This post about why to use outdoor rugs indoors was updated in April 2022.
The reason we love using our indoor outdoor rugs on a porch or patio is obvious: these super durable, stain- and fade-resistant rugs instantly transform an outdoor space, creating the finished look of an outdoor “room.” But as their hybrid name suggests, we equally love to use outdoor rugs indoors. And if you’ve never seen or felt any of our indoor outdoor rugs before, you may question the idea of using something that’s specifically made for roughing it outdoors inside your home. However, you may just change your mind. Here are our top four reasons why you should use outdoor rugs indoors.
1. Fashion Forward for Less
Whether you love geometrics, are a total romantic for anything sporting script or go wild over animal print, then indoor outdoor rugs may be the perfect choice for you. They’re available in a ton of colors and eye-catching patterns, from animal print to stripes. And because they’re relatively inexpensive – compared to wool and other natural fiber rugs – you can afford to ride the wave of any trend. Commitment-phobes, take note!
2. Loves High-Traffic Areas
Style and durability meet with our indoor outdoor rugs, something many moms and pet owners have known for a while. Most are woven from polypropylene or a blend for incredible endurance, making them perfect for your busiest spaces. They’re fashionable enough for a dining room, but tough enough to take a red wine spill – a win-win. Other tough-love areas we often use our indoor/outdoor rugs in are: kitchens, mudrooms, kids’ spaces, hallways and even bathrooms.
3. Why Use Outdoor Rugs Indoors? They’re A Breeze to Clean
Dry clean only? No way! Thankfully, when you use outdoor rugs indoors many spills and stains easily wipe clean with a damp cloth. To give your indoor/outdoor rug a deep clean, take it outside, hose it down and clean with a mild soap and scrub brush. And because they’re lightweight rugs, they dry quickly. How easy is that?
4. Softer than You Think
Today’s indoor/outdoor rugs are so soft you won’t think twice about kicking your shoes off and getting down low for some floor time with your kids or pets. In fact, they’re so soft that it’s nearly impossible to tell they’re actually hand woven of durable, outdoor-safe polyester.
Are you ready to use outdoor rugs indoors? Browse our full assortment of indoor/outdoor rugs, and for more inspiration read these helpful posts below:
- Guide to Choosing a Rug Size
- A Day in the Life of an Indoor/Outdoor Rug
- Living Room Rug: How to Decorate Around Your Favorite Floor Covering
- Shopping Guide: Natural Fiber Rugs
To stay up to date with all things How to Decorate, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Katherine pace
I need help with the mudroom coming into my kitchen. White walls. Elevator door to upstairs is in this space.
Kelley Bostian
Hi Katherine,
The writing team here at How To Decorate would love to help you pick a paint color, but we think you’ll find better advice by reaching out to our Design Services department and scheduling a FREE consultation. They are very helpful!
Happy Decorating,
Kelley
Stacie Kats
Hi! Love this read. Seriously considering using an outdoor rug for my foyer.
Would you be able to tell me where the coffee/side tables in front of the yellow couch in the second picture came from?
Looking forward to browsing the rest of your site!
Caroline McDonald
Stacie,
The coffee tables are our Bornova Side Tables, but the chrome table is no longer available. Although, our new Manhattan Side Table has a very similar look.
So happy to hear you like this space!
Caroline
Jchristopher
would like to know who makes the chandelier in the 4th picture down (over the table). Help please!
Caroline @ How to Decorate
jchristopher,
This is the Denley 10 Light Chandelier from Ballard Designs.
Let us know if you have any more questions,
The How to Decorate Team
Kathy
What type of backing does the wainscot have?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Kathy,
The Wainscot rug doesn’t actually have any backing at all. We would recommend using a rug pad with it.
Hope that helps!
The How to Decorate Team
Michelle Clark
I live in a city apartment, and am unable to “hose” a large rug down outside. How do we city dwellers clean a large outdoor rug, used inside? MC
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your comment! Your best bet is to spot clean the rug. Gently rinse with a solution of mild detergent and water!
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
June Montgomery
I have used few rugs since I have small dogs that are accident prone. Are these indoor/outdoor ease to clean and do they hold the smell after cleaning? Thanking you for your answer in advance. JEM
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi June,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, our outdoor rugs are very easy to clean! To the second part of your question, our polypropylene rugs (such as the Tortola) would be the easiest to clean and least absorbent, so shouldn’t absorb much smell. Our hooked rugs (such as the Turin) have a higher pile (where as the polypropylene rugs are flat) and therefore would be more likely to take in odor.
We hope that answers your question!
The How to Decorate Team
Laurie
I have a couple of your indoor/outdoor rugs in high traffic areas of my home. I have trouble with them slipping even though they are on rug pads. Any suggestions? The floor is laminate. Thanks for any help you can give.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Laurie,
We’re so sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with outdoor rugs slipping on your laminate floors. Try using our Outdoor Rug Pad. They are specifically designed with tile surface in mind, which can be slick like laminate. Hopefully that will solve the problem!
The How to Decorate Team
Fran Pal
I am moving to a new home. I have a small collection of MacKenzie Child’s kitchen items . They are her black and white pattern, I believe the Courtly Checks. Since iI already have a black and off white area rug in a family room. I am looking at a runner and a rug by the front door to work with the above colors I mentioned. Can you make some suggestions?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Fran,
Hi Debra,
Thanks for your comment. We actually have a free service for our customers called Design Solutions where offer problem solving and design plans. We’d be happy to help you pick some rug options for your space. Simply complete this form, and our Design Solutions team will create a plan for you!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Sue
How do you clean these rugs on a daily basis? I would like to put in my kitchen but understand most indoor/outdoor carpets can not be vacuumed.
How to Decorate Team
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your comment. The short answer is yes, you can vacuum them. Although, be sure to adjust your vacuum with the right brush height/setting, as some of our outdoor rugs are flat weave and some have a high-low pile. Hope that helps!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Kelly MacArthur
I am wanting to purchase an indoor/outdoor rug – 8 X 10 and know sometimes the color shown on the website isn’t quite like the actual product. I want to get it “right” and not have to send the product back. I’ve ordered some fabric samples and really like Danish Sky. Will probably cover a chair in this fabric. Would Navarre mineral (or blue?) compliment this color in a room and is it close to Danish Sky in color? How about Tricia Trellis (mineral), Parish (gray or spa) or Bermuda (mineral)?
Thank you for your input in this matter,
Kelly
How to Decorate Team
Hi Kelly,
Our design services team would be happy to help you with this decorating dilemma. We actually have an ongoing column on How to Decorate that addresses customer questions! If you’d like to submit your space to our design team, we would love to help come up with a solution. Simply submit to us a photo of your space, as well as a brief description of the issue, using this handy form, and our team will reach out with our best solution!
We look forward to helping you with your issue.
Best,
The How to Decorate Team