Stylish outdoor spaces depend on little things, and outdoor pillows may be the littlest of the bunch — but don’t underestimate their power. Providing both comfort and personality, outdoor pillows do the heavy lifting of making your patio, deck or garden feel like a true extension of your home. But how do you choose the ones that bring your space together?
Start with Color
When choosing outdoor pillows for your space, color is your first consideration. Whether you’re adding zestful, saturated hues or simply accenting a neutral space, colors deliver emotional content in an outdoor setting. Oranges and yellows are bright and energizing; blues and greens are cool and calming. If you have neutral furniture, pillows are a perfect way to introduce some color into the space without weighing down the look.
Add Patterns and Textures
Patterns and textures provide essential depth and variety. You’ll find outdoor pillows in all sorts of patterns, from evergreen stripes and classic florals to contemporary geometrics. Patterns can be mixed and matched for added visual richness, but do so with care; bold and busy patterns should be counterbalanced with solid colors or more subtle styles.
Textures are important, too — they contribute to the final effect of your space. Pillows made of woven fabric, embellished with embroidery or fringed, can add a sensory layer that encourages lounging. Mixing up texture varieties gives a collected air to the space while also feeling down-to-earth.
Prioritize Durability
While color and pattern can make them pretty, durability can make outdoor pillows necessary. To remain durable outside your home, your pillows need to fade-, moisture- and mold-resistant fabric to stand up to the elements. Solution-dyed acrylic and polyester offer the beauty and durability to fight against sun, rain, and dew without losing color or freshness.
While a little care can ensure your pillows last even longer, storing your outdoor pillows inside during winter months or inclement weather can go a long way. A small effort can keep outside spaces looking fresh and put together 12 months a year.
Experiment with Sizes and Shapes
Size and shape can make all the difference to outdoor throw pillows. Sure, you can use the tried and true square pillows, but why stick to just one shape? For support, use a rectangular lumbar pillow or a circular pillow to offset your square furniture.
Shapes and sizes complement each other, and using more than one makes the space more dynamic and welcoming. Varying the repetition creates a visually balanced combination that packs quite the punch for the whole area.
Coordinate with Your Decor
Outdoor pillows, like all throw pillows, should bring together the overall look of your whole space. If your furniture is sleek and modern, go for clean lines and subtle patterns in the fabric. If you are working with rustic materials, keep it casual and classic with soft textures and happy hues. Outdoor cushions plus other outdoor accessories, such as rugs, planters, and lanterns, can work together to give the space a vintage vibe.
Seasonal Updates
One of the best benefits of using outdoor pillows is you can switch out your whole style seasonally. Pillows are the perfect way to play with looks and pack away less preferred textiles or patterns. Enjoy casual light fabrics and colors for spring and summer, then revert to cozy and rich palettes for fall. Play around with velvets or wool blends to keep the campfire crowd snug on those cool nights or breezy patio evenings.
Personalize Your Space
The last thing to consider when selecting outdoor pillows is individuality, or rather, how well they represent you. What is your unique style?
Use bright hues, mixed prints, and the options for personal embroidery and monograms to add an unrivaled level of intimacy. These small subtleties show that you treat your outdoor space like the rooms inside. Choose the linens that work best for you!
Bringing It All Together
Once you have carefully placed all your throw pillows around, step back and look at the big picture. How do they look with your furniture and the rest of the outdoor area? Do all of the colors and sizes work nicely together? Sometimes, you have to swap out additional colors and patterns for a test run before you find the perfect pillows to help you achieve outdoor bliss.
With the perfect outdoor pillows, like those from Serena & Lily, your space will look just as good as an extension of your home — whether it’s an early morning escape with a good read or a lively brunch gathering with friends a few hours later.
