Best outdoor rug

Make a patio or deck as stylish as a room inside your home with an outdoor rug. One of these can help define a seating or dining area and will dress it up as well, adding colour, pattern, and texture. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of sizes and are made from materials that will stand up to the garden's conditions. They’re easy to clean as necessary, too. You’re sure to be able to find a design you adore among our picks.

In a geometric pattern, this outdoor rug has a look that won’t be overtaken by the tides of fashion, while the colours will suit any plot. It’s made from polypropylene that will cope with life outdoors, although you could use this design inside your home as a hard-wearing indoor rug for a kid’s room or space used by your pets. At 213.36-by-152.4 centimetres, and would look great at the heart of an outdoor seating area. It’s light and portable enough to move to different areas of the garden, or take away on a trip, too.

This outdoor rug is a fabulous choice if your plot is in need of brightening up. The range of bold hues and patterns could make up for the fact that you’re waiting for warm weather. Its boho style makes it ideal if you want to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for garden entertaining. It’s stain-resistant and waterproof, so any spills needn’t worry you or your visitors. The price of this 120-by-180-centimetre design makes it kind on your pocket too. 

Large-scale foliage prints show no sign of going out of style, and this outdoor rug is an excellent example of the trend. I like the subtle green and off-white combination because it will harmonise beautifully with any outdoor space, and it can be laid on the grass or a patio. Bear in mind that you should store it inside when you’ve finished using it, however. It’s 150-by-240 centimetres in size, so there’s plenty of room on its surface, and it’s light enough to carry with you on a picnic as an alternative to using it at home. Cleaning is straightforward as it can be brushed or even vacuumed. If there’s a spill, mild soapy water should be used for spot cleaning.

There’s no right side up with this outdoor rug, which can be reversed for longer life, and I’ve fallen for both versions of the pattern with its antique appearance. It’s made to resist UV light, so it doesn’t fade, and the brilliant colour will bring heat to your garden even when the weather’s on the cooler side. As it’s woven from polypropylene that comes from recycled single-use plastic straws, choosing this design means you can feel good about keeping them out of the landfill. To make life simple, this rug can be hosed clean if shaking the dirt off isn’t sufficient. Using a skidpad is best to keep it in place, but you’ll need to purchase this separately. 

Complement a modern garden design full of structural plants with this grey and white geometric outdoor rug. Another of our picks that’s made with recycled plastic straws, this one promises to be strong but also soft enough for you to take your shoes off and enjoy a soft feel rather than hard patio pavers. It’s easy to look after because it can be wiped or hosed down. Drying afterwards shouldn’t take long. At 120-by-180 centimetres, it’s not one of the larger rugs in our selection, but you could position seating around its perimeter to complete your outdoor living space. 

If the reason you’re interested in an outdoor rug is so you can create a dry area to sit with the family on the lawn, or seat everyone for a picnic on a day out, check out this design. It rolls up neatly, so it’s easier to take with you than an outdoor rug, plus it takes little space to store it. It’s waterproof, so you can avoid the feel of damp grass, while the flannel surface is soft to sit on. There’s also a foam layer between the aluminium film base and the top for comfort. At 200-by-200 centimetres, you should be able to fit four to six people on its surface. It can be hand washed to keep it hygienic. 

Our verdict

An outdoor rug will complete the look of your patio and make chilling out on the lawn or going on a picnic a comfortable experience. Our top choice is the BalajeesUSA outdoor rug, which has a geometric design you won’t tire of and folds down to store or carry.

If you’re a fan of boho style and the colourful but relaxed atmosphere it brings, the Talking Tables waterproof outdoor rug will likely prove your favourite of our selection. Neutrals fans, meanwhile, might fall for the grey geometric GD Home indoor/outdoor rug, which is kind on the feet as well as pleasing to the eye.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Why trust me?

I write about both gardens and homes, and the arrival of outdoor rugs on the scene has been a significant development. I’d be happy to give house or garden room to any of those in our selection based on their looks as well as how durable and easy care they are.