Top 5 Rug Trends for Indoor & Outdoor Spaces in 2025
Written by
13 November 2024
•
5 min read
One of the key factors used to ‘anchor’ a room is the rug, and for this reason it’s often the beginning point of an interior design scheme. The colour, texture and size can dictate the overall look of the room, so it’s important to get this pivotal element just right.
But rugs are not only a crucial aspect of interiors, they’re becoming more and more popular in outdoor living spaces, too. Acting in the same capacity as indoor rugs, the only significant difference is the suitability of the material when exposed to the elements.
To understand the latest trends in indoor and outdoor rugs, we spoke to Heather Tate from Cocohills, an interior design store specialising in stunning indoor and outdoor carpets, who shares the top five trends we’ll see in 2025.
1. Sustainable materials
Sustainability has permeated every area of design, and rugs are no exception. For indoors, eco-friendly rugs made from recycled fibres, silk, jute, cotton or wool are increasingly in demand, while for outdoors recycled yarn is becoming the go-to fibre.
“Our hand braided Mornington rug is woven with 100% PET yarn – a soft and supple fibre produced by recycling plastic bottles,” shares Heather.
This eco-conscious rug can be used both indoors and outdoors, with its mottled tone creating an easy-going summery feel.
2. Textural contrast
It’s alway been a clever design move to integrate a range of textures within an interior space. Typically this means juxtaposing soft against hard, shiny against matte, and smooth against rough. Taking this trend to the next level, rugs with mixed textures are growing in popularity; within a single statement carpet, this could mean combining smooth, plush areas with more rugged, durable surfaces, mixing materials and textures.
Heather says to bring this sophisticated look into your home, elect for rugs that have a neutral colour scheme, but that offer varying textures underfoot.
“An ode to coastal walks, the Shoreline rug echoes the rhythmic patterns carved into the sand – hand tufted from 100% wool, the undulating design is achieved through sections of cut and looped pile, resulting in a captivating, textural piece.”
Soft and supportive underfoot, the warm sandy tone embodies understated luxury and offers a complex aesthetic that elevates any room.
3. Bold Patterns & Colours
For those with a daring side, bold, vibrant colours, geometric shapes and abstract patterns are trending, both for indoor and outdoor spaces. Think stripes, patterns taken from nature, and strong, earthy hues, rather than over-saturated primary colours.
Cocohills offers a range of statement rugs with bold patterns, but if you’re wanting to create a serene feel in your home, Heather suggests opting either for bold colour, or for bold pattern.
“Our Orakei rug is a great example of injecting strong colour into a room, without overpowering the other design elements; or alternatively, a nature-inspired patterned rug, such as the Fleur floor rug creates a dramatic space with its rich colour, abstract pattern and soft underfoot texture.”
4. Weather-resistant fabrics
In the past weather-resistant fabrics meant a feeling of plastic underfoot, or a limited range of rugs to choose from. This is no longer the case with advances in hard-wearing and weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor use.
These days PET materials and hard-wearing fibres mean outdoor rugs can be just as soft and underfoot and rich in colour as indoor rugs while also resisting fading, mould, and water damage. Cocohills’ Orakei rug and Mornington rugs are excellent options for creating a soft and subtle base for outdoor living settings.
5. Indoor-outdoor versatility
With people spending more time at home than ever before, regularly refreshing interior and exterior living spaces has become a rising trend. Along with this move, the popularity of multi-functional rugs designed for both indoor and outdoor use has grown, so that homeowners can switch around different looks, seasonally.
“This means a growing trend for rugs made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor elements but are stylish and comfortable enough for indoor spaces,” shares Heather. “This versatility allows homeowners to maintain a cohesive look throughout their home, extending the design from living rooms to patios and decks.”
Explore stunning indoor and outdoor rugs from Cocohills