Spring and summer call for one thing, and one thing only: backyard festivities! From lively barbecues to peaceful mornings sipping coffee alfresco, these days are all about soaking up sun and embracing the great outdoors. But amidst the joy of warm-weather gatherings, I can't help but wonder: why does outdoor furniture always seem so... dull?
Now, I'll admit, my personal style tends towards the neutral and monochromatic. But even I've grown tired of the typical brown and beige outdoor furniture options. If we’re energizing our indoor spaces with splashes of color, my question is: shouldn't the best outdoor furniture follow suit?
I'm certainly not alone in this. According to interior designer Nicole Cullum, ‘As the seasons change, we are naturally drawn to more vibrant colors.’ ‘Sunny yellows, cheerful oranges, and bright blues lift our spirits out of the winter fog,’ she explains, adding ‘Walking out to enjoy a bright and happy outdoorscape helps shake off long days indoors.’
So, if you've been itching to revitalize your backyard as much as I have, look no further. Colorful outdoor furniture may be hard to come by, but I've scoured the market to track down the chicest options available. Say goodbye to your drab outdoor space — brighter days await!
Outdoor Side Tables
Price: $168
I adore the glossy finish of this glazed ceramic side table. Its brick shade offers a more subdued take on your usual red, and paired with a clean silhouette, it's a great entry piece into the world of color for the unacquainted.
Price: $228
Purple-hued glass gives this Anthropologie side table an otherworldly charm. Equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use, maximize your use out of the piece by moving it into a sunroom or living room during the off seasons.
Price: $159
Geometric lines meet a soothing sage ombre in this side table — a match made in heaven. It’s a nice pop of color but still very much a neutral, making it just as easy to pair with earthy tones as with bright shades like orange.
Outdoor Seating
Price: $399
There's nothing understated about this firehouse red chair, and that’s part of its charm! Complete with sleek slanted lines, it’s a modern take on a classic design to brighten your backyard mood. And if red isn’t your thing, there’s a rainbow of other outdoor furniture shades to choose from.
Price: $648
Not to play favorites, but I think this outdoor bench is a real showstopper with its multi-color woven rope seat. It’s a fun way to spice up long picnic-style dining tables or even display as a standalone piece in a garden area.
Price: $349
‘It’s actually cerulean,’ you’ll quip time and time again as guests marvel at this stunning outdoor seating idea. Perfect for vibrant entertainers or the fashionably inclined.
Outdoor Coffee Tables
Price: $449
This coffee table is a minimalist's dream — a sleek design with a hint of whimsy. It's like a breath of fresh air for your outdoor space, adding modern flair without overwhelming the scene.
Price: $348
It’s hard not to smile looking at this woven Anthropologie coffee table. A delicate dance between wicker and glass. It's the epitome of understated elegance, it gently brightens but maintains a barely-there look. Even your pickiest houseguests will be mesmerized.
Price: $103.97
Was: $149
At just over $100 and available in a range of colors from orange to turquoise, this is an instant ‘add to cart.’ Pair it with your favorite set of chairs for a compact but vibrant outdoor living room idea.
Outdoor Loungers
Price: $1,998
This lounge looks like Cannes circa 1960. Pairing scalloped white steel tubing with a lemonade yellow striped seat, it basically has ‘summer’ written all over it. Oh — and there's a tiny beverage table, too. Chic.
Price: $184.99
Was: $270
This wasabi green lounge is as strong as it is beautiful with its high-quality resin construction. Resist anything Mother Nature throws your way with style.
Price: $1,299.99
Was: $1,379.99
Say hello to your new favorite nap spot — plush, vibrant, and unbelievably comfy. Upholstered in Sunbrella fabric, it's a colorful piece that promises to stay bright, no matter how sunny it gets.
How should I style colorful outdoor furniture?
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‘I love a colorful backyard because it creates a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere,’ remarks interior designer Soledad Alzaga. ‘Makes me feel like I am on vacation!’ she exclaims. ‘Colors have the power to influence mood, with bright hues energizing the space and calming tones making it more relaxing. By playing with different colors, you can set the mood for your outdoor area,’ she explains.
Colorful furniture brings a sense of excitement, but it can be daunting when your current outdoor pieces are a sea of beige and brown. How will your new furniture fit in? Fortunately, Soledad and Nicole say that you don't need to overwhelm your space by shoehorning it with even more color — just a well-placed 'pop' can do wonders.
And if you want to enhance your backyard without committing to entirely new pieces, Nicole explains that even a colorful outdoor throw pillow will make quite the statement. 'Throw pillows are easy to change from spring to summer, so you can look perfectly seasonally styled without breaking the bank,' she notes. ‘Toss a few colorful patterned pillows onto your outdoor sofa and you have a whole new look.’
Beat the heat with our selection of the best backyard umbrellas and outdoor shelters.
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