As more and more families are moving their entertainment and living areas outside onto the patio, deck or backyard, they’re treating those areas as rooms to be decorated just as their indoor spaces are.

If you’ have always thought that area rugs were strictly indoor decorating items,  then think again. Outdoor area rugs can serve the exact same purpose outdoors as their less sturdy counterparts serve in your living room, den and dining room.

In fact, since outdoor areas tend to serve multiple purposes, using outdoor area rugs to help separate and define the various purposes and uses of your patio or deck can be even more effective than it is indoors.

The use of olefin (also known as polypropylene), and the refinements to its manufacture over the past few decades have allowed rug manufacturers to create outdoor area rugs that are every bit as stylish and beautiful as their indoor counterparts. But you don’t need to be concerned about the weather affecting them – olefin is an amazingly durable fiber that resists fading and mildew, can be hosed down to clean it and dries quickly without fear that it will shrink or be damaged by the moisture.

You can use outdoor area rugs to help set off a dining area from the rest of your patio, turning it into a ‘room’ by simply choosing a distinctive pattern that works with your patio table and chairs and using it as flooring beneath them.

Mark off the end of the ‘pool’ by laying down an outdoor area rug that defines the edges of the patio conversation area, or pick an indoor/outdoor area rug in a bright, juvenile print to define a ‘kid’s corner’. A whimsical jungle print outdoor area rug in soft sheared olefin can soften the patio flagstones under baby’s knees, for example, if you fence off a baby play yard on your patio with a child safety gate, turning it into your little one’s own special outdoor room.

By choosing patterns carefully, you can use outdoor area rugs to bring together conversational groupings surrounded by benches and planters, or emphasize a rustic country atmosphere with a homespun rag rug in 100% easy wash and wear polypropylene. Outdoor area rugs have come a long way since the days when your choices were limited to fake green grass carpeting. Take full advantage of the flexibility offered by today’s new generation of outdoor area rugs to make a definitive design statement on your patio or deck.

Dress up the entrance to your home with this attractive outdoor mat.

The Florentine Tiles Doormat feature square and rectangular blocks that have an attractive edging of scrolling vine and floral pattern.

This mat features a molded construction of recycled rubber and has a design that has been heat transferred.

There are two colors available, Terra Cotta as shown and gray.

The Florentine Tiles rug is made in the USA and is suitable for year round outdoor us.

The mat measures approx. 36″W x 24″H

The Pompeii Slice Doormat is an attractive outdoor rug which will brighten up your outdoor area.

You can also purchase the matching stair treads for a truly coordinated look.  It really  adds a nice touch the outdoor stairs giving them  an attractive, welcoming finish.

The pattern is reminiscent of  the decorative mosaic tile patterns found in many Italian structures.

This doormat is suitable for all year round outdoor use.

The Pompeii slice rug is made in the USA from recycled rubber.

It is really easy to keep clean, all you need to do is simply hose  the rug down with water to clean.

If you have recently begun redecorating your home, the last place you are thinking about sprucing up is the outside, but with warmer weather right around the corner, it may be time to invest in new outdoor rugs for your home or apartment. Outdoor rugs can consist of something as simple as a doormat or something as wide-ranging as a patio carpet. Outdoor rugs are used for two main purposes: for safety and to help beautify a balcony, patio, or some other outdoor area.

What is an outdoor rug?

Outdoor rugs are simply thin fabric rugs made of extra durable and weather-resistant material. They can be used as a barrier between the inside and outside world or as a complete covering to hide an aging or cracked concrete patio or balcony. A quality outdoor rug can actually be quite expensive, which is why so many people have turned to online shopping for all of their outdoor rug needs. It is important that you keep in mind the dimensions and the color before shopping, although most reputable online sellers of outdoor rugs have comprehensive return policies in place just in case you make a mistake in judgment.

What are they made of?

Generally, outdoor rugs are made from a durable type of plastic known as polypropylene. This space age material cleans easily with a hose and is fade resistant, even through many summers and winters. Often times, however, these rugs will need to be sprayed down and cared for, otherwise water and mold can build up underneath them. As the old saying goes, the better you take care of your outdoor rug, the longer it will be there to provide the slip resistant footing you need in all of your outdoor spaces.

What to look for when buying one

If you are in the market for an outdoor rug, there are some important things to keep in mind. Make sure you have your dimensions down pat before you head online. You don’t want to have to cut off part of your rug to make it fit an area; it can speed up the rate in which your rug breaks down. You also want to make sure the colors offered match what you want. Most online retailers of outdoor rugs do offer returns, but they can be a bit of a hassle.

Color Choice

There is a reason why the majority of outdoor rugs come in greens and tans. They are inoffensive colors that tend to blend in with the world around them instead of drawing attention to themselves. That isn’t to say that if you want a bright orange outdoor rug, you won’t be able to find it; you may just have to shop around a bit more. Your rug should act as a complementary piece with your patio furniture or with your indoor furniture, unless of course you are “theming” your outdoor area and then all bets are off. No matter which color you choose, you can expect several years of performance from your outdoor rug before you have to toss it.