Shopping

9 of the best outdoor rugs to update your backyard with this summer

No matter what your vibe or the size of your patio is, there’s an outdoor rug out there for you. See my favorite outdoor rugs to purchase so you can elevate your space this summer

A selection of the best outdoor rugs
(Image credit: Ruggable, Anthropologie, CB2)

While an indoor rug can be the focal point of your living room, an outdoor rug is just as important for your backyard or patio, especially now that the weather’s getting warm enough for us to enjoy it. ‘An outdoor rug is an essential for the warmer months, as it can give your outdoor space a cohesive look, section off corners, and simply add some coziness underfoot,’ says New York City-based interior designer Sasha Drozdetski of Sasha Marie Interiors. ‘It can also serve as the major centerpiece of a patio or backyard, bringing extra color into the mix.’

When picking an outdoor rug, Sasha says to be mindful of three things: your personal style, the size of your space, and the materials used. ‘You want to make sure your outdoor living space is an extension of your indoors, so match styles accordingly,’ she says. ‘For sizing, make sure at least six inches of space is open on all sides and your furniture sits comfortably on top of the rug, or else it’ll look too small.’ 

Finally, per materials, the best options are polyester or polypropylene, because they’re easier to clean and tend to be more durable than natural materials like jute. (If you need more tips, make sure to read our guide on how to clean an outdoor rug.) Alternate synthetics include nylon and acrylic, and although all rugs aren’t water-resistant, some performance fabrics are: You just have to check the labels. 

However, doing all this research absolutely takes a lot of work, which is why I’ve made the process as easy for you as possible. Here are my favorite rugs for the outdoors, from bright maximalist looks to modern farmhouse styles, so you’re absolutely guaranteed to find the option that works best for you.

Best outdoor rugs lifestyle

(Image credit: West Elm)

Picking the best outdoor rug for your space can be a little tricky, especially as you navigate interior design trends, your own personal style, and the size of your space. However, these picks have all been selected with durability and style in mind, which should help make your search just a little easier. 

Nikhita Mahtani
Style Editor

Nikhita is the Style Editor for Homes & Gardens, making sure our home-savvy readers are always aware of the latest trends and deepening their knowledge of classic design. Nikhita graduated with her Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from New York University, and has spent a decade in interior design and shopping roles at shelter publications ELLE DECOR and Domino Magazine.