The Fun & Trendy Color Palette For Patio Furniture (And How To Nail The Look)

When designing the perfect patio space for their home, it seems like most people gravitate toward neutral color palettes. In fact, most people agree that gray or beige outdoor furniture is the best. That's because it not only stands the test of time, but also resists wear from the harsh sun. However, these readily available, predictable options can make the patio feel a tad unexciting. To avoid this pitfall, try using a trendier — but just as timeless — color palette of soft pastels. They will bring a subtle pop of color and visual interest to your space.

Though spring may immediately come to mind when you think of pastels, these happy hues can be used year-round if utilized correctly, creating a sophisticated palette perfect for your outdoor space. There is so much joy in colors like light yellow, blue, green, and pink that brings to mind a gorgeous garden or meadow of wildflowers. When grounded with natural wood tones, black for contrast, and other layered neutrals, these pastel palettes can be extremely refined and timeless, yet playful. Here's how to have a little fun with some pastels on your patio!

Pastel hues like sky blue, buttercup yellow, pale pink, lilac, mint, and light green not only look beautiful when incorporated into an outdoor patio area, but also reflect light better than darker tones, keeping your furniture cooler in the summer heat. But before packing your space with these cheerful hues, it is essential to make sure the space feels balanced with other elements and colors. This will help create a dynamic patio and avoid looking like a wedding or a child's birthday party. Think of wildflower imagery — what makes that palette so timeless and cohesive is that there is enough balance of non-pastels to make it work perfectly. For instance, a field of flowers has brown woody stems, white petals, black flower centers, and green leaves.

Ground your look with natural wood tones for a down-to-earth vibe that feels connected to nature. Add in a generous pop of black or other dark hue to introduce contrast to the softness of the pastels. This will make them appear more polished rather than cutesy. Create textural contrast by incorporating rugged natural materials like rough concrete or imperfect old brick. Finally, use plants and flowers to introduce a bit of vibrant greenery to pop against the beautiful pastels. Not only does this foster the indoor/outdoor connection we are going for in a patio space, but it also adds a bit of organic saturation to a palette that is otherwise neutral, pastel, and dark.

If you are a bit wary of adding pastels to your patio, start small by creating a neutral base for the larger pieces and then add chic pops of color. This could be in the form of beautiful throw pillows, ceramic side tables, or even fun string lights with pastel bulbs. All of these elements could be inexpensively swapped out if you decide to change things up. If you are ready to fully embrace pastels, opt for cheerful furniture cushions, an outdoor rug, and/or a patio umbrella in soft, happy shades. Look for sophisticated fabric patterns that will give the pastels a refined feel, such as a bold stripe, buffalo check, or houndstooth. Mix these with more organic/floral patterns and solids for balance.

If you are ready for a bigger commitment, consider painting an amazing mural on the wall or fence with these optimistic hues or install a colorful printed tile on the patio floor (you can DIY a stunning tile-inspired look by painting your basic concrete patio). Hang dramatic outdoor drapery in a pastel shade to blow whimsically in the breeze, or purchase outdoor dining chairs in a variety of soft hues. This will give a rainbow sherbet vibe to your dining area. Whatever level of pastel speaks to your heart and aesthetic, incorporating these jaunty, soft colors is a timeless and playful way to avoid a drab patio all season long.