Choosing a beautiful outdoor rug is an essential element in decorating your designer terrace, regardless of its size. It is indispensable for highlighting your garden furniture, defining different spaces, or adding a touch of color.
As specialists in designer furniture on the French Riviera, we are experts in terrace layout, where rugs serve as a major outdoor decor accessory. In this article, we will share all our advice on choosing the right outdoor rug.
Choose the right size outdoor rug
Before even considering the design of your outdoor rug, you will first need to decide on its size.
The choice will, of course, depend on two factors:
- The size of your terrace or balcony
- How you intend to use your outdoor rug.
Indeed, whether you choose an outdoor rug for a dining area, a lounge space—if you have the room to separate the two—or even a relaxation area with sun loungers, the size of the rug will vary. You should avoid a rug that is too small, but also one that is too large, as it might overwhelm the space and make the terrace feel smaller than it actually is.
Pay attention to the materials
Another factor to consider when choosing your outdoor rug is the material. You will generally have a choice between two types:
- On one hand, there are natural materials, such as sisal, seagrass, or bamboo. These materials provide elegance and, above all, comfort. They also give your terrace or balcony a certain personality and style. However, be careful to choose the material based on your usage. If you plan to leave it outside for long periods, you should prioritize materials that withstand UV rays and humidity well, such as seagrass. This prevents the rug from deteriorating too quickly and requiring frequent replacement.
- On the other hand, there are outdoor rugs made of synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, polyester, or vinyl. These rugs offer many advantages; they are generally very durable and perfectly withstand humidity and sunlight. They are also easy to clean without the risk of damage. However, they may feel less warm than a rug made from natural materials.
In any case, regardless of the material, your rug should be pleasant to the touch. You will likely walk on your balcony or terrace barefoot, especially in the height of summer, or even sit directly on it. Therefore, your outdoor rug should be as comfortable as possible.
Two other important points to consider when choosing your outdoor rug:
- First, if your rug is made of synthetic materials, consider its non-slip properties! This is, of course, to prevent slipping while wearing shoes.
- Secondly, consider how easily it can be cleaned. Your outdoor rug will be exposed to shoe soles (not always clean), outdoor dust, and potentially leaves or soil from your plants. Birds can also soil the terrace (if you live in a seaside town, you know the mess seagulls can make). Your outdoor rug must therefore be easy to wash.
The aesthetic side of your outdoor rug
Finally, after considering all the points above—namely the size and material—you can define the style of your rug. What kind of atmosphere do you want to create on your terrace or balcony?
Of course, the style of your rug should be chosen based on your existing terrace decor and garden furniture. Everything should be perfectly cohesive to create a beautiful living space and an atmosphere that makes you want to relax outdoors.
If you are considering using several small rugs together, ensure there is a certain level of consistency in colors and shapes.
If you need specific advice on choosing the right outdoor rug to complement your designer decor, our teams are here to help. We invite you to visit our showrooms in Nice and Cannes to discuss your needs or leave us a message here.
