Generally speaking, very few balconies are decorated with rugs, and all sorts of reasons are given to justify their absence. In recent years, however, the rug has become a trendy interior design piece in stylish, modern interiors, and outdoors as well.
Today, the experts at Tapis André Viau, a carpet store in Montréal, reveal why you should consider a rug for your balcony.
Choose an outdoor rug rather than carpeting
The comfort of carpeting cannot be disputed. Everyone loves the look of designer carpeting and all the warmth it provides underfoot. However, to enjoy the benefits of carpet without the headaches caused by the damage it can lead to, consider choosing an outdoor rug.
One of the main reasons to buy a rug for a balcony is its mobility: in bad weather, you can move your rug or lift it to let the water drain away, so it does not pool and weigh on your balcony.
Choose a rug designed for outdoor use
Outdoor rugs have evolved over the years and can protect your balcony from wear. Outdoor rugs are now more durable and offer protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Balcony rugs are also water resistant. When you are considering a rug for your balcony, choose a low-pile outdoor rug designed for high-traffic areas: rug care is extremely easy, and you still enjoy a soft covering for your outdoor floor.
Which material is best for an outdoor rug?
There are several types of material to consider when choosing an outdoor rug.
Nylon rugs
Nylon rugs are very strong and durable. They are also easy to clean and can be stain resistant. However, when exposed to direct sunlight, nylon can become very hot and melt.
Polyester rugs
Polyester rugs can be ordered in bright colours that resist fading, although there are ways to brighten the colours of a rug. These rugs are also stain resistant. However, polyester is known to shed in high-traffic conditions.
Acrylic rugs
Acrylic rugs are the closest to rugs made from natural fibres. They are available in a soft finish that feels gentle underfoot. Acrylic is also known to absorb and release moisture, which makes it a better material for outdoor rugs, since acrylic also resists mildew.
Natural fibre rugs
Rugs made from natural fibres such as bamboo, hemp and seagrass are eco-friendly. These materials are also a sustainable alternative to nylon, polyester and acrylic. Natural rugs feel soft and luxurious underfoot and come in a variety of colours and textures to complement any outdoor space.
That said, natural fibre rugs have a few drawbacks worth pointing out. They tend to fade in direct sunlight. They are generally less durable than their synthetic counterparts, and they are more likely to absorb water, which makes them more prone to mildew. Natural fibre rugs are also more expensive than synthetic options.
The experts at Tapis André Viau are available in store to help you choose the ideal rug for all your design projects, whether it is choosing the colour of your rug, the size of your rug or its material.
Outdoor rugs: a few things to keep in mind
First of all, water resistant does not mean that an outdoor rug is waterproof. So if your outdoor space is uncovered and exposed to the elements, even an outdoor rug could damage your concrete floor in the long run. If it is not waterproof, your rug can hold water and develop mildew.
Also keep in mind that, since no light or air reaches the floor underneath, rotting wood and stained concrete will be an inevitable consequence. Not to mention that damp areas under rugs and carpets are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and insects.
An outdoor rug requires special adhesives or double-sided tape to keep it from blowing away in the wind. This can damage and compromise the integrity of your balcony’s existing floor covering underneath.
Tapis André Viau: the carpet specialist in Montréal
Once you have all this information in mind, buying an outdoor rug is a very good idea. To prevent the vast majority of drawbacks, simply roll up your outdoor rug outside the summer season and store it somewhere sheltered from rain and wind to avoid damaging your balcony.
The experts at Tapis André Viau look forward to welcoming you in store to discuss your design projects and give you the best advice.
