The Scandi-style outdoor rugs my garden needs
If you’re looking to add an outdoor rug to your balcony, terrace or garden this summer, then our Simply Noted editor Nicola Capper is here to help
Nothing brings that inside outside feeling to a Scandi space more than a perfectly placed rug. And, with the colour, shape and indeed the size you choose all having a big impact on the final look, making sure you get the right one will not only provide a striking backdrop to your garden furniture, but quickly and easily transform your outdoor space into an inviting oasis.
But picking an outdoor rug you love is no easy task, so l'm sharing my top tips…
1 Start with size and shape
Available in every shape and size imaginable, no matter where your outdoor rug will be positioned it’s always a good idea to buy the largest you can afford; this will not only frame the space but bring everything together and create a stylish and unified look.
If being placed in a seating area the rug you choose should never be smaller than the length and width of the bench or sofa that sits on it, while if being placed under a dining table you need to allow plenty of room for pulling-out the chairs too.
Try to mirror the shape of your furniture, for example a circular dining table works best on a round or square rug, while a rectangular or oval table on an oblong.
 Bita Sweden Anna rug, £353, Nordic Nest |
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2 Know your materials
What a rug is made from and how it feels to the touch are important considerations when making your outside space feel cosy and cohesive. Unlike those found indoors, garden textiles need to be made from materials that will hold up against the British weather as well as resist stains and fading from the sun, so be sure to choose a rug that is UV-resistant, heatproof and waterproof.
While natural fibres like jute, sisal or seagrass offer the most Scandi appeal they do need to be placed in more sheltered environments as a result. Rugs made from recycled PET yarn, which is derived from plastic bottles, offer a fantastic alternative, but it’s polypropylene that is commonly thought of as the most durable material of all.
3 Think colour and contrast
Just like with a room, using colour and contrast outside is one of the best ways to add character to any space; with the right rug bringing warmth to a new build, or a modern edge to a period property. So, be sure to apply the same design principles, for example choosing a stripe will make a narrow space look wider, the right texture will hide high traffic, and by contrasting the colours found in your planting you will create drama and visual tension.
But, as all Scandi design lovers know, Mother Nature knows best so take her advice and always opt for a neutral tone or subtle decoration to create that picture perfect paired back look we love.
 Chinchilla Juno rug, from £85, Weaver Green |
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4 Styling and positioning
Once you’ve brought your purchase home you will then need to position and style your rug correctly to complete that put-together look. Ideally your rug should protrude in equal proportions around your furniture for a neat and symmetrical look, but if space is limited having just the front legs of a sofa, bench or lounge chair placed on it will allow the rug to connect the multiple pieces of furniture together.
Meanwhile, if you have quite a large space, and more than one seating and dining area in your garden or terrace, combining different rugs together, layering shapes, colours and patterns will transform the conventional into something distinctly bespoke.
 Skala rug, £695, OKA |
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5 Look after your outdoor rug
It is rarely advised to leave any garden furniture outside for a long period of time, but handily, a lightweight outdoor rug can quickly be shook clean, rolled up and stored away. While a water-resistant rug can be left outside all summer long, it’s recommended that you only do so for one or two dry evenings at a time, however, if it does get wet simply hang it over the washing line to dry.
When it comes to cleaning off stains meanwhile always start by absorbing as much of the spillage as possible with a paper towel first. Gently wipe your rug with a white cloth and colourless detergent, rinse it off with lukewarm water, before again patting it dry with a paper towel.
Finally, and probably most importantly, remember to turn your rug regularly to avoid fading as over-exposure to sunlight will really affect how it will look long-term.