16 best outdoor rugs for a stylish alfresco space

With temperatures set to soar this summer and the benefits of open, outdoor space more deeply felt than ever, we are imploring you to prepare whatever alfresco area you have at your disposal. The concept of ‘bringing the inside out’ is nothing new, and it’s just as charming as ever, so why not break out that garden parasols, an outdoor cushion or two, and a smart set of solar lights.

These more decorative items may seem like frivolous purchases at first glance but we believe this is the year to throw off the shackles of practicality and embrace simply having a good time. One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is to curate and decorate your outside area, whether it is a small garden, a balcony or large plot of land. Making a livable and welcoming area within your garden can really change how and how much you use it.

Outdoor rugs can be the centerpiece of a fabulous set up, anchoring together your seating area and adding a softness to the space. Handily, a lightweight outdoor rug can be rolled up and transported easily for use as a picnic blanket- so it isn’t just reserved for sunny days in the garden.

Can you leave outdoor rugs outside?

It is rarely advised to leave any garden furniture outside for a long period of time, or in particularly bad weather, though there are certain materials that fare better in rough conditions. With a furnishing such as a stylish outdoor rug, we’d only leave it out overnight for one or two dry evenings at a time, otherwise you risk ruining it.

What type of outdoor rug is the most durable?

When it comes to outdoor rugs, polypropylene is commonly thought of as the most weather resistant material as it is both UV ray resistant (meaning it won’t fade in the sun) and highly durable. You can find plenty of stylish flatweave rugs in this material, so you needn’t forgo style here. Natural materials such as hemp, jute, sisal and seagrass are also considered good choices as they are sustainable picks as well as long-lasting. They are one of the best rugs to use in high foot traffic areas, such as hallways and corridors, so have the stamina to withstand heavy use. These shouldn’t be left out for long period of time as they will be damaged by damp and mildew before too long.

Where is the best place to buy an outdoor rug?

Over the past few years, more and more garden furniture stores have extended their range to include outdoor rugs. All the best, from Made to to John Lewis are now offering hard wearing outdoor area rugs that are well worth splashing out on.

Best outdoor rugs to buy now