Skip to Content

Outdoor Pillow Fabrics

Over the years, I’ve gotten pickier when it comes to buying throw pillows. They can be so trendy and tempting in the clearance aisle; but unless they have a removable cover and a high-quality insert, I probably won’t purchase.

For example, our patio set was a great end-of-season deal. However, the cushions drive me crazy because the covers can’t be removed for cleaning. I’ve tried plenty of surface-cleaning tricks — unfortunately, with little luck.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

Several years ago, my mom sewed covers for the small pillows that were included in the patio set. Now, since our exterior spaces are the main focus this summer, we’ve decided to update the larger cushions with covers. This will make cleaning much easier, and also give me an opportunity to freshen up the look of our patio set.

[Tweet “How to mix and match your outdoor pillows or cushions by @CraftivityD.”]

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

So, what’s in the plan?

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD


#1 SOLID LINEN

The seat cushions will be covered in a solid linen with a subtle weave. I was torn between gray and tan {shown in the photo below}, but settled on the tan fabric. I think that I will like the lighter color since this is an outdoor space. It will also contrast nicely against the black chair frames.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

#2 TICKING

I really wanted to pull a ticking fabric into this space because of the casual, farmhouse vibe it creates. We have a porch swing on our deck and the seat cushion will be covered in the blue and cream ticking. I’ll mix in some of these fabrics, and a feed sack pillow or two, on the bench swing.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

#3 NEUTRAL PRINT

Our patio seats are fairly deep and could use an additional pillow, which will be made from Baja Diamond in Greystone {shown in the photo above}. These pillows will be larger, sitting behind the existing turquoise pillows.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

#4 ACCENT PRINT

The bright, turquoise pillows will act as the accent color and print. It’s the boldest fabric, which will work nicely since it is found only on the smaller pillows. The neutral fabrics will be used in larger quantities.


As usual, I used Pinterest to gather ideas and inspiration. This is always a great place to start.

Use the Pinterest Search Bar. Try various search terms, such as:

  • outdoor pillow fabrics
  • patio makeover
  • deck makeover
  • DIY cushion covers
  • bench cushions

Pin the photos that you like. After you’ve pinned 10-20 photos, look for common themes instead of a perfect example image.

In my case, I pinned photos with blues, neutrals, and casual fabrics. With that in mind, I headed to the fabric store and worked to pull together a similar collection.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

Try not to get stuck on a specific fabric — even if you might love it on its own. Instead, consider how it coordinates with other fabrics and the overall feel.


Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations

Demonstrating the concept above, here are some of the images that inspired my choices — and why.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

As a note, not every photo is an outdoor space – since I was looking for inspiration in terms of the fabrics and mixing – as opposed to outdoor-specific ideas.

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from The Inspired Room

The Inspired Room // Ticking + Knitted Pillows + Shades of Blue and White

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson // Neutrals + Deep, Saturated Fabrics

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from Ella Claire

Ella Claire // Neutrals + Stripes + Various Textured Fabrics

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD-- photo from Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson // Stripes and Plaids + Neutral Colors + Casual Prints

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD-- photo from House of Jade Interiors

House of Jade Interiors // Bohemian Prints + Shades of Blue and White

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD-- photo from Anton & K

Anton & K // Ticking + Stripes

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

via Pinterest // Ticking + Gray Prints + Neutrals

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD-- photo from One Kings Lane

One Kings Lane // Dyed Fabrics + Bohemian Prints

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD-- photo from City Farmhouse

City Farmhouse // Aztec Prints + Neutrals

[Tweet “14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD “]

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from Anton & K

Anton & K // Stripes + Neutrals

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD

via Pinterest // Deep, Saturated Color + Shades of Blue and White + Mix of Prints in Similar Colors

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from My Domaine

My Domaine // Neutrals + Various Textured Fabrics

14 Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations by @CraftivityD -- photo from Craftberry Bush

Craftberry Bush // Shades of Blue and White + Dyed Fabrics + Neutrals


Try it out. Where in your home {or patio} would you like a fresh mix of pillow fabrics? Take some time pinning and find out what look you are drawn to — then share it! I’d love to hear what you find out.

[Tweet “Find out how to choose pillow fabrics for your home from @CraftivityD”]

TwoPlusCute

Monday 20th of June 2016

I would have missed the rattan sofa from the inspired room. It's my favorite for outdoors and I love the rich texture of the pillow fabrics. Makes me think of exotic islands and vacations without a care in the world

Your whole post provides great inspiration (and let's pin it so I have a reference when I create a deck area). :)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 20th of June 2016

I really like rattan for outdoors, too. It's not totally outdoorsy and can be used inside, so it feels like "real" furniture. Plus, it has a tropic/relaxed vibe, too.

LeighAnn

Monday 23rd of May 2016

Wow! I love love love your outdoor living space! So pretty!

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 23rd of May 2016

Thanks! It's got a ways to go but I looking forward to seeing the cushions together :)

Tanya

Saturday 21st of May 2016

I totally agree about the removable covers and quality inserts. I have been caught out a few ties, and when I take out the insert, it crumbles in between my fingers. Messy!

Chelsea Damon

Saturday 21st of May 2016

I totally think pillows can change the whole feel of a room, and pillows with great texture- like yours- are my fav!!

Carmen Baguio

Saturday 21st of May 2016

I love these colors. They just look like summer party. Now to go tackle my patio!