“You’ll want it to be around the same proportions as an indoor rug, where the furniture pieces help anchor the rug usually to create a whole seating set," says landscape designer Amber Freda. “I tend to use outdoor rugs most commonly under sofas and sectionals because it feels like creating an outdoor living room.” Keeping these factors in mind, we put some of the top indoor-outdoor rugs to the test, measuring their overall quality, durability, ease of care and cleaning, and value. Our top pick, the Dash and Albert Rugs Handmade Flatweave Area Rug, is handmade, water- and UV-resistant, and can be vacuumed or scrubbed with water and bleach to keep it clean. Here are the best indoor-outdoor rugs. After weeks of home testing, we found this rug to follow through on virtually all of its claims. It’s handwoven from polypropylene fabric—which, unlike many natural fibers, repels rather than absorbs dirt, water, and other substances. As such, it’s also resistant to stains, fading, and mildew, so you won’t have to stress about leaving it out on a rainy day. Plus, our tester found it super easy to clean: for smaller messes, simply spray it off with a hose. More persistent signs of wear and tear necessitate going in with an all-purpose cleaner and scrubber brush, which will make the rug look good as new in no time. Price at time of publish: $400 This floor covering also features Ruggable’s unique two-piece design: a non-slip base, as well as a removable cover that can be machine-washed for convenient cleaning. It’s available in two neutral shades—Antique Oak and Sand, which is the color we tested—along with several sizes and shapes, making it ideal for all sorts of spaces (even hallways!). Plus, the material is water- and mildew-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about leaving it out year-round. Price at time of publish: $319 Price at time of publish: $124 Price at time of publish: $109 During testing, we were most impressed with the rug’s high-quality construction: unlike some other options, it didn’t shed or have any loose threads, and it stayed firmly gripped to the ground throughout use. (Note that we used it with a rug pad, which the brand recommends.) Unfortunately, this rug isn’t quite as quick-drying as the brand promises—after hosing it down with water and leaving it out to dry overnight, it was still pretty soaked. This makes it better suited for dryer or lower traffic areas; you might not want to put it next to a pool. All in all, though, this is a great option that comes in at a very reasonable price point. Price at time of publish: $225 This bohemian-style rug is crafted with recycled plastic that’s weather- and stain-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s also very soft and lightweight: during testing, we found it incredibly easy to unroll and use, and it felt a lot more comfortable than some of the other options we tried. Just note that, when it comes time for cleaning, this rug can only be spot-treated—harsher scrubbing or hosing could lead to damage, which we don’t recommend. Price at time of publish: $89 for 4 x 6 Designed in collaboration with Loloi Rugs, this rug is made with both style and durability in mind. First, it’s power-loomed in Turkey from polyester, then treated to be both UV- and mildew-resistant. During testing, we found the rug to have a soft and smooth feel that cleaned easily and stood up to wear. To clean, simply sweep or vacuum the rug; for heavier messes, you can hose it down and leave out to dry. However, because it isn’t water-resistant, we wouldn’t recommend leaving this rug out in the rain or near a pool. Price at time of publish: $360 However, we wouldn’t call this rug “stain-resistant”: during testing, the BBQ sauce and grape juice that we spilled on the rug was challenging to remove, and you can only spot treat this rug (the company doesn’t recommend scrubbing or hosing it down). With that being said, this is a solid overall option that’s stylish, affordable, and fairly durable. Price at time of publish: $49 for 2 x 3.6 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $199 for 5 x 7 Price at time of publish: $80
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
What to Look for in an Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Material
Indoor/outdoor rugs are typically made with synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. This ensures they won’t get moldy or soggy when exposed to the elements and will dry off quickly. Bamboo rugs are also used outdoors, but they fare better in covered areas. When it comes to material, you’ll also want to keep the thickness in mind. “I really like the thin plastic or woven rugs because they drain well, dry really quickly, and often come in a multitude of color options,” says Freda. “They are also very easy to clean and less prone to staining than thicker outdoor rugs.”
Size
As when buying any rug, you’ll want to consider the size and shape that best fits your space. You can find indoor/outdoor rugs that are square, circular, and rectangular—and in a wide range of sizes. If you’re planning to move the rug indoors during the winter, make sure it will fit comfortably in both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Style
Just because you’re buying an indoor/outdoor rug doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. From simple, solid-colored options to more bold patterned rugs, there are lots to choose from for your space. Make sure to take the space where you’re planning the rug into consideration, though. If it’s a porch or patio that gets direct sunlight, make sure that the rug you’re buying has been treated to resist UV rays. Those in wetter climates will want to get an indoor/outdoor rug that’s equipped to handle the elements, keeping absorbency and durability in mind.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. She used her knowledge of textile science to select stylish indoor-outdoor rugs that are made from durable materials, considering insights from online reviewers and The Spruce’s own product testers. She personally owns the Frontgate Ashworth Rug, which has held up wonderfully for several years, being used both inside and outside. In terms of places to avoid, Freda recommends steering clear of mess-prone areas (for example, near plants or dining areas). “I’m generally not a fan of having outdoor rugs go under planters because of the staining that is likely to happen from dirt coming out the drainage holes,” she says. “[M]ake sure you measure ahead of time and get the correct size rug for the space.” For tougher, dark stains, you’ll want to spot clean your rug with club soda to help neutralize the stain. After blotting out the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel, you can then wash it with mild dish soap and warm water before hosing it down completely on both sides. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before placing it back in your home if using it indoors. Lily Sperry contributed additional reporting and research, compiling insights from our team of product testers and consulting Amber Freda, a New York-based landscape designer, for additional input.
