A guide to choosing indoor/outdoor rugs
As the weather warms up, outdoor spaces start becoming part of everyday life again. For some people, summer means pottering in the garden with a coffee in hand, while for others it’s all about long lunches outside, BBQs with friends and making the most of lighter evenings.
Indoor/outdoor rugs are one of the easiest ways to make those spaces feel more inviting and comfortable, while also adding practicality to busy homes during the warmer months. They can soften patios and decking, help define seating or dining areas and bring colour and texture to spaces that can otherwise feel a little bare after winter. This bright and beautiful design is from Orla Kiely and is called Linear Stem Orange.
And despite the name, indoor/outdoor rugs are not just for gardens and patios. They’re also a brilliant option for busy indoor spaces such as conservatories, kitchens, playrooms and hallways, especially in homes with children, dogs or lots of foot traffic. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your home this summer, here’s our guide to what to look for and where they work best.
What is an indoor/outdoor rug?
Indoor/outdoor rugs are designed to cope with changing conditions and heavier daily use than many traditional rugs. They’re usually made using durable synthetic fibres such as polypropylene or recycled PET, which help them resist moisture, mould and mildew. Many are also UV stable, helping colours stay looking fresher for longer when used outside.
That practicality used to mean sacrificing softness or style, but modern indoor/outdoor rugs are very different. Many now have a woven texture and finish that feels much closer to an indoor rug, with designs ranging from classic stripes and neutrals through to bold patterns and contemporary geometric styles.
Some are soft enough to use barefoot, while others are ideal for high-traffic spaces where durability matters most.
Why indoor/outdoor rugs work so well in summer
One of the biggest benefits of an indoor/outdoor rug is how quickly it can change the feel of a patio, deck or courtyard, all without needing a major update. For example, adding a rug beneath outdoor furniture helps create a more defined seating or dining area, demonstrated perfectly in this example from Louis de Poortere, making patios and decking feel more like an extension of the home rather than just somewhere to place garden furniture. It can also make older outdoor spaces feel fresher by covering worn decking, tired paving or concrete surfaces that have seen a few winters.
They’re especially useful for summer gatherings too. A rug instantly helps outdoor spaces feel more welcoming when you’re hosting friends and family for BBQs, drinks or garden parties. Even a smaller balcony or courtyard can feel more finished with the addition of a runner or compact outdoor rug.
And because many indoor/outdoor rugs are easy to clean and quick to dry, they’re practical enough to cope with muddy shoes, spilled drinks and regular use throughout the season.
Indoor/outdoor rugs inside the home
Despite being designed for outdoor living, these rugs often work just as well indoors. Conservatories are one of the most popular places to use them because they can cope better with changing temperatures and sunlight than some natural fibre rugs. They’re also a great option for kitchens, utility rooms and entranceways where people are regularly coming in from the garden. We love the rich blue shades in this rug from Morris & Co.’s indoor/outdoor range.
Playrooms are another good fit, especially if you want something softer underfoot but still practical enough to handle everyday mess and spills. Some indoor/outdoor rugs are even washable or easy to spot clean, making them a sensible option for busy family homes. If you have pets, our washable and indoor/outdoor rugs can also be a good alternative to more delicate wool rugs in spaces where muddy paws and wet coats are part of daily life.
What to look for when choosing an indoor/outdoor rug
Material
Most indoor/outdoor rugs are made using polypropylene or recycled plastic fibres such as PET. These materials are durable, moisture resistant and easier to clean than many traditional rug materials. If sustainability matters to you, there are now lots of excellent recycled options available that still feel soft and comfortable underfoot.
Size and shape
Think about how you want the space to function before choosing a size. For outdoor seating areas, the rug should usually sit at least partially beneath the furniture to help anchor the space visually. In dining areas, it’s worth allowing enough room for chairs to move comfortably in and out from the edge of the table without catching the edges of the rug.
Runners can work particularly well on balconies, narrow patios, side returns and entranceways, and we have smaller designs for small outdoor spaces too.
Colour and pattern
Lighter colours can brighten outdoor areas beautifully, but darker tones or patterned rugs are often more forgiving in busy family homes and if your rug is likely to get muddy. Stripes, geometric patterns and textured neutrals tend to work especially well outside because they add interest while still feeling relaxed and easy to style. We love this design from Harlequin, called Melodic Blue, which looks amazing on this deck.
Styling indoor/outdoor rugs at home
Indoor/outdoor rugs pair particularly well with natural textures and relaxed summer styling. Wooden furniture, woven lanterns, outdoor cushions and planters all work nicely alongside them without making a space feel overdone.
You can also use a rug to help tie indoor and outdoor spaces together visually. Choosing similar colours or textures across adjoining rooms and patios can make the transition between house and garden feel much more natural during the summer months when doors are often left open.
For smaller outdoor spaces, a rug can also help create a focal point and make the area feel more intentional without adding clutter.
Caring for your indoor/outdoor rug
One of the reasons these rugs are so popular is that they’re relatively low maintenance.
Most can simply be shaken out, vacuumed or hosed down when needed. For more stubborn marks, warm water and mild detergent are usually enough for spot cleaning. It’s also a good idea to allow the rug to dry fully after heavy rain or cleaning. Some people choose to store their outdoor rugs away during the harshest winter weather to help extend their lifespan, although many are designed to stay outside for much of the year.
Bringing comfort to indoor and outdoor living
Indoor/outdoor rugs are one of the simplest ways to make both gardens and busy indoor spaces feel more comfortable, practical and inviting through the warmer months. From patios and balconies to conservatories and playrooms, they offer an easy way to add texture, softness and personality while still standing up to everyday life. And with so many styles, colours and materials now available, it’s easier than ever to find a design that works beautifully both inside and out.
For inspiration, take a look through our collection of washable and indoor/outdoor rugs and discover styles suited to everything from relaxed family gardens to bright conservatories and busy homes.