Is your patio or backyard missing that extra pop of personality? Do you want to create a cozy, inviting area for lounging and entertaining? Adding an outdoor rug is an easy way to define and elevate your outdoor living space. But don’t settle for just any outdoor rug – go for a statement piece like a classic red and white striped rug. The vibrant colors and timeless striped motif will instantly liven up your space.
Outdoor rugs not only look great, they serve practical purposes too. They provide cushioning underfoot, protect your deck or pavers from wear and tear, and help delineate sitting and conversation areas. When shopping for the perfect outdoor rug, pay attention to the material. All-weather polypropylene is durable, stain resistant, and designed to handle the elements. A sophisticated red and white striped pattern works in any style space, from traditional to contemporary. Read on to learn all the benefits of using an outdoor rug and how a striped design can enhance your patio, porch or backyard.
Benefits of an Outdoor Rug
Adds Warmth and Texture
Bare concrete, brick, or wood surfaces can feel cold and hard. An outdoor rug instantly makes any space more inviting. The plush fibers feel soft underfoot, allowing you to comfortably lounge without shoes. A rug brings visual warmth too, with colors and textures that feel cozy and lived-in.
The cushy surface is especially nice for play areas. Kids can comfortably play games or do crafts on a rug. Use a rug to create a soft zone for little ones.
Protects Surfaces
The padding of an outdoor rug provides a buffer between high-traffic areas and your permanent surfaces. This helps reduce wear from foot traffic, dragging furniture, and digging pets. Thick rugs are ideal for protecting stone or brick patios and pathways. Placing rugs at entryways also catches dirt and debris that could scratch floors.
Rugs on decks help minimize the splintering and weathering effects of sun and rain. You’ll reduce the need for costly repairs and refinishing of outdoor floors and hardscapes.
Defines the Space
A rug is an easy way to designate specific functional areas within your larger outdoor living space. Use an outdoor rug to create a cozy seating area around the fire pit or a dining space near the grilling station.
Try placing runner rugs along high-traffic garden paths. Or anchor the furniture arrangement on a patio with a large rectangular rug. Rugs instantly make any empty space feel like a defined, intentional room.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Rug Material
To withstand the elements outdoors, you’ll need a rug made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Not all fibers can handle sun, rain, dirt, and heavy foot traffic. Consider where you’ll use the rug to determine the best material.
Polypropylene Fiber
For a rug you’ll use in a high-traffic area that’s exposed to the elements, polypropylene is your best bet. This synthetic material is fade, mold, and mildew resistant. Made from plastic fibers, polypropylene easily repels water and dirt without absorbing moisture.
Rugs made of polypropylene are easy to clean by simply spraying them down with a hose or spot treating stains. The fibers won’t retain odors or attract mildew in damp weather. Hot sunlight won’t cause fading of the colors and pattern. Polypropylene is also quite durable under heavy foot traffic.
Comparison to Other Materials
While natural fibers like jute, cotton, and wool have an organic look, they aren’t as weatherproof. Cotton and jute absorb moisture, making them prone to growing mold. They also fade faster outside. Wool is durable but more expensive. All natural fibers will shed and pill more over time.
Synthetic polyester is water resistant but doesn’t dry as quickly as polypropylene when wet. Nylon dries fast but is not quite as durable long term. For the ideal balance of affordability, durability, and easy care, polypropylene reigns supreme for outdoor rugs.
The Appeal of a Striped Design
Now that you know the ideal rug material for the outdoors, it’s time to consider style. A red and white striped outdoor rug is a versatile and timeless choice. Here are some reasons this pattern is so popular.
Timeless Pattern
Stripes will never go out of style. The repeating pattern has been used in fashion, decor, and textiles for centuries. A striped rug works well in traditional living spaces but also pairs nicely with modern decor. Nautical-inspired blue and white stripes are another classic choice.
Since stripes don’t align with a particular era or design style, a striped rug can move with you through homes and never appear dated. They work season after season.
Visually Striking
The bold contrast of alternating stripes makes a strong visual statement. The red and white color combo delivers an extra punch of vibrancy. When you want your rug to be the eye-catching focal point rather than a subtle backdrop, vibrant stripes fit the bill.
Use a striped rug to create an energetic vibe in high-use areas where people congregate, like patios, kitchens, and recreation rooms. The lively pattern energizes the space.
Hides Dirt and Wear
At first glance, you might not consider stripes an ideal camouflage pattern. But the alternating colors and lines cleverly help conceal stains, footprints, and other dirt. The rug stays looking freshly vacuumed for longer.
Similarly, the striped pattern hides everyday wear well. Subtle fading and flattening of the pile becomes less noticeable. A striped outdoor rug will maintain its clean, crisp looking longer than a solid-colored rug.
Tips for Choosing Your Striped Rug
Ready to shop for your red and white striped outdoor rug? Keep these tips in mind to find the perfect fit for your space:
Size
First, measure the area where you plan to use the rug. Leave ample border space of 12-18 inches around the edges of the furniture or room perimeter. This prevents the rug from looking too small or feeling crammed.
Also account for main traffic patterns. Size the rug so people don’t have to walk off it constantly, which accelerates wear. But don’t oversize the rug either – it can look out of scale.
Color Combos
The classic red and white stripe delivers high-contrast punch. For a more subtle or patriotic look, try navy and white. Black and white stripes work in any home decor style too. Brown stripes add an earthy vibe. Choose hues that coordinate with your exterior color scheme.
Weave and Pile Height
Outdoor rugs come in various constructions. A flat or low-pile weave works best for heavily trafficked areas. Their tight construction prevents dirt from filtering down into the fibers. Sweeping and hosing them off is simple. Shaggy or high-pile rugs feel plush but show dirt and footprints more.
Shape
While rectangular and square area rugs reign supreme, don’t overlook runner shapes. They’re perfect for elongating pathways and drawing the eye. Round and oval shapes help soften corners and define sitting areas. For high-traffic routes, rectangular and runner shapes hold up best long term.
Turn your basic patio or deck into an inviting outdoor oasis by adding an on-trend striped rug. The vibrant motif and plush pile underfoot will make you excited to spend time outside. Friends and family will gravitate toward the cozy lounge area you create. Washable polypropylene fiber ensures the rug stands up well in damp or dusty environments.
A red and white striped rug adds warmth, texture and personality effortlessly. The classic pattern and color combo complements any style home. breathable polypropylene material means your rug will provide seasons of beauty and enjoyment. Give your outdoor space the makeover it deserves with the addition of a lively and durable striped rug this season.
