What are the main functional benefits of outdoor rugs?
A: Open spaces, whether internal or exterior, need to be zoned for function and visual appeal. There are many ways to demarcate a space, whether it be a change of materials, an anchor element or a change in shape or form. Rugs are one of the simplest ways to retrofit an anchoring element to a space, with outdoor rugs featuring forms, materials, colours and patterns more like interior rugs than ever seen before.

Considering exposure to weather, what sort of rugs are best suited to an outdoor space?
A: There’s a difference between all-weather outdoor and alfresco outdoor rugs, with the materials they’re made from having properties of higher or lesser resilience. For an all-weather, all environments solution, look for polypropylene or better yet, recycled polypropylene fibres, like the Reduce Diamond or Darren Palmer Bedrock collections. The materials used in these rugs are UV-stabilised, stain-resistant, moistureresistant, and can withstand water damage or mildew. They are also low maintenance, making them perfect for exposed or high-traffic outdoor areas.

Are there certain types of outdoor rugs that perform better in specific seasons or climates?
A: Cooler climates might be more prone to having something soft underfoot, like the large loops of the Darren Palmer Bedrock rug. Rugs with a blend of cotton and polypropylene, such as the Refold Aztec and Refold Natural, can be soft underfoot, and therefore perfect for undercover alfresco areas with harder and cooler substrates such as tiles, stone or concrete. In warmer climates and areas you only need to limit your decision to your taste and desires with any low pile outdoor rug working equally as well.

Are there design principles to consider when placing outdoor rugs to enhance visual harmony?
A: For a simple and neutral base consider using rugs like Piazza or Reduce Stone, which come in neutral colours that blend well with neutral colour palettes. For more interest you could look at patterns and colours that complement existing decor, whether through geometric patterns such as the Terrazzo Retro Rug or faded boho palettes such as that of the Refold Vintage Rug.

How can outdoor rugs be used to complement the surrounding vegetation and landscape elements in a garden?
A: Neutral tones like those in my Darren Palmer Bedrock collection blend beautifully with the greenery and landscape elements of a garden. Rugs with the forms and colours of nature, such as Carpet Court’s Terrazzo Palm, Bamboo or Amazon, can enhance the natural beauty of outdoor spaces while adding structure and texture.

Can you recommend specific outdoor rugs that would work in a small outdoor area?
A: For small outdoor spaces, think about scale. The same rules apply, if you have furniture in the space make sure at least the front feet fit on the rug. The smaller sizes of 230 x 160 might be snug for a small space but the front feet of a 3 seater sofa should sit comfortably on the edge. The Terrace runner is a good option for smaller space. 

Can you recommend specific outdoor rugs that will complement a large garden?
A: For larger spaces, layering rugs or opting for an oversized design can help anchor furniture and create distinct zones. You can also cover a large amount of area with any of the rugs available in the larger sizes such as Carpet Court’s Terrace range, available in sizes up to 4x3m.

Bamboo Aztec Rug in Dark Aztec, Image Credit Darren Palmer