Outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever these days. From small city balconies to sprawling countryside patios, homeowners are discovering ways to extend their living areas outside. This means paying more attention to outdoor furnishings and decor beyond the typical patio set and a few potted plants.
One excellent way to pull together your outdoor ensemble? An area rug that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Measurements like 3×12 make for the ideal outdoor rug runner to anchor narrow spaces both functionally and aesthetically.
Understanding the 3×12 Outdoor Rug Runner
An outdoor rug runner 3-feet wide by 12-feet long gives you ample length to work with while still fitting nicely along pathways, tight hallways, and skinnier porches or patios. The runner-style shape allows it to easily define spaces in your landscape without overwhelming the eye.
It provides just enough coverage to delineate functional zones and inject some style. These outdoor runners protect the actual ground surface while making maintenance easier. Simply roll up and clean as needed between uses rather than scrubbing the entire patio!
Materials to Look For
The best 3×12 rugs for outdoor areas are crafted from synthetic fibers like polypropylene, nylon, and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). These stand up to sun, wind, and moisture much better than plant-based fibers like jute or sea grass. Here’s a quick run-down so you know what to look for:
- Polypropylene: Water/fade/mildew-resistant, affordable option suitable for medium to high traffic zones.
- Nylon: Extremely durable and easy to clean nylon fibers prevent matting and retaining dirt in heavily used spaces.
- PET Polyester (Ex: EnviroStrand): Made from recycled plastic bottles but feels lush. Easy maintenance.
Benefits of Outdoor Rug Runners
Outfitting your patio, balcony, or garden pathway with an outdoor-friendly 3×12 rug delivers multiple advantages beyond basic decoration. Consider the key benefits you’ll enjoy:
Durability
Outdoor rug runners are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a durable option for outdoor spaces. They are typically made with high-quality materials that are resistant to fading, rotting, and mildew. This ensures that the rug runner lasts for several years, even with frequent use.
Slip-Resistant
As outdoor rug runners are used in areas with high foot traffic, they should have a slip-resistant backing. This prevents the rug from sliding around and becoming a hazard. Look for rugs with a non-slip backing or Weldlok technology for added safety.
Easy to Clean
Outdoor rug runners should be easy to clean, as they are exposed to dirt, dust, and other debris. Choose rugs that are machine washable or can be easily wiped clean. This will save you time and effort in maintaining the rug’s cleanliness.
Suitable for Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor rug runners should be designed to withstand outdoor elements such as rain, wind, and sun. Look for rugs that are UV-resistant and made with weather-resistant materials.
Aesthetics
Outdoor rug runners come in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns. Choose a rug that complements the decor of your outdoor space. You may want to consider the surrounding landscape, furniture, and lighting when selecting a rug.
Ideal Spaces for 3×12 Outdoor Rug Runners
The conveniently slim 3-feet wide shape combined with 12-feet of length gives you lots of decorative latitude for awkward or troublesome zones in an outdoor living environment. Here are some prime locations perfect for roll out runner rugs:
Patios and Decks
Use 3-foot wide outdoor rugs to define sitting areas or dining spaces on standard rectangular patio and deck structures. The 12-foot length fits nicely if positioned correctly. Anchor furniture groupings for additional safety and comfort underfoot.
Pool Surrounds
Protect tile and concrete surfaces around in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and water features by rolling out 3×12 outdoor runners. The narrow shape hugs perimeter spaces to prevent slips and falls when surfaces get wet without restricting access to the water.
Garden Pathways
Line garden pathways with easy-care outdoor rug runners measuring 3×12 feet. Doing so defines the route visually while keeping feet mud-free and providing reliably dry footing. Simply roll back a section when tending plants or digging in flower beds before realigning.
Entry Areas
Welcome guests with smart style using outdoor runner rugs at entry doors, garage pedestrian doors, sliding door landings, and off rear utility room access points. A quick shake or hose-off keeps high traffic 3×12 rugs looking tidy between launderings.
Creative Ways to Use 3×12 Outdoor Rug Runners
The versatile dimensions of three-feet wide paired with twelve-feet long give you multiple options for putting these hardworking runners to use across your entire landscape. Get creative with rug positioning using tricks like:
Centered Placement
For balanced visual appeal, simply center a 3×12 runner lengthwise down the middle of a hallway, balcony, boardwalk, or skinny patio. Flank both sides with coordinated pots or sculptures for enhanced symmetry.
Offset Placement
Break up the linear look by shifting your outdoor runner rug slightly off-center along a balcony, porch, or deck area. Try angling one end to shape the flow or leaving breathing room along one edge to layer a console table against the boarder.
Defining Spaces
Use DIY-length slim rectangular rugs to differentiate functional zones like dining spaces, grill stations, conversation areas with seats, and tranquil hideouts with a swinging bench. Let the 3×12 outdoor runner set boundaries.
Anchoring Furniture
Set sofas, benches, bistro sets, and sectionals atop properly measured outdoor runner rugs to create cohesive furniture groupings that feel purposefully placed. Bonus points for repeating rug colors/patterns elsewhere.
Best 3×12 Outdoor Rug Runners
Not all outdoor runners offer equal performance and aesthetics. If you’re shopping for excellent quality in a 3×12 size, look no further than these top patio rug brands:
Liora Manne Hampton Outdoor Rug
The laidback Hampton Collection features handmade rugs constructed from weather-resistant materials like UV stabilized polypropylene. Neutral hues and globally inspired geometric patterns suit a variety of settings. Burnt Orange or Elephant Gray work especially well in 3×12 measurement.
Safavieh Lyndhurst Outdoor Rug
Power loomed of durable polypropylene fibers, patterns in the Lyndhurst group by Safavieh capture global boho chic style. The slim proportions of popular designs like Keshan or Serapi Navy/Ivory translate seamlessly to 3-feet wide, 12-feet long runners.
Unique Loom Outdoor Runner
Known for outstanding quality and impressive range, Unique Loom uses cutting edge tech to manufacture their outdoor runner rugs . Choose from varied constructions including weatherproof polypropylene and stain-masking polyester across 300+ options targeting 3×12′ measurements.
The right outdoor rug runner pulls everything together, providing aesthetic appeal and practical ground protection. Few dimensions check as many boxes as the conveniently narrow 3×12 measurement.
Synthetic outdoor runner rugs improve high traffic zones exposed to sun, wind, dirt, and rain. They instantly elevate the look of patio furniture groupings, garden pathways, pool surrounds, entry landings, and tight outdoor hallways.
Follow expert placement tips to delineate spaces with style and function. Then sit back knowing you planned ahead to keep the area looking its best despite heavy use!
