, you have options. There's no pile, so you will definitely feel the ground beneath you, but that's normal for most outdoor rugs. Anything with a high pile is not, we repeat, not ideal for outdoor spaces because the higher the pile, the longer the drying time after a storm and the harder it is to clean.
Sizes: 5' x 7', 7' x 9', 8' x 10', and 9' x 12' | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.16 inches | Care: Prepare a cleaning solution of a small amount of dish soap mixed with a cup of cold water. With a clean sponge and this soap mixture, clean the remainder of the stain and allow it to dry.
If you like the look and feel of the previous pick, but want something with a little more charisma, opt for a rug with a pattern. Enter, this super-affordable geometric rug that works inside and out. It comes in 15 colors, but we are feeling the natural shade, which works with just about every pre-existing decor palette. One of the 1,000-plus five-star reviewers said, "This is the perfect rug for outside: It holds up perfectly in the rain and it was dry within hours. Debris is easily swept off of it and doesn't stick. It un-rolled and was flat quickly. It looks gorgeous and high end. 10/10 best outdoor rug I've ever had."
Sizes: 2' x 3', 2' x 8', 4' square, 4' x 5', 4' x 6', 5' x 8', 7' square, 7' round, 7' x 9', 8' square, 8' x 10', 10' x 12', 10' x 13, and 10' x 14' | Material: Polyester and polypropylene | Thickness: 0.4 inches | Care: Vacuum and shake out debris regularly
If there is one fabric company that can survive the elements of the great outdoors, it is Perennials. In fact, most luxury outdoor furniture is upholstered in Perennials materials. This flatweave rug that's designed in a broken stripe pattern is also Perennials, so it's not just pretty; it's durable. So, what makes this Perennials so great for outside? It's made of water-repelling fibers and it's soft underfoot, giving you the best of outdoor and indoor rugs.
Sizes: 6' x 9' and 8' x 10' | Material: Solution-dyed acrylic yarns | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Vacuum regularly, sponge briskly, and rinse thoroughly to remove dirt
We love a Moroccan-style area rug. From the intricate patterns to the rich palette, there's nothing not to love. The only problem? Most of them are designed to ground spaces indoors, not out. (They're often made using wool, which is not an outdoor-friendly material) So, imagine our delight when we happened upon this Moroccan-inspired rug specifically designed to work outside. One happy reviewer said, "This rug gave new life to my patio. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful."
Sizes: 1'11" x 7'6", 3'3" x 4'11", 4'10" x 7'6", and 8'10" x 11'9" | Material: Polypropylene plastic | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Hose clean
For a subtle botanical option, go with this ginkgo-adorned floral motif. It's evocative of a garden in a quiet way that's ideal for the porch where you have your first sip of coffee. Though it looks like it's made from sisal, it's actually woven from polypropylene, so you get the aesthetic you want and the durability you need. "Love how it feels on bare feet! It's like getting a foot massage. I also love the color combo and the design: simple and can work into any room," one reviewer said.
Sizes: 4" x 5'6", 5'3" x 7'6", and 8' x 10' | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Spot clean with damp cloth, rinse with garden hose, blot to remove excess water, air dry, and vacuum or sweep as needed
This Pottery Barn area rug is just as beautiful indoors as it is out. You may be wondering what makes a rug work in both settings, and we're here to tell you: If you will be using it outside, prioritize the material (you'll want something durable that won't fall apart in inclement weather) and if you'll be using it inside, focus on how the rug feels underfoot. When you're buying something that can work in either space, both elements are equally important. With this rug, it's as durable as it is soft.
Sizes: 2" x 3', 5'3" x 7', 8' x 10', 9' x 12', and 2'7" x 7'6" | Material: Hand-tufted polypropylene | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Vacuum regularly on a low-power setting, using a vacuum cleaner without a beater brush, to prevent debris from settling into roots of the fibers. For best results, vacuum from different directions, making several passes over the area.
This versatile find from Joanna Gaines's collab with Loloi rugs has a gorgeous, classic design that's available in multiple color options. Take your pick from dark brown and charcoal striped designs. Even better: the high-quality polypropylene just needs to be vacuumed or occasionally hosed down and left to dry. "I am in love with this fantastic rug! I put it outside on our covered patio and it has been such an upgrade to our space," one reviewer said. "We have had some crazy weather in Texas this spring, but this rug dried quickly and still looks great. Since it was labeled as an outdoor rug I expected it to be scratchy on my feet, but it is so soft despite how durable it is. I'm so happy with this rug and I highly recommend it to other people!"
Sizes: 2'3" x 3'9", 2'6" x 7'6", 3'6" x 5'6", 5' x 7'6", 7'9" x 9'9", 8'6" x 11'6", and 9'3" x 13' | Material: Polyester | Thickness: Not listed | Care: Hose off and air dry
Looking for a pop of color? This graphic outdoor rug from Anthropologie is like modern art for your patio. Made of hand-loomed recycled polyester, feel free to use it to anchor your sun room or balcony. Just vacuum it to keep your new rug looking fresh. "I was so surprised by the softness of this rug! Heavy duty yet cozy and perfectly bright. Using in kids room hoping it’s also easy to clean - we will see! Overall pleasantly surprised," one reviewer said.
Sizes: 2' x 3', 8' x 10', 5' x 8' and 9' x 12' | Material: PET yarn | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Professionally clean for best results or vacuum regularly
Ruggable's line of outdoor washable rugs give you pretty much everything you could want in a rug for your porch or patio. This one has a geometric, tiled-looking design with muted earthy tones of yellow that ground any space, and the polyester fabric has a water-resistant barrier to help it stay looking that way no matter what it weathers.
Sizes: 3' x 5', 5' x 7', 6' x 9', 8' x 10', and 9' x 12' | Material: Polyester | Thickness: Not listed | Care: Machine wash
You can't go wrong with a black-and-white rug, and this ultra-affordable pick is so timeless and smart—you'll never see a stain! Made of washable polypropylene, it's designed to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of backyard get-togethers. One reviewer said, "I purchased two of these doorway rugs along with the matching 5'3" x 7'6" area rug. You can't go wrong with The Novogratz. I love their designs and have purchased many sizes in different prints throughout my house: indoors and out."
Sizes: 2' x 3', 3'3" x 5', 3'11" x 5'7" and 5'3 x 7'6", 6'7" x 9'6", 7'10" x 10'10", and 9'3" x 12'6" | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 1 inch | Care: Clean with natural detergent and water
Many House Beautiful team members live in New York City (or the surrounding boroughs), where private outdoor space is nonexistent, so unlike some of the other products we recommend (like bedding sets, sofas for small spaces, and waffle towels), we didn't have the luxury of testing out all of the internet's favorite rugs. That said, Senior Commerce Manager Mackenzie Dunn, does have a patio (complete with an outdoor rug), and she was more than excited to recommend it. As for the rest that didn't pass through our hands directly, we turned to the brands we know make high-quality products at reasonable prices, like West Elm and Wayfair, for options. First, we picked the outdoor rugs we considered the most versatile. Next, we spent hours reading through every single review, putting forth only the ones that were backed by tons of positive experiences.
Size: When Snipes is working with clients on patios and porches, she says the first step is to figure out what you're using the space for and measure from there. As a rule of thumb, get a rug that's slightly bigger than what you think you need. "A lot of times I see rugs that are too small for the space, and so we really want to make sure that it's appropriately scaled to the size," Snipes says.
Price: As for how much you should spend, that depends on how much wear and tear you think it'll receive. "For a covered space, investing in a higher-end rug is totally a necessity," Snipes says. "You'll have an added level of protection. I tell clients on fully exposed patios that don't have any coverage: "Maybe your rug is something you don't spend as much money on, and you can change it from year to year."
Material: You will also need to consider the material of your rug. The best ones that weather well are typically made from a synthetic material like polypropylene, also called olefin, since it's breathable, moisture-wicking, and often stain-resistant. If you're going with a natural fiber like jute, just make sure you regularly hang it in the sun to promote air circulation. It'll require a bit more upkeep and care than synthetic options.
Generally speaking, any furniture or decor that's marketed as being outdoor-friendly is made with more durable materials that can survive the elements. Provided you choose the right outdoor rug for your space (take a peek at the above elements that double as a buying guide) and take care of it, your outdoor rug can and should definitely be left outside. That said, Snipes says that outdoor rugs often aren't used correctly.
"Outside conditions are so much more extreme, clearly, than inside conditions," Snipes says. "You're looking at things such as mildew, moths, rain, and leaf debris that stains if it sits on a textile too long. Or you've got dogs, you've got kids, or you've got a fire pit and a spark flies up and burns a section of it." Her suggestion? Steer clear of natural fibers like seagrass and sisal for outdoor use. Additionally, we always suggest checking the care instructions on your rug because even though most can be left outdoors, it may need to be taken inside come winter if you get snow storms for instance.
House Beautiful's shopping editors are always on the hunt for the best products for your home—outdoor spaces included. In fact, we've used our expertise to track down worthy investment pieces for every type of outdoor space, including patios (be sure to shop our guide for the best outdoor furniture) and pool areas (yes, we have a guide for chaise lounges). We choose stylish products at different price points to help you find exactly what you are looking for. We also love to get extra expert input, so we consulted landscape designer Brantley Snipes in our search for the best outdoor rugs.
With over 12 years of experience in outdoor design, Snipes is well-versed in blending the natural and the man-made when designing exteriors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. She is also the founder of Brantley Snipes Landscape & Design in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she works with clients to design custom patios, pools, water features, and more. She has put the best outdoor rugs to the test in the controlled environment of her retail store.
With over 12 years of experience in outdoor design, Brantley Snipes is well-versed in blending the natural and the man-made when designing exteriors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. She is also the founder of Brantley Snipes Landscape & Design in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she works with clients to design custom patios, pools, water features and more.
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