The best outdoor rugs to style patios and balconies this summer

The best outdoor rugs should be durable, and resistant to both mould and mildew, as well as adding an extra layer of comfort, style and colour to your backyard.

When choosing the best outdoor rugs for this guide we took these factors into consideration, as well as if the rugs had fade-resistant finishes against UV rays and shower-proof coatings to repel rain. We also considered aesthetics, of course, and chose pieces that follow the latest garden trends and would fit in with a range of different outdoor living room ideas, depending on the design of your backyard.

We trawled the new collections to find the best outdoor rugs from our most-loved retailers. These are designs that we would happily give a home to in our own backyards and products that will go with all your best outdoor furniture.

Our pick of the best outdoor rugs for 2025

Transform your outdoor space into a stylish sanctuary with a collection of outdoor rugs that blend natural textures with bold, eye-catching patterns. From earthy jute and sisal designs to striking geometric prints and vibrant colour palettes, these rugs bring both comfort and character to patios, balconies, and garden areas. Perfect for creating cosy, defined zones, they offer a versatile foundation that elevates any alfresco setting while standing up to the elements.

The best natural and organic outdoor rugs

It makes sense that when you take things outdoors, you'll want to match up the grass and leaves with the textures of your furniture and décor. Here, you'll want to look for rugs made from materials like jute, sisal, seagrass, or those that have a raw, earthy aesthetic. They might be trickier to clean, but they're often some of the most durable.

The best budget friendly outdoor rugs

Affordable options that offer great value for money, these rugs are ideal for renters or quick refreshes. Don't skip over them or think that they're 'cheap'. Whilst plenty of budget options can feel a bit plasticy and struggle to last through the summer, I've chosen these because I've either seen them in person and used them or for the stellar customer reviews. As we all know, the customer is always right.

The best patterned outdoor rugs

Lots of the best outdoor rugs are packed with patterns and colours. So, arguably, this whole guide could fit under this section. I wanted to take the chance to pick up the most bold pattens and colours that you can add into your home here. These are the kind of busy styles you might not use inside, so make use of them outside while you can.

The best neutral and minimalist outdoor rugs

Outdoor rugs can bring a lot of fun to your space, but sometimes you might want something a little more neutral. These understated designs blend seamlessly with most décor styles, delivering on the quiet luxury look with complete efforlessness.

Best weather resistant and durable outdoor rugs

In an ideal world, all outdoor rugs would be more durable than diamonds (anyone thinking of making a diamond rug?). The truth is that some can show their wear-and-tear relatively early on and they don't like being cleaned. All of the outdoor rugs in this guide can weather the elements, but these are selected for being particularly impressive all year round.

FAQs

What type of outdoor rug is the most durable?

The most durable outdoor rugs are those made from synthetic materials as they tend to fare better in all weather conditions. 

"We recommend those made with polypropylene as it is best suited to rainy, damp, and humid climates," says Clare Vallely at Kukoon Rugs. "Polypropylene is stain-resistant, mould-resistant, mildew-resistant, and easy to clean. It makes for the perfect outdoor rug material as it can handle high moisture and high foot traffic." 

"Polypropylene rugs are available in an extensive range of styles and colours and, as they are UV-resistant, their vibrant colours won't fade in the sunlight. Although polypropylene rugs are inexpensive, hard-wearing, and weatherproof, they still offer comfort, providing the same feel underfoot as experienced with any natural fibre rug."

Can outdoor rugs be left in the rain?

Not all outdoor rugs can be left in the rain and it's important to check with the manufacturer of your product if it needs to be stored inside in bad weather. 

However, if you have an outdoor rug made of synthetic materials this is likely to be able to be left out in most weathers, as they tend to be quick to dry and, as they are mould and mildew resistant, they can be washed with water and left outside when it is raining.

"Although outdoor rugs fare well in most weather conditions, it is probably best to store them away during snowy or icy conditions. You can either bring your outdoor rug inside for home use or store it away until spring," advises Clare. When storing away an outdoor rug, it is essential that you roll it up, as opposed to folding it, which will ruin its shape." 

"Outdoor rugs are best stored in a dry, indoor space, such as a garage or shed, however, if these options aren’t available to you, an outdoor rug can be rolled up, wrapped in plastic, and placed under the decking."

Can you leave an outdoor rug outside all year round?

The answer really depends on which rug you have. However, as a general rule, it is best practice not to leave your rug outside all year round. The advice from Jaipur Rugs is that "synthetic rugs withstand water and colour fade, but they will wear out if left outside during winter with snow and ice. On the other hand, natural fibre floor mats like jute and sisal, among others, are more sensitive to moisture damage and cannot reasonably withstand the winter season."

The outdoor rug market has become seriously stylish over the years and these rugs are a testament to that. Most of these are indoor-outdoor rugs, so if it arrives at your door and is just too beautiful to put out on your deck, you don't have to.