13 Creative Ideas for Outdoor Rugs That Won't Break the Bank
Despite the fact that they’re incredibly useful for a number of reasons, outdoor rugs don’t always have to be based on sheer utility alone. So, if you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration for your next personal project, then why not spend a few minutes flicking through a few of these ideas to see what’s actually possible on a very modest budget. After all, outdoor rugs don’t just have to be something you wipe your shoes on!
1. Overlay an Abstract Pattern on Your Outdoor Patio Rugs
If you’re looking to create your own designs on factory-standard outdoor rugs, then all you need is a piece of cardboard, a standard kitchen bowl, chalk, and white paint. That’s according to Tennessee-based Hometalker Gina who has put together this incredibly simple guide on how to create your own trendy outdoor rug for a fraction of the retail cost. Get tutorial here
2. Create a Beautiful Border to Add Simple Elegance to Your Outdoor Rugs
Some of the most beautiful outdoor rugs we’ve come across are also among the simplest in terms of design. This fantastic effort that DIY specialist Teresa accomplished shows that a well-planned border is all that’s needed to bring your front porch to life. By carefully lining out sections with newspaper covers and duct tape, you can ensure that no stray drops of paint are going to accidentally ruin the final effect. Get tutorial here
3. Consider Using AstroTurf to Create an Inventive Textured Rug
Having been shocked by the price of large outdoor rugs that would fit nicely underneath the furniture under her garden gazebo, Hometalker Melisa Gingrich hatched an ingenious plan. She went down to her local home store and picked up a huge 12-foot roll of AstroTurf at an absolute bargain price. A few nice touches of handmade stenciling later, and Melisa now has a perfect outdoor rug to sit beneath her table and chairs. Get tutorial here
5. Make a Dropcloth Masterpiece for Outdoor Area Rugs
Rugby stripes are a timeless design that ooze sophistication, especially in the summertime. Unfortunately, such timeless designs often come with a hefty price tag in most retail outlets, which is exactly why Doreen C decided to take matters into her own hands to create this fabulous rugby stripe design, using a simple drop cloth and a tin of navy blue paint. The finished article is fantastic, an excellent addition and contrast to her clean-white wood porch, and an absolute bargain too! Get tutorial here
6. Create Your Own Monogram Doorstep Rug
Rugby stripes are a timeless design that ooze sophistication, especially in the summertime. Unfortunately, such timeless designs often come with a hefty price tag in most retail outlets, which is exactly why Doreen C decided to take matters into her own hands to create this fabulous rugby stripe design, using a simple drop cloth and a tin of navy blue paint. The finished article is fantastic, an excellent addition and contrast to her clean-white wood porch, and an absolute bargain too! Get tutorial here
7. Try the Ice Dye Technique to Make Psychedelic Outdoor Rugs!
Like many of the techniques used to bring outdoor rugs to life, the ice dry trick is something that's relatively easy once you know the steps involved. In fact, it's not too dissimilar from the much more common tie-dye print technique, so don't be put off by the complexity of the pattern. The ice and the dye do most of the work, as textile addict Amanda C freely admits! Her approach to making your own ice dye outdoor rug/picnic blanket in this article is the perfect walkthrough if you're thinking about recreating this sort of pattern for yourself. Get tutorial here
8. Recreate the Persian Effect
If you're keen to achieve a Persian-style effect with your choice of outdoor rug design without spending thousands on the real thing, then you might want to get practicing with your stencil ability and follow this Hometalk project carefully. As we often say, it actually turns out to be quite easy once you've followed a few expert tips. Also remember that outdoor rugs always look good when they're laid on top of a simple single-tone floor, in this case, concrete. The transformation speaks for itself, we're sure you'll agree! Get tutorial here
9. Go For Bold Geometric Lines to Create Cheap Outdoor Patio Rugs that Pack a Punch!
Having searched low and high for high-quality outdoor rugs that could really be used as a statement piece in her back yard, the pair behind the Hometalk page Creatively Living, decided that they could do a much better job themselves. After buying a cheap 6 ft x 8 ft outdoor rug from Amazon, they immediately got to work on painting a bold geometric pattern that would catch the eye of any visitor or guests that they were entertaining during summer. With the addition of a set of bright turquoise garden chairs, we'd say they did an excellent job! Get tutorial here
10. Have Fun with Spray Paint to Jazz Up Your Doorstep
If you're dealing with a faded and well-worn outdoor rug that's in desperate need of some TLC, then don't just jump straight to the idea of tossing it in the trash. In fact, before you even consider buying in a replacement, it's always worth seeing what you can do to rejuvenate the design. Spray paint is a good experimental option, so says Hometalker Maarit Aho, and also tons of fun. Vibrant coloring might just save that tattered old rug or cloth into being repurposed as a makeshift tablecloth, as in this example. Get tutorial here
11. Touch Up Faded Designs to Repurpose Outdoor Area Rugs
Given the fact that outdoor rugs are usually exposed to the elements all year round, it's no surprise that colors and patterns can fade over the course of weeks, months and in some cases, decades. This was the precise challenge facing Hometalker Anna Ibarra, who decided that her beloved outdoor rug wasn't ready for the trash just yet. By carefully selecting the right type of outdoor craft paint and using a semi-flat dry brush, Anna was able to rejuvenate the faded pattern with a splash of daring red. And it worked wonderfully! Get tutorial here
12. Recreate a Classic Moroccan-Style Rug
When it came to adding a dash of flair to her front porch, Hometalker Ashley ditched the fancy shopping malls in favor of a quick trip to Home Depot. Once there, she picked up a basic outdoor rug for $15 and a tin of white paint for $8. With a little help from her husband, Ashley then began to tape off-lined patterns so that every brushstroke was aligned and not out of place. It wasn't long before she ended up with the creative Moroccan-inspired design. This is one that you can have fun with on any shaped piece - as well as round outdoor rugs and mats! Get tutorial here
13. Design Your Own Bespoke Motif for Effective Bamboo-Effect Plastic Outdoor Rugs
Here at Hometalk, we always appreciate somebody who has gone to the effort of adding a touch of style to their outdoor areas, not just their indoor living areas. This project from San Antonio-based Angela is a perfect example of doing it right. Having bought an inexpensive bamboo-style outdoor mat, Angela decided to create her own motif in the shape of a bee and laurel that would sit in the center of her patio area. The image sits perfectly between two idyllic rocking chairs, the perfect setting to watch the world pass by. Get tutorial here
