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.

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.

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So, what’s in the plan?

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#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

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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.

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.

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Outdoor Pillow Fabrics and Combinations

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

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.

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

Emily Henderson // Neutrals + Deep, Saturated Fabrics

Ella Claire // Neutrals + Stripes + Various Textured Fabrics

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

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

Anton & K // Ticking + Stripes

via Pinterest // Ticking + Gray Prints + Neutrals

One Kings Lane // Dyed Fabrics + Bohemian Prints

City Farmhouse // Aztec Prints + Neutrals

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Anton & K // Stripes + Neutrals

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

My Domaine // Neutrals + Various Textured Fabrics

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

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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.

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