Outdoor Cushion Styling Ideas to Elevate Your Patio, Terrace or Garden
Interior Styling Blog for Real Homes: Ideas, Advice & Inspiration
Hi, I’m Sandra, this blog is about interior styling for real homes. If you love interiors and want your home to feel stylish, pulled together, yet still personal, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be sharing styling advice to help you edit, layer, and finish your home with confidence, alongside articles on what’s happening in the interiors world — from design events to colour stories - so you get the full picture.
I also take you on tours of beautifully styled homes from around the world, offering inspiration and styling ideas to steal for your own space. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level.
In today’s post, I’m sharing a range of outdoor cushion ideas, from flamboyant colourful prints to subtle stripes and elegant neutrals.
Photo credit: Oka
You can transform your garden, terrace or patio decor effortlessly with eye-catching outdoor cushions. Also known as scatter and throw cushions, or pillows, from understated neutrals to more flamboyant designs, these simple additions introduce colour, pattern and comfort, and can turn any outdoor seating into a stylish and inviting space. I am especially excited by the beautiful new fabrics now being designed for outdoor use. The designs and textiles have evolved so much that I recently bought an outdoor accent chair not for my outdoor space, but for my living room! It’s upholstered in a Pierre Frey Ikat print in a terracotta tone, which works so well with my interior scheme.
Whether you have traditional wrought iron garden chairs, a contemporary outdoor sofa, a built-in stone bench, or a timeworn wooden chair, even one or two cushions can instantly elevate your seating. The mix of cushions pictured above from Oka is the perfect example, showing how outdoor cushions can infuse a space with colour, pattern and texture. Outdoor cushions are practical, but they also make seating feel far more comfortable, with the additional benefit that they can be left out overnight. In the past, I styled my outdoor furniture with a mix of indoor cushions. While it looked lovely, it was a bit of a chore bringing them indoors every evening and finding somewhere to store them. Even on warm days, early morning dew or a light mist would leave them damp, not to mention the risk of rain or fading in strong sunshine.
How do outdoor cushions differ from indoor cushions, and what are they made of?
From a practical perspective, outdoor cushions have come a long way. Where outdoor fabrics were once limited to shiny acrylic, they are now often made from linen and cotton blended with a small amount of acrylic, giving them a more natural appearance that feels closer to their indoor counterparts. Some are even made from 100% linen or cotton with a protective coating, while others are created from recycled bottles.
Whatever the fabric, outdoor cushions differ from indoor cushions because they are designed to be durable and weather-resistant. Performance fabrics help protect against rain and UV rays while maintaining comfort and style. Many are designed with quick-dry foam inserts, which allow water to pass through a mesh base and drain away easily, making them practical for everyday outdoor use.
Most fabrics are easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. During the winter months, especially in the UK and other cooler, wetter climates, I would recommend bringing them indoors and storing them in a dry, well-ventilated place.
How to style outdoor cushions
Far removed from the plain, flat options of the past, outdoor cushions are now available in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes, with some even featuring embroidered motifs, piping and decorative trims. A good starting point is to think about your interior style and whether you naturally favour neutrals, muted tones or vibrant designs, as well as the overall colour scheme you want for your outdoor seating.
Mix and match your cushions just like you would on your sofa indoors, with plains paired with patterns, prints or stripes. But first, decide on how you want the space to look and how many you need, which will depend on the size of your outdoor seating. You might choose two larger matching cushions for either end, and then add two smaller cushions in a complementary print or pattern. I often like to finish with a single statement cushion in a contrasting design to add personality and complete the overall look.
When choosing a plain cushion, I always recommend looking for an interesting texture to prevent it looking flat or uninteresting. As you will see from many of the cushions featured in this article, there are plenty of beautiful textured outdoor cushions available. Layering different designs, colours and textures allows you to create a look that is stylish and personal, and hopefully, you will find inspiration in the wide variety included in this feature.
Styling with a mix of earthy toned outdoor cushions
While I still admire vibrant colours, this has to be one of my favourite outdoor schemes, where bamboo is paired with soft white and earthy tones. These subtle striped cushions in shades of terracotta and cinnamon, look so stylish pictured here on this beautiful handmade sofa and chair by Tine K Home. The earthy tones are set against white and sand-toned seat cushions, allowing them to stand out. It looks so sophisticated yet stylishly understated. Notice how, although four cushions feature stripes, each one has a subtle variation, which creates a cohesive look without feeling too rigidly matched. Most outdoor seating will come with its own choice of base cushions, like the ones shown here, which are available in white, sand, light grey or dark grey, so you will want to take this into account when choosing you scatter cushions.
Photo credit: Idyll Home
Sustainable monochrome outdoor cushion made from recycled bottles
With a soft, cotton-like woven feel and an embroidered central stripe panel, it's hard to believe that this grey cushion is made from approximately 600 recycled plastic bottles. The result is not just a cleaner planet, but a stylish and practical cushion designed and made to stand the test of time. In smoky charcoal, faded black, this design would work with a wide range of interior styles, from monochrome schemes and beach house vibe to the relaxed vintage setting pictured here, and would look equally at home on contemporary outdoor furniture. So if you want a stylish and truly sustainable cushion, this is the one for you.
Photo credit: Weaver Green
Striped outdoor cushions for a fresh, coastal look
I have always been drawn to stripes, especially in coastal settings, and I particularly like this fresh mix of green and blue on this contemporary sofa from Talenti’s Nalu Collection. The distinctive cushions form both the seat and backrest, draping elegantly over the frame. Four extra cushions in two different sizes, repeated in the same fabric, add to the curated look, while two larger cushions in a solid blue tone are added to break up the stripes and pick out the blue found in the small stripe.
Photo credit: Viva Lagoon
Matching outdoor cushions for a cohesive look
This serene courtyard in Riyadh takes desert charm to a whole new level. Against a backdrop of sandstone walls and palm trees, the deep terracotta cushions beautifully enhance the rattan sofas by Luxxu, keeping the seating area luxurious while still feeling earthy and organic. With their striking bold diamond print, they add depth, contrast and an extra layer of style. Although there is a trend towards using a more eclectic mix, these cushions prove that a matching set can look every bit as sophisticated and, in the right setting, can make the whole area feel even more considered and cohesive.
Photo credit: Luxxu
Pairing printed and patterned outdoor cushions
A patterned, coloured or textured cushion can make a huge difference to a seating area, as seen here on an outdoor built-in plaster bench that I photographed in Spain. Mixing and matching cushions works just as well outdoors as it would on indoor furniture. You might pair a patterned design with a plain cushion or, as shown here, combine a bold print with an interesting pattern in a more tactile fabric. These cushions, which feature lovely detailing like the coral print with textured piping, both stand out beautifully against the bright, white Mediterranean-style seating.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Country house-inspired outdoor cushions in soft muted tones
The cushions in this seating area sit in front of a traditional country-style home, and the setting is reflected in its charming outdoor living area. It looks especially lovely set against white climbing roses and those gorgeous Hydrangea Annabelle blooms. A modular rattan sofa by Bridgman, with light beige seat and back cushions, has been styled with a mix of soft green plain cushions, striped designs and two printed fabrics. In keeping with the country-style look, the palette remains soft and muted, so everything blends together beautifully without overpowering the space. With a large sofa, it works well to mix cushions in this way, combining subtle prints, plains and stripes to give the arrangement a more relaxed and layered look.
Photo credit: Bridgman
Combining outdoor cushions in different shapes
I love how stylish and cohesive this seating area looks, with two rectangular cushions beautifully coordinated in the same sable stripe fabric as the pouffe. The circular and square decorative cushions in a deep green are far more than simply finishing touches, creating a striking contrast against the pale plaster backdrop. Notice how, for added interest, one is circular while the other is square; as well as bringing definition to the seating area, this prevents it from looking too contrived. Drawing inspiration from Japanese art, this contemporary double sofa by Juliette’s Interiors is a sleek, iconic design, while the overall scheme reflects the latest move towards more natural interiors.
Photo credit: Juliette’s Interiors Ltd
Embroidered outdoor cushion for a textured look
You can now find outdoor cushions that have embroidery, adding that extra layer of detailing. I particularly like this one by Cox & Cox in an earthy green with a contrasting terracotta embroidered motif, which brings an artisanal feel to garden seating. A cushion like this works beautifully as a single statement piece, especially when only one cushion is needed for a chair. Shown here alongside neutral tones, it stands out effortlessly, though it could be just as easily layered with several different designs for an even more decorative look.
Photo credit: Cox & Cox
Botanical print outdoor cushions
Green botanical prints inspired by leaves, flowers and foliage create that extra connection to nature, making them perfect for a garden seating area surrounded by trees and planting. The extra-large cushion by Dibor is decorated with a delicate botanical-inspired pattern of watercolour green leaves set against a white background. It is ideal for a seat or small bench as a standalone cushion and looks particularly elegant on this classic white piece of wrought iron furniture. Remarkably, the cushion is made from pure cotton with a water-repellent coating, making it weather-resistant as well as beautiful.
Photo credit: Dibor
Neutral-toned outdoor cushions for a sophisticated look
I am always a fan of neutrals, as they can look so sophisticated as shown in this beautiful outdoor setting. These striped outdoor cushions in soft taupe and muted ivory tones coordinate with the white seat cushions, while still having subtle differences in the direction of the stripes. The outdoor sofa and chairs from Idyll Home evoke a sense of quiet moments on the terrace, while their light weave and soft lines create a relaxed, effortless feel. With both the seat cushions and scatter cushions kept in an understated palette, the overall look feels serene.
Photo credit: Idyll Home
Whimsical printed outdoor cushions for a playful look
Refresh your garden décor with whimsical cushions, such as this sardine print design, which works perfectly as a joyful accent cushion on an outdoor chair. Designed with interesting on-trend prints, this style of cushion is a simple way to bring personality and character to an outdoor setting. Outdoor cushions are not limited to exterior spaces - they can look every bit as stylish indoors, with their hard-wearing fabric making them a practical choice for areas such as kitchens and conservatories.
Photo credit: Icon Home
Styling with patterned outdoor cushions for that Mediterranean feel
There’s something especially uplifting about a pattern that can transform an outdoor seating area. This intricate blue and white patterned cushion and matching pad from Dekoria GmbH bring a fresh Mediterranean feel, and are an easy way to create a holiday atmosphere in your own garden. A single cushion looks gorgeous on this comfortable lounge chair, while the coordinating seat pads are wonderfully versatile and can be placed on a bench, on the grass or floor as shown here for a relaxed, thoughtful combination.
Photo credit: Dekoria GmbHg
Bold, vibrant and flamboyant outdoor cushions
If you've seen enough of pale neutrals, seaside blues and earthy tones, you may be drawn to the opposite end of the spectrum with something bold, bright and full of colour. Featuring a playful slogan and eye-catching design, the OHS Spicy Margs cushion takes centre stage on this outdoor sofa. It is surrounded by cushions in striking bold orange and pink stripes, while a palm print introduces a contrasting pattern and brings more green into the palette. Together, these flamboyant cushions add personality, warmth and charm to an outdoor setting.
Photo credit: OHS
Elevating a wall seat with outdoor cushions and seat pads
If you want to feel at one with nature while still making the area feel dressed, adding seat cushions to a wall is a beautiful way to create an outdoor seating area. A retaining wall can easily double up as a permanent outdoor bench, as shown here in this garden in Ibiza. Integrated into a dry stone wall, the seating, and cushions especially, help define it as an outdoor room. Interior designer Helena Impett chose the fabric for the seat cushion and, instead of using regular square cushions, she opted for two bolsters to give it a more distinctive and considered look. If you have a wall seat, you can make your own seat pad by covering foam in an outdoor fabric of your choice.
Photo credit: Helena Impett Interiors
LET’S SUM UP
If you’ve been inspired by the cushions from brands featured in this post, there are also plenty of other great places to shop for outdoor cushions too including West Elm, Wayfair, Crate and Barrel, Dunelm, and John Lewis to name but a few.
I hope this post has inspired you to turn your outdoor seating into a gorgeous exterior living space. If you are looking for outdoor living inspiration and ideas, from styling the furniture to outdoor kitchens, you can also read my post, Outdoor Living Space Ideas.
