Outdoor rugs might sound like nice-to-have decor when compared to a table set-up for all your meals or mosquito repellent for all their meals. But we’d argue that they’re an essential part of any outdoor space.
They can make your space feel infinitely cozier and more like an extension of your home—which is what we’d want our decks and patios to feel like anyway. If your outdoor space has seen better days, a good rug can hide a worn-out stain, paint chips, or mysterious food remnants. It’s also much more comfy for bare feet—my wooden deck is beautiful, but comfortable it is not.
And if your space gets a good amount of sun (lucky you!), an outdoor rug can prevent your little toes from burning on a wooden deck or concrete patio while playing games or getting a drink. They’re also usually UV and weather resistant so you don’t need to pack them away during summer storms or blistering afternoons. Plus, they’re just really, really pretty.
Ahead, 11 outdoor rugs that balance form and function to make your outdoor space cozier—and more comfortable.
This eco-friendly indoor/outdoor rug is made with plastic so it’s weather resistant, super durable, and easy to clean—you can even toss it into the washing machine on a low setting. And if you’re one to switch up your decor often, just flip it over for a new look—the rug is reversible!
You can rarely go wrong with classic stripes on anything—linens, T-shirts, and in this case, rugs. But we love how the varying thicknesses and diagonal lines give this a fun twist (the design is also great for hiding stains). While the design is intentionally a little faded, the polypropylene fabric means it won’t fade even more.
When life gives you lemons… put it onto a rug. This citrus number is super fun and adds an unexpected twist to your outdoor space while the fade-resistant poly fabric means that those lemons won’t go bad anytime soon. The tight weaving feels comfortable underfoot and it’s completely machine washable in case of any spills. Up the citrus factor with a sparkling yuzu cocktail and fresh candle, and you’ve got a perfect summer evening.
If you have a covered porch, patio, or deck that’s protected from the elements, you can get away with a woven indoor rug—just make sure it has a loose weave so you can easily shake out crumbs, and no rubber backing to avoid trapping moisture between the rug and your floors. The natural fibers in this hand-woven jute rug are soft underfoot and adds a ton of texture to your space—and once the warmer weather is over, you can use it in your living room.
For a patterned rug that won't overwhelm or distract from your space, this neutral number is subtle yet impactful. Yours truly has this one in the natural shade and it has yet to show any stains thanks to its machine-washable fabric, or fading despite months of snow and rain.
Warm up your outdoor space with a terracotta rug that works with any decor, and because it comes in a round or rectangular shape, works with any space too. It’s soft underfoot, but is on the thin side at only a quarter of an inch thick, so try adding a rug pad or even a few yoga mats underneath for some cushioning. On the flip side, it also means that it’s easy to clean.
This is a fun take on the classic trellis design and has classic coastal charm. The light blue would look great against clear skies and sunshine, but it also comes in three other colorways—all of which we want. If the light shades ever get a little dingy, just give it a spray with your garden hose.
With tons of texture and woven trellis-inspired detailing, this black and white rug would still stand out underneath your patio furniture—not that you’d want to hide something this beautiful. The durable polypropylene means its weather resistant too.
This looks like your classic striped rug, but there’s so much more behind it (err… underneath it?). The edges are woven in a way that mimics the look of fringe, but without all the hassle of keeping them clean and tidy. The eco-friendly rug itself is made from plastic so it’s durable, weather resistant, and machine washable—great for high traffic areas like a patio or deck. If your machine doesn’t have the space, a quick wipe down or shower with a hose will do the trick.
We may store our little black dresses away during the summer, but we won’t shy away from this black and white rug. The white looks almost like painterly swatches while the black can hide a multitude of wine and food stains—which, by the way, a quick cycle in the machine can take of. The fade-resistant fabric means that it’ll stand up in high-traffic areas and last more than a few summers too.
With tons of texture, this rug is perfect for high-traffic areas and would feel super soft underfoot. The modern geometric design is quite soothing to look at and would add so much dimension to a wooden deck or patio. This comes in a few rectangular and runner sizes so you can get the right rug for your outdoor space.
This post was updated April 2022 with more outdoor rugs we love.
Are you a fan of outdoor rugs? How would you decorate your outdoor space? Tell us in the comments below!
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Jada is the market editor at Food52 with a decade of experience writing and editing for online publications such as Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Insider.
Your timing couldn’t be better for a “best of rug” article. Question, I have a sitting area and a dining set that are about 10 feet from each other. When picking a rug for each area do they need to match? Thanks!!
Hi Kristin! I don't think they need to match at all, think more in terms of them being complimentary. Other options: one rug to define the living area and none for the dining if they're very close to each other? You could also layer a smaller rug on top of a larger one in the living area—contrasting them for a fun pop! Whatever you do, have fun with it!
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