Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Rug

Guest Blogger #555, Entry #1260, June 7, 2012

Warm weather brings family and friends to your outdoor home. Why not bring the comfort and style of the inside out too? There are a variety of Outdoor Area Rugs to spruce up your terrace or patio and add that something extra everyone will appreciate.

Outdoor rug ideas

As Lisa Galligan, manager at NW Rugs says, “Everyone wants to bring the inside out, to be comfortable and have fun.”

By adding an outdoor rug you will create a soft contrast against your patio or deck, which will help create a visually more inviting area.

Some rugs are more durable than others, but you can expect to replace an outdoor rug every couple of years if you leave it exposed to the elements year round.  Jute and sisal rugs break down with moisture, including humidity. Polypropylene is the best choice for fully exposed outdoor area rugs.

Outdoor rug – NW Rugs #200642

If it rains, simply shake the water out and hang the rug over a railing. Slated decks provide better drainage than concrete. “It’s not good to let these rugs sit in water. You must take care of the rug. Don’t abuse it,” warns Ms. Galligan, an interior designer herself. If there is going to be a prolonged period of rain, roll the rug up and bring it inside.

Machine made polypropylene outdoor area rugs are easy to care for – just vacuum and use mild detergent with water for spot cleaning. Many can even be hosed off in a jiffy. Let it dry completely before putting it back on the patio, deck or terrace. Using a pad underneath will prevent slipping.

Outdoor Rug – NW Rug #200551 Tybee Coffee

Lisa also advises that you purchase UV-stablized outdoor area rugs. “With all the beautiful colors and patterns now available you want to ensure the colors last. The UV treatment protects against fading.”

“Getting the right size rug is key,” says Lisa. For seating areas, set the front legs of chairs and sofas on the rug. For dining areas you will want to make sure that the rug is large enough so that the chair legs stay on the rug when they are pulled out for sitting down. This way the floor surface is protected.

Outdoor rug – NW #zi 01 Brown- Multi

Outdoor rugs help define a space, create a real sense of an outdoor room, and provide comfort and style for well deserved rest and.

Family and friends will appreciate the attention to detail that every hostess knows is the key to successful and fun entertaining.

NW Rugs is the west coast leader for area rugs since 1995. With 20,000 rugs in stock you are sure to find the perfect rugs for your home, whatever your style – traditional, transitional or contemporary. Showrooms in Portland, Oregon – Los Angeles, CA – Las Vegas, NV. Lisa Galligan is manager at NW Rugs’ Jantzen Beach Showroom on Hayden Island in Portland, OR You can follow NW Rugs and Lisa on Twitter: @NWRUGS and @ReDesignerLisa

Lisa Galligan

Lisa Galligan, Interior Designer & Manager NW Rugs

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