Balcony Rugs

Why have a rug on a balcony?

A rug turns a bare balcony floor into a place to sit, with its own pattern and color. Most balconies are long and narrow, so a runner fits the space better than a rug that is wider than the floor allows. Laid along the wall, it lines up with the railing and leaves room for a chair and a small table, while in front of the door it marks the way out and gives the first step outside something more inviting than bare concrete or decking.

Which design suits my balcony?

Start with the colors already out there: the railing, the plants and the cushions. A solid tone keeps a balcony full of plants calm, while a stripe or a geometric pattern adds movement to a plain floor, and a stripe laid lengthwise can make a narrow balcony feel longer. Many designs are reversible, so you can choose which side to show and turn the runner over for a change. The weave decides the feel: a tighter weave holds up best by the door, where the balcony is crossed most, a softer weave gives bare feet a little underfoot, and a mixed weave adds texture variation within the surface.

Why choose a PVC balcony rug?

Because a balcony floor sees rain and daily steps, and PVC takes both in its stride. Natural fibers such as jute and sisal take in water, while PVC keeps rain on the surface, where it runs off or can be shaken away. Pappelina plastic runners are woven in Leksand, Sweden, from phthalate-free PVC, and they can stay outside from spring to autumn. Once temperatures drop below freezing, bring the runner inside, where it works just as well in a hallway or kitchen until spring comes around again.

What size balcony rug do I need?

Choose a runner that is narrower than the balcony floor and long enough to cover the line you walk. Measure the floor first, from the door to the railing and along the wall, and note where the furniture will stand. On a narrow balcony, leave a strip of bare floor on each side so you can step past without walking on the edge, and stop the runner short of the door so it lies clear of the swing and the door opens freely.