The Best Outdoor Rugs to Buy for Your Backyard Oasis

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Take a tip from professional interior designers: Treat your patio or deck like it's another room in your house, and you'll have an outdoor space where everyone loves to hang out. Of course, choosing one of the best outdoor rugs is key, since it's the centerpiece of the space and a chance to make a style statement—not to mention, it'll add texture and make your patio look so much chicer.

Landscape designer Brantley Snipes sees outdoor rugs as a way to tie spaces together. Outdoor spaces need to be divided similarly to indoor ones, separating cooking areas from dining and sitting, and you can use accessories like area rugs to refine that design. "It should all flow," Snipes says. "It's the connector from your yard to the inside. This is a great way to transition between the two, and rugs allow you to do that." With Snipes's help, we determined what to look for in an outdoor rug that's stylish and durable, and we rounded up some of the best ones you can buy, including her personal favorite.

With an outdoor rug, you can go bolder, brighter, or more abstract than you might indoors. Botanical patterns are a great way to take inspiration from our natural surroundings. Plus, you don't have to worry about it being too high maintenance since it's meant to stay outside. One thing to keep in mind: While these rugs are designed for outdoor use, a lot of exposure to UV rays can cause them to lose their color or even disintegrate over time—that's just nature. If you want an outdoor rug that's more of an investment piece, look for information on UV and mold resistance as you shop, and if you can find an outdoor rug pad to go with it, that's even better!

All of these area rugs can be used outdoors or indoors in addition to being budget friendly—in fact, the majority of the rugs seen here are available for under $500. Yes, really! Read on to find some of our top picks.

Maiden Lane Outdoor Rug

For a subtle botanical option, go with this ginkgo-inpsired floral motif. It's evocative of a garden in a quiet way that's ideal for the porch where you have your first sip of coffee. Though it looks like it's made from sisal, it's actually woven from polypropylene, so you get the aesthetic you want and the durability you need.

Sizes: Three options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.25 inches |Care: Spot clean with damp cloth, rinse with garden hose, and air dry; vacuum or sweep as needed

Emma Outdoor/Indoor Area Rug

This chic reversible rug is handwoven of recycled PET yarn (better known as recycled plastic bottles) to be eco-friendly. Despite the fringe detailing and light color, it's surprisingly low-maintenance: It holds up well in high-traffic areas and is water resistant.

Sizes: Three options | Material: PET polyester yarn | Thickness: Not listed | Care: Vacuum regularly on a low setting and spot clean with mild soap if needed

Charlie Collection Area Rug

This versatile rug from Joanna Gaines's collab with Loloi rugs has a gorgeous, classic design that's available in multiple color options. Take your pick from dark brown and charcoal striped designs. Even better: the high-quality polypropylene just needs to be vacuumed or occasionally hosed down and left to dry.

Sizes: Seven options | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: Not listed | Care: Hose off and air dry

Bright Stripe Handwoven Rug

Made in India, this woven outdoor rug adds quite the stylish pop of pattern. It has a low pile height so your outdoor chairs won't get snagged, and the polypropylene material is super easy to clean — it's hoseable, washable, and bleachable. Just use your regular carpet cleaner on any little spills.

Sizes: Six options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Air dry only

Stark Studio Kyree Performance Rug

This Southwestern-inspired rug is the perfect way to make any outdoor space feel warm and cozy. The acrylic material is fade-resistant and water-repellant, and the simple design isn't too overpowering. It comes in a silver, taupe, and a sky blue colorway that would be right at home with any coastal decor.

Sizes: Five options | Material: Acrylic yarn | Thickness: 0.12 inches | Care: Spot clean

Hand-Loomed Heidi Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Looking for a pop of color? This graphic outdoor rug from Anthropologie is like modern art for your patio. Made of hand-loomed recycled polyester, feel free to use it to anchor your sun room or balcony. Just vacuum it to keep your new rug looking fresh.

Sizes: Five options | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Professionally clean for best results

Outdoor Plaza Desert Jade Rug

Ruggable's line of outdoor washable rugs give you pretty much everything you could want in a rug for your porch or patio. This one has a geometric, tiled design with muted earthy tones of yellow that ground any space, and the polyester fabric has a water-resistant barrier to help it stay looking that way no matter what it weathers.

Sizes: Seven options | Material: Polyester | Thickness: Not listed | Care: Machine Wash

Outdoor Rug

Reminiscent of the American flag, this outdoor rug makes a classic statement at a Fourth of July gathering and year round. We'd expect no less from the OG Real Housewife of New York and design maven than to be on top of her entertaining game. It comes in five different shapes and plenty of sizes, including oval and round.

Sizes: 15 options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Vacuum and clean with a soft microfiber cloth, air dry

Wavy Blue Chevron Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This eye-catching rug combines a subtle color scheme with a bold chevron pattern. It looks beautiful, feels great underfoot, and is surprisingly versatile. (We consider navy blue a neutral.) And since there are so many shapes and sizes to choose from, why not buy two and put one indoors and one out to connect the spaces? It's an instant way to elevate your decor.

Sizes: 22 options | Material: OEKO-TEX certified polypropylene | Thickness: 0.1 inches | Care: Spray with hose and spot clean

Woven Cable Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Keep it simple in your outdoor space with this woven cable rug that imitates jute, but is even more durable. The handwoven flatweave design holds up well to heavy foot traffic, and it's made from sustainably sourced materials.

Sizes: Six options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Care: Rinse regularly with an outdoor hose and mild soap, air dry

Tiny Diamond Hand Hooked Area Rug

The Summer Classics performance rugs are landscape designer Snipes's tried-and-true favorite outdoor rugs. This one is designed to work indoors as well, and its durable fabric doesn't sacrifice comfort. "It's not that hard plastic feel that so many rugs come with," Snipes says. "They really refined the materials that go into them." They've held up beautifully under the foot traffic and containers in her storefront, and she reports that they wash well.

Sizes: Five options | Material: Polyester | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Vacuum and spot clean

Diamond Brim Indoor/Outdoor Rug

If you have neutral furniture and want to punch it up a bit, try a rug in a graphic pattern and a striking but soft color, like this light petrol blue. Its yarns are weather resistant, making it one of the better picks for an outdoor rug.

Sizes: Three options | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: 0.3 inches | Care: Rinse with hose and soap

Outdoor Lattice Rug

Pink and green are color complements, so this bright shade is a natural choice for the outdoors. It's a fun, pet-friendly rug that adds a pop of color to a screened-in porch or patio. Rectangular, four-foot round, and runner rug styles are available, including custom-size rectangular rugs, so we're confident you can find the size you need.

Sizes: 58 options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.16 inches | Care: Spot clean

Ombre Pop Indoor/Outdoor Rug

We love a striped rug in low-key natural colors—it's a great way to bring a little brightness into your space. This outdoor version combines modern good looks with durable, recycled polyester. It'll be the foundation for years' worth of stylish dinners on your patio.

Sizes: Eight options | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Care: Vacuum, rinse with hose and mild soap

Sicily Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

You can't go wrong with a black-and-white rug, and this ultra-affordable pick is so timeless and smart—you'll never see a stain! Made of washable polypropylene, it's designed to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of backyard get-togethers.

Sizes: Eight options | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.1 inches | Care: Clean with natural detergent and water

How We Selected the Best Outdoor Rugs

Our first step in researching the best outdoor rugs was to seek advice from a designer experienced in setting up elevated outdoor spaces. Landscape designer Brantley Snipes shared her expertise on what materials work best in an outdoor rug, as well as what her trusted favorite was: the Summer Classics line of performance rugs. Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie took that advice and then spent over 20 hours researching and selecting the most highly reviewed outdoor rugs. She focused on finding ones that can stand up to the elements, looking for water resistance, mold resistance, and UV treatment options. Style and aesthetic also played a role in her final decision-making, as she knows House Beautiful readers are looking for chic selections.

What to Know Before Buying an Outdoor Rug

When Snipes is working with clients on patios and porches, she says the first step is to figure out what you're using the space for and measure from there. As a rule of thumb, get a rug that's slightly bigger than what you think you need. "A lot of times I see rugs that are too small for the space, and so we really want to make sure that it's appropriately scaled to the size," Snipes says.

As for how much you should spend, that depends on how much wear and tear you think it'll receive. "For a covered space, investing in a higher-end rug is totally a necessity," Snipes says. "You'll have an added level of protection. I tell clients on fully exposed patios that don't have any coverage: "Maybe your rug is something you don't spend as much money on, and you can change it from year to year."

You will also need to consider the material of your rug. The best ones that weather well are typically made from a synthetic material like polypropylene, also called olefin, since it's breathable, moisture-wicking, and often stain-resistant. If you're going with a natural fiber like jute, just make sure you regularly hang it in the sun to promote air circulation. It'll require a bit more upkeep and care than synthetic options.

Can Outdoor Rugs Be Left Outside?

Yes, provided you choose the right outdoor rug for your space and take care of it. Snipes says outdoor rugs often aren't used correctly. There are more factors at play than you might realize. "Outside conditions are so much more extreme, clearly, than inside conditions," Snipes says. "You're looking at things such as mildew, moths, rain, and leaf debris that stains if it sits on a textile too long. Or you've got dogs, you've got kids, or you've got a fire pit and a spark flies up and burns a section of it." Her suggestion? Steer clear of natural fibers like seagrass and sisal for outdoor use. Additionally, we always suggest checking the care instructions on your rug because even though most can be left outdoors, it may need to be taken inside come winter if you get snow storms for instance.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

House Beautiful's shopping editors are always researching the best products for your home, outdoor spaces included. We've used our expertise to track down worthy investment pieces like the best outdoor furniture and fun accessories like the best pool floats. We choose stylish products at different price points to help you find exactly what you want. We also love to get extra expert input, so we consulted landscape designer Brantley Snipes in our search for the best outdoor rugs.

With over 12 years of experience in outdoor design, Brantley Snipes is well-versed in blending the natural and the man-made when designing exteriors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. She is also the founder of Brantley Snipes Landscape & Design in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she works with clients to design custom patios, pools, water features, and more. She has put the best outdoor rugs to the test in the controlled environment of her retail store.

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