Steadfast Rules for Decorating with an Outdoor Area Rug
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Area rugs are one of the most essential features of your outdoor patio space. Many designers even start with the rug and decorate around it. It's the highlight, the focal point of your outdoor arrangement. Much care and attention must be placed on selecting the perfect outdoor area rug for your patio.
Today I'm going to show you how to pick the right size for your area rug, teach you a thing or two about outdoor furniture arrangements, and lend some insight on the best materials for outdoor area rugs. This is the first time I've covered this topic so all these ideas are fresh. Ready? Let's decorate!
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2 Rules of Thumb for Picking the Size of Your Outdoor Rug
18 Inches of Space - Make sure that you allow an open space border of 18 inches around your outdoor area rug. This will allow you to place the spotlight on your beautiful area rug. For small spaces, you can reduce this distance to 8 inches. This rule of thumb should be applied to sofa sectional seating areas.
24 Inches Around a Table - Give yourself 24 inches of padding surrounding outdoor dining tables. This way, you'll be able to slide in and out of your chair without having the feet of your chair fall off the edge of the rug. It will also protect the finish on your wood deck.
Frequently Asked Questions: Outdoor Area Rug Decorating
Leave an 18-inch border; 8 inches for tight spaces. Around sofa or sectional seating, keep an open border so the rug remains the focal point. For small patios, reduce to 8 inches. Place at least the front legs of seating on the rug to visually connect pieces and define the conversation zone.
Add 24 inches beyond the tabletop on all sides. This ensures chair legs remain on the rug when pulled back and helps protect deck finishes. Measure your table, then add 24 inches per side to set a comfortable minimum rug size that keeps movement smooth and the scene tidy.
Synthetic fibers—often olefin (polypropylene). Synthetics resist mold and mildew, which is essential outdoors. Olefin stands up to fading, is kid- and pet-friendly with stain resistance, and is generally affordable—making it a practical, durable pick for sunny, high-use patios.
Use three layouts: two legs, all legs, or mixed. Two front legs on the rug expands space while tying the area together. All four legs on the rug tightens the grouping for conversational seating. Some on, some off creates an eclectic, contemporary look—mix groupings to suit style and traffic.
Measure first and match the rug to the zone. For dining, ensure pulled-back chairs stay on the rug. For sectionals, select a size that gets at least the front legs onto the rug. Choose shapes that echo your plan—rectangular rugs for long seating runs, round rugs for bistro sets or compact nooks.
Go bold—reds, oranges, yellows, and blues. Use the rug to add a bright splash of color that energizes the space. Try lively hues in patterns or solids, or coordinate with colorful chairs for a cohesive, upbeat look that feels seasonal and fresh.
Start with the rug, then echo materials, textures, and colors. Designers often build the plan around the rug. Coordinate weave, texture, and tones with seating and tables so everything feels intentional. Keep the rug as the highlight and focal point of your arrangement.
A Quick Guide to Buying an Outdoor Area Rug
1) Outdoor Area Rug Materials
Synthetic fibers are the most common material used to make outdoor rugs. This is because they are mold an mildew resistant, which is mandatory for any outdoor furnishing. Chances are, you will find an outdoor rug made from what's called olefin, a polypropylene fiber.
Olefin is very resistant to fading which will be necessary while it spends all those days out there on the patio during the Summer. It's also kid and pet-friendly, offering stain resistance to let any mother sleep well. What about the price? Well, it's actually very affordable!
For more detailed information on outdoor rug materials, you can visit Cheryl Simmons at RugsAndCarpets.About.com.
2) Size and Shape
Probably one of the most important decisions you'll have to make about your outdoor area rug is what size to choose. Time to break out the measuring tape! As a general rule, you want dining rugs to be large enough that the feet of your dining chairs stay on the carpet when pulled back from the table.
For sectionals, love seats, and club chairs, you want your rug to be large enough to place at least the front legs on the rug. Placing all 4 legs on the rug is optional but you'll have to play around with it on a case by case basis. Here's a quick idea of when to use each method:
- 2 Front Legs on the Rug - Helps bring your outdoor space together while expanding the space at the same time.
- All 4 Legs on the Rug - Brings the room together tightly. Can be used to create conversational seating arrangements.
Some on Some Off - Place some chairs all the way on the rug and others with just the front two feet on. This style works well for eclectic outdoor spaces. You can vary seated grouping to create a contemporary and chic asymmetrical layout.
3) Pattern Options
Don't be afraid to use bright colors! Chances are you'll enjoy your outdoor area rug in the Summer or spring. Choose Summer colors like bright red, orange, yellow, and blue. These colors will add livelihood to your area. You can use your area rug to add a splash of color or try to accent your rug with one of these colorful chairs.
Coordinating with your Patio Furniture
Don't forget to remember the materials, texture, and color of your patio furniture. Try to coordinate your outdoor rug with your patio furniture. You can browse for ideas or even place an order online here at Patio Productions.com. Choose from a range of high-quality outdoor collections from some of the best names in the business.
More Outdoor Decor Ideas:
- 8 Keys to the Perfect Patio Furniture Arrangement
- Connecting the Interior of Your Home with the Exterior
- 10 Things You Must Know Before Planning an Outdoor Kitchen
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is able to lend insight on this topic after spending years in the design field. She has learned that all outdoor furniture and is a regular contributing author to the Patio Productions Blog.
