Outdoor Rugs vs. Indoor Rugs: What’s the Big Difference?

Rugs are like big blankets for the floor. They help make places look nice, feel soft, and stay clean. Some rugs are made for inside the house. Some are made for outside on places like porches and patios. But they are not the same.

So let’s talk about how they are different, where to use them, and what they’re made of. If you want to get a rug but don’t know which kind, this can help you choose.

What Are Indoor Rugs?

Indoor rugs live inside your home. They are soft, warm, and nice to walk on with bare feet. People use them in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.

What They’re Made From

Indoor rugs are usually made from things like:

• Wool – This comes from sheep. It feels soft and keeps your feet warm. Wool rugs can last for a long time.
• Cotton – Cotton rugs are light and easy to move. They are good for small rooms.
• Silk or Viscose – These feel smooth and shiny. People use them in fancy rooms.

Sometimes people like wool rugs the most because they feel good and stay strong, even with lots of walking on them.

Where to Use Indoor Rugs

You can put indoor rugs:

• In the living room under the chairs
• Beside your bed so your feet touch something soft
• In the hallway to keep the floor clean
• In a kid’s room for playtime

If you want a rug in a square or rectangle shape, Portobello rugs are a good place to look.

What Are Outdoor Rugs?

Outdoor rugs live outside. They are strong and made to stay okay in the sun, wind, and rain.

What They’re Made From

Outdoor rugs are made from fake materials that don’t get ruined outside. These include:

• Polypropylene – This is a plastic-like material. It doesn’t get soggy in the rain.
• Polyester – This keeps its shape. It can handle a lot of walking.
• PET – This is made from recycled bottles. It is good for the Earth and strong for the floor.

Outdoor rugs don’t soak up water like sponges. They dry fast and don’t get moldy.

Where to Use Outdoor Rugs

You can use them:

• On the porch under your chairs
• Outside the door to wipe your feet
• On the balcony
• On the deck so your feet don’t get hot from the wood

Want to look at some? You can check out the outdoor rugs here.

How Are Indoor and Outdoor Rugs Different?

Let’s look at how these two kinds of rugs are not the same.

1. What They’re Made From : Indoor rugs feel soft. They are made for comfort. Outdoor rugs feel a little rougher. They are made to stay strong outside.

2. How to Clean Them : Indoor rugs need a vacuum. Sometimes they need to be cleaned with soap and water. Outdoor rugs are easy. You can shake them, brush them, or spray them with a hose.

3. How They Look : Indoor rugs come in many colors and shapes. Some have flowers, stripes, or cool patterns. Outdoor rugs have simpler looks, with darker colors like gray, brown, or blue.

4. How They Feel : Indoor rugs feel soft and warm on your feet. Outdoor rugs feel bumpy or stiff. But they don’t wear out as fast.

5. How Much They Cost : Fancy indoor rugs, like silk or wool, cost more. Outdoor rugs don’t cost as much. But outdoor rugs last a long time and don’t need a lot of care.

When Should You Use Each One?

Pick an Indoor Rug If:

• You want soft floors inside
• You like fun designs and colors
• You need something warm for your bedroom

Pick an Outdoor Rug If:

• You want something strong for outside
• You don’t want to worry about rain or dirt
• You need a rug you can hose down

Fun fact: You can use outdoor rugs inside, like in the kitchen or playroom. But indoor rugs do not work well outside. They get ruined by rain and sun.

Other Things to Think About

Lots of Feet Walking Around : If people walk in the room a lot (like in the hallway), pick a strong rug. Wool and fake fibers are great for busy spots.

Sun in the Room : Lots of sunshine can make some rugs fade. Outdoor rugs are made to be okay with the sun. Use them near windows or glass doors.

Pets and Kids : Dogs, cats, and kids can make messes. Choose a rug that’s easy to clean. Outdoor rugs work well for families because they are tough.

What Size? : Measure your space before you get a rug. Big rugs go under couches. Long rugs (runners) go in halls. Small rugs work under chairs or by the bed.

Final Thoughts: Which Rug Do You Need?

Rugs help make spaces feel better. A soft wool rug makes a bedroom nice and warm. A strong outdoor rug makes your patio look fun and colorful.

Think about how you will use the rug. Do you need something soft? Do you need something strong? What room is it for? What weather will it face?

When you're ready to shop, take a peek at the Outdoor Rugs page. If you want something nice for inside, check out the Portobello collection.

And don’t forget—Montella Rugs has lots of good rugs for both inside and outside your home.