Outdoor rugs and pillows for your outdoor space will add comfort, color and style to your porch, patio, or deck. Outdoor rugs and pillows are available in a nice array of styles, materials and designs to suit virtually every taste and budget. Innovations in outdoor rug and pillow materials have also expanded this category of home furnishings and have provided consumers with sturdy, durable rugs and pillows which are designed to withstand mold, mildew and damaging UV rays.
Outdoor Rugs
Create instant comfort and style underfoot with the addition of an outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs add a touch of flair to any outdoor space, but are also practical as well. They protect our feet from hot deck and patio surfaces in the summer, while also providing a warm covering for the colder months.
Before purchasing your outdoor rug, you’ll need to make sure it has the following features:
- Ideal for year-round use (i.e. all-weather)
- Water-resistant
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to UV rays
You can find a nice variety of outdoor rugs at your local home improvement center. Most rug materials, whether natural or man-made, are constructed of high-quality materials which are made to withstand harsh environments. Consider a bright color or pattern to add a punch of color to your outdoor living space. Commonly used natural materials include sisal, bamboo, coconut and coir fibers. Synthetic materials include Duracord, Polypropylene, plastics, foam rubber and woven, man-made materials.
Duracord is a popular choice in today’s outdoor rugs, as it offers a cotton-like texture. Duracord is the ideal outdoor rug material because it is UV resistant against up to 2,000 hours of sunlight. Duracord has a low-moisture regain, which means that it dries quickly when wet; it is easily cleaned with diluted bleach. This fabric maintains its appearance, as it resists pulling, mildew and stains, and it is environmentally friendly (takes less water and energy to make than standard synthetic rugs).
Polypropylene is another popular synthetic material which is durable and resistant to cracking in extreme heat; is resistant to mold and mildew, dries quickly, resists stains and chemicals, and is non-toxic and safe for any outdoor environment.
Remember to use a high-quality, outdoor rug pad beneath your outdoor rug. An outdoor rug pad prevents the rug from slipping, increases the life of the rug, and makes the rug easier to vacuum.
From traditional to contemporary, outdoor rugs are gaining in popularity as the trend of outdoor living spaces continues to soar.
Outdoor Pillows
Bolster pillows, throw pillows, floor pillows and accent pillows are just a few of your choices when shopping for outdoor pillows. Add a punch of color to your outdoor décor by throwing in a few, vibrant throw pillows against a neutral palette. Coordinate your throw pillows with your outdoor rug and patio umbrella, or mix and match colors and styles for something unexpected.
Choose outdoor pillows as you would your outdoor rug. Look for qualities such as mold and mildew-resistant, UV-resistant, and easy to clean. Consider adding pillows on your favorite hammock or chaise lounge, or use them as accents for your wicker or wood furniture.
