The 8 Best Indoor Outdoor Rugs of 2020

On the patio or in the living room, these options work anywhere

Written by
Erica Puisis
Erica Puisis is a writer specializing in interior design. She writes about home products for The Spruce and has also contributed to TechDigg and Smart Home Solver.
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Erica Puisis
Updated 09/17/20

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Dash and Albert Hand Woven Green Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug at Wayfair

"This flatweave rug is a great option for use in casual indoor settings or to brighten up your porch, patio, or deck."

Best Budget: Ottomanson Sundance Collection Indoor/Outdoor Reversible Area Rug at Walmart

"For under $50, you'll get a durable (and reversible) rugs, available in a variety of neutral colors."

Best for Living Rooms: Nourison Aloha Multicolor Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug at Home Depot

"Whether placed in your den or on your patio, this flatwoven soft-pile rug offers comfort underfoot."

Best for Pets: Fab Habitat Reversible Rugs at Amazon

"This rug is super easy to hose off meaning pet hair, dirt, and messes are no match."

Best Design: Crate and Barrel Alma Fringe Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Crate and Barrel

"The recycled polyester fibers are handwoven in alternating rows of loop and shag construction."

Best Round: Mistana Tomas Southwestern Area Rug at Wayfair

"With a low pile height, it’s a good choice for high traffic areas and can be quickly cleaned with a good shake or a vacuum"

Best Neutral: Safavieh Courtyard Collection Indoor /Outdoor Rug at Amazon

"Its polypropylene fibers are woven with a sisal-like texture for a look that's both durable and easy on the eyes."

Best Handmade: Colonial Mills Boca Raton Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug at RugsUSA

"This reversible, stain- and fade-resistant rug is made to order in Rhode Island."


Indoor/outdoor rugs are a great way to brighten up your space, protect your flooring from furniture scratches, and provide cushion under your feet. As the name implies, this type of rug is equally at home inside or outside and is constructed of durable materials that can hold up to moisture, sun, dirt, and debris. 

Most indoor/outdoor rugs use polypropylene fibers (also known as olefin), which is durable and extremely colorfast. It can be rinsed with a hose or scrubbed clean if spills occur. At the same time, it retains a soft texture, though most rugs have this variety have a relatively flatweave and low pile height for easy maintenance. The rugs below are a great fit for living rooms, decks, and patios alike.

Best Overall: Dash and Albert Hand Woven Green Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

dash-albert-rug
Courtesy of Wayfair
Excellent

For an indoor/outdoor rug that checks all boxes, be sure to consider this option from Dash & Albert. Constructed from polypropylene fibers that have been handwoven into an eye-catching geometric design, this rug is proven to be both stain-resistant and durable according to the real-world experience of reviewers. It is also surprisingly soft for an indoor/outdoor rug, adding to its versatility. 

This flatweave rug is a great option for use in casual indoor settings or to brighten up your porch, patio, or deck. It’s easy to sweep clean or use a vacuum (without a beater bar) to quickly eliminate dirt and debris that may have settled. Plenty of people that have owned this rug for a year or two report that it still looks great, even when used in high traffic areas. Impressively, one reviewer that spilled spaghetti sauce on the rug reports it looked as good as new after a quick rinse with the hose.

"Some outdoor rugs feel more like a glorified yoga mat than an actual rug, but this one is surprisingly soft."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

Best Budget: Ottomanson Sundance Collection Indoor/Outdoor Reversible Area Rug

Ottomanson Sundance Collection Indoor/Outdoor Reversible Area Rug

 Courtesy of Overstock

Depending on where they're placed, indoor/outdoor rugs are often subjected to lots of moisture, sunlight, and foot traffic. While they're designed to withstand such things, it's often harder to determine the durability of budget options—especially when shopping for a rug online. This reversible indoor/outdoor rug from Ottomanson’s Sundance Collection is a fuss-free option for those prioritizing price and performance.

Ottomanson's 5.25 x 7-foot option will set you back less than $100, but it'll add a layer of protection for your deck, flooring, or feet! And that's not to mention that it's reversible—so you'll be able to slow down the appearance of wear and tear (or blemishes) as they occur. The polypropylene rug receives some criticism for being a bit hard underfoot, but reviewers who're using the rug for outdoor use are more than happy. With affordable prices, it’s not a big spend to pick up an entire set of coordinating rugs to really pull together your living space, either. Ottomanson's Sundance Collection also offers runners and entryway rugs.

Best for Living Rooms: Nourison Aloha Multicolor Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Aloha Area Rug
​Home Depot

The advantage of using an indoor/outdoor rug in your living room is that they're highly durable and stain-resistant. Polypropylene, one of the most popular materials for this type of rug, also happens to be one of the most colorfast fibers. Despite its durability, it's also soft to the touch and this flatwoven and soft-pile Aloha area rug from Nourison makes a great option to have underfoot in your living room, den, or other indoor space. Choose from rectangle or round rugs, with sizes up to 9.5 x 13 feet. 

This popular indoor/outdoor rug is available in a handful of floral patterns ranging from bright and bold colors to more muted tones. Reviewers consistently comment on the stunning, vivid colors of this attractive rug. It’s not always exactly true to size, though, which has been an issue for some.

Best for Pets: Fab Habitat Reversible Rugs

A durable indoor/outdoor rug is a must if you have pets, and it better be easy to wash and unlikely to snag! Fortunately, many rugs in this category are designed to be resistant to moisture and messes, making them a great match for your furry friend. Check out Fab Habitat's reversible rugs as they both protect your floors and add a pop of color. The brand's rugs are easy to rinse clean and they don't have any loops or tufts that can be snagged by your pet’s claws or collar.

Available in a variety of colorful hues and various sizes from 2.5 x 8 feet to 8 x 10 feet, this rug is constructed of eco-friendly recycled plastic material. Reviewers point out that the rug isn't exactly soft, but it does provide a measure of cushion underfoot—and a comfortable spot for your pet to stretch out and take a nap. Of course, what pet owners will appreciate most is the fact that the rug is easy to hose off so pet hair, dirt, and messes are no match.

Best Design: Crate and Barrel Alma Fringe Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Alma Rug

 Crate & Barrel

For an indoor/outdoor rug that breaks the mold of basic floor coverings, we love this fringed option from Crate and Barrel. The Alma rug offers texture and is more plush than many other rugs of its type, but it still retains colorfastness and durability. It’s made with recycled polyester fibers that have been handwoven in alternating rows of loop and shag construction. 

Reviewers love its style and report using it in both indoor and outdoor settings for a chic look. However, keep in mind that its unique texture means it might not be the best choice for pets—some people report that their dog’s nails snagged it. The Alma Rug is available in blue, green, and ivory colors and sizes 5 x 8 feet to 8 x 10 feet.

Best Round: Mistana Tomas Southwestern Area Rug

Mistana Tomas Southwestern Area Rug

Courtesy of Wayfair 

The Mistana Tomas Southwestern Area Rug is versatile enough to be used indoors or out and will add a touch of on-trend southwestern or boho flair to any space in your home. Constructed in Turkey on a power loom, this rug is made of durable and long-lasting polypropylene fibers but has a jute-like look. 

With a low pile height, it’s a good choice for high traffic areas and can be quickly and easily cleaned with a good shake or a vacuum (with no beater bar). Reviewers report that it’s well-made and easy to spot-clean, which is important for any rug that may be exposed to the elements or regular BBQs. The Mistana Tomas Southwestern Area Rug is also available in a handful of rectangular sizes and runners if you're looking for something that suits a different space.

Best Neutral: Safavieh Courtyard Collection Indoor /Outdoor Rug

Very Good

For a versatile rug that looks great with everything—whether it’s inside or part of an outside living room—check out this Courtyard Collection rug from Safavieh. This neutral rug comes in a variety of earthy hues that are sure to blend in on your porch, patio, or living room. Constructed of polypropylene fibers woven with a sisal-like texture, this rug is both beautiful and durable.

Reviewers frequently comment on the visual interest added by the textured weave. At the same time, this rug is available in neutrals that won’t steal the show—like taupe, black-brown, grey, and muted brick red. 

"The material is stain-resistant, so we didn’t have to panic over spilled juice or red wine like we would with a natural fiber rug."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

Best Handmade: Colonial Mills Boca Raton Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Boca Raton

 Amazon

While many indoor/outdoor rugs are machine-made on a power loom, some people prefer the sturdy construction and next-level detailing of a handmade rug. The Boca Raton Braided Rug—which is made to order and crafted in Rhode Island—balances quality with value in order to provide a rug that's eye-catching, durable, and affordable. 

This reversible, stain- and fade-resistant polypropylene rug comes in various sizes and in oval and round options. There are plenty of neutral and bold hues to choose from—like turquoise, magenta, cashew, and linen—that can transform your space whether indoors or out. Many reviewers note that this rug feels well constructed and weighty enough to feel sturdy. Just note that it has no backing, so you may need to use a non-slip rug pad to keep it from sliding on smooth surfaces.

What to Look for in an Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Material Indoor/outdoor rugs must be made from certain materials to ensure they won’t get moldy or soggy when exposed to the weather. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene are great for rugs that will be directly exposed to the elements, as they’re mold and mildew resistant. Bamboo rugs are also used outdoors, but they fare better in covered areas. 

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! You can find plain, simple options, as well as colorful contemporary rugs. If you opt for a colorful rug, however, check to see if it’s been treated to resist UV rays—otherwise, it may fade quickly. 
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