At this point, you've probably got your backyard almost set up. A do-it-all smoker and grill? Check. A smokeless fire pit? Of course. Durable outdoor furniture? Done. Now, you just need to pull your alfresco space together with some outdoor decor. Enter the outdoor rug.
We know what you're thinking: why would you put carpet outside? Well, the best outdoor rugs are beautiful and practical. They help define an area and add a splash of color, pattern, and/or texture to an otherwise dull patio or flooring. Place them under a grippy mat and they'll help prevent slips. Plus, most rugs are made with durable materials like nylon, acrylic, and plastic, so they can hold up in snow, sleet, or rain (you know, for those erratic spring showers).
"I like to use an outdoor rug as a patio's centerpiece," says New York City-based interior designer Brendan Kwinter. "It helps make the outside feel as cozy as your living room. It adds a whole new mood to your surroundings."
Ahead, we consulted with top interior designers to find the best outdoor rugs to buy now. Even better? Most of these picks come with super-fast delivery times, so you can deck out your space before summer.
Amazon's bestselling outdoor rug has over 2 thousand five-star reviews (!!!). Customers love its plastic construction, which prevents slips and mold. Its geometric pattern is focus-pulling without being too distracting. Plus, it's easy to fold and put away and use for those weekend RV trips.
Size: 4x6 feet to 9x18 feet (four sizes available)
If you're looking for a more muted patterned mat, stripes are the way to go. Especially this one from Dash and Albert Rugs, says Colorado-based designer Anna Franklin. "These are classic and well-constructed, so you know they'll look great for years," she says. "Plus you can even use these indoors in high traffic areas if you need to switch it up."
Size: 2x3 feet to 2x8 feet (eight available sizes)
It's hard to come by stylish outdoor rugs for patios. But designer Marisa Wilson swears by this Turkish rug that's available in apartment-friendly sizes. This geometric pattern adds tons of style to any small space. "You don't have to have a big backyard to make an impact," Wilson says.
Size: 2x3' feet to 9x12 feet (seven sizes available)
Material: Polypropylene
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Best Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Home Dynamix Nicole Miller Patio Sofia Fleur Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Best Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Home Dynamix Nicole Miller Patio Sofia Fleur Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Indoor/outdoor living is all the rage these days, and this versatile rug looks cozy in the middle of a living room, or a sprawling patio. "This subtle patterns adds warmth and a cohesive feel to your space," says Texas-based designer Audrey Scheck. "It's incredibly low maintenance, and won't scratch your deck. It also holds up in heavily trafficked areas."
You really can't go wrong with a classic pattern, and this neutral outdoor rug delivers on style and function. Woven plastic construction makes it all-weather friendly and easy to clean. Plus, it's handcrafted, so each rug is unique.
Sizes: 5x8 feet to 9x12 feet (five sizes available)
Material: Polypropylene
Best for Large Patios
Jaipur Living Fathom Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Ivory/Black
Best for Large Patios
Jaipur Living Fathom Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Ivory/Black
New Jersey-based designer Brian Garcia swears by Jaipur Living's sprawling Turkish rugs fit for large spaces. "They have large-scale global motifs, and their looped and flat-woven polypropylene pile adds texture, depth, and dimension to any space," he says.
With inflation hitting furniture brands in the past year, we'd understand why you wouldn't want to pay full price for a rug. Enter Chairish, an online market place selling gently used home items at generous markdowns. Take this, color block rug, which adds a luxurious coastal vibe to your patio without five-star resort prices. "It's a great conversation starter," says Wilson.
Size: 1.6 x 3 feet to 8 x 11 feet (three sizes available)
Your outdoor rug will probably take a beating if you let dogs play in your backyard. That' why we like Ruggable, the home decor upstart that specializes in pet-friendly rugs. Each piece can be thrown in the washing machine for an easy clean, so no more worrying about pet hair, dirt or spills.
Size: 3x5 feet to 9x12 feet (five available sizes)
If you really want to splurge on an outdoor rug, get this one from Serena & Lily. It's a personal favorite of Mark Cutler, an interior designer in Los Angeles, where outdoor spaces are used year-round. "It's made from Perennials Fiber, which is the industry standard for outdoor rugs," Cutler says. "Plus, the pattern is intentional, with a relaxed casual vibe."
Size: 3x10 feet to 11x14 feet (five available sizes)
Material: Acrylic
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Best Sustainable Rug
Outer 1188 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug in Pebble Gray
Best Sustainable Rug
Outer 1188 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug in Pebble Gray
"Outer is an eco-friendly brand making durable rugs that are totally made from plastic bottles," says Colorado-based designer Margarita Bravo. "These rugs will not fade in the sun, and will hold up well under heavy foot traffic."
Size: 5x8 feet to 9x12 feet (three available sizes)
Material: Plastic
Steelside™ Leif Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug in Charcoal
Steelside™ Leif Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug in Charcoal
Kwinter recommends this charcoal rug to really tie a room together. Flank it with a wicker sofa set and wood fire pit, and you've got a sleek tropical outdoor space.
This handwoven rug is easy on the eyes, and the environment. It's sustainably made and meets Fair Trade standards (meaning workers who made this were fairly compensated). It's also reversible, so you can flip it over in case of last-minute spills.
"I always recommend adding pops of black decor, even in the outdoors," says designer Denise Davies. She says dark colors really anchor a space together, especially outside. Flat weave makes for a smooth finish, and holds up well under heavy foot traffic.
How We Selected
For the past month, we consulted with seven interior designers across the country who have tried, tested, and recommended countless outdoor rugs in the past year. Men's Health editors tried and tested a few of these outdoor rugs to evaluate their durability and style. Plus, we considered rugs with at least 100 five-star ratings from e-commerce sites we trust.
What to Look for
When looking for the best outdoor rug for your space, make sure to find ones with materials that can hold up in all sorts of weather conditions. Plastic and polyester are reliable fabrics. "Start with a strong fade proof fiber that has a soft touch to the hand," says Cutler. "Rugs made from fabric brands like Perennials and Sunbrella will always be great choices."
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Style
Finding the right style can be a bit trickier. As a rule of thumb, always go for rugs that are a bit more subtle, so they blend in with the space and pair nicely with most furniture and decor. "Be wary of totally solid color designs," Cutler says. "These will be harder to clean. Stick to a small scale design with color variation that can hold up to small stains and discoloration, so your outdoor rug will stay looking new."
As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.