Indoor And Outdoors With Rugs
Outdoor areas can be one of your favorite and most used areas if you take the time to properly think the space through. It is a mistake to keep the space cold and bare simply because it doesn’t have windows and a roof! If you think about its design in the same manner you would an interior room, the outdoor space becomes more inviting and functional. One of the easiest ways to bring the inside out is to incorporate area rugs.
Considerations for Outdoor Rugs
While you want an interior look in your exterior space, the fact of the matter is it will be exposed to elements that your inside will not. Outdoor area rugs are specifically designed to take the abuse from the weather and traffic. The material in which the rug is made and the durability of the construction are two major factors when choosing an area rug for your outdoor area.
Some of the most popular materials for outdoor area rugs include:
Yarn – Many companies today have rugs made of woven yarn specifically designed for outside use. Often these yarns are all or partially synthetic and have anti-microbial properties along with being moisture/mold resistant. Some of them are even designed to resist fading from UV rays so the color stays truer longer. Some natural fibers such as wool are also good for outdoor applications especially in the area is only indirectly effected by weather.
Bamboo - Because of its beauty and eco-friendliness, bamboo is quickly becoming one of the favorite materials in area rugs and other flooring. This is a perfect choice for “green” design because bamboo is a sustainable material which means less deforestation. bamboo indoor outdoor area rugs are also beautiful, and because they can be used inside and out, they are a great way to keep a cohesive feel to your home design. Not all bamboo rugs are designed for harsh exposure to mother nature though, so be sure to read the details carefully before buying.
Plastic - There are manufacturers now that specialize in creating area rugs made from recycled materials. Choosing a rug made from recycled plastics means you are helping the planet while choosing a rug that is sure to stand the test of time outside. Don’t think of these plastic rugs as just utilitarian! They come in a wide array of colors and shapes to help polish off your look beautifully.
Polypropylene- This is a petroleum based, 100% synthetic material used in many outdoor area rugs. It is designed to be light weight and stain resistant as well as repeal water to reduce mold and mildew issues. Often it is heat treated to make for vibrant colors that last.
Construction of Outdoor Area Rugs
Aside from the materials used, the construction of an outdoor area rug is also important. A rug must be durable enough to handle the stresses associated with being outside. A beautiful rug isn’t so beautiful if it quickly becomes damaged or faded. Here are some things to look for in construction:
Braided- Braided outdoor rugs are constructed specifically with durability in mind. They come in every color, shape, size, and style imaginable. Most are even reversible. Sometimes they are the same on two sides, and sometimes different giving you two looks in one. Even the ones that are the same on both sides are a great value because if staining or surface damage appears, you can just flip it over instead of buying a new rug.
Synthetic edges- Many times area rugs are bond on the edges with synthetic materials to make them more durable for outdoor use. Synthetic materials include things such as plastics, nylon, and rayon. These materials are less susceptible to wear and discoloration insuring your outdoor area rug will last and last.
Outdoor Design
As mentioned previously, the design of your outdoor space should include the same considerations and aesthetic as the interior of your home. By blurring the line between outside and in, you can actually increase the overall size of your home. Often a good way to begin your outside design is to look at what you already have in your inside design. This is especially true for area rugs because if you purchase them in the right materials, they are good inside and out and will help keep a nice flow between the two areas.
The shape of your outdoor area rug is also important. You will use many of the same design ideas that you use for an interior space. For example, if the outdoor space is more square, consider using round outdoor area rugs to cover as much space as possible and soften hard corners. You should always consider using outdoor area rugs to help define the space as an cohesive living area. If the space is not easily defined by the existing floor, help define it with the rug you choose. If the space is very large, consider breaking it up into more than one area and define each area with its own rug. If the area is an awkward shape, a properly sized and shape outdoor area rug may be the perfect solution.
Outdoor areas are increasing becoming very important and popular parts of overall home design. They can offer a great place to relax and entertain and expand the size your home feels. When used often and properly, they can also keep unnecessary crowds (and therefore their mess!) out of your interior spaces. Look around to find the perfect outdoor area rug and bring the indoors out!
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Filed under Shopping product
December 4th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
There are manufacturers now that specialize in creating area rugs made from recycled materials. Choosing a rug made from recycled plastics means you are helping the planet while choosing a rug that is sure to stand the test of time outside. Don’t think of these plastic rugs as just utilitarian! They come in a wide array of colors and shapes to help polish off your look beautifully.