Summer is firmly upon us and the warm, sunny days call out for lots of outdoor time. Comfortable outdoor ‘rooms’ are perfect for maximizing our social and relaxation time outside and should be an extension of our indoor style to create a continuous flow from the indoors out. I recently blogged about what to consider in designing or updating your outdoor spaces in terms of use, function and lay out. This week to assist you in getting started with furnishing your space, I want to share information on outdoor rugs. As with your interior spaces, outdoor area rugs provide a foundation for your oasis and create definition for the ‘rooms’ be they on a porch, patio or deck.
The fibre content of outdoor rugs fall into one of two categories: synthetic and natural. To help you in your decision on which rug will be best for your outdoor room, read on for the pros and cons of the various outdoor rug fibres available on the market today.
Rugs provide a foundation and define your outdoor spaces. Photo Credit: Collov Home Design
Synthetics
Polypropylene (also known as Olefin)
Pros – affordable; stain resistant (water based stains); moisture, mold and mildew resistant; available in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs; washable; fade resistant; soft.
Cons – not resistant to oil-based stains (not recommended under an outdoor dining table); polypropylene fibres do not easily bounce back to will retain furniture marks for a long time.
Polypropolene rugs are perfect for outdoors and come in a wide range of colours and patterns. the rug shown is from Doedo
Polyester
Pros – affordable; available in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs; soft underfoot; durable; stain resistant (water based stains).
Cons - polyester fibres crush and furniture indents are permanent; needs regular cleaning.
The fun texture in this green leopard print polyester rug is a perfect playful piece to tie together the look of any deck, patio or balcony. Rug from Mercer 41.
Nylon
Pros – durable and resilient even in high traffic areas; easy to clean; colourfast; available in a variety of piles and textures; mold and mildew resistant.
Cons – absorbs heat so can be hot underfoot in direct sunlight; not stain resistant;
Who wouldn’t love this faux aged rug on their patio or balcony? Colour, texture and easy care, durable nylon. Rug from the Charlton Home collection.
Natural
Jute
Pros – soft; easily cleaned with a vacuum.
Cons – not as durable as synthetic fibres; not moisture resistant (best for enclosed porches, sun rooms or patios as the fibres may fall apart when wet); susceptible to mold and mildew; needs to be stored indoors during the winter; not fade resistant; limited colour options.
Sisal
Pros – durable; affordable; easily cleaned with vacuuming or shaking out.
Cons – stain easily; not moisture resistant; susceptible to mold and mildew; limited colour options.
Sea Grass
Pros – durable; affordable; soft; water repellent; stain resistant; low maintenance; stain resistant.
Cons – prone to mold and mildew; not fade resistant; limited colour options.
Sea grass rugs provide durable comfort and texture. Rug from Safavieh.
As you consider the type of rug that will best suit the needs of your outdoor spaces, I hope this ‘cheat sheet’ will assist in your decision making. Remember too that these pros and cons are presented only in reference to outdoor use – many of these materials are beautiful additions to your indoor spaces as well and offer a way to make rooms feel less formal.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog post when I’ll share ideas and information about outdoor furnishings.
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Simply Swank Decor provides virtual and in person consultations (as permitted) for designing updates to your home (indoor and outdoor), staging your house in preparation for sale or seasonal decorating services. Email janet@simplyswankdecor.ca to discuss your project and how I can help.