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18 of the best outdoor rugs for summer
Add underfoot comfort and zone al fresco entertaining with these stylish and weather-resistant options
Outdoor spaces – whether balcony, roof terrace or garden – now get the same attention that the rooms in our homes have always enjoyed. So to go with your elegant sofa, sun lounger and parasol, why not tie things together with a rug specifically designed for al fresco living? Increasingly these are made from recycled plastic which neatly serves two purposes: reducing pollution and providing a sturdy material that feels as soft underfoot as wool or cotton. Whether your space is cool and contemporary or more relaxed and undone, here’s our round up of the best rugs to keep things grounded.
‘Tetide’ outdoor rug, Ethimo
One half of a collection by Studiopepe for the Italian outdoor furniture brand, this rug is notable for its geometric pattern that is raised up with a three-dimensional yarn effect. £1,092, tattahome.com
‘Pantalica’ outdoor rug, Molteni & C
Basketweave is having a moment in the interiors world, with its influence also extending into the garden with this design by Elisa Ossino. Named after the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Sicily, the design is loosely woven from hardwearing polypropylene. £4,458, chaplins.co.uk
‘Norte’ outdoor rug, Ferm Living
Flatweave rugs may be highly practical, but texture is making an appearance in outdoor designs too. This abstract rug is crafted from recycled PET yarn from post-consumer plastic bottles, so its ethical as well as pleasing underfoot. £809, fermliving.co.uk
‘Lines’ outdoor rug, Kettal
British design duo Doshi Levien have an elevated way of combining colour, which they bring to this striped piece that comes in six palettes, all inspired by natural settings. ‘Atacama Desert’ (pictured) will bring that Chilean heat to your outdoor space. Price on application, kettal.com
‘Berber Steel’ outdoor rug, Andrew Martin
The traditional patterns of Berber-style rugs will be recognisable to anyone with a love of interior design – they can be found in the most fashionable homes. This design, made from recycled plastic, brings the style outdoors (although the brand recommends storing it inside when not in use to preserve its quality). From £63.75, andrewmartin.co.uk
‘Teo’ outdoor rug, Indian Ocean
You don’t have to live by the coast to give your garden a little nautical style. This striped rug by Indian Ocean has effortlessly classic seaside charm and is produced on traditional looms using a mixture of PVC made from tall oil and polyester yarns that’s made to withstand many a British shower. From £685, indian-ocean.co.uk
‘Korsning’ outdoor rug, Ikea
This affordable flatweave design is the ideal pick-me-up for a terrace, lending the smallest outdoor space a verdant splash of colour for summer. Design by Luna Gil, it’s made from synthetic fibres that offer water- and stain resistance. £19, ikea.com
‘Saliya’ outdoor rug, Designers Guild
Designers Guild can always be relied on to provide bold pattern and colour. The oversized gingham pattern of this rug, woven from polyester made using recycled plastic bottles, would be striking on its own, but the lime green edging makes it something special. From £88, designersguild.com
‘Sphérique’ outdoor rug, Leliévre Paris
Looking to create a peaceful atmosphere in your outdoor space? This rug is inspired by raked, undulating gravel of Japanese gardens and is the perfect counterpoint to vibrant greenery and planting, plus its nylon fibres will be able to deal with showers and dirt. £14,172, lelievreparis.com
‘Unikko’ outdoor rug, The Rug Seller
The floral ‘Unikko’ print by Marimekko is almost instantly recognisable, and this year celebrate its 60th anniversary. Show your love for the joyful print, created by Maija Isola in 1964, by adding it to the flora and fauna in your garden. Not just green in colour, it’s also made from 100% PET yarn. From £295, therugseller.co.uk
‘Nisida’ outdoor rug, Giorgetti
Stripes are a classic poolside look, but look closely and there’s more to this outdoor rug – it’s made from loads of individual polypropylene cord braids. Level on one side, but with an uneven, frayed edge on the other, it comes in three rectangular sizes, as well as an oval shape. From £4,766, giorgettimeda.com
‘Diamond Kilim’ outdoor rug, GAN
This jewel-like beauty is also made from recycled plastic. Designed by Charlotte Lancelot for GAN, it takes its octagonal shape from the faceted sides of a diamond. The soft, summery colours make a striking contrast with the graphic geometry of the design. £799, heals.com
‘Maquis’ outdoor rug, La Manufacture Cogolin
La Manufacture Cogolin has been making rugs in the authentic French tradition from its Saint-Tropez atelier for nearly a century, but this is its first foray into outdoor rugs. Some of the firm’s best-selling flatweave patterns have been woven with sailing cords – a sturdy material that has a surprisingly soft texture. Price on application, manufacturecogolin.com
‘Shade’ outdoor rug, Nanimarquina
The subtle ombre-like pattern of this rug by Begüm Cana Özgür for Nanimarquina is so striking that you might be tempted to bring it indoors when the summer season is over. And why not? Drawing its colour palette from nature, each handmade, flat-woven rug features two gradients – one vertical and one horizontal – that converge beautifully to evoke a feeling of calm. £1,625, twentytwentyone.com
‘Terra 01’ outdoor rug, Nordic Knots
This rug’s checkerboard design will suit a variety of outdoor spaces, from urban to rural retreat. It is designed in Stockholm and handmade in Bhadohi, India from recycled plastic bottles. Produced in small batches, the rugs are all GoodWeave™ certified – a programme working to end child labour and offer educational opportunities to children in carpet weaving communities globally. From £395, nordicknots.com
‘Canaan’ outdoor rug, Jonathan Adler
We’re getting serious Greek island vibes from Jonathan Adler’s coolly graphic blue and white rug. The Op Art design gives the classic stripe a playful twist and if you spill your margarita on it, all you have to do is hose it clean. £995, jonathanadler.com
‘Faro’ outdoor rug, Weaver Green
Antique Swedish rugs inspired the simple geometric pattern of this rug, which is hand-loomed using refined yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. This very modern material is combined with traditional kilim weaving techniques to create something that has a timeless appeal. Tough, but with a luxurious feel and fluid drape, it would work equally well as a wall hanging or thrown over a sofa. From £235, weavergreen.com
‘Gray Malin Outdoor Beach Club‘ outdoor rug, Ruggable
This collaboration with the fine art photographer translates some of his most iconic pictures into playfully abstract designs. This design was inspired by Malin’s aerial photography of his favourite beach club on Capri, La Fontelina, with striped umbrellas in nautical blue and white. Perfect for bringing a breezy coastal flavour to your balcony or back yard. £299, ruggable.co.uk
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