With land prices continuing to skyrocket (and many of us spending much more time at home), most Aussies are making use of every square inch of their homes. And this includes the outdoors where the ‘outdoor room’ continues to trend. An extension of the indoors, the outdoor room is a valuable living space that is increasingly being styled as if it is inside – think sofa, coffee table, potted plants and a fabulous outdoor rug.
An outdoor rug serves the same function as an indoor one – not only does it help anchor a room, but it also helps define a space, muffle sounds and adds a healthy dose of texture and colour. Ultimately, it can pull your outdoor seating area together into a unified and inviting space that provides a focal point in the backyard.
Make sure your outdoor rug complements your existing outdoor furniture and décor. Be sure to measure the space and make sure that your rug is big enough for the front legs of your outdoor setting or sofa to sit on it. Allow around 15 centimetres overhang either side for a more generous look.
Typically, outdoor rugs are made from polypropylene or polyethylene PET plastic. Stain-resistant, easy to clean and generally resistant to fading from sunlight, these strong and durable materials can handle moisture and heavy foot traffic too.
Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand rough weather conditions, which makes them an equally excellent choice for homes with children and pets. And there’s no reason why an outdoor rug can’t be used inside – in fact, it’s often a smart move. Moisture-resistant, an outdoor rug is an ideal choice for wet areas such as the laundry or bathroom where mould and mildew can be a problem.
Styling aside, an outdoor rug performs many practical tasks in an alfresco area. If your outdoor area is often bathed in sunlight, an outdoor rug is much cooler underfoot than walking on a hot deck or patio tiles. An outdoor rug can also prevent any cutlery or other items from falling through any gaps in the deck.
Visit Early Settler in-store or online to browse the indoor and outdoor rug collections. And check out these top 5 fragrant plants for a perfumed garden.