10 Best Small Outdoor Rugs and Buying Guide
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Top Rated Small Outdoor Rugs
Small Outdoor Rugs Buying Guide
The addition of outdoor rugs to your outdoor space can give it a brand-new appearance. Small outdoor rugs come in various shapes, styles, colors, and designs and offer a wide range of customization options for your patio.
Selecting the right type of rug that complements your outdoor space and furniture is essential. To do this, a lot of factors must be put into consideration. This buying guide highlights these factors to make it easier for you to make the best purchase.
Why You Should Invest in Small Outdoor Rugs
There are many reasons you should invest in small outdoor rugs. It unifies your seating area into a single, inviting, warm space. It demonstrates attention to detail and enables you to design a unique outdoor space. Here are some other reasons you should invest in them:
Rugs protect flooring and prevent surface area damage
If you have high-quality outdoor flooring, you might wish to safeguard it and protect it from scratches as much as possible. Small rugs protect wooden decks, stonework, and tiles from scuffs and scratches. When people walk on decks and tiles and are exposed to natural elements like wind and rain, they can rapidly become worn out. One of the numerous advantages of small outdoor rugs in your space is their ability to preserve flooring from damage and harm.
Helps to avoid slips and falls
If you have kids who love to play and run around on your patio, outdoor rugs can help keep them safe. It prevents injuries by avoiding slips and falls, especially during rainy seasons. It also aids in keeping dirt and debris outside when used in the right places.
Adds style to your outdoor space
Small outdoor rugs look fantastic! They give texture to your space and cover up worn-out or unclean floors. They also embellish and impart a sense of refinement and elegance to your outdoor area. Selecting small outdoor rugs for your patio demonstrates that you value your space and want it to look as good as it can.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Small Outdoor Rug
There are vital factors that must be considered before buying your small outdoor rug to ensure you get the best rug for your space. Here are some of them:
What Size Do You Need?
You must first measure your space and determine the size of rug you need. Where do you intend to use the rug? What will it be used for? Answers to these questions will decide the right size for your space. If it is to be used as a base for your small conversation set, centerpiece, or coffee table, make sure you measure the area and get the right size. Also, to be on the safe side, it is advisable to leave about 2-6 extra inches on each side of your furniture to make it safe to move on and around.
Where Will It Be Placed and What Will It Be Used For?
Small outdoor rugs serve both functional and fashionable purposes. Your outdoor patio rug should ideally be placed in a location that can include both. To draw attention to a dining table area or seating space, place your rug beneath it. Any crumb that falls off the table will also be caught by it.
The surface of your deck will be protected from scratches and scuffs when a small rug is placed underneath it, and your patio seating area will also be unified. Place them in strategic places that are useful and also pleasing to the eyes. Another option is to place it in a high-traffic section of your patio to prevent shoes from carrying dirt inside.
Carefully Select Your Rug Material
Outdoor rugs are commonly made up of durable materials that are fade-resistant and can cope with outdoor climate conditions. The rug material should be chosen based on the weather, how much foot traffic the area experiences, and comfort. These materials can be natural or synthetic. Generally, the best and most durable outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials. Let’s take a look at some materials that are used to produce small outdoor rugs.
- Polypropylene
The most common material for outdoor rugs is polypropylene. It is synthetic and can withstand high moisture levels and strong foot traffic. It is also stain-resistant, doesn’t fade from sunshine, and is easy to clean. In addition to being sturdy and long-lasting, comfort is not forfeited as they are soft underfoot.
Polypropylene rugs are best used in damp areas that experience a lot of rain and moisture. These rugs are well priced and have the same feel underfoot as natural fiber rugs. However, due to their chemical composition, they are extremely combustible. Therefore you must keep them away from sources of high heat like barbecues and fire pits.
- Polyester
Polyester rugs are fade-resistant and work best in dry climates. They are ideal if you’re searching for a long-lasting and strong rug. Even though they clear up most stains effortlessly, oil-based stains are difficult to remove on polyester rugs. For this reason, polyester rugs should not be used in dining areas.
- Nylon
Nylon outdoor rugs are resistant to rain, easy to clean, fade-resistant, and can withstand high foot traffic. They are best used in outdoor areas that undergo very high foot traffic because of their durability and strength. The downside of nylon rugs is that they get heated up under the sun and get hot underfoot, so be careful not to place them directly under the sun.
- Sunbrella
Sunbrella rugs are considered the most UV-resistant rugs and can be kept for extended hours under the sun without fading. They are also resistant to mold and moisture. This allows them to be conveniently placed anywhere, even directly under the sun. However, comfort is not guaranteed with sunbrella rugs as they are not very soft underfoot.
- Jute & Sisal
These natural fibers textured carpets are sturdy, reasonably priced, and ideal for outdoor use. They are comfortable to walk on, non-toxic, and environmentally safe. Jute is difficult to clean and likely to fade under direct sunlight. It is also prone to developing mold and mildew on exposure to moisture. As a result, it is advisable to keep jute and sisal carpets on a patio or porch that is covered. Natural fiber rugs like sisal and jute should also be dried out regularly by hanging out in the sunshine for preservation.
Experiment With Colorful Rugs to Match Your Outdoor Furniture
Consider the other elements of your patio’s decor when selecting a color or pattern design for your small outdoor rug. You can harmonize the colorful fabrics on your outdoor pillows or cushions. If your patio furniture is made of wooden sets, you can choose a color scheme like red, rust, or orange color to create a warm contrast.
Your outdoor rug should be colorfast and fade-resistant to prevent fading in the sun, whether it is placed in an open area or under a table. If not, you’ll need a lot of shade to maintain the color. Also, use darker rug shades if it’ll be kept in an area susceptible to stain.
Choose Rug Shapes That Upgrade Your Patio
Small outdoor rugs come in various shapes and designs. You should carefully select the shape that is best for your patio. Various rug shapes include rectangular, square, round, oval, half-circle, etc.
Rectangular rugs are the most common rug shapes and can fit into many patio layouts. Square rugs combine the versatility of rectangular rugs with the tight fit of round rugs.
Round-shaped rugs are suitable to distinguish small furniture sets. It complements outdoor areas that emphasize round-edge furniture and aesthetics.
Oval-shaped and half-circle rugs are best suited for doorways, entrances, and entryways. Take the time to decide what rug shape and style would be best for your outdoor space.
Outdoor Rug Maintenance
Outdoor rugs require a lot of cleaning and maintenance because they are constantly under pressure and experience a lot of foot traffic. Every rug material is cleaned differently, so it is always advisable to adhere to the manufacturer’s care guidelines.
Synthetic rugs like polypropylene, polyester, etc., should be spot cleaned and vacuumed frequently to keep them looking vibrant and neat. Whether the rug is made with natural or artificial fibers, you should always dab any moisture when spills occur.
Most synthetic fibers can also be safely cleaned using mild detergents. They should be cleaned from both sides and allowed to dry properly in the sun. Algae and moss that develop on small outdoor rugs as a result of trapped-in moisture can be removed using diluted bleach or vinegar.
Having storage space for your rug is another way to maintain it. It helps to prolong its lifespan. Rugs should be stored in cooler climes in extreme weather because they are more susceptible to dampness during snow and rain. Always roll your rugs up into a cylindrical form before storing them. Do not fold! It is also important to clean and dry your rugs appropriately before storage.
Conclusion
Small outdoor rugs serve a similar purpose to indoor rugs. They pull your seating area into a beautiful and organized, unified space. They are also functional in protecting your flooring and keeping dirt away. The right rug can be selected by following the guidelines provided in this article, which include choosing the right material, color, shape, and size and paying more attention to storage and maintenance.
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