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The 8 Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Add style to your space while protecting it with these well-designed rugs

Best indoor-outdoor rugs displayed stacked on top of one another in sunlight

The Spruce / Dena Burreson

You’re likely accustomed to having rugs inside your home. But if you have outdoor space—a balcony, patio, porch, or yard—you might want to use a rug there as well, to add color, coziness, and style. It can also help tie the space together. 

During our testing, we found the appearance of an indoor-outdoor rug often mirrored that of an indoor-only rug, but the texture was quite different. Indoor-outdoor rugs are often thinner or sometimes they’re made with rougher materials. That’s for a good reason: “It may seem to go without saying, but if you're planning to use a rug outdoors, you should always look for one that has been specifically designed to withstand exposure to the elements,” says Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home

An outdoor rug needs to be durable and resist the forces of mold and mildew that come with fabric being exposed to rain and dampness. “This means it's going to dry quickly, hold up well over time with a lot of high traffic and weather exposure, and be relatively easy to clean,” Kuo says.

To determine if rugs could handle rain, snow, sleet, and sun, we performed a series of tests on more than 30 indoor-outdoor rugs: First, we took indoor-outdoor rugs to the lab, where we explored the appearance and texture of the rugs. We also examined how well they stood up to spills and water exposure and noted how they felt under our feet. 

We then used the rugs at home, to get a sense of how they’d function during months of real-world use. None of the rugs we tested received a perfect score. In particular, several became permanently stained during our testing (which involved deliberately placing grape juice and mud on the rugs’ surfaces). Despite this, the indoor-outdoor rugs on this list were top performers, and we wholeheartedly recommend them.

Best Overall

Unique Loom Border Area Rug

Amazon Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor & Outdoor Casual Solid Tonal Border Area Rug

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Great quality

  • Easy to clean

  • Stays in place

What We Don’t Like
  • Not soft on bare feet

  • Takes several months to fully lie flat

Available in several colors and shapes, the Loom Outdoor rug is made from machine-woven polypropylene, which won’t shed and resists stains. Despite being made from a plastic-type material, this rug is easy to fold. The tradeoff: It’s not very soft (so if you plan on using it in a space where you’re often barefoot, it might be less than ideal). In our lab testing, we found that it was easy to slide furniture along the surface, which can be handy if you want to move a chair around your patio. It’s fairly thin: Lay the rug on top of rocks and stones, and you’ll feel them through the rug with bare feet. After the rug arrives, it’ll take some time to lie flat and settle into the space. We found the rug took about three months to fully lie flat without any waves or ripples. 

You can vacuum this rug, which has a low pile, and spot clean to deal with any stains that come up. In our testing, we found that it was easy to clean this rug with a broom or vacuum—in fact, a vacuum was able to clean up dirt with ease. It handles stains, but tricky ones, like a glop of barbeque sauce, may linger even after spot treatment. While using this rug at home, it became very stained after an accident, and we were pleasantly surprised at how well the fibers stood up to aggressive scrubbing. 

All in all, we love this rug’s versatility as it was the perfect addition to a three-season porch, but we feel it would fare just as well exposed to the elements. Since the rug will fade in direct sunlight, we recommend using it in shaded outdoor areas, like a covered porch. The manufacturer recommends using a rug pad underneath this rug, which you’ll need to purchase separately. However, we wouldn’t recommend using a rug pad outdoors as it may lengthen the rug’s drying time and absorb moisture. 

Dimensions: 30+ sizes available | Material: Polypropylene | Pile Height: Low pile (exact height not specified)

Pair of chair and table on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug outside on a patio

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best Budget

Nourison Positano Area Rug

Nourison Positano Charcoal 6' x 9' Area Rug

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Easy to clean

  • Lightweight

  • Durable

What We Don’t Like
  • Super thin

  • Plain design

Similar to the Unique Loom Outdoor Area Rug, this outdoor rug from Nourison is made from polypropylene yarns. It comes in solid colors only, without a border, but it still has some depth thanks to the striated yarn. 

Turn to this rug if you’re interested in adding some color with minimalist appeal.  Or, as the manufacturer suggests, you can use this simple rug as a base and layer rugs with more elaborate designs and patterns, on top of it. 

This rug is pretty thin, so you will feel rocks underneath it if using it on a pebbled patio; but we loved the smooth weave, which we felt wouldn’t get snagged as easily, and proved to be true when we dragged a chair across it. Folds and wrinkles are easily spread out, but we found the corners wouldn’t lay flat. We recommend putting something heavy on top of them to flatten them out. 

We particularly liked how easy it is to clean this rug. Even barbeque sauce could be removed with a bit of elbow grease. Plus, it’s shed-free and stood up to several rain storms (and even some light snow) when we used it at home. All in all, this is a great option if you’re seeking an affordable rug

Dimensions: 2.17 x 8 feet up to 10 x 14 feet (13 sizes) | Material: Polypropylene | Pile Height: Low pile (exact height not specified)

Best Splurge

Annie Selke Folly Indoor Outdoor Rug

Annie Selke Dash & Albert Folly Blue/Green Indoor Outdoor Rug

Annie Selke

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Eye-catching design

  • Soft texture

  • Easily cleaned and stands up to scrubbing

What We Don’t Like
  • Hard to carry

  • Tricky to move furniture across rug

This rug from Annie Selke has jacquard stripes in ombre shades and makes a major statement in any outdoor space. These rugs are handmade in India using polyester that’s made from recycled plastic. Despite being made from plastic, the texture is fabric-like, and we were surprised by how soft it felt. This rug has a pile height of just 0.25 inches, so it is very floppy, and the larger size is more difficult to maneuver alone. This floppy quality also makes it hard to drag furniture across the rug; we found the rug bunched up and crawled with the furniture. 

That said, we didn’t notice any damage when dragging furniture across the rug. This rug is also perfect for high-traffic areas as you can easily clean it in the case of a spill or stain. We found anything could be easily swept or vacuumed, and with a little scrubbing, stains from grape juice and barbeque sauce were removed—and all without any damage to the material. Plus, the material is UV-treated to help it maintain those vibrant colors and charming patterns even with sun exposure. 

Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet up to 9 x 12 feet (eight sizes) | Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.25 inches

Annie Selke/Dash & Albert Folly Blue/Green Indoor Outdoor Rug outdoors under two-set patio set

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best Durable

IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug

Ikea Lydersholm Rug

IKEA

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Great for high-traffic spaces

  • Easy to clean

  • Great for households with pets

What We Don’t Like
  • Difficult to fully clean stains

Made from polypropylene, with a rubber backing to help it stay in place, this budget-friendly Ikea rug mimics the natural look of a sisal or jute rug. It has the feel of jute or sisal, too—that is to say, this isn’t a soft rug. We felt that it was like walking on a fibrous mat. It might not make sense for your space if you really want a cushy rug. We thought the pattern of this rug looked great in person, although we recognize the brown color is not the most stylish option on the market. However, the rug (and its edges) do lay flat. There was only one small bump across the middle that eventually flattened. 

This rug shines in all durability measures: tiny particles are easily vacuumed up with a single pass. It was also relatively easy to clean up food spills, although note that because of gaps in the weave, sticky liquids (think: chocolate syrup) can be hard to eradicate fully. You might want to invest in a carpet cleaner for deep cleaning sticky accidents. Overall, this rug is very easy to clean and holds up to frequent vacuuming. Because of its durability, this rug is perfect for high-traffic areas and homes with pets. 

Dimensions: 5.25 x 7.58 feet | Material: Polypropylene, rubber | Pile Height: 0.25 inches

Best Washable

Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug

Ruggable Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug

Ruggable

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Machine washable

  • Stays flat

  • Stands up to lots of foot traffic

What We Don't Like
  • Very low pile

Ruggable’s biggest claim to fame: The brand’s rugs can be popped directly into the washing machine. (That’s just one reason we consider Ruggable one of the best places to buy rugs online.) While this rug has the appearance of jute, it’s made from polyester, meaning it’s far softer on your feet than those natural, rough fibers. 

This rug, along with the pad that comes with it, offers enough protection that you could comfortably walk on it when it’s laid over rocks. It has a low pile, so it’s not a thick and plush rug, but that makes it ideal for outdoor spaces. 

We found this rug is very stain-resistant, making it ideal for parents of toddlers, pet owners, or anyone who might be prone to spilling food. You can easily wipe off stains, and per the manufacturer, it can be washed in most washing machines. We recommend washing larger sizes in a commercial grade machine.  

Plus, vacuuming is an easy way to maintain the rug’s appearance. This is a hardy, durable rug, that’s great for indoor high-traffic areas (a mudroom, a basement, a workout area) and works well outdoors as well. Even after six months of use, the rug appeared brand-new. If easy clean-up is a priority, check out this list of the best washable rugs

Dimensions: 2.42 x 7 feet up to 6 x 7 feet (five sizes) | Material: Polyester and polyurethane | Pile Height: Not listed

Best Reversible

Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug

Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Urban Outfitters

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Incredibly durable

  • Feels pleasant under feet

  • Attractive, eye-catching design

  • Resists water

What We Don’t Like
  • Less appropriate in fully indoor spaces

This eye-catching rug features a bright pattern and is completely reversible. The vibrant orange-red color and pattern will pop in any outdoor space. Made from recycled plastic, it’s very lightweight and easy to roll up, and carry from one place to another or store away. We love that this rug is reversible, but note that the patterns on both sides are the same—so you can flip it over if it becomes irreparably stained or sun-faded, but it won’t offer a whole new look for your space. 

We love that the rug is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it an environmentally friendly option. But, this means that this rug is best suited for use outdoors, or in indoor spaces (like basements, three-season porches or sunrooms, and mudrooms) that need a durable floor covering.

During testing, we were incredibly impressed with the durability of the rug. After months of use, there were no snagged threads or sun fading, and it still looked brand-new. We also loved how this rug felt underfoot. Plus, the woven texture allowed for some airflow, which helped it dry out quickly. 

This rug can be spot-cleaned if you have any spills, and it’s easy to sweep away leaves or other outdoor debris. We did notice that the edges and corners tend to stick up or fold over on themselves in strong winds—having furniture near the edges can help anchor the rug or consider using rug tape. Bottom line: This is a stylish, eco-friendly rug that works quite well in outdoor spaces, and is both durable and easy to clean. 

Dimensions: 6 x 9 feet | Material: Recycled plastic | Pile Height: Not listed

Best Quick-Drying

Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug

Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Available in many colors

  • Easy to clean

  • Stands up to extreme wear

What We Don't Like
  • Requires a rug pad to stay put

  • Does fray slightly if subjected to lots of use

A soggy rug in your outdoor space can prevent you from enjoying it, which is why this quick-drying Safavieh outdoor rug is so great. It’s available in a wide range of attractive colors and is well made, without any loose snags. This rug is lightweight, making it easy to move around, but we recommend using a rug pad if you want it to truly stay put on a three-season porch. 

The rug weathered a hail storm with ease, as well as several pet-related accidents. Over months of use, the rug maintained its color, although some fraying did occur in particularly high-trafficked areas. This rug works just as well indoors during the offseason and would be particularly nice for families with kids and pets since it’s easy to clean, attractive, and available in many colors to suit your space. 

Dimensions: 9 x 12 feet | Material: Polypropylene, polyester, and latex | Pile Height: 0.25 inches

Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Best Non-Slip

Rifle Paper Co. Veranda Monstera Outdoor Rug

Rifle Paper Co. Veranda Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug

Rifle Paper Co.

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Gorgeous, colorful design

  • Soft surface, that lies flat

  • Manages well with rain

What We Don't Like
  • Cream color will show wear easily

This beautiful rug is like a work of art for your indoor or outdoor space. Outdoor furniture is often in shades of brown or black, so this bright and visually appealing rug can really provide a welcome pop of color. And it’s not just a visual delight: Step on the rug, and you’ll find it very smooth, with a slip-free surface, and a soft feeling below your feet. It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry, and then once you place it down, it’ll lie completely flat. 

We found it can withstand regular exposure to rain, without changing in appearance, but the manufacturer suggests that the colors will fade if it’s used outside. However, after six months on a deck at home, the colors remained vivid and bright. We loved that this rug dries quickly and is easy to clean. 

Even after being rained on, it didn’t roll up on the corners, and there wasn’t any unraveling at the sides. Given the price, we wish the manufacturer offered a better endorsement of the rug’s outdoor usage, but we were pleased that our hands-on testing found the rug could stand up to weather and sun. 

Dimensions: 2.25 x 4 feet up to 7.83 x 10 feet (six sizes) | Material: Wool | Pile Height: 0.13 inches

Compare

Products Product Links Quality Texture Durability Ease of Cleaning Value
Amazon Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor & Outdoor Casual Solid Tonal Border Area Rug
Best Overall:
Unique Loom Border Area Rug
5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5 5/5
Nourison Positano Charcoal 6' x 9' Area Rug
Best Budget:
Nourison Positano Area Rug
4/5 4/5 5/5 5/5 4/5
Annie Selke Dash & Albert Folly Blue/Green Indoor Outdoor Rug
Best Splurge:
Annie Selke Folly Indoor Outdoor Rug
3/5 4/5 3/5 5/5 3.5/5
Ikea Lydersholm Rug
Best Durable:
IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug
4.8/5 5/5 4.5/5 4.5/5
Ruggable Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug
Best Washable:
Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug
5/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Best Reversible:
Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug
5/5 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5
Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug
Best Quick-Drying:
Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug
5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Rifle Paper Co. Veranda Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug
Best Non-Slip:
Rifle Paper Co. Veranda Monstera Outdoor Rug
5/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Unique Loom Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug. It’s available in many sizes, shapes, and patterns, plus it’s easy to clean and quite durable. For a more affordable option, try the more minimalist Nourison Positano Area Rug (best budget), which is available in a handful of colors, and is also quite easy to clean. 

How We Tested the Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Behind this list of 10 recommended rugs is many months of hands-on assessment. In total, we tested 31 rugs. We evaluated them based on the following key factors that’ll matter most to anyone with an outdoor rug: 

  • Portability: One of the perks of an indoor-outdoor rug is the ability to transport it from one place to another. The summer’s porch rug becomes the winter’s mudroom rug, for instance. Accordingly, we checked just how easy each rug was to move. Plus, with each rug, we tried to get a sense of how it would stand up to ordinary usage, by dragging a patio chair and potted plant from one side of the rug to another, looking for any snags, tears, or excessive wear from this action. 
  • Texture: We noted what each rug felt like to stand on. We considered questions like, Did the rug’s materials feel rough or soft? Cozy or firm? We also tested what it was like to walk on the rug in common conditions outside, laying it over rocks to see if we could feel the rocks through the rug. Unlike an indoor rug, these outdoor rugs tended to be rough or thin (sometimes both), which meant they were less soft underfoot than an indoor-only rug. For each rug, we assessed its comfort and texture. We also noted whether it slid around on the ground or stayed put. 
  • Style and Design: Aesthetics matter! We shared feedback on the appearance of the rugs’ patterns, colors, and overall look. This gave us a sense of which rugs could truly pull a space together. In the lab, we inspected each rug for snags, inconsistent dye patterns, and other defects. 
  • Ease of Cleaning: We devoted a lot of energy to determining how each rug would handle spills and mess. Some of our tests in the lab included deliberately spilling difficult substances (including grape juice and barbeque sauce), and seeing how easily we could remove these stains. Lab tests also involved wiping our bare feet on the rug, and sprinkling mulch and crushed potato chips on each. Once the rug was covered in dirt and debris, we used a broom and dustpan on the rug, determining if most, some, or none of the debris could be cleaned up. 

Tests in our lab were just the first step. Next, we used the rugs in our own homes, for six-month periods, which led to insights into the rugs’ performance with everyday mess, including a dog with bleeding paws, a cat that urinated on the rug, staying outside through snowstorms, and many instances of usage in high trafficked areas. We checked how easily we could vacuum the rugs, and what happened when we had to really scrub at spills (did the fabric snag or hold?).

All of these insights helped us determine which rugs were the easiest to maintain, resulting in our list of recommended designs.

Safavieh Courtyard Indoor/Outdoor Rug

The Spruce / Carrie Bluth

What to Look for in an Indoor Outdoor Rug

Size and Shape

You’ll want the rug to fit your space, so look for an option that’s available in the right size. Before purchasing, measure both your total area and the area where you’ll be placing furniture, Kuo recommends. 

“You want the rug to feel like an anchor and for there to be a healthy amount of uncovered deck space around the edges,” she says. Also consider different shapes, such as square, rectangular, and oval. 

Rug shape is a matter of personal preference, Kuo says. “Generally, I like larger rectangular rugs for more expansive seating areas and round ones for cozy and intimate ones,” she notes. We like that the Unique Loom Outdoor Area Rug (best overall) is available in many sizes—over 30—and in both round and rectangular shapes.

Durability

You’ll want a rug that can stand up to outside elements, including moisture and sunshine. The Annie Selke/Dash & Albert Folly Blue/Green Indoor Outdoor Rug, our best splurge pick, is made with UV-treated materials. “A super durable indoor/outdoor rug is going to feature a flat weave—rather than piling—and be crafted from polypropylene with a latex backing. Ideally, you want the feeling that the rug is sturdy and has a level of weather resistance, but without compromising style,” Kuo says. Another great durable pick is the Ruggable Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug, our best washable pick, which is stain-resistant, and not prone to snagging.

Style

Seek out a rug that matches your style and overall aesthetic (plus, you’ll want it to match your outside furniture). If you’d like something eye-catching, we love our best splurge pick, the Annie Selke/Dash & Albert Folly Blue/Green Indoor Outdoor Rug, with its bright colors and ombre effect. For a more reserved option, consider the Nourison Positano Area Rug (best budget). 

Material Types

The material makes a difference in several performance factors. The durability, softness, and weather resistance of the rug all depend on strong materials. Think about what material will best suit your needs. For instance, the IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug (best durable) is quite tough but made from polypropylene, and rough on your feet if you plan on walking barefoot. If you’re interested in a softer touch, consider the Rifle Paper Co. Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug, our best non-slip pick, which felt a lot like a yoga mat thanks to its wool construction. 

Maintenance Requirements

Like any rug, your outdoor rug will need to be swept or vacuumed, and washed after spills. Consider the maintenance requirements—and also, how likely spills and accidents are in your home—before making a purchase. If an easy clean-up is your priority, you can’t go wrong with the Ruggable Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug (best washable), which you can throw in the washing machine if necessary. Although we would only recommend this for the smaller size options; a large rug would be too big for a standard home washer. We also found the Nourison Positano Area Rug (best budget) quite easy to clean.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by freelance writer Madeleine Burry, who has written for the Spruce for several years. To write this article, she carefully reviewed the feedback from tests done in the lab, as well as responses from our team members who tested rugs for three- and six-month stints. She also reached out to experts for details about what to consider when shopping for an indoor-outdoor rug. Both results from tests and the insights from Kuo helped inform this article. 

Our Experts: