The 6 Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Indoor-outdoor rugs are a great choice for durability since they are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. After testing many of these rugs, we noticed that while they often look like traditional indoor rugs, the texture is different.

These rugs are typically thinner and made from tougher materials, which means they aren’t as soft as wool or shag rugs. However, they are more resistant to stains and wear from heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for busy spaces, including homes with pets.

That said, they’re not invincible—some we tested didn’t live up to the manufacturer’s claims. Still, an indoor-outdoor rug could be exactly what you need to brighten up a high-traffic area like a kitchen, sunroom, or deck. We confidently recommend the rugs that made our list based on their performance.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall:
  Unique Loom Border Area Rug at Amazon $80
• Best Budget:
  Better Homes & Gardens Striped Outdoor Rug at Walmart $57
• Easiest to Clean:
  Nourison Positano Area Rug at Amazon $53
• Best Quick Drying:
  nuLOOM Marybelle Diamond Rug at Amazon $64
• Best Reversible :
  Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug at Amazon $45
• Best With Color Variety:
  Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug at Amazon $33

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Best Overall

Unique Loom Border Area Rug

This area rug is a reliable option for both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering durability and style without slipping or bunching. It lays flat immediately after being unrolled and holds up well under foot traffic, even when dragging furniture across it. Made from flexible polypropylene, it’s not only easy to fold up for transport but also resistant to mold and mildew, making it perfect for outdoor use. Although the material is a bit thin, making it possible to feel small debris underneath, it proves to be easy to clean and remarkably durable, standing up to heavy scrubbing and wear. The variety of colors and sizes allows you to match it to almost any space or style, whether you’re sprucing up a patio or living room.

Benefits:

• Doesn’t slip or bunch up under foot traffic
• Flexible material makes it easy to transport
• Mold and mildew resistant for outdoor durability
• Available in a range of sizes and colors

Best Budget

Better Homes & Gardens Striped Outdoor Rug

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still brings style and function to your outdoor space, this vibrant striped rug is a great choice. It’s lightweight, making it easy to move and store, and the colors add a bright, cheerful touch to any area. While it’s weather-resistant, it’s best kept out of direct sunlight as the colors may fade over time. This rug also lays flat straight out of the packaging, and its durable polyester and polypropylene blend held up well during testing. However, while it’s easy to clean with a broom or vacuum, some stains may be tougher to remove. It’s not the most durable option on the market, but given its low price and easy storage, it’s a great buy for seasonal use.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and easy to move or store
• Bright colors add charm to any outdoor space
• Lays flat with no curling at the edges
• Budget-friendly option for outdoor décor

Easiest to Clean

Nourison Positano Area Rug

If easy maintenance is at the top of your list, this area rug will make your life simpler. Cleaning it is as straightforward as hosing it down, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces. During testing, we found it quick to clean up dirt, food, and even spills like grape juice. The material, a mold- and mildew-resistant polypropylene, repels liquids rather than absorbing them, making it durable for various weather conditions. While it’s not a bold statement piece and the design is a bit plain, it’s a practical and subtle addition to any space. Over time, the rug may fade slightly, but it remains soft to the touch and easy to move around when needed.

Benefits:

• Simple to clean—just hose it down
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Soft underfoot
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Best Quick Drying

nuLOOM Marybelle Diamond Rug

If you’re in a rainy area, a rug that dries quickly is a game changer. This rug handles moisture like a pro—it dried overnight after a thorough soaking during our tests. It also holds up to wear and tear, passing every durability test with flying colors. Despite its slightly stiff texture, it’s soft enough to walk on barefoot, and you won’t feel any debris underneath. Lightweight and easy to transport, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The diamond pattern adds a stylish touch, and though it doesn’t come in solid prints, it’s available in multiple colors to fit your space.

Benefits:

• Dries quickly, even after heavy rain
• Stays soft to walk on
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Stylish diamond pattern

Best Reversible

Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug

When you want a rug that adds personality and style, this reversible option is a standout choice. The bold geometric pattern brings life to any space, and the best part? It stays looking vibrant even with minimal care. During testing, it held its color and quality for six months straight. Perfect for outdoor setups, especially when paired with sleek, modern furniture, this rug is both functional and fashionable. While it can’t be cleaned with a hose, spot cleaning is a breeze. Just note that it’s lightweight, so the edges might lift in strong winds.

Benefits:

• Stays vibrant and fresh with little maintenance
• Easy to spot clean
• Resistant to mold, mildew, and UV rays

Best With Color Variety

Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug

Finding a rug that suits your style can be tricky, but this option offers something for everyone. With a huge variety of colors and shapes, you can easily match it to your space, whether you’re looking for something subtle or bold. We tested it for six months, and while it did show minor fraying along the edges, it held up well overall. It’s soft underfoot, and the weave quality is noticeable at first glance. Although a bit thin, it’s easy to clean and works with both vacuuming and hosing down. Just be sure to use a rug pad to keep it in place.

Benefits:

• Available in a variety of colors and sizes
• Soft to walk on
• Resistant to stains, fading, and shedding

RELATED: Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Sectionals for Small Spaces

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Unique Loom Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug, offering various sizes, shapes, and patterns. It’s durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for any space. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Homes & Gardens Striped Outdoor Rug. This minimalist option comes in a few colors, is easy to clean, and provides excellent value for its price.

How We Tested the Indoor-Outdoor Rugs

We tested all of these rugs on both a cement patio and laminate flooring indoors. To evaluate comfort, we walked over them with shoes and bare feet, and even had the kids ride their bikes over them to add an extra cleaning challenge. We tested common stains like soda, grape juice, and mud, allowing some to settle before scrubbing or hosing them off.

We also swept, vacuumed, and hosed the rugs down to see how well they handled dry stains and debris like leaves, petals, and dirt. Throughout testing, we checked for durability by watching for snags and pulls, and we assessed the security and grip of each rug.

How to Choose the Best Indoor-Outdoor Rug

When picking a rug for your outdoor space, here are a few things to think about:

Material: Not every material is made for the outdoors, so check the fabric and construction before you buy. Most outdoor rugs are made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene, olefin, or polyester. These materials are durable and better at resisting stains, mildew, and sun fading. Jute is a natural fiber sometimes used for outdoor rugs, but it has a rough texture and takes longer to dry, making it more prone to mildew. It’s best to keep jute rugs in covered areas.

Outdoor rugs usually don’t have a thick, plush feel. They tend to have a low pile and feel a bit more like plastic, which works well for heavy foot traffic and wet conditions.

Size: Outdoor rugs come in various sizes, so measure your patio or porch to make sure the rug will fit well. If you have furniture, aim for a rug that lets at least two legs of each piece sit on it. For outdoor couches, choose a rug that can fit the entire length.

Care: Since outdoor rugs can collect dirt, leaves, and debris, regular cleaning is important. Some are easier to maintain than others, so check the care instructions. Most can be swept or vacuumed, and you can spot clean when needed. Some rugs can go in the washing machine, but make sure your washer is big enough. If not, you may need to visit a laundromat or cleaner with larger machines. Some rugs might even require professional cleaning, which can be expensive.