18 Ideas for Styling Outdoor Rugs

• Design: Faith Blakeney. Moroccan Rug available through Mad Mats

A rug and a couple of folding chairs are all that’s needed to take in the skyline outside of this house in Venice, CA. For a small space, cover the flooring with wall-to-wall outdoor carpeting to get the most out of every inch.

With a view to the Pacific Ocean, a West-facing stone terrace is the best place to catch the sunset in this Santa Barbara home. An outdoor rug woven with a traditional Moroccan tile takes the chill off the flagstone after the sun goes down.

• Design: Justina Blakeney. Outdoor rug available from FabHabitat

Nothing says backyard bohemian style like bold colors, a mix of textures, and a tangle of potted plants. Don’t be afraid to layer outdoor rugs to create an outdoor lounge large enough to host a party—but we’ll warn you that your friends may not ever want to leave.

• Terra Rug available from Shop Box Hill

A charcoal-colored outdoor rug gives a little edge to this airy covered porch. Pair with laid-back retro furniture for a rustic chic look.

• Garden design: Daniel Nolan. Outdoor rugs from Dash & Albert

A pair of black and white chevron-striped rugs add a touch of softness to this urban patio amidst potted tree aloes, barrel cacti, and sansevieria. For narrow spaces, use multiple rugs to help break up the space and define areas such as a seating spot and place to grill.

• Design: Baylor Chapman of Lila B Design

This urban deck nestled in San Francisco’s Mission District feels worlds away from the busy streets below. A large outdoor rug takes the chill off the poured concrete floor and makes the outdoor table and seating area feel like an extension of the apartment.

• Garden design: Orlando Soria for Homepolish. Outdoor rug from One Kings Lane

Keep it nautical with a fresh white and cobalt outdoor rug and beachy accessories. A plush outdoor fabric offers an excuse to be barefoot—whether you’re back from the beach or not.

• Garden design: Molly Wood. Catalina rug available through Molly Wood Garden Design

Laying down a plush outdoor rug turns a plain concrete patio into an inviting backyard destination. Keep garden accessory colors in the same family—all blues, greens, and cobalt—to give multiple spaces a feeling of continuity.

• Garden design: Di Zock Gardens. Rug available through Viva Terra

Keeping to a tight color palette makes an outdoor room feel just as intentional and inviting as any space indoors. In this backyard in Venice, CA, a brown and turquoise rug ties in perfectly with the paint colors of the house and ceramic fountain.

• Molly Rug available through Potted Store, Los Angeles

Playful colors light up this covered porch in Los Angeles, CA. There’s nothing shy about a mustard colored rug but this particular model made of recycled polypropylene reverses to a more subdued grey.

• Moroccan Rug available through Potted Store, Los Angeles

Laying down an outdoor rug in a bold, Moroccan pattern can give a weathered outdoor deck the feeling of tiled courtyard. For rugs placed on wood, look for ones made from recycled plastics treated. They’ll be less apt to trap water and cause the wood to rot than natural fibers.

• Venice Beach Rug available from Shop Box Hill

Get preppy with a key-patterned blue and white outdoor rug on an elegant marble terrace. Keeping a clean color palette of white, blue, and black gives a sophisticated feel.

• Garden design: Molly Wood. Ravella Rug available through Molly Wood Garden Design

Keeping tones neutral in this second story deck keep the focus on the view of ocean. An tightly-woven outdoor rug defines the seating nook and doesn’t trap sand from bare feet.

• Design: Lisa Borgnes Giramonti. Outdoor rug available from Pottery Barn

A tiny balcony becomes a retreat space for reading or enjoying a cup of morning coffee with the addition of an inviting chair and soft outdoor carpeting. Choosing an outdoor rug with bold stripes makes the narrow space appear longer than it is.

• Rug available through Dash & Albert

Laying down a sunny-colored outdoor rug instantly brightens this garden and creates an inviting place to sit down for an al fresco dinner party. Bright colored rugs work well for evening gatherings as they seem to glow at twilight—even more so surrounded by candle-lit lanterns.

• Garden design: Molly Wood. Rug available through Molly Wood Garden Design

A mahogany colored rug with rustic end stitching brings weight to a white-washed deck and anchors a pair of deep-seated chairs. Add interest to the seating area with potted citrus and lemon-colored throw cushions.

• Laguna Regatta Rug available from Shop Box Hill

Classic blue and white stripes in a contemporary chevron pattern compliments simple garden furniture and playful watercolor cushions. Made from tightly woven recycled plastic straws, this durable rug is both soft under foot and water-resistant.

• Outdoor rug from Dash & Albert

A simple blue and green striped outdoor rug provides just enough cushion to tempt guests to relax on an ottoman and enjoy a cool drink. Coordinate colors of pillows, a cozy throw, and a lantern to compliment the rug for a complete look.