Where would I put an indoor/outdoor rug?

Indoor-outdoor rugs are an easy way to help pull a space together. They can be used to define or separate areas of your home, patio, or larger rooms that could use more dimension. They're especially helpful in spaces like studio apartments to help carve out and separate a bedroom space from the rest of the house. You can also use your rug as a focal point for your living room or other outdoor area to give it more balance.

How do you clean an indoor-outdoor rug?

Indoor-outdoor rugs don't require a lot of maintenance, most can simply be hosed down on both sides and cleaned with mild dish soap if there are stains. Since most indoor-outdoor rugs are made of synthetic fibers, they're typically easier to clean because the material won't get damaged by water. 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.

Can an indoor-outdoor rug get moldy?

Indoor-outdoor rugs are made of materials that are resistant to the elements. They're designed to dry quickly and resist moisture. Although this may be the case, it's still a good idea to clean your rug regularly, and you'll want to also vacuum your rug regularly to remove any large dirt and debris.

The 12 Best Indoor Outdoor Rugs, Tested by Experts

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Commerce Photo Composite — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Rugs are an unbeatable way to pull a space together, making it look cohesive—and that includes outdoor areas! If you’re decorating your patio, deck, or another outdoor hangout, an indoor-outdoor rug is a low-maintenance decor option that will make the area feel homey.

These rugs are typically made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, which is mildew-resistant. What’s nice is you can simply wash them down with a hose for easy maintenance. No matter your style or budget, there’s an option to suit your needs, including a wide range of both simple and bold designs.

Here, the best indoor-outdoor rugs for your home.

Our Top Picks

Dash and Albert Rugs Geometric Area Rug at Wayfair

Versatile and high-quality, this bold flatweave rug is available in numerous different rectangular sizes to suit any space.

Read Review

Fab Habitat Cancun Reversible Rug at Amazon

This rug's brightly color stripes are sure to add a vibrant touch to your living space, and it's UV-resistant, so the color will last.

Read Review

Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Amazon

The abstract, seaglass-inspired design is perfect for a coastal aesthetic, though it doesn't dry as quickly as others on the list.

Read Review

Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Walmart

The subtle checkerboard texture will add visual interest to just about any space, from your patio to your living room.

Read Review

Ruggable Outdoor Cleo Trellis Royal Blue Rug at Ruggable.com

The top layer of this outdoor rug can be machine washed for easy maintenance, while the non-slip base keeps it in place.

Read Review

West Elm Ikat Mix Indoor/Outdoor Rug at West Elm

This high-end rug features a modern, ikat-inspired pattern with shades of pink, yellow, and gray.

Read Review

Article Natica Gray Rug at Article.com

Its flat-braided design is made from recycled plastic, making the rug both stain and weather-resistant.

Read Review

Home Dynamix Nicole Miller Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug at Amazon

Available in multiple sizes and colors, this rug has an ornate medallion pattern that's surprisingly versatile.

Read Review

Foss Ribbed Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug at Home Depot

This simple rug has an unbound design, which means you can cut it to fit your indoor or outdoor space.

Read Review

Frontgate Ashworth Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Frontgate

The scrolling leaf border gives this rug a traditional appearance that will never go out of style.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

Hand-Woven Black Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

4.8

View On Wayfair View On Onekingslane.com

Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug Review

Size: Various | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Comes in various sizes and colors
Stain-, fade-, and mildew resistant
Affordable

What We Don't Like

No warranty

For a bold splash of color in your outdoor space, you can’t go wrong with the Dash & Albery Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug. It’s handmade using polypropylene (a very common outdoor rug material), and it comes in several rectangular sizes to suit your space. The flatweave rug features a bold diamond-print pattern that’s sure to catch your eye, and the fabric is resistant to stains, fading, and mildew, ensuring it will look great for years to come.

What Testers Say

"Some outdoor rugs feel more like a glorified yoga mat than an actual rug, but this one is surprisingly soft. In fact, we took a second look at the label to make sure it wasn't some kind of natural fiber or blend based on the feel alone."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

The 9 Best Area Rugs of 2021

4.8

View On Amazon View On Fabhabitat.com

Fab Habitat Reversible Rug Review

Size: 6 x 9 feet | Material: Plastic

What We Like

Comes in various sizes and colors
Eco-friendly
UV-resistant
Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Fab Habitat Cancun Reversible Rug comes in several vibrant colorways—including bright shades of green, blue, and red—and its striped pattern is sure to make any outdoor space feel lively and fun. This affordable rug is made from recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly choice, and it’s UV-resistant to prevent fading if it’s displayed in the sun. The Cancun Reversible Rug comes with a carrier bag in case you want to bring the rug on a picnic or to the beach, and the durable construction can simply be hosed off if it ever gets dirty.

What Testers Say

"Since it’s so portable, you can easily transport it with you to the park, the beach, or a campsite. I used my rug all over my house, in my backyard, on my front porch, and took it to a nearby playground for a picnic."—Sarah Vanbuskirk, Product Tester

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Rug in 2021

4.5

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug Review

Size: 5.25 x 5.25 feet | Material: Polyester

What We Like

Comes in various sizes and colors
Durable
Feels soft under feet

What We Don't Like

Doesn't dry quickly

The seaglass-inspired pattern on the Waverly Indoor/Outdoor Rug is perfect for any space with a beachy or coastal vibe. It sports an abstract print with pretty shades of blue and green swirling throughout (there’s also an additional color option featuring shades of purple), and the floor covering is made from a durable polyester material that can be hosed down for cleaning yet still feels soft and welcoming underneath your toes. Just note that this indoor-outdoor rug doesn’t dry as quickly as others, so it’s better suited for a partially covered outdoor area, such as a porch or gazebo.

What Testers Say

"It best to use it in areas that won’t get direct rain, such as in a covered porch, under tree cover, or especially, inside. It can work well in just about any indoor room, such as in a bedroom, living room, or family room."—Sarah Vanbuskirk, Product Tester

3.5

View On Walmart View On Overstock

Safavieh Courtyard Indoor/Outdoor Rug Review

Size: Various | Material: Polypropylene, Polyester

What We Like

Dries quickly
Stain-resistant
Comes in various sizes and colors

What We Don't Like

May snag and fray

The Safavieh Courtyard Indoor/Outdoor Rug has a simple appearance that lends itself well to just about any space—it’s ideal if you’re looking for an understated floor covering that won’t draw too much attention. It’s crafted from water-resistant polypropylene with a subtle checkerboard pattern, and the rug is available in several colors and sizes to perfectly suit your decor style. Plus, it dries quickly and resists stains, making it a breeze to keep clean. What’s not to love?

What Testers Say

"We tried it out on the back patio, using it to define a sitting area [...] The morning after rolling it out, we woke up to heavy dew. While the outdoor sofa cushions and the Adirondack chairs were wet enough that you could not sit on them without toweling them off, the rug was scarcely even damp, owing to the moisture-wicking, quick-drying fiber."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

The 5 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

View On Ruggable.com

Size: Various | Material: Polyester, Polyurethane

What We Like

Machine-washable cover
Non-slip base
Comes in various sizes and colors

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you’ve ever wished you could simply toss your rug in the washing machine to remove stains and odors, the Ruggable Outdoor Cleo Trellis Rug is the perfect choice for your home. The floor covering features Ruggable’s unique two-piece design—it has a non-slip base, as well as a removable cover that can be machine-washed for simple maintenance.

The royal blue rug has an intricate trellis diamond pattern, and it’s available in several sizes and shapes, including runners. Plus, the polyester and polyurethane fabric is water- and mildew- resistant, making it ideal for use poolside or on your patio.

View On West Elm

Size: 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet | Material: Polyester in European Flax

What We Like

Shred-resistant
Reversible
Comes in various sizes

What We Don't Like

Expensive

You’re sure to get tons of compliments on the Ikat Mix Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which has a unique asymmetrical pattern. Its handwoven fabric is made from recycled polyester that’s shred-resistant, and the design is reversible for ultimate convenience. The rug comes in three sizes, and it features an ikat-inspired pattern on one side, as well as numerous blocks and stripes in shades of yellow, pink, and gray. A small row of fringe along the edges completes the look.

View On Article.com

Size: 6 x 6 feet | Material: Polyester

What We Like

Comes in two colors
Stain- and weather-resistant
Eco-friendly

What We Don't Like

Must be hand washed

A circular rug like the Article Natica would fit perfectly underneath a round patio dining set. This rug is flat-braided into a 6-foot round, and it comes in two shades of gray. The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it both stain and weather-resistant, but because of its delicate design, the brand recommends hand-washing instead of pressure washing, making it a little more time-consuming to care for.

The 5 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

Nicole Miller Patio Country Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

View On Amazon

Size: 5.2 x 7.2 feet | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Comes in two sizes and colors
UV- and weather-resistant
Easy to clean
Affordable

What We Don't Like

May snag

For a more traditional appearance, the Nicole Miller Patio Country Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug features an ornate medallion pattern flanked by a geometric border. The polypropylene rug comes in a few sizes and color options, and the material is both UV- and weather-resistant, ensuring it doesn’t fade if displayed in the sun. The rug can be hosed down if it ever gets dirty, and its classic design would be the perfect choice to anchor an outdoor seating area.

View On Home Depot

Size: 6 x 8 feet | Material: PET fiber from recycled plastic bottles

What We Like

Affordable
Eco-friendly
Can cut the rug without fraying

What We Don't Like

No non-slip base

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a rug that’s more affordable than the Foss Ribbed Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, which measures 6 x 8 feet. The rug comes in taupe and the ribbed material is made from purified recycled bottles. The fabric has been solution-dyed to improve its colorfastness and help resist stains, and because of the unbound design, you can actually cut the rug without any fraying—ideal if you’re looking for a rug to put in an awkwardly sized space.

The 9 Best Outdoor Doormats of 2021

View On Frontgate

Size: Various | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Comes in various sizes and colors
Water- and mildew-resistant
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Expensive

For a classic design that will stand the test of time, you won’t be disappointed in the Frontgate Ashworth Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which is available in several colors and sizes. The rug is made from fine-spun polypropylene to resist water and mildew, and the fabric has even been tested for colorfastness in sunny and salty-air climates. As for the design, it features a scrolling leaf border with a diamond pattern in the center, making it an elegant choice for an outdoor dining room or lounge area.

View On Urban Outfitters

Size: Various | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Comes in various sizes and colors
Reversible
Weather- and stain-resistant
Ideal for high traffic areas

What We Don't Like

No non-slip base

Get two designs for the price of one with the Luz Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Mat. The eye-catching geometric design is available in four bold colors, and when you flip the rug over, you’ll get the same pattern but with the colors reversed. This bohemian-style rug is crafted for durable polypropylene that’s weather- and stain-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, and depending on the color you choose, there are several sizes available.

View On Ikea

Size: 5.25 x 7.6 feet | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Affordable
Ideal for high traffic areas
Comes in two sizes and colors

What We Don't Like

No non-slip base

The IKEA Morum Rug is another simple and affordable option for your outdoor space. The flatwoven surface is made from polypropylene with a subtle checkered design, and it can withstand the elements, as well as heavy foot traffic, so it’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. There are two sizes available, and the neutral beige color is sure to fit in with any decor style.

The 11 Best Affordable Rugs of 2021

Final Verdict

The Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug is extremely well-made and has an eye-catching geometric design that's will make your outdoor space pop. For a more subdued option, the Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug has an understated appearance, and it comes in several colors and sizes to match your existing decor.

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 moisture- 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. 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.

FAQ

Where would I put an indoor/outdoor rug?

Indoor-outdoor rugs are an easy way to help pull a space together. They can be used to define or separate areas of your home, patio, or larger rooms that could use more dimension. They're especially helpful in spaces like studio apartments to help carve out and separate a bedroom space from the rest of the house. You can also use your rug as a focal point for your living room or other outdoor area to give it more balance.
How do you clean an indoor-outdoor rug?

Indoor-outdoor rugs don't require a lot of maintenance, most can simply be hosed down on both sides and cleaned with mild dish soap if there are stains. Since most indoor-outdoor rugs are made of synthetic fibers, they're typically easier to clean because the material won't get damaged by water.
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.
Can an indoor-outdoor rug get moldy?

Indoor-outdoor rugs are made of materials that are resistant to the elements. They're designed to dry quickly and resist moisture. Although this may be the case, it's still a good idea to clean your rug regularly, and you'll want to also vacuum your rug regularly to remove any large dirt and debris.

This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, who is 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. She personally owns the Frontgate Ashworth Rug, which has held up wonderfully for several years, being used both inside and outside.