Step outside! Outdoor rugs for balconies and terraces
The new synthetic rugs are durable and can transform any outdoor area into a cosy living room
22 Dec 2016 Catherine HugShare
Terraces are the new living rooms! Outdoor furniture is becoming more and more like indoor furniture, with many manufacturers simply marketing weather-resistant versions of their sofas, chairs and textiles (even the LC3 by Le Corbusier is now available in an outdoor version!). And a minor accessory has a major impact: Weather-resistant outdoor rugs not only create a cosy atmosphere and add a touch of colour to your terrace or balcony, your bare feet will love them too!
1. Ethnic meets nautical style
The red polypropylene rug by Fab Habitat adds a cheerful note, under a table with summery décor.
The colourful outdoor rug called "Lhasa" was hand-tufted from recycled plastic, is reversible and easy to clean. With its brightly coloured pattern, it gives your terrace an exotic ethnic look, especially when combined with the country-style wooden furniture.
2. Zig-zag to Belize
Simple graphic patterns on rugs are always in fashion as they go well with almost any style. The owners of this house in the plush Hamptons recalled their time in Belize when designing their expansive outdoor area, and based the look on the design they saw in that small country bordering on Mexico and Guatemala. The large outdoor rug with a white and brown zig-zag pattern clearly defines the center of the open air living room.
For a rug that looks like this one, try "Barcelona" by Rug it .
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Discover traditional terrace design ideas
3. Modern meets vintage
Not one but two rugs in shades of purple exude a cosy vintage chic on this terrace. The contrasting patterns of the "Marrakesch" and "Havanna" models look cool and match the black Acapulco Chair and the sand-coloured crocheted pouf well.
rugs by Rug It are produced in India from recycled plastic bottles, making them not only environmentally-friendly, but also light as a feather.
Photo by RUG IT Store
Look for contemporary terrace design inspiration
4. Black and white polygon
On the other hand, Marquis , a polygonal rug by Spanish manufacturer Vondom features an unusual graphic pattern. Of course, the two centimeter deep pile made of a thermoplastic synthetic is also weather and UV-resistant. You just can't keep your feet off it!
5. Stripes
Where paving stones usually cover the floor, synthetic rugs feel particularly good – as stones have the unfortunate tendency to be either too cold or too hot under bare feet. In San Francisco, Scot Meacham Wood Design designed an apartment and outdoor space where residents can now host dinner parties in an elegant and cosy atmosphere. Besides the wooden furniture, the space was designed almost exclusively in black and white – even the flowers were chosen to match this colour scheme!
Photo by Scot Meacham Wood Design
Look for traditional patio design inspiration
6. Lift your mood
By contrast, this yellow rug and the matching cube pouf add oriental flair with their sunny pattern (both by Fab Habitat ). The pouf and the knotted hammock serve as storage. And when the two oriental-style lanterns charm onlookers with their flickering light as night falls, you can cuddle up under the blanket and watch the stars.
7. Scandinavian for small balconies
Synthetic rugs are a great solution for small balconies too – whether a single rug or multiple overlapping rugs, you can create a cosy feeling and an individual look in the tightest of spaces.
For example, the "Honey" model, available in sizes starting from 70 by 100 centimeters, gives off a Scandinavian vibe. The low-profile woven runner is equally at home beside solid timber furniture and cheery colourful plastic garden furniture – you can also choose from six colours and three sizes.
Struggling to find the right size of indoor rug, too? Check out our guide
8. Classic Greek
It is not just the typical national colours, the meandering trim of this synthetic rug by Fab Habitat is also reminiscent of the holiday destination so popular with tourists. Like most synthetic rugs, this one is also made of recycled material, extremely lightweight and equally ideal as a picnic blanket – or beach mat for your next Greek vacation. And until then, the blue and white outdoor rug will make every day at home feel like a staycation.
9. Mix patterns in the outdoor lounge
The residents of this two-storey house in Los Angeles also have a cosy terrace. It was designed by Design Vidal and furnished with a large outdoor sectional and an informal hanging chair. The patterned outdoor rug under the round coffee table even makes the cast concrete floor seem really cosy!
Hanging chair: Melati Knotted Haning Chair, via Anthroplogie
10. Neutral goes with everything
If you don’t need your outdoor rug to add colour, a simple rug like "Grace Plain" by Benuta could be just right for your outdoor space. The flat woven grey rug made of 100% polypropylene is very sturdily built and can easily withstand even heavy footfalls in outdoor areas. It is available in four sizes.
Make sure you have the practical outdoor rugs covered, too; browse door mats for your home
11. Closedown
We will finish up with a special rug for fans of graphic patterns and those who want to remember the good old television test pattern – that is what this rug called "James" reminds me of. By the way, the rug is probably just as happy indoors as outside.
Lina Rickardsson designed it for Swedish manufacturer Pappelina.
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