One beautiful thing about each new season is the chance bring new colors, styles, and flourishes with your Outdoor furniture accessories. Spring-color pillows, bright summer umbrellas, fall flannel rugs, and cozy wintery blankets! But are there too many options? What are the best accessories for each season? How do you keep your summer stuff beautiful when it’s cold out?
I’m right there with you. So let’s answer all the seasonal Outdoor Furniture accessory and patio design questions. Right here, right now.
Tip #1: The Best Accessories for Each Season
| Season | Colors | Outdoor Furniture Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Pastels – light purples, pinks, yellows, greens | Flower and nature prints, soft textures, light and airy lounging furniture pillows, billowy curtains |
| Summer | Bright, bold colors – red, blue, purple, pink | Weather-resistant umbrellas, bright dining chair cushions, colorful pillows for hammocks |
| Fall | Warm, earthy tones – oranges, reds, yellows, browns | Cozy blankets, chunky lap pillows for snuggling, rustic rugs |
| Winter | Cool tones – blues, greens, whites, grays | Evergreen wreaths and garlands, thick outdoor rugs, lanterns, layers of warm throw blankets |
Now for the fun part – picking out your seasonal accessories! I love bringing in bright colors and bold patterns in spring and summer. That way my patio design mirrors the vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Floral prints, citrusy hues, and beachy stripes are some of my warm weather go-tos.
Spring and Summer:
- Choose breathable fabrics and ventilated furniture designs for added comfort
- Add patio umbrellas or pergolas for shade
Then bring on the cozy for fall and winter. I prefer rich jewel tones, plaid prints, and luxe textures like velvet and faux fur. Layering is the boss here. Create a warm and inviting space, even when the temperatures drop.
Fall and Winter:
- Select furniture made from materials that can withstand frost and moisture
- Use furniture covers and storage solutions to protect your investment
One of my favorite looks is mixing and matching different pillows and cushions in complementary colors and patterns. I get to make the space look uniquely mine without being too matchy-matchy. Then, you just swap them out every season. New season, new look!
Tip #2: Make an Outdoor Furniture Plan
First things first – before you start shopping, take a good hard look at your outdoor area. What kind of vibe are you going for? Cozy and intimate? Grand and ready to party? Measure your space and sketch out a rough layout so you know what sizes and quantities of accessories you’ll need. No one wants an overcrowded patio or a rug that looks like a postage stamp!
When I first tried to make seasonal updates to my own outdoor furniture accessories, I made a huge rookie mistake. I bought a bunch of random pillows and throws that I thought looked cute. But I didn’t really consider my current look. Surprise surprise. It was a hot mess. Learn from my fail and plan ahead, people!
Tip #3: Know Your Outdoor Furniture Accessory Options
Okay, now that you’ve got a game plan, let’s talk options.
Outdoor Pillows
Outdoor pillows are your seasonal-styling besties. Easy and affordable. A great way to refresh your patio furniture and decor for each season. Choose weather-resistant materials like polyester, acrylic, or Sunbrella fabrics to withstand sun, rain, and mildew. Just swap them out every few months for a seasonally-perfect refresh while keeping a consistent style that complements your outdoor furniture and space.
Photo: the Circle Pillow in Blossom by Fatboy, available at PatioProductions.com
Outdoor Cushions
Cushions make your seasonal updates feel more incorporated into your outdoor furniture. This is like you’re changing the flavor of the cake instead of just swapping out icing. Some furniture companies will even custom-make outdoor cushions for you (more on that below)! As always, make sure they’re weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella or similar. Depending on your desired effort and budget, you can choose spring/summer and fall/winter colors… or have a unique color for each season!
Photo: the Nette Cushioned Loveseat in Tangerine by Oxford Garden, available at PatioProductions.com
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are like pillows. Versatile, stylish, easy to swap out. And since they have a bigger footprint, they really alter a space’s feel. Bring in those spring florals, summer brights, fall earth tones, or winter neutrals. Weather-resistant materials like polypropylene or recycled plastics are a must (especially with the added stress of all that foot-traffic).
Photo: the Carpretty Petit Outdoor Rug in royal blue and white by Fatboy, available at PatioProductions.com
Outdoor Blankets
Seasonally-styled outdoor blankets are tactile treasures. Sure, they boost the visual component of your design, but blankets add another dimension to your experience. Lightweight cotton or linen throws in bright colors or summery patterns liven up your spring/summer vibe. When those fall and winter temperatures drop, bring on thicker, cozier blankets of wool, fleece or faux fur. I’m getting comfortable just thinking about it.
Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains are easy to overlook. But when you walk into a well-designed spring sit-scape with light, billowing curtains dancing around the edges… it’s a game-changer, folks. Curtains add privacy, shade, and style to your patio or deck. Fabric choice is (once again) crucial. Look for polyester, acrylic, Sunbrella, or similar. Any fabric that resists to sun, rain, and mildew.
Outdoor Umbrellas
Outdoor umbrellas are often seen as more of a practical solution. Don’t sleep on this seasonal accessorizing powerhouse, though. Choose bright, cheerful colors or bold patterns in those warm months. Then swap in rich jewel tones or classic neutrals to complement those fall and winter feels. Pro tip: turn your outdoor umbrellas into unexpected focal points by hanging string lights or lanterns. Cozy-factor just shot up to 10.
Photo: the Greenwich 9′ Octagon Umbrella in Stripes by Frankford Umbrellas, available at PatioProductions.com
You have a lot of options for those outdoor furniture accessories. But before you start clicking Like and Buy, there are a few other things you should consider.
Create Your Own Custom Cushions at PatioProductions.com
If you really want your own unique seasonal outdoor furniture accessory style, getting your own custom cushions is the way to go. And Patio Productions is THE place to find it.
Your highest-quality cushion covers will be hand-made in our San Marcos warehouse by our own in-house sewing department. The foam is sourced from local factories. Expert craftsmanship from local producers. What could be better?
You give the sewing team your goals, fabrics, cushion types, sewing details, and quantity needs. They’ll do the hard work. Four to six weeks later, your uniquely-created cushions are on your patio.
Tip #4: Your Weather Affects Outdoor Furniture
I can’t stress enough how important it is to know how Mother Nature wants to show up at your house every season. The lives of your outdoor patio accessories depend on this. Does it rain a lot in your area? You’ll need quick-drying materials and maybe skip the shag rug. Hot, sunny climate? Lighter colors help disperse those sun rays AND don’t fade as quickly (assuming you choose fabrics with UV protection).
A buddy of mine once thought his new cotton rug would look amazing on his patio. In Seattle. Mother Nature had other thoughts. That thing was a moldy mess within a month. Always check the care instructions and choose materials suited for your weather conditions!
Tip #5: Durable Outdoor Accessory Materials
I know I passed seeming repetitive a few sections up. But this is important. For your outdoor accessories to look good AND last, you need the right fabrics and fibers. You want items that will last more than one season and still look great after exposure to the elements.
For rugs, polypropylene is a popular choice because it’s stain-resistant, easy to clean, and won’t fade in the sun. Acrylic and polyester are also good options for their durability and color retention.
When it comes to cushions and pillows, look for covers made from solution-dyed acrylic or spun polyester. These fabrics are designed to resist mold, mildew, and fading. And don’t forget about the fill material – opt for a quick-drying polyester fiberfill rather than traditional cotton or down.
Tip #6: Right-Sizing Your Outdoor Accessories
Size matters, people! Before you get too excited about any specific outdoor furniture accessory, measure everything! Measure your space. Measure furniture. Then (you got it) check the size of the accessory for a good fit. For rugs, you generally want to leave about 12-18 inches of floor space around the edges. Rugs under a dining table should be large enough to accommodate all the chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out.
Your pillows and cushions need to fit the scale of your furniture. Oversized pillows can look out of place on a dainty bistro set. Small cushions might get lost on a grand sectional. And make sure your curtains are long enough to provide ample shade and privacy without pooling on the ground.(The trailing edge of your curtain being brown and crusty is not a good look in any season.)
Tip #7: Maintaining and Storing Outdoor Accessories
And finally: maintenance. You spent all this time choosing your perfect look for each season. You definitely want to keep your outdoor accessories looking their best. Clean them regularly. Most cushions and pillows have removable covers that can be machine washed. Most outdoor rugs can be hosed down or spot cleaned as needed.
Store your outdoor accessories properly. This is for off-season or particularly bad-weather conditions. If they’re not currently making your patio look amazing, keep them in a waterproof location or container. This will help prevent damage from moisture, dirt, and critters.
Storage Solutions:
- Outdoor storage boxes
- Sectional sofas and daybeds featuring storage
- Benches with hidden compartments
- Tables with built-in storage
If you have limited storage space, look for items that are easy to fold or stack. Floor cushions or flat-weave rugs are often good for this option.
Make Every Season Your Favorite Outdoor Season
So now you’re a seasonal outdoor furniture accessory pro! There are a TON of options and considerations. But your game plan remains pretty simple:
- pick your seasonal theme
- create your color scheme
- know your materials
- mix layers, textures, and sizes
- keep everything clean and stored when not in use
What are the lyrics? “Winter, spring, summer, or fall. All you have to do …” well, you know the rest. Give us a shout or stop by our San Diego store. And don’t forget to explore our ever-expanding selection of high-quality luxury outdoor furniture brands.
