The Best Front Porch Rug

Buying Guide

Porch rugs can be placed right in front of doorways, inside in entryways or outside on porches and patios. They come in numerous sizes and shapes, so measure your space before you start shopping.

Be sure to check the thickness of a rug if you have a door that will need to open and close over the rug. Some doors are so close to the floor that almost nothing will fit under them. If you love the look of a particular rug, but it won’t fit under a door, use the rug elsewhere! Casual ones often look great on kitchen floors.

Some rugs are made with water- and tear-resistant materials and are for indoor or outdoor use. Synthetic rugs are best for outdoor use, as they are more resistant to fading, though they can also be just as soft as natural fibers like cotton and wool. Synthetic rugs can be spot-cleaned and hosed down when they get dirty, but bring your outdoor fabric rugs inside if you’re expecting a snowstorm.

You can vacuum all of these rugs, and some can also be machine washed. Be sure to check the care instructions before you proceed. 

The Buffalo plaid pattern originated in Scotland before becoming popular in the U.S., and rugs with this pattern go well with a rustic farmhouse look. They have a casual feel, with large blocks formed by intersections of two different colored yarns. The most common colors for these rugs are black and white, but you can also find them in gray, red and many other colors. Another idea that has caught on is layering these rugs. You can get a large, thin rug and place a thicker welcome mat on top of it.

• You’ll find a more extensive selection of synthetic rugs, and these generally cost less than those with natural fibers.
• Feel free to experiment with layering rugs, but start with the largest one on the bottom.
• Check the pile height on the product description page before you buy. You won’t want the rug to obstruct the swing of your door.
• Rug shapes should complement any surrounding furniture. For example, rectangular rugs tend to look good underneath rectangular patio dining sets, round rugs look nice under round tables and so forth.