Outdoor living spaces have become a popular design trend. More homeowners are taking advantage of their patios, porches, and decks for different activities, from entertainment to relaxing, playing with pets and children, exercising, dining, and grilling. Consequently, this trend has led to an increased demand for outdoor carpet rugs.
Outdoor rugs are used to decorate outdoor spaces, protect the floors, and cover damage. In some cases, these rugs are used as practical design elements to visually create boundaries and define outdoor living spaces. However, with the wide range of options designed to meet different customer needs and preferences, it can be a challenge to choose the best options.
This blog provides insights on the latest outdoor carpet rug trends to ensure that retailers choose in-demand products to stock their inventory in 2024.
Table of Contents
Outdoor carpet rug market
Popular trends for outdoor carpet rugs
Conclusion
Outdoor carpet rug market
The global carpet and rug market is projected to generate US$ 48.92 billion in 2024 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% between 2024-2028. The increased use of outdoor spaces has led to increased demand for outdoor carpets. For instance, the International Casual Furnishings Association found that 90% of Americans with outdoor living spaces find them to be more valuable than ever. In addition, Home Accents Today identified the outdoor category, including rugs, as “the fastest growing sector of the home furnishings industry.”
Various factors are driving the global demand for outdoor rugs, including:
- The growing emphasis on outdoor living spaces as extensions of indoor environments
- Homeowners and hospitality businesses are investing in outdoor furnishings and accessories due to the increased popularity of outdoor entertainment and dining.
- The rising trend of outdoor leisure activities such as gardening, grilling, and lounging
- Increased access to a wide range of outdoor rugs and carpets of different designs, patterns, and colors
- Outdoor rugs are more appealing to customers since they can also be used as indoor rugs.
Popular trends for outdoor carpet rugs
Outdoor rugs are stylish accessories used to improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. The growing interest in these carpets and manufacturers’ need to cater to diverse customer preferences and tastes has led to the emergence of multiple trends. The most popular to consider are:
Bold patterns and colors
Consumer preferences have evolved from simple designs to vibrant colors and patterns. They are increasingly opting for rugs with eye-catching designs such as geometric shapes, botanical motifs, or tribal-inspired prints. Besides this, vibrant colors are often associated with energy, warmth, optimism, and creativity. Therefore, bold patterns and colors are often used to inject personality into outdoor spaces.
Outdoor carpet rugs designed with bold patterns and colors are more appealing to Gen Z consumers who prefer raw and authentic designs. Gen Zers value self-expression and setting themselves apart, thereby using bold colors, textures, and patterns in design to achieve that.
Indoor-outdoor versatility
Consumers prefer rugs that offer indoor-outdoor versatility. This allows them to use them outside during warm seasons, such as summer, and indoors during cold seasons. As a result, these rugs often feature patterns, textures, and colors comparable to indoor rugs but are crafted from weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor environments. This feature makes them practical and cost-effective, thus appealing to a diverse consumer group.
Natural and textured fibers
Outdoor carpet rugs made from natural and textured rugs have become a popular trend. Natural fiber rugs have an earthy texture that creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in a space. In addition, these rugs have a higher-than-average durability and resistance to weather elements, which makes them a practical option. These carpet rugs are made from materials such as jute, sisal, and bamboo.
Jute rugs
Jute is a natural fiber harvested from the Corchorus plant, which grows in Bangladesh and India. Since they are bast fibers, they grow in bundles in the plant’s stem and are harvested by soaking, stripping, and spinning the stems before weaving.
Jute has a soft, silky texture and is commonly used in the production of rugs, mats, and textiles. The rugs are ideal for lounging areas due to the material’s soft and comfortable underfoot feel. However, this softness makes them less durable than other materials used to make outdoor carpet rugs.
Sisal rugs
Sisal is made from the Agave Sisalana succulent, which often grows in regions such as Africa, Brazil, and Mexico. Sisal is harvested by cutting the leaves from the stalk and washing them to remove pulpy fibers. These are then bleached and dried in the sun, bundled, and exported to various markets worldwide.
Sisal fibers are tough, making them ideal for making rugs, ropes, and twine. Sisal rugs are highly durable and versatile and can be dyed to produce carpets and rugs in multiple designs and colors. However, their coarse texture makes them less comfortable under the feet. It can be difficult to remove tough stains due to their absorbent nature.
Bamboo rugs
Bamboo is recognized globally as one of the fastest-growing plants. It can be found in various parts worldwide, including China, Japan, North Australia, South Africa, and Central and South America. Although it is classified as a grass, bamboo has a tree-like structure and wood-like stems. Bamboo is harvested and processed into fibers for various applications, including rug-making.
Bamboo rugs are strong and durable. They are also naturally anti-static and allergen, fire, and insect-resistant and are harvested from renewable sources. Bamboo carpets can be used in any part of the house or outdoor space, from those with low to moderate or high traffic. However, they can bleach in direct sunlight and can be noisier than other rugs.
Eco-friendly carpet rug options
Sustainability has gained a lot of traction in recent years. A McKinsey and Company report found that products that make environmental, social and governance (ESG) claims record a 28% cumulative growth over 5 years compared to 20% in other products. These sustainability changes have impacted demand for outdoor-indoor carpets, with more consumers demanding eco-friendly options.
As a result, manufacturers are creating eco-friendly rugs made from recyclable materials or sustainable fibers. These carpets are easy to clean and maintain, budget-friendly, and reflect the buyer’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.
Custom and personalized rugs
As consumers seek to express their individuality and style preferences, customization and personalization have become critical trends in outdoor carpet rugs. Many manufacturers offer customizable options, allowing customers to choose their preferred size, shape, pattern, and color combinations. This level of customization enables homeowners to customize outdoor rugs to their specific design vision, creating unique and personalized outdoor spaces that reflect their personality and taste.
Conclusion
With more people embracing outdoor living spaces, demand for outdoor carpet rugs has increased. In addition, different consumer needs, preferences, and lifestyles have continued to influence the rise of new carpet and rug trends. Some of the trends to watch out for include customers’ preference for bold patterns and colors, indoor-outdoor versatility, natural and textured fibers, eco-friendliness, and personalization.
Understanding these trends can help businesses adapt to the changing consumer needs and market dynamics. Staying up-to-date with these developments in outdoor rug materials, designs, and styles can empower brands to better align their product offerings with consumer preferences.
