Choose Outdoor Rugs with Care for Best Results

Outdoor living has captured the imagination of many home decorators today. In fact, sunrooms and patios have literally become extensions of the home and help bring the outdoors inside with style.

Along with the many options today in outdoor furniture, outdoor rugs have made great strides as well. The advancements in both materials and manufacturing have resulted in sturdy rugs that can withstand tough weather and still keep their beauty. Any family or homeowner that spends lots of time relaxing or entertaining on patio or deck can enhance the atmosphere easily with the comfort and color of outside rugs.

The first thing to remember about outside decorating is that ironically, rugs made of natural fibers won't last long outdoors. This means decorators will have to cross seagrass rugs, sisal rugs, bamboo rugs and jute rugs off their list for outdoor coverings. All of these natural fibers react with water, becoming stained and eventually decomposing. The only way to use these rugs outside is when you're ready to have worn and stained rugs return to nature. Then they can be used to make a garden path while they're rotting back into the earth from which they grew.

However, sisal rugs in particular could make a good mat at an entryway from outside. As a fiber harvested from a type of cactus, sisal has the capacity to scrape dirt off shoes quite well. To clean a dirty sisal rug, simply shake it out outside, or sweep or vacuum it well. Just don't try to wash it, as it will start to rot.

Odd as it seems, the best rugs for outdoors are those made of tough synthetic materials such as polypropylene (a kind of plastic) or olefin (a synthetic analogue of wool). Sometimes these two materials may be combined together to improve their feel and durability. In addition, synthetic rugs for outdoors resist moisture and chemicals, making them great for around a pool. They resist stains and wear, have low static electricity, and believe it or not, are quite comfortable beneath bare feet! What's more, for all their durability, polypropylene rugs and olefin rugs are made from some of the lightest textile fibers, so they're lightweight and easier to move around.

Clearly rugs used outside are made to withstand direct sunlight, rain, snow and other forms of moisture. Their resistance to stains and wear make them easy to clean with a hose, after which they dry quickly in the sun, ready for the next pool party.

Beyond the unique composition of area rugs used outside, the criteria for choosing the right covering is the same for decorating indoors. Measure the space to be covered twice to make sure of the right size. Don't think that a "standard" size will fill the area properly, as standard sizes can vary from two to three inches depending on the manufacturer. If possible, take along a cushion or pillow to be sure of harmonizing the colors accurately. And remember to balance the design of the rug with the design of other outdoor furniture. The last thing anyone wants is to have the rug clash with your patio furniture at the next barbecue!