Welcome to our Q&A with Rugs USA column, where we answer your burning questions about rugs and all things interiors! This week, in honor of the summer season quickly approaching, we’re talking all things outdoor rugs!
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Q: How big of a rug should I get? I have a 6-person table with a separate umbrella on a huge deck.
A: How amazing to have such a large deck! For the standard-size 6-seat dining table, we’d recommend going with at least a 8’ x 10’ rug. But since your space is so large—and you’re accommodating a standing umbrella—we’d go with a 9’ x 12’ or even a 10’ x 14’ rug, depending on the size and where you’re placing the umbrella.
We always like going a little larger on rugs under dining tables, so diners can fully scoot out of their chairs without getting caught on the rug. A good rule of thumb to follow here is to choose a rug that extends at least two feet beyond chairs when they’re pushed in.
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Q: Can I leave my outdoor rug in the rain?
A: Yes, you can! All of our outdoor rugs are made to withstand the elements, and that includes rain and all the dirt and mildew that comes with it. Though we do recommend giving yours a thorough cleaning from time to time to keep it looking its best. You can read all about that in our outdoor rug guide here—along with tips on dealing with mold and mildew too.
If you live in a place where you’re not spending much time outside during the cooler months, we recommend giving your outdoor rug a good clean, then rolling it up and storing it in a dry space for the season—since cold winter weather can be hard on the fibers.
Q: What are the best rugs for creating a boho vibe outside?
A: We always love a boho vibe, especially when it comes to the great outdoors! All the plants and natural textures lend themselves beautifully to the boho look. Luckily, we have a ton of options when it comes to going boho in your outdoor space.
For Moroccan vibes: Roll out the dreamy Moroccan Crosshatch Indoor/Outdoor rug, as seen in the photo above, or the Striated Diamond Trellis Indoor/Outdoor rug for a more unique take on the trend.
For a pop of pattern: Check out the Diamond Tribal Indoor/Outdoor rug, the Iris Medallion Indoor/Outdoor rug, and the Indoor/Outdoor Striped with Tassels rug—all of which come in a range of colors and shapes.
For a splash of color: Try our Hatched Trellis Indoor/Outdoor rug for a graphic punch or the Olden Medallion Indoor/Outdoor rug for a boho-meets-traditional twist.
Definitely check out the rest of our outdoor collection—there’s a lot more where that came from!
Q: What type of rug should I get for a small, uncovered balcony?
A: A small rug will be just the thing to spruce up your small balcony! And great news—pretty much all of our outdoor rugs work for uncovered outdoor spaces. So really, you have your pick! Our 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 6’, or 5’ x 8’ rugs are likely the sizes you should be looking at, but take a look at our outdoor runners too if your balcony is long and narrow.
Check out more inspiration for small outdoor spaces here!
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Q: Should I use an indoor rug or outdoor rug in a sunroom?
A: It all depends on your sunroom! If the space is fully enclosed and not exposed to the elements, then an indoor rug will work. But if it’s exposed to lots of bright sunlight, or isn’t fully enclosed, then a weather- and fade-resistant outdoor rug like the very stylish Ethnic Symbols Indoor/Outdoor rug in rust shown above will likely be the better pick.
Q: What’s the difference between a regular rug and an outdoor rug? Can you put regular rugs outside?
A: Outdoor rugs (which we refer to as indoor/outdoor rugs, because they work inside too!) are made with special materials that help them stand up to rain, mold, sun damage, and other elements—all while maintaining the beautiful look and soft feel of indoor rugs. Most typically receive a protective coating to keep them looking their best, but we recommend also giving them a good clean several times a season so they’ll stay in tip-top shape (read how to do that here!).
Indoor rugs, while definitely durable enough to hold up to foot traffic and daily wear and tear, are made with softer and more delicate materials than their outdoor counterparts. In general, we recommend against using indoor rugs outside in any long-term capacity.