Outdoor Rugs; Take the Indoor Life Out
Spring is well on it's way bringing sunshine, fresh air and the urge to migrate outdoors. We have spent the winter months swathed in woolens, curled up by fires and sipping warm imbibes. The time to open our homes to the great outdoors is upon us! Come out and enjoy the warmth of spring (and soon of summer) whether it be on your modest patch of lawn, back deck or screened in porch. Bring with you the comforts of indoor life to the outdoors with the help of a few good patio pieces. Especially for those with screened in and all season porches there is no end to the amount of decorating choices available to you.
When you decide to furnish your outdoor living spaces start from the floor up. A good Rug will tie the room together setting the scene and complimenting the furniture. When choosing an Outdoor Area Rug, Outdoor Mat or Runner consider these questions to help you narrow your options and make cohesive decisions.
*Where do i want to use my new Outdoor Rug?
*What purpose will my new outdoor space serve and what style do i want to evoke?
*What size area do i want to cover and how much will the rug(s) cost me?
*What are the differences between indoor, semi outdoor and fully outdoor rugs?
*Are there environmentally friendly options and what material are most Outdoor Rugs made from?
If you have the luxury of an all season or enclosed porch, you can enjoy the outdoors with some protection against the elements. During warmer seasons this room becomes a central place for entertaining guests and can even function as an outdoor office. In the city a modest plot of lawn or balcony is more likely and setting up a cozy area for relaxing in the sun is easily done by simply laying a small rug of choice and providing a few chairs and a table.
The purpose/placement your space will serve is a key element to choosing the right type of Area Rug. Should you need one for your lawn you will naturally want to choose one that is waterproof, washable and fairly easy to transport in the event you may want to have a picnic elsewhere. If you have an uncovered patio/deck you may want to follow similar guide lines as for lawns, though these are less likely to be transported so heavier weight and larger size rugs are recommended. If you have coverage, you have more freedom with which to choose an Indoor/Outdoor Rug and many of these are double-sided adding twice the life span of regular rugs.
As far as styles go, Outdoor Area and Living Space Rugs are available in a vast array of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns that meet the needs of most. If you like Country Rustic, Mediterranean, Oriental, Wild Animal and Safari print, Classical Florals, Bold Solid Colors or Modern Geometric you will have no trouble finding the right rug for you. An excellent source for Outdoor Rugs of nearly every kind is http://www.outdoorrugsonly.com/. This company has paid special attention to customer service and even offers video footage of hand hooked rugs being made!
Take care to measure your surface area to help determine what size rug you will need. If you go for an Oriental or Mediterranean look you can stagger multiple rugs to fill space and add the allure of exotic relaxation, even adding throw pillows and low tables. For more traditional set ups of large areas you may find one very big rug is enough, however most porches are long and narrow and lining up a row of rugs may do the trick. Prices for Outdoor Rugs vary depending on size, where they are made, how intricate the design is and what material is used. It is safe to assume that a small rug can start at $40 and go above $1,000 for a 12x15 rug. Median prices tend to be more like a few hundred dollars.
The difference between a rug designed strictly for indoors and ones that may be used outdoors has largely to do with materials used to make the rug. Indoor rugs such as Oriental and Persian are traditionally made from woven wool, cotton or more recently (and more cost effectively) from synthetic fibers. Indoors where it is presumably dry, these rugs will hold up for several decades if taken care of. Indoor/Outdoor Rugs on the other hand are made primarily from synthetic fibers or bamboo with rubber or plastic underlay to guard against moisture and are often stain repellent and easy to clean. Strictly Outdoor Area Rugs also referred to as Outdoor Mats are made entirely of polyester fibers woven together and tend to be flatter and less "cushy" than other rugs. These are ideal for picnics and barbecues when spills are more likely to occur as the rugs can be hosed down and dried in the sun.
Environmentally friendly (or eco-friendly) rugs are generally made from one of two materials. Bamboo is a common choice due to it's natural feel and look and that it's a renewable resource is very appealing. The colors and styles are simpler and the rugs are more mat like. If you prefer vivid patterns with more color choices you may find that Outdoor Rugs made from recycled plastic are your cup of tea. These rugs are also somewhat more affordable than their counterparts and look great as an accent for eclectic rooms full of interesting furniture.
All and all, no matter your taste or budget, you have an enormous list of options at your disposal. With a little common sense, and a desire to integrate your outdoor space with a touch of indoor comfort, you can create a new addition to your home without the hassle or cost of building. Outdoor Area Rugs, as with Indoor Rugs are an investment so take your time when choosing them. They can make quite a statement so be sure the style and purpose of your new rug are well suited to your over all design plans.
Most of all have fun! Spending your time outside can bring warmth to your days and family and friends together creating a whole new batch of wonderful memories for years to come.