As the “5th room,” the exterior space, becomes more and more important, thanks to the trend of blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors, designers are turning to outdoor rugs to define areas within the space and most of all, to add a stylish element.
“Outdoor rugs are typically always a part of our design plan,” says Jessica Duce, Owner & Principal Designer, JDuce LLC. “We need the continuity of the indoor comfort to extend to outdoors for the 5th room. This helps to anchor the space, tie in our look or color scheme, and identify different areas.”
Current trends in outdoor rugs include texture and muted color blends, Duce says, with abstract over strong design elements and color blends over color blocking.
“Outdoor spaces have become very important to consumers,” said Giovanni Marra, VP of Marketing and Creative at Nourison. “They expand the usable ‘living space’ of the home and allow consumers to spend more time with their family and friends outdoors. Finishing an outdoor space with an area rug creates a focal point for your seating or dining area. It also improves comfort and adds style and personality.”
Nourison offers a wide range of styles to complement outdoor spaces. Think florals, stripes, geometrics and minimal versions in various weaves, such as flatweave, high-low and loop pile, among others. And price range and sizes vary.
“We have many 5 x 7 styles at under $100 retail,” Marra says. “We also sell high-end custom-sized outdoor rugs starting around $2,000 for an 8 x 10.”
Once only thought of as utilitarian necessities, today’s exterior rugs exude style. “Our outdoor rug styles range from subtle stripes to large florals,” he says. “Many also have rich texture, like chunky weaves and combination high/low weaves, that will elevate an outdoor space.
Durability is also extremely important, since these rugs not only have to stand up to high-traffic areas, but also outdoor surfaces that must endure the elements. Many Nourison outdoor rugs are made from UV stabilized polypropylene that make them weather-resistant.
In keeping with the trend for indoor elements to find new life outside (think kitchens, dining rooms, even outdoor theaters), outdoor items are moving indoors.
“Many customers are using outdoor rugs in their mudrooms, playrooms and kitchens. Mostly areas with high traffic,” Marra says. “Our outdoor rugs are easily cleaned with a water hose, so they are easier to maintain.”
For example, Nourison’s tropical indoor/outdoor Aloha collection is a bestseller. Featuring a soft, high-low pile and textural woven patterns in bursts of blue, green and orange, these rugs are made from stain-resistant fibers for ease of care: Simply rinse with a hose and air dry.
What’s next for outdoor rug styles in the New Year?
Kait Warren, Vice President of Marketing at Telescope Casual Furniture, says they’re seeing more mixing and matching of styles.
“There was a point when people were being really, really matchy [with their outdoor sets] and they wanted everything from this one collection; they didn’t want contrasting or coordinating — it had to match,” Warren says. “Now it’s more of a mix-and-match trend … People can pull things together with coordinating designs rather than having it be exact.”
Marra notes that neutrals will continue to be strong, with muted patterns and some pops of color.
“More subtle floral patterns are trending now, as well as earthy neutrals like taupes, tans and creams,” he says. “Greens are also growing in popularity and should continue into 2025.”
What’s sure to continue: the popularity of the outdoor space and the demand for designers to pull it all together, from elevated outdoor lighting overhead to fashionable rugs under foot, adding additional comfort and an extra accent of style.
