How To Choose An Outdoor Rug
16th Dec 2019
Summer is all about the outdoors. Patios, balconies decks and verandahs are where we spend the majority of our time, so comfort is important. Sun lounges, hammocks, benches, day beds outdoor sofas and lounge sets, combined with soft furnishings, can be used to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. An outdoor rug is the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor area. Not only do outdoor rugs bring a touch of luxury, but they have many practical benefits.
Here’s what you need to know...
Why Do I Need An Outdoor Rug?
An outdoor rug is a relatively inexpensive way of adding colour and texture to your outdoor space. They are also useful if you need to disguise unattractive outdoor surfaces. Other benefits include:
- Comfort - provides cushioning and protects against heat and cold
- Protection - an outdoor rug will prevent your deck from fading caused by prolonged sun exposure.
- Style - You can make your outdoor rug the centrepiece of your outdoor area or choose a design to tie everything together.
Material
An outdoor rug needs to be durable. Even if your outdoor space is covered, at times your rug will still be exposed to rain, wind and sun. Natural fibres are a popular choice, however not all natural fibre rugs are suitable for outdoor use. Cotton and wool should be avoided as any moisture they encounter will result in mould. Sisal and jute are the most durable natural fibres and may be suitable in fully covered areas.
Synthetic fibre rugs are far more durable and the best choice for outdoor use. Our outdoor rug collection features hard-wearing options like:
- 100% heat-set polypropylene pile
- 16mm hand-tufted polypropylene
- Pvc pile
Synthetic fibres are easy to clean, affordable, water resistant, lightweight and UV stabilised so they won’t fade.
Size
Like all rugs, outdoor rugs come in a whole range of shapes and sizes so you’ll need to carefully measure the space you want to cover. If you haven’t planned where your outdoor seating and/or dining table will go, you’ll need to do this first. Ideally, your rug should be large enough to reach under the front edge of lounges and chairs, and if you are placing it under a dining table, make sure it extends past the chair legs. Whether you decide on a round or a rectangle shape, the most important thing to remember is to go big. If your rug is too small, it will make your outdoor space feel cramped. Conversely, a generously sized rug will make your outdoor space feel bigger. A larger rug will also make your outdoor area easier to clean.
Price
Our outdoor rug collection is designed to suit all budgets. Our smaller rugs (110 x 160 cms) start from just $79.00, and you can choose from a range of colours, patterns and sizes to suit all spaces. If you are after a larger rug (200 x 300 cms) you can expect to pay an average of around $200. Every single rug at Rugs Express comes with free shipping, so the price you see on the screen will be the total price at checkout.
If your outdoor area could do with a spruce up, an outdoor rug is an easy and economical way to bring colour and comfort to almost any space. Browse our outdoor rugs or get in touch with our customer service team if you have any questions.