Choosing an All Weather Rug that's best for you...

Sunbrella outdoor rugs, acrylic rugs, all weather rugs

How do I choose an all weather rug that will complement my outdoor patio decor?

With all the styles and colors available, choosing the right outdoor all weather rug that integrates with your patio decor isn't hard. However, there are a few factors to weigh before you buy your all weather rug.

Consider what you want the focal point of your outdoor space to be. If you want the rug to serve as a focal point, consider choosing one with a central medallion. However, if there is another obvious focal point of the space, such as an outdoor fireplace, you may want to use a rug with a more repetitive pattern but no medallion.

Take into account the patterns on the upholstery and walls surrounding the outdoor space, so they don't compete with each other. If you have cushions, pillows, or decorative brick with an ornate pattern, choose a subtler pattern for the outdoor area rug. If the walls and cushions are fairly subdued, you can try a busier pattern to add more interest to the room.

Notice how much traffic the area receives. In high traffic areas, selecting a rug with a detailed pattern may be more practical. The more pattern, the lower maintenance.

Choose a rug with colors that coordinate with your outdoor decor. While all the colors in the rug don't have to match the colors in the outdoor space, at least one color should. Take swatches of cushion fabric, paint, or flooring (brick, tile, or stained concrete) with you when you shop online.

Remember that lighter-colored outdoor rugs will make your outdoor space seem more spacious and darker colors in the rug will bring a cozy atmosphere to the room.

Keep in mind that texture is an important element in your decor also. Several different fibers within a rug or carved areas can add more pizazz to an area rug's texture. Rugs made of sisal or jute add an interesting texture to smooth hardwood or tile floors.

Don't feel limited to rectangles. Octagonal or circular rugs add a unique touch to a room.

Can I use different rugs within the same outdoor space?

You can use all weather rugs of different patterns within the same room as long as the color coordinates.

Using two rugs of the same size may tend to divide the room in half. Select rugs of differing sizes to create more interest and contrast.

To make your decision easier, many rug manufacturers make rugs in different sizes that are designed to coordinate with each other.

What size rug do I need?

Under a patio coffee table:

Typically 4' x 6' or 6' x 9' area rugs will work well under coffee tables. The size you should choose depends on the size of your coffee table and surrounding furnishings.

The outdoor area rug should be large enough to accommodate all four legs of the table.

The outdoor area rug should be approximately the same length and width of the furnishings in the space.

To accent the furnishings most effectively, leave some flooring between the area rug and the furniture exposed.

Under a patio table:

Most patio tables will need an 8-foot wide area rug.

The chair legs shouldn't fall off the rug when people are seated at the table or pulling the chairs away from the table to seat themselves.

To determine what size rug you need, measure the length and width of the table and add at least 4 feet to each measurement.

For an entire outdoor space:

Try to leave an equal amount of flooring exposed as a border on all sides. If that is not possible, try to ensure the borders on parallel sides of the rug are equal.

For many medium to larger patios or custom decks, an 8' x 11' rug will work well.

It's okay if the front legs of the patio furniture are on the rug and the back legs are off the rug, as long as the piece is stable and balanced. You may need to place furniture coasters under the back legs to raise them to the height of the rug.

For 100% exposure to direct sunlight:

Getting an all weather rug that is made of solution dyed acrylic is critical. Solution dyed acrylic rugs, although more expensive, maintain their original color for up to 5 years in direct sunlight.