With the sun blessing us recently, there's nothing more tempting than to get people round for a garden party - ahem, a Pimm's or two, yes? Something storming the viral trends rn that you need to upgrade your garden is something you may not expect on the outside: an outdoor rug.
Yep, you read that right. A garden rug. For the outside.
We were sceptical when we first heard about this funky trend, but it's true. Popping a rug underneath and around your garden furniture is an easy way to make your exterior feel more snug and homely.
You'll be the envy of all your friends this summer.
Most outdoor rugs are not waterproof but will be water-resistant, meaning you can keep them outside but you might want to bring them in during colder months. During summer though, they'll dry off quickly even if they've been rained on, so you won't have to lug them in and out every day.
Even if you're looking for an outdoor rug on a budget, loads of these options can be as cheap as £15, so that you can have your perfect garden without breaking the bank.
Light the BBQ, get your garden accessories and outdoor rug, and your exterior will be ready in no time.
SHOP: The best outdoor rugs 2022
Style your garden with these outdoor rugs
Extra Large Spline Grey & White Rug
Aldi has some of our favourite bargains and now you can get your hands on their outdoor rug for less than £20. There's a variety of patterns exclusively online, so now's your chance to snap them up. Dimensions: 160 x 230cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Have just received this from Aldi online, lovely looking and well-made outdoor rug, great size as well.."
Dunelm Mendoza Natural Geometric Indoor Outdoor Rug
Dunelm is a go-to brand for fab value furniture and accessories, so it's no wonder it's on the outdoor rug trend, too. This geometric-style rug will fancy up any garden space in a cream and neutral colour scheme.Dimensions: 120 x 170cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Beautiful rug, lovely feel - soft and durable. Looks amazing currently in my kitchen but will be outside in the summer! Great value for money too."
Mercury Row Dryades Beige Rug
Looking for a less intense pattern to pop in your garden? Wayfair has this cream outdoor rug with a smaller pattern so it's not so overwhelming. Grab it now. Dimensions: 80 x 150cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Beautiful rug, lovely feel - soft and durable. Looks amazing currently in my kitchen but will be outside in the summer! Great value for money too."
Dunelm Tile Indoor Outdoor Rug
Another perf option from Dunelm, it's giving total Moroccan vibes that you can bring to your home. Pair with some themed accessories and it will be welcoming in no time. Dimensions: 120 x 170 cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Great outdoor rug! Excellent addition to our seating area outside. Good quality & price."
Weaver Green Provence Recycled Plastic Indoor & Outdoor Rug, Navy, L110 x W60 cm
Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, John Lewis has given us a more eco-friendly option with this outdoor rug. Totally machine washable, it's defo a find. Dimensions: 110 x 60 cmMaterial: 100 per cent recycled plastic bottlesReview: "Love this. It's a recycled product and love that it's made in England. Really smart, feels so soft to walk on. Only had in the kitchen for a week and had a spill but easy to clean. Great pale grey colour, perfect size and matched description online, would buy again."
HOMESCAPES White & Grey Outdoor Rug
Even Amazon has a selection of outdoor rugs you can peruse. We love this Aztec-themed grey and white choice which will pop in the summertime. Dimensions: 120 x 180 cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Visually gorgeous, robust, very tactile and surprisingly soft and warm underfoot. Plus, it's made from recycled products. I will be buying another. Highly recommend."
BalajeesUSA Outdoor Patio Rugs
Blue and white are very Grecian-vibes, so if you want to pretend you're in Santorini this summer, invest in this outdoor rug. The rug is huge for the price, too, so you're getting your money's worth. Dimensions: 152 x 214 cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Oh my word, it is huge and beautiful. The weave makes the pattern look less solid compared to the image advertising it, but I am in love I cannot wait for my horrid concrete patio to dry out so that I can put it out in the garden. Practical and beautiful."
GoodHome Malaita Chevron Mango & whisper white Rug 230cmx160cm
B&Q is pulling it out of the bag with a brighter option for our summer out in the sun. Pop it under a sofa with mango-coloured cushions for a relaxed but vibrant garden.Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.6 mMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Lovey outdoor rug. Very nice bright rug. Strong and sturdy. Delivery was great. Very cheerful delivery person too!"
Origins Saville Indoor/Outdoor Rug (80cm x 150cm)
Vintage homeware can make your interior look sophisticated and now you can have that in your exterior with this rug from Matalan. With an Oriental faded pattern, this will be a total centrepiece. Dimensions: 80 x 150 cmMaterial: Polypropylene
Bay Isle Home Tovar Green Rug See More
Keep the greenery flowing with this green rug from Wayfair. Palm leaves are printed on to the weave so you can softly intertwine your garden's greenery. For just over £15, it's a total bargain. Dimensions: 60 x 100 cmMaterial: PolypropyleneReview: "Absolutely gorgeous rug and so cheap for the size too. I wanted a hard-wearing rug for my conservatory, one that's easy to keep clean as I have 3 dogs. This is perfect as can be wiped easily with a sponge and dries so quickly."
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How do I style an outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs are perfect if you want your outdoor space to be unified, cosy and comfortable. They work perfectly if you have a colour scheme that you're looking to add to or keep cohesive.
If you're stuck on how to pull off this trending garden accessory, we've got the best ideas on how to style your rug. Here are our top ways to make a rug your outdoor feature piece:
Pop it underneath a table and chairs: Make your outdoor dining experience even more comfortable; adding a rug to your setup will have your guests feeling right at home.
Lay it down under a sofa: Garden sofas, love seats and hanging chairs are perfect places to chill out. Adding a garden rug to this area makes it inviting and if you want to go a step further, you could even match it to some cushions.
Use it to pull people into spaces: Have a corner of your garden or seat at the back that never gets used? Putting a rug in these spaces will make them more eye-catching and invite guests in.
Freshen up your patio: Patios and decking can look very unoriginal if not tended to, so a rug can easily spice up the flooring and make your patio look unique.