Mini club sandwiches, fresh fruit, a homemade charcuterie board, and a beverage (or two) go hand-in-hand with a spring or summer picnic. When it comes to eating and drinking on your next picnic, finding a rug or mat to lay the foundation that is easy to transport from a to b, as well as being easy to clean up and maintain, will make a world of difference.
Not all picnic mats are created equal – the humble picnic mat has many variations. Some are made from cotton and lean more like a large beach towel, while others feature waterproof or water-repellant properties for ease of use. And it is the latter that we’ll shine a spotlight on.
What makes a picnic rug waterproof or water-repellent?
A picnic rug is waterproof or water-repellent mostly due to the material it is constructed from. Fabrics like nylon, polyester, or specialised waterproof fabrics are often used for waterproof picnic rugs and mats.
Some picnic rugs can be treated with a water-repellent coating. This coating doesn’t make the rug completely waterproof. However, this is often good enough for light spills or messes that may occur during picnics.
The best water-repellent and waterproof picnic rugs in Australia 2024
Ready to upgrade your next picnic experience? Here, we’ve picked out the best waterproof and water-repellent picnic rugs to shop in Australia this year.
Marseille picnic rug
$112 from The Somewhere Co.
Your next outdoor picnic is about to get a whole lot more stylish. This large picnic rug from The Somewhere Co features a soft, velvety fabric for comfort, faux leather accents, and a waterproof backing. With a simple but impactful grid pattern, you’ll set the scene nicely with this choice.
Key features:
- Waterproof lining
- Shoulder strap
- 150cm x 200cm (flat) & 42cm x 11cm (rolled)
- Fits four people
Basil Bangs The Weekend rug
$125 from THE ICONIC
Lightweight and practical, this picnic rug from Basil Bang features a wavy-edged detail and a bold kit-kat tile pattern, making it an excellent choice for the style-obsessed. Plus, its waterproof backing and spill-proof canvas make it a practical choice.
Key features:
- Water repellent surface
- 145 x 145cm
- Plain weave woven canvas
- Fits four people
Basil Bangs Love rug
$179 from THE ICONIC
Add something a bit different to your picnic rug collection with this rounded black gingham mat from Basil Bangs. Use it as a playmat for your baby or as a picnic mat or beach rug – the choice is yours. Crafted from a water-repellent outdoor fabric that ensures spilt drinks or food can be easily cleaned with a simple wipe. Plus, its waterproof backing ensures you stay dry, too.
Key features:
- Water resistant surface
- 180cm diameter circle
- Internal padding for comfort
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Emro Designs Yugari Pipi picnic rug
$150 from THE ICONIC
Crafted from 100 per cent polyester canvas fabric, this picnic rug from Emro Designs is water-resistant and spillproof. Plus, after a long beach day, you can simply throw it into your washing machine for easy maintenance. It features a gorgeous design titled ‘Yungari’ Pipi by Bundjalung artist Holly Sanders.
Key features:
- 2 x 1.5m
- Water resistant and sandproof
- Reversible
- Rolls up easily
Sorrento Citrus picnic rug
$112 from The Somewhere Co
This stylish picnic rug from The Somewhere Co is a non-negotiable for us this summer. Featuring a bright citrus pattern that will never fail to brighten up anyone’s day, we’re adding this to cart, immediately. Made from fleece with a waterproof lining underneath.
Key features:
- 150cm x 200cm (flat) & 42cm x 11cm (rolled)
- Fits four people
- Adjustable
- Fleece with waterproof lining underside
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
