Transform Your Yard With This One Simple Item
See what a difference an outdoor rug makes to a patio, deck or courtyard
Throw down an outdoor rug, and it will instantly add color and definition to your alfresco seating spot. Even if you already love your patio, deck or courtyard, a floor covering designed for outside use can help zone an area, brighten it up and turn it into an inviting place to linger. Check out these ways to work with one.
Let it be an accent. You don’t have to cover the whole area with a rug. A small one can work just as well, especially if you want to show off a pretty patio or deck.
This rectangular natural rug adds just enough texture to cozy up the space without getting in the way of the other elements.
This rectangular natural rug adds just enough texture to cozy up the space without getting in the way of the other elements.
Smooth out the surface. The great thing about an outdoor rug is that it turns a rough surface into one that’s more pleasant to walk on. While this brick patio is attractive, the Turkish-style outdoor rug adds a more even layer to create an inviting seating zone.
Scatter pillows on top. If you aren’t comfortable sprawling on a bare stone or concrete patio, a rug can make all the difference. Increase the cushiness even further by topping the rug with floor pillows.
Choose pillows that complement the design of your rug. These global-inspired ones in blues and reds liven up the simple blue-and-white rug.
Find floor pillows and poufs
Choose pillows that complement the design of your rug. These global-inspired ones in blues and reds liven up the simple blue-and-white rug.
Find floor pillows and poufs
Keep it cozy. Fancy something softer than your average outdoor rug? There’s no reason why you can’t use an indoor rug instead, provided you have an appropriate spot and don’t forget to bring it back in.
A covered area near the back door is ideal, as it’s less likely to get wet and you won’t be crossing muddy ground to reach it.
This covered patio’s soft indoor rug helps create an extra living space outside.
A covered area near the back door is ideal, as it’s less likely to get wet and you won’t be crossing muddy ground to reach it.
This covered patio’s soft indoor rug helps create an extra living space outside.
Create a mini room. If you have a tiny courtyard, balcony or patio, make the most of the small floor area by covering the whole surface with a rug.
Lining the floor of this courtyard wall to wall with a monochrome design makes the space feel like an outdoor room.
The beauty of this idea is that you can pad from inside to outside on bare feet.
Lining the floor of this courtyard wall to wall with a monochrome design makes the space feel like an outdoor room.
The beauty of this idea is that you can pad from inside to outside on bare feet.
Layer up. To add interest or expand the area your floor textiles cover, try layering a few small rugs.
These designers used the same pattern in different shades. The random way the rugs are layered gives an informal feel to the patio. And their manageable size makes them easy to move around where needed.
These designers used the same pattern in different shades. The random way the rugs are layered gives an informal feel to the patio. And their manageable size makes them easy to move around where needed.
Go around in circles. If you aren’t that fond of a rectangular shape, go for a round rug. This jute one adds a bohemian touch to the deck and goes well with the yard’s natural look.
Jute is durable enough to use outside, but it doesn’t do well with excessive moisture, so bring it indoors overnight or when it looks like rain.
Jute is durable enough to use outside, but it doesn’t do well with excessive moisture, so bring it indoors overnight or when it looks like rain.
Say it with stripes. Bring a vacation vibe to your yard with striped textiles. This rug in red tones complements additional stripes on the sofa. The bright colors look striking against the black surfaces, and the simple design allows many colors to be used.
Tell us: Do you want or have an outdoor rug? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
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Tell us: Do you want or have an outdoor rug? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
More
Your 3-Step Recipe for a Stylish Outdoor Room
8 Patio Arrangements to Inspire Your Outdoor Room
Browse outdoor rugs
When you’re going for a rug with a mix of vibrant colors, it’s a good idea to limit the shades of the other accessories. For example, these pillows pick out the blue from the rug, complementing the design rather than clashing with it.