The Outdoor Fall Decorating Trend That's As Cozy As It Is Practical

The fall season is a perfect time to capture those last days of outdoor living, be it al fresco autumn dinners or the camaraderie of an exterior fire pit. A great way to add extra coziness when spending time outdoors is lots of textiles like thick blankets, fluffy cushions, or sumptuous rugs that add both warmth and texture to outdoor spaces, like patios and porches. While some people love the solid classic of a simple functional welcome mat to keep people and pets from tracking in dirt, there is a clever way to maximize style in your outdoor spaces using rugs. Layer two or multiple rugs on top of each other for a rich layered look that brings pattern, materials, and color together beautifully. 

This is a great idea whether your outdoor area is a larger space or even the smallest apartment balcony. Important factors to make layering your area rugs work include layering based on durability for outdoor use. By layering them perfectly, not only do you have a softer warmer surface to walk and sit on, but a rich elevated look that adds tons of style to your outdoor space.

A great idea for layering is to start with a larger rug and add smaller rugs on top of it. For an entryway, use a slightly larger rug in a rich pattern and fall color, then add your basic doormat that keeps out tracked mud on top of it. This is a perfect chance to use a fun message or novelty doormat to add flair to your home, but still have a pattern underneath that sets the tone of your outdoor décor in a flatter weave. The mat will keep the rug underneath from bearing the brunt of dirt and traffic, making it last much longer. 

In an outdoor seating area on a deck or balcony, use several larger rugs in different patterns, colors, and materials to create a larger rug by layering them over each other for a fun bohemian look. You can also layer natural woven materials with patterned and oriental rugs. Use pieces in various sizes and shapes, like runners and oval rugs, to add more visual dimension and interest.

If you are adding an outdoor rug to your patio for layering, you will want to make sure it's washable and durable enough to withstand the elements. Home retailers offer outdoor rugs in numerous materials, everything from classic AstroTurf rugs to ones that are indistinguishable in weave and pattern, like the Evergrace Faux Wool Outdoor Rug from Amazon for $40 and the Danica Outdoor Rug Target for $75. Many outdoor friendly rugs are made from altered and manmade fibers like UV resistant yarn and a material called olefin, which is moisture wicking, resists fading, and stain resistant.

Natural material rugs, like sisal and jute, can be lovely outside, but may wear down faster since the fibers, when left moist, can harbor mold and mildew. If you want to use a natural fiber rug outdoors, it's best to use it in a covered area where it won't get rained on or hang it to dry regularly during wet weather. You can also buy more synthetic woven rugs that have the appearance of jute or sisal but are washable and more weatherproof like, this like the Beverly Outdoor Rug from Amazon for $69.85.