Ever since the outdoor room concept became a phenomenon big enough to spawn countless backyard makeover segments on HGTV, the market for these rugs has exploded. Indoor/outdoor rugs are generally woven from water and stain-resistant plastics and can be cleaned with a hose-down. They're also increasingly made to be soft underfoot and the designs are attractive enough to be used outdoors -- or in -- without apology.

Indoors we like them in high-traffic entryways and hallways, or as spill catchers under the dining room table, especially practical if there are kids in the house. Here's our top ten:

• Pappelina's bold designs are expensive but worth a look. They're available online and locally at Scandinavian Details in Hayes Valley.

• Gaiam: The Oriental Pattern Reversible All-Weather Rug is $67 and comes in sophisticated color combos

• Mad Mats: Mad Mats are made from recycled polypropylene. We like the Wildflower pattern in Aqua, which is $40.

• KokoTrends does the plastic rug thing in mod patterns, as well as Orientals in bright colors $66. Our fave is Black Ivory Floomat.

• Anji Mountain Bamboo makes it a little more eco with banded bamboo rugs that can withstand the outdoors. Check out
Villager in Crimson, which runs from $$27.95 - $256.95.