As the weather grows warmer, we naturally turn to thoughts of the exteriors of our homes as well as the interiors. At Topfloor, we are proud to have been one of the first companies to design and manufacture our own range of outdoor rugs – the Rain or Shine collection, which has proved incredibly popular with our clients. Using rugs outdoors has grown in popularity over recent years, with interior designers and homeowners realising that ‘decorating’ your outside space is just as important as making the most of the rooms in a home.
Rain or Shine is a series of textural rugs for outdoor living in two designs: ‘Berry’ with its pronounced ‘bubble’-type texture and ‘Cobbles’, which is flatter and more uniform. Bringing together rich colour and dramatic, specially developed synthetic yarn, Rain or Shine is water, UV and mould-resistant, making the collection suitable for pool areas and decks as well as bathrooms and spas.
Hand-made (like most of Topfloor’s ranges) Rain or Shine is woven using a specially-developed polyester yarn which ensures a high-quality, luxurious finish that will last for years to come. Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, these versatile pieces can be used in many different areas of the home and garden.
If you are considering choosing an outdoor rug for your home, here are some of our top tips…
Berry rugs in Orangeberry, Raspberry and Mulberry
Where to use them
There are a multitude of locations within which outdoor rugs can be very effective additions. The most obvious space is on a garden terrace, to add softness underfoot and colour and interest. However, outdoor rugs can also be used effectively in the garden itself, to create areas for little ones to play on and to keep you dry when picnicking on the grass.
Snowberry
Of course, in more contemporary gardens, they can also be used as part of the garden design scheme, adding style and character. They work particularly well in conjunction with linear landscaping.
Moonstone
Outdoor rugs are also perfect for use on hotel terraces, where large expanses of decked or paved space can look plain and uninspiring. We have also supplied our outdoor rugs to luxury spas and for around the swimming pools of hotels, where again, they provide interest and individuality to functional areas, as well as that luxurious feel underfoot.
Cobbles rug in Aquamarine
Using outdoor rugs indoors
Outdoor rugs, despite their name, do not have to be used solely outdoors! As hardwearing and waterproof designs, our Rain or Shine rugs are also perfect for indoor spaces. They work especially well in bathrooms and kitchens, being hygienic and easy to keep clean, as well as splash- and stain-resistant. In bathrooms, such as this open-plan shower room (above), they are also great for preventing slipping on shiny surfaces.
Cobbles rug in Black Onyx
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor rugs looking in perfect condition, it’s important to clean up spills as quickly as possible to prevent them from drying. It’s sensible to vacuum your rugs regularly, to ensure that no dirt gets trapped in the fibres. Also, before you lay rugs on patios and terraces, sweep up thoroughly to prevent the underside from being scratched or damaged.
Rain or Shine loves taking to the water
Our rugs can also be washed with mild soap and water – to remove stubborn stains, use a soft sponge to scrub, and then hose down with water. Allow the rugs to dry naturally in the sun before putting them away. It’s also a good idea to roll up your rugs over the winter seasons or in extreme weather and store them somewhere dry, to ensure they maintain their good looks for years to come.
Our Rain or Shine rugs come in a wide range of colours
PS ‘Rain or Shine’ will shortly be joined by our latest indoor/outdoor collection, ‘Jungle’ which will feature 3 types of weaves and a rich choice of colours and designs, such as ‘Herringbone’ shown here:
Herringbone rug from the Jungle collection
We hope that these tips have encouraged you to think about adding an outdoor rug to your home or garden. We always love to offer advice and inspiration on finding the right rug for you, and you can see many of our Rain or Shine rugs ‘in person’ at our showroom in Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. Alternatively, do call us on 020 7795 3333 for more tips and ideas.