The 11 Best Outdoor Rugs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Out of over 30 designs tested, these outdoor rugs are the best
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Helping section off seating areas while adding texture and interest, the right rug can do wonders in enhancing the vibe of your outdoor living space. There are a lot of options on the market, so to make your decision easier, we put dozens of popular outdoor rugs to the test in The Lab and at home.
When shopping for an outdoor rug specifically, you'll want to prioritize quality and durability. With that in mind, in our most recent round of outdoor rug testing, we evaluated the rugs straight out of the box and noted any quality issues. We placed the rugs on uneven surfaces to see how comfortable they were to step on, and we dragged heavy objects across them to see if they might tear. We even spilled messy ingredients on the rugs to see how difficult they were to clean.
You'll also want to consider style, durability, and how well the rug will mesh with your existing (or future) furniture pieces. "I tend to use outdoor rugs most commonly under sofas and sectionals because it feels like creating an outdoor living room," says New York-based landscape designer Amber Freda. "You'll want it to be around the same proportions as an indoor rug, where the furniture pieces help anchor the rug usually to create a whole seating set."
After more than a day of testing and hours of research, we compiled the best outdoor rugs for all needs and budgets.
Best Overall: Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug
It couples the feel of an indoor rug with the durability of an outdoor rug, making it a highly versatile pick.
What We Like
Plenty of color options available
Feels like an indoor rug
Durable
Designer-recommended
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Soft, durable, and easy on the eyes, Dash & Albert's Diamond Rug is one of the best options on the market. In addition to being a designer-approved brand, it earned high marks from our home tester for its performance and overall feel. It's made of ultra-sturdy polypropylene, which effectively resists messes by repelling both liquids and dirt and dust.
Despite its durable construction, we found it to be pleasantly soft and thought it felt more like an indoor rug. We even had to double-check the label because we couldn't believe it was made of plastic and not natural fibers—but it is indeed constructed from durable polypropylene. We also appreciated the wide range of color options for the geometric print. And though the larger sizes are somewhat pricey, you can expect this weather-ready piece to last longer than most others in its category.
Price at time of publish: $538 for 6 x 9 feet
Dimensions: 12 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Vacuum or spot clean | Colors: 14 options available
Best Budget: Fab Habitat Reversible Rug
This rug is not only affordable but also eco-friendly and easy to clean, earning it high marks from our at-home tester.
What We Like
Lies flat
Eco-friendly
Carrying bag included
What We Don't Like
Fairly thin
The Fab Habitat Reversible Rug is our best budget pick because it's an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice style or quality. It earned an almost-perfect score in our testing, and we appreciated its reversible design and how soft and comfy it feels. Plus, the outdoor rug is incredibly convenient to maintain—not only does the plastic repel spills and dirt (rather than absorbing them), but it's also easy to wipe away messes or simply hose the rug down. The material is fast-drying, too.
Sourced from 100 percent recycled plastic, this UV-resistant polyester rug deserves some extra sustainability points. It is super lightweight and comes with a carrying bag, too—making it ideal for camping trips and other outdoor excursions. We love that it comes in several sizes (seven, to be exact) and several fun colors and patterns. We found it near impossible to find a flaw in this budget-friendly rug—if pressed, we'd argue that it's fairly thin. But that's a common complaint regarding outdoor rugs and hardly worth writing home about.
Price at time of publish: $125 for 6 x 9 feet
Dimensions: 7 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Care: Hose off | Colors: 13 options available
The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Color & Size Options: Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Available in 10 colors and over 30 sizes, this is a versatile option for all types of spaces.
What We Like
Comes in runner, square, and round options, plus ten colors
Easy to clean
Good value
What We Don't Like
Slower to dry
If you’re looking for a versatile, solid-colored option, we’re big fans of the SAFAVIEH Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Patio Backyard Rug is available in ten colors and over 30 sizes across retailers. In addition, you can choose from different shapes, including runner, square, and round options. Talk about versatility!
During testing, this rug proved to be durable, too. It's machine-woven from polyester and polypropylene fibers, which have been treated to stand up to stains and exposure to the elements. Upon arrival, there were no loose threads or snags, and it stayed firmly in place throughout our various tests. After spilling BBQ sauce and grape juice on the rug, we were able to get the stains out with a brush and detergent. Leaves and other debris were easy to vacuum up. Just note that it's not the most quick-drying option on the market: After hosing the rug down and leaving it to dry overnight, it was still pretty soaked with water.
Price at time of publish: $124 for 6.6 x 9.5 feet
Dimensions: 32 sizes available | Shape: Square, round, runner | Material: Polyester, polypropylene | Care: Hose down, spot treat | Colors: 10 options available
Best Washable: Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug
This machine-washable option resists fading, mold growth, and water damage.
What We Like
Reasonably priced
Easy to clean
Fade-resistant
What We Don't Like
Requires large washer
Only available in two colors
Ruggable has tons of excellent outdoor rugs, but if we could only choose one, we'd go with the Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug. Like all the brand's offerings, this one is conveniently machine washable—just make sure your washer has a big enough drum to accommodate the size you get. You can also tumble dry it, but to ensure it lies flat after washing, you might want to smooth it back out and air-dry it in the sun instead.
Unlike natural jute, this synthetic option has a smooth and soft feel that’s resistant to fraying and other wear typically seen in natural fibers. It’s handwoven from a blend of recycled polyester-polyurethane, giving it a versatile, bohemian appearance. During testing, we found this rug to be incredibly smooth and soft to walk on. It effectively cushioned our feet, protecting them from rocks and other sharp objects that we placed underneath.
For day-to-day cleaning, just shake out or sweep the rug to get rid of dirt, rocks, and other debris. You can pick from seven sizes, including runners and round options, in four unique colorways.
Price at time of publish: $489 for 6 x 9 feet
Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester, thermoplastic | Care: Machine wash | Colors: 2 options available
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Text Link:The 21 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online in 2023
Best Design: Rifle Paper Co. Veranda Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug
Both durable and stylish, this rug will make the perfect addition to your outdoor seating area.
What We Like
Vibrant, statement-making design
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
On the pricier side
Only one color option
The Rifle Paper Co. Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug is a design-forward option that's sure to make a statement in your outdoor seating area or other space. Made in collaboration with Loloi Rugs, it has a vivid monstera print that's been specially treated to resist fading from both the sun and continuous wear.
This rug comes in six sizes—ranging from 4 feet to 10 feet long—and has been power-loomed in Turkey from durable polyester, which is then treated to be mildew-resistant (ideal for areas with a pool). The top is made with 100 percent wool, giving it a soft, plush feel that we loved. The non-slip backing stayed firmly secured to the ground during testing, preventing the rug from bunching or sliding around.
Price at time of publish: $360 for 5 x 7.5 feet
Dimensions: Six sizes available | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Spot treat | Colors: 1 options available (additional indoor/outdoor rug styles available)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Reversible: Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug
With a bold geometric print, this reversible option is ideal for high-traffic areas.
What We Like
Lightweight yet durable
Bold, design-forward look
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Only one color to choose from
Spot clean only
An easy way to get more value out of an outdoor rug is to opt for a reversible option, like the Tillie Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Urban Outfitters. With a bold geometric print, this rug is made of 100 percent recycled plastic that is UV-, mold-, and mildew-resistant. It’s available in two different sizes: 4 by 6 feet and 6 by 9 feet, the latter of which is the size that we tested.
Despite its length, this rug is lightweight and easy to move. We appreciated that it didn’t bunch up easily during testing, and cleaning proved to be a breeze (though, per the manufacturer, this rug is spot clean-only—no hosing allowed). One issue that we had is that there’s not much of a difference in the appearance of the two sides. This makes the reversible factor more functional than purely aesthetic, ideal for messes and stains.
Price at time of publish: $159 for 6 x 9 feet
Dimensions: 2 sizes available | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Recycled plastic | Care: Spot clean | Color: 1 option available
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Solid: Nourison Positano Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
The simple flat weave comes in eight solid hues to match any outdoor decor, not to mention it's super sturdy and easy to clean.
What We Like
Soft texture
Easy to clean
Available in ten colors
What We Don't Like
Doesn't always lie flat
In terms of appearance, the Nourison Positano Rug scored high in our testing—the flat-weave material is space-dyed, creating a striated effect typically seen in traditional yarn. We also love that you can choose from ten different hues, ranging from bold statement colors to warm earthy tones.
It's made of polypropylene, a super-sturdy and weather-resistant thermoplastic ideal for outdoor use. While you might assume it has a stiff, plasticky feel, it's surprisingly soft with a texture reminiscent of naturally sourced woven textiles. This rug is super budget-friendly, too. One potential trade-off is that this rug is on the thinner side—meaning that it dries quicker than other options, but doesn’t feel quite as comfy underfoot. We thought the texture was pleasantly smooth in general, but we found it very uncomfortable to walk on when we placed rocks underneath it. With that in mind, we would recommend keeping it on a very even surface. On the plus side, it's easy to clean: Just hose it down and let it air dry while lying flat to prevent ripples and curled corners.
Price at time of publish: $131 for 6 x 9 feet
Dimensions: 15 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Hose off | Colors: 10 options available
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Patterned: Jaipur Living Mckenzie Indoor/Outdoor Geometric Area Rug
With a bold yet versatile pattern, this design-forward option works equally well in indoor and outdoor spaces.
What We Like
Striking appearance
Soft texture
Decent value
What We Don't Like
Some loose fibers upon arrival
There are many patterned options on the market, but if we'd have to choose just one, the Jaipur Living McKenzie Geometric Area Rug would be our top pick. It has a bold geometric print that works well with different decors (including modern and boho), with a durable construction that's suited for both indoor and outdoor use. During testing, it also stayed secure to the ground—making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
The McKenzie Area Rug is made in Turkey from 100 percent polypropylene, giving it a sturdy yet soft feel that provides sufficient cushioning against hard objects like rocks and sticks. The manufacturer recommends spot treating any stains, though you can also hose the rug down for larger messes. Just note that it will take more than a few hours to dry.
Price at time of publish: $132 for 4 x 5.3 feet
Dimensions: 4 sizes available | Shape: Rectangular | Material: 100 percent polypropylene | Care: Hose down, spot treat | Color: 1 option available
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Braided: nuLOOM Wynn Braided Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
It's made of a super-strong, water-resistant thermoplastic to ensure year-round durability.
What We Like
Durable yet soft
Versatile
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Largest size is 9 by 12 feet
The nuLOOM Wynn Rug is made of 100 percent polypropylene and braided into an extra-strong flat weave. Designed with high-traffic indoor or outdoor areas in mind, it's ideal for families with kids and pets. In addition to being exceptionally resilient, it's remarkably soft with the flexibility of a traditional rag-braided rug.
Available in eight colors, the textured design offers an organic, down-to-earth touch to outdoor dining and sitting areas. It's easy to maintain too: Thanks to its water-resistant design, the Wynn can be hosed down and spot-cleaned as needed using a synthetic carpet-cleaning solution.
Price at time of publish: $294 for 6 x 9
Dimensions: 20 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, oval, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Hose off | Colors: 39 options available
Text Link:The 9 Best Doormats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Round: Colonial Mills Kaari Tweed Indoor/Outdoor Round Area Rug
The circular shape creates a cozy, welcoming vibe for your outdoor space, and it's reversible for extra versatility.
What We Like
Fade-resistant
Reversible
Several sizes and colors
What We Don't Like
Spot-clean recommended
Large sizes are pricey
If you have a round outdoor dining table or just want to incorporate soft curves into your seating arrangement, consider a circular rug. We like the Kaari from Colonial Mills. It comes in six colors and several sizes ranging from 3 to 12 feet in diameter to accommodate any outdoor gathering space.
This two-toned area rug is woven from 100 percent polypropylene, an exceptionally durable material that stands up to year-round weather. Beyond playing well with precipitation, it's resistant to sun-fading, mildew, and stains. The Kaari is reversible, too, so you can flip it over in the event of permanent stains.
Price at time of publish: $204 for 6 x 6 feet
Dimensions: 10 sizes available | Shape: Circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Spot clean | Colors: 6 options available
Best Traditional: West Elm Farella Outdoor Rug
The faux-weathered design is inspired by aged Turkish textiles, creating an unexpectedly versatile vintage appearance.
What We Like
Vintage-inspired design
Good for high-traffic areas
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Pad sold separately
If you're drawn to traditional designs, you'll love the Farella Outdoor Rug from West Elm. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Turkish textiles, it features a vibrant floral motif in a slightly weathered finish to create an unexpectedly versatile vintage appearance.
The Farella is made of 100 percent polyester to ensure weather resistance and lasting durability without sacrificing softness. Thanks to the strong weave and resilient fibers, it's ideal for high-traffic spaces and easy to clean with a vacuum, broom, or hose. To prevent mold growth and help it dry quicker, West Elm recommends placing it over the brand's indoor/outdoor rug pad, which you'll have to buy separately.
Price at time of publish: $540 for 5 x 7.25 feet
Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Care: Vacuum or hose off | Color: 1 option available
Read Next:The 9 Best Rug Pads of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
After extensive testing, our top choice is the Dash & Albert Geometric Flatweave Rug, which offers both a versatile look and durable construction. If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, you can't go wrong with the Fab Habitat Reversible Rug, which earned an almost-perfect score from our home tester.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
How We Tested
Our team of expert testers put 31 of the industry's top outdoor rugs to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating each option on its quality, texture, durability, and overall value. From spilling grape juice and BBQ sauce on the rugs to placing them atop rocks and other hard objects, we spent more than a day simulating real-life scenarios to see if these rugs fit the bill. Our editors used these insights—alongside in-depth reviews from our at-home testers—to inform the final selections included on this list.
What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Rug
Material
NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter says the most important thing to consider when buying an outdoor rug is the material. "You want something that is stain- and mold-resistant, waterproof, and won't fade from direct sunlight," she said. Most of the options we tested are made of polyester or polypropylene (a type of thermoplastic), which tends to be softer underfoot than natural fibers like jute. Plus, while waterproof options are a little harder to come by, synthetic materials offer some water resistance.
When shopping, Decorist designer Elise Payne says to think about the elements and whether the area will be covered. "I love a jute rug for outdoors, but a natural material would be better suited for a covered area, as it isn't quite as mildew-resistant as a synthetic rug," she notes. "Synthetics, on the other hand, are pretty indestructible."
Maintenance
"The great thing about outdoor rugs is they are typically so easy to clean," says Payne. Though it depends on the material and weave, most polyester and polypropylene options can be rinsed off with a hose and air-dried in the sun. Flatter weaves can also be swept, vacuumed, and even scrubbed if needed. Beyond standing up to the elements, this low-maintenance appeal is why many people use outdoor area rugs in high-traffic indoor spaces.
Size
Outdoors or inside, no matter where you place it, sizing is crucial. As with indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs should be big enough that either all furniture legs can be placed on top or just the front two. For dining areas, make sure it's large enough that the entire table and all chair legs can go on top, preferably even when pulled out. Some outdoor rugs come in just a few select sizes, while others (like the Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug) come in dozens of sizes.
The Spruce / Carrie Bluth
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean an outdoor rug?
We found the included outdoor rugs fairly easy to clean; after a quick hose down or scrub, most were as good as new. However, you'll still want to treat your chosen rug with care—particularly in wetter climates. "If you live somewhere where you won't be enjoying the outdoor space as much in the winter, put your rug away with other furniture/cushions to prolong its life and keep it clean during the harsher months," says Payne. In between hose-downs, you can also sweep, vacuum, and shake out your rug as needed to clean your indoor-outdoor carpet.
Can outdoor rugs get wet?
Most outdoor rugs can get wet and recover without damage. But as mentioned, it really depends on the material. Polyester, polypropylene, and other thermoplastics generally hold up well in rainy climates and can often be rinsed off with a hose. However, they'll generally take longer to dry—during testing, most of the options stayed soaked overnight. Keeping that in mind, you may want to get a rug pad to prevent mildew growth and protect any wood porch planks underneath.
How do you style an outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs can be styled using similar concepts as indoor rugs. Use them to section off different zones, such as your firepit, table, and sitting area. Consider the colors of your house, outdoor furniture, and plants, and select a complementing hue. Then you can call back the color and texture with small accents like outdoor cushions and blankets.
Payne recommends multi-toned outdoor rugs. "This doesn't mean it has to look colorful from afar, but if you look closer, it may actually be made up of many colors woven together," she explains. "This will help hide dirt and other things that will inevitably end up on your outdoor rug."
The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home design, outdoor living, and textiles. For this story, she interviewed two interior designers for product recommendations and insight into the best materials, colors, and styles. She then compiled insights from our home testers and researched dozens of today's best-selling outdoor rugs. The chosen options ultimately stood out in terms of quality, maintenance requirements, durability, size and color options, and overall value. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering furniture, decor, and cleaning products.
The Spruce's Lily Sperry contributed additional research and reporting, interviewing landscape designer Amber Freda for further insight on outdoor rug considerations and styling. Sperry has been with The Spruce since 2019. We also consulted NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter and Decorist designer Elise Payne for additional expert tips for outdoor rug shopping.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.
