These Are the Best Outdoor Rugs to Elevate Any Patio

Many House Beautiful team members live in New York City (or the surrounding boroughs), where private outdoor space is nonexistent, so unlike some of the other products we recommend (like bedding sets, sofas for small spaces, and waffle towels), we didn't have the luxury of testing out all of the internet's favorite rugs. That said, to find the best rugs, we turned to the brands we know that make high-quality products at reasonable prices, like West Elm and Wayfair, for options. First, we picked the outdoor rugs we considered the most versatile. Next, we spent hours reading through every single review, putting forth only the ones that were backed by tons of positive experiences.

Size: When Snipes is working with clients on patios and porches, she says the first step is to figure out what you're using the space for and measure from there. As a rule of thumb, get a rug that's slightly bigger than what you think you need. "A lot of times I see rugs that are too small for the space, and so we really want to make sure that it's appropriately scaled to the size," Snipes says.

Price: As for how much you should spend, that depends on how much wear and tear you think it'll receive. "For a covered space, investing in a higher-end rug is totally a necessity," Snipes says. "You'll have an added level of protection. I tell clients on fully exposed patios that don't have any coverage: "Maybe your rug is something you don't spend as much money on, and you can change it from year to year."

Material: You will also need to consider the material of your rug. The best ones that weather well are typically made from a synthetic material like polypropylene, also called olefin, since it's breathable, moisture-wicking, and often stain-resistant. If you're going with a natural fiber like jute, just make sure you regularly hang it in the sun to promote air circulation. It'll require a bit more upkeep and care than synthetic options.

Generally speaking, any furniture or decor that's marketed as being outdoor-friendly is made with more durable materials that can survive the elements. Provided you choose the right outdoor rug for your space (take a peek at the above elements that double as a buying guide) and take care of it, your outdoor rug can and should definitely be left outside. That said, Snipes says that outdoor rugs often aren't used correctly.

"Outside conditions are so much more extreme, clearly, than inside conditions," Snipes says. "You're looking at things such as mildew, moths, rain, and leaf debris that stain if it sits on a textile too long. Or you've got dogs, you've got kids, or you've got a fire pit and a spark flies up and burns a section of it." Her suggestion? Steer clear of natural fibers like seagrass and sisal for outdoor use. Additionally, we always suggest checking the care instructions on your rug because even though most can be left outdoors, it may need to be taken inside come winter if you get snowstorms, for instance.

House Beautiful's shopping editors are always on the hunt for the best products for your home—outdoor spaces included. In fact, we've used our expertise to track down worthy investment pieces for every type of outdoor space, including patios (be sure to shop our guide for the best outdoor furniture) and pool areas (yes, we have a guide for chaise lounges). We choose stylish products at different price points to help you find exactly what you are looking for. We also love to get extra expert input, so we consulted landscape designer Brantley Snipes in our search for the best outdoor rugs.

With over 12 years of experience in outdoor design, Snipes is well-versed in blending the natural and the man-made when designing exteriors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. She is also the founder of Brantley Snipes Landscape & Design in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she works with clients to design custom patios, pools, water features, and more. She has put the best outdoor rugs to the test in the controlled environment of her retail store.