Everything you need to know before you buy an outdoor rug for your garden.
Ah, the humble outdoor rug. It’s tough to think of another accessory that so powerfully impacts design while often being overlooked, under-appreciated and, frankly, walked all over. It’s clear that garden rugs provide durability, versatility, and the instant transformation of a space with just a quick unroll. But aside from that, just how well do we know these superstars of summer styling?
Outdoor rugs have steadily become more popular in recent years, with new materials, patterns and colourways constantly coming into vogue. And with many choosing to shower their balconies, porches and patios with all the style and comfort that was once reserved for interiors, it feels like the outdoor space is having its biggest moment yet. So, to help you navigate this new territory and feel confident in your purchase, let’s dive into everything you need to know about outdoor rugs.
An outdoor rug is any rug that’s specifically designed for outdoor use. They’re made using more durable materials than indoor rugs – often polyester or polypropylene – and are usually weather-resistant to some degree. They dry quicker, clean easier and absorb less water than indoor designs, making them the ideal choice for any open-air space.
More recently we’ve seen the rise of indoor/outdoor rugs – hybrid designs that are soft enough for interior use and durable enough to weather the elements. Commonly made from polyester or nylon flatweaves, they’re great outdoor-friendly options that provide all the plush comfort of the indoors.
If you’re looking to elevate the style of our garden, patio, balcony or any other external space – outdoor rugs are a brilliant option. While a tasteful selection of throws and outdoor cushions can make a big impact, rugs have the unique ability to zone your space and make it work as a cohesive whole.
Aside from the style benefits, garden rugs are an extremely practical option. They’re weather-resistant (sometimes fully waterproof), naturally stain-resistant, easy to clean and highly durable. Our polyester rugs are machine washable (30°C maximum) and resistant to both water and UV rays.
Our polypropylene designs are waterproof – meaning you don’t have to stress about bringing them straight back inside – and can be easily cleaned with a shake, wipe or jet wash.
While many different materials can be used to make outdoor rugs, the most common are polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PES) due to their stain-resistance, weather-resistance and relative affordability. Other popular materials include nylon, olefin, and natural plant fibres like bamboo or jute.
Our waterproof garden rugs are made using polypropylene, which has a dense, smooth finish, with increased protection against the elements and general footfall. They’re waterproof (so don’t stress about immediately bringing them back inside!), UV ray-resistant and highly durable.
Our indoor/outdoor rugs are woven from 100% polyester, giving them a softer feel that’s perfect for both internal and external spaces. They’re resistant to both water and the sun’s UV rays, meaning they can handle exposure to the elements but shouldn’t be left outside permanently.
Looking for more in-depth info? Check out our blog post on what the best material for an outdoor rug is.
Once again showing their versatility – outdoor rugs are suitable for use in just about every place you can imagine.
Because of their resistance to staining, water and general wear, garden rugs can be popped down on any of your usual outdoor surfaces – from gravel and grass to wooden decking and stone patios. Need more detail? Our blog post on where you can use your outdoor rug will answer all your questions. Their light and foldable design means you can even take your rug on the go – perfect for beach trips, park picnics and all your summer adventures.
As they’re designed for outdoor use, you don’t have to worry about our patio rugs leaking colours, melting or causing damage to any of your surfaces. There’s also nothing stopping you from using your rug indoors! They can actually be a useful addition to spaces like the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, where moisture can cause mould and mildew to develop in regular rug fabrics.
There are plenty of practical benefits to our outdoor rugs collection, but what good is that without some showstopping style?
Our talented designers have curated a collection that’s got something for every interior style, packed with stunning signature prints that bring a fresh burst of energy to any space. What’s more, all our polypropylene outdoor rugs come with a coordinating reverse design, giving you a fresh look with just a simple flip when the mood strikes.
A bit of bold, a flash of fun. The Tibetan Tiger outdoor rug is a Furn favourite because it can instantly lift a space, whether that's indoors or out.
Two crawling tribal-style tigers on a coral orange background? A washable polyester flatweave base? Check and check. This outdoor rug is both practical and stylish, ticking all the boxes.
For lovers of the tropical villa vibe or those who are simply seeking to dazzle, our maximalist garden rugs offer everything you want and more. Not sure what we mean? Feast your eyes on the radiance of our Psychedelic Jungle Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Pink.
Vibrant tropical florals in fuchsia pink, rich gold and blazing orange tones practically erupt from the fabric, while a paler candy pink soothes in the background.
So you’ve found the perfect patio rug, you’ve unrolled an entirely new look for your outdoor space and you’re thrilled with how it looks – what now?
While your rug might look great at first, we all know that outdoor spaces aren’t exactly the easiest to keep clean. Bugs, cobwebs, mould and mildew can all cause your rug to become a bit musty over time, so keeping on top of cleaning and maintenance is essential.
General Upkeep
Whatever kind of outdoor rug you’re using, we recommend giving it a quick surface clean at least once a week – twice if used heavily – to keep it in the best shape possible.
This can involve a thorough shake, a quick wipe with a cloth or a run under the hoover, depending on the level of dirt caught on the surface.
How to Clean a Polyester Rug
To make them as simple as possible to care for, our polyester rugs are machine washable at a maximum of 30°C. Just pop them in for a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and flat or line dry outside.
If your polyester outdoor rug has picked up a small, isolated stain, there’s always the option of spot cleaning to save your time and money. Create a solution of mild detergent or dish soap (20%) and warm water (80%), and gently agitate the stain with it.
While it’s unlikely to cause damage, we always recommend patch testing your solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to stay safe.
How to Clean a Polypropylene Outdoor Rug
Thanks to their smooth polypropylene surface, our polypropylene outdoor rugs are great at stopping stains and spilled liquids from becoming absorbed.
While some dirt might become trapped in the surface, this can usually be solved with a good shake or a run under the hoover. If your polypropylene patio rug has picked up a more difficult stain, thoroughly spot cleaning with a solution of mild detergent or dish soap (20%) and warm water (80%) should remove it.
If all else fails, a jet wash with a pressure attachment on your garden hose will do the trick. Leave to flat or line dry outdoors, and your rug will be back to first-day freshness in no time.
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