We all know that rugs are a great way to add a splash of colour to a space, pull the entire room together, and draw your guests’ attention, but did you know that these design concepts apply to outdoor rugs as well?
An outdoor rug can transform the vibe and look of your patio, balcony, or any outdoor space you have at home, making that area feel like a seamless extension of your home.
With the vibrant colours and unique patterns of outdoor rugs, they can add character and breathe new life into any outdoor space. Best of all, they are functional, durable and affordable at the same time!
Thinking of getting an outdoor rug but don’t know where to start? Read on below to know more about outdoor rugs and then some – let’s start with how they benefit your spaces!
7 Benefits of Outdoor Rugs
Are outdoor rugs really a good idea? Well, here are some of the best things about them!
Makes decorating on a budget easy – an outdoor rug is a simple but cheap and effective way of adding a splash of colour to your patio. Opting for an outdoor rug means there’s no need for a huge patio or garden makeover to make noticeable changes. Even on an oversized deck, an outdoor rug can leave a strong impression.
Protects wooden floors – Getting an outdoor rug can help prolong the lifespan of your patio or deck. Outdoor rugs are relatively cheap, so they’re easy to replace when they’re worn out, but you can say the same for balconies made from wood or concrete.
Hides surface damage – if your patio or porch is showing any sign of damage, whether the tiles are cracked or there’s water damage, your outdoor rug can cover them up and prevent additional damage caused by sunlight, dust and stains.
Great for high-traffic areas – made from polypropylene fibres and other high-quality materials, outdoor rugs are manufactured to guarantee durability. That’s why they’re perfect for busy areas such as balconies and gardens.
No-hassle cleaning – Compared to indoor rugs that generally need specialised cleaning, outdoor rugs are more manageable and can be cleaned without hiring a professional. You can either use a damp cloth to wipe away stains or hose it down for a deeper cleaning.
Affordability – Most modern outdoor rugs are available in a wide range of prices. However, most of them are on the affordable side, especially as they come in fairly low-cost materials. This means they can also serve as budget-friendly outdoor decor ideas.
Customisability – Did you know that you can actually get bespoke outdoor rugs? At The Rug Maker, we can actually design and craft a unique outdoor rug just for your space, ensuring a rug that not only fits your needs but also your specific tastes.
How to Choose a Rug Material for an Outdoor Rug
As we’ve noted before, there are many different types of rug materials. Choosing the right one will help your rug last longer, as it will hold up better to the elements.
So, what should you consider when deciding on the best material for an outdoor rug?
- Overall durability
- Weather resistance
- Ease of maintenance
The most popular options for outdoor rug materials right now are polypropylene, polyester, nylon, bamboo, and juste. Polypropylene is arguably the most commonly used by manufacturers, as it’s resistant to moisture, mildew, and even fading (from the sun).
Polyester and nylon have similar traits and are even more resistant to damage caused by traffic. If you prefer organics, bamboo and jute offer that and a more natural look. However, these two do require a bit more maintenance as they can biodegrade.
4 Ways to Take Care of Your Outdoor Rugs
As we said earlier, outdoor rugs typically need only minimal effort to keep them looking new and in perfect condition. Some rug materials or grime may require that you call in services for professional cleaning in Singapore, sure, but most outdoor rug cleaning is easy enough.
Here’s how you can take care of your outdoor rug and keep it looking fresh:
Remove dirt frequently – Due to the wind and the high foot traffic, outdoor rugs collect a lot of dirt and dust. If you don’t clean your rug regularly, the dust will settle, making it look faded and worn out. So, how often to clean rugs outside, you ask? At least once a week, you should shake them out to remove visible dirt and debris that could seep into their fibres.
Wipe spills and stains as soon as they happen – greasy stains and spills are tougher to remove when they’ve settled into your rug. As soon as any of these two happen, wipe them immediately using household cleaners. Allowing them to sit too long can lead to permanent stains and damage.
Dry the rug to prevent mould and mildew – It’s important to keep your outdoor rug dry at all times since moisture causes mould and mildew formation. That’s why outdoor rug placement matters so much! At any rate, to keep your rugs mildew-free, dry them under the sun or use a wet-dry vacuum to suction out moisture. What you should never do is dry your rugs with a dryer because the heat may be too much for their natural fibres to handle.
Keep them away from extreme weather – although outdoor rugs are sturdy and designed to endure harsh weather, it’s best to roll up your rug and store it safely inside in the meantime. Leaving them outside under such conditions makes them susceptible to mould build-up and other damage.
Conclusion
Just as indoor rugs are crucial inside your home, outdoor rugs are essential in breathing new life and adding a pop of colour to your outdoor space, whatever that space may be.
Getting an outdoor rug can help you redecorate your garden on a budget, protect your wooden floors, and so much more. For instance, you can even use it to establish harmony between your indoor and outdoor spaces!
This is a great idea if you have your outdoor rug in an area that’s clearly visible from inside your home – like a patio accessible through full glass doors. What you can do is use the same general motifs or themes as your outdoor rug, decor, and even scenery in your indoor furnishings.
In fact, this is one of the services we offer at The Rug Master. We can evaluate your outdoor space and decor and then draft a bespoke rug design that will help you bring the outdoors in. The result is seamless design flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces for a more open, airy feel.In any case, our guide above should help you get a gorgeous and functional outdoor rug in Singapore for your home and sink your toes into it while enjoying some fresh air. If you’re looking to spruce up your home or redecorate your space with an area rug, we offer both indoor and outdoor rugs. We can even offer you more home decor tips along the way!
