This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in.
If you want to completely transform the look of your outdoor space without spending a lot of money or doing a lot of work — outdoor throw pillows are your answer. They’re one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add color, personality, and comfort to any patio, deck, or balcony.
The best part? You can swap them out every season for a completely fresh look without replacing your furniture. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best outdoor throw pillows for your space.
Why Outdoor Throw Pillows Make Such a Big Difference
It’s amazing how much a few well chosen pillows can change the feel of an outdoor space. They:
- Add instant color and personality — without committing to expensive furniture
- Make seating more comfortable — especially on hard metal or wicker chairs
- Tie your outdoor decor together — like the finishing touch on a well designed space
- Are easy to swap seasonally — fresh look every few months for very little money
- Make outdoor spaces feel like indoor rooms — cozy, intentional, and welcoming
If your patio furniture is looking tired or plain, new throw pillows are the fastest fix.
What to Look for in Outdoor Throw Pillows
Not all throw pillows are suitable for outdoor use. Here’s what matters when shopping:
Weather Resistant Fabric
Look for pillows made from:
- Sunbrella fabric— the gold standard for outdoor fabrics. Fade resistant, mold resistant, and incredibly durable
- Polyester — affordable and widely available, good resistance to fading and moisture
- Olefin — another great synthetic option that handles sun and moisture well
Avoid natural fabrics like cotton or linen for outdoor use — they absorb moisture, fade quickly, and can develop mold.
Fade Resistant
Outdoor pillows are exposed to direct sunlight which will fade colors quickly if the fabric isn’t UV resistant. Always check that pillows are labeled fade resistant or UV resistant.
Quick Drying
Look for pillows with quick dry fill — polyester fiberfill dries much faster than traditional pillow stuffing if pillows get wet in rain.
Removable Covers
Pillows with zip off covers are so much easier to clean — just remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine. Worth looking for especially if you have kids or pets.
Best Outdoor Throw Pillow Styles
Classic Stripes
Stripe patterns are timeless and work with almost any outdoor furniture style. Navy and white, black and white, or multi colored stripes all look crisp and put together. A classic choice that never goes out of style.
Bold Botanical Prints
Leaf and botanical prints are huge right now and look absolutely stunning outdoors — they bring the garden onto your furniture in the most beautiful way. Look for large scale prints in greens, blues, and earth tones.
Geometric Patterns
Bold geometric patterns in black and white or neutral tones add a modern graphic punch to any outdoor space. They photograph beautifully and work especially well with contemporary furniture.
Solid Colors
Sometimes simple is best. A set of solid colored pillows in a beautiful shade — terracotta, sage green, navy, or dusty blue — can completely transform the mood of an outdoor space. Mix two or three coordinating solids for an effortlessly stylish look.
Coastal and Nautical
Anchors, sea life, and coastal patterns are perennially popular for outdoor spaces — especially in blues, whites, and sandy neutrals. Perfect for anyone who loves a relaxed beach house vibe.
Bohemian and Woven
Textured woven pillows with fringe, tassels, or macrame details add incredible depth and personality to any outdoor space. They work beautifully with rattan or wicker furniture and potted plants.
How to Style Outdoor Throw Pillows
Choosing the right pillows is one thing — styling them well is another. Here are some tips for getting the look right:
Mix Patterns and Solids
The easiest formula for styling pillows is to mix one patterned pillow with one or two solid colored pillows. Use a color from the pattern for the solid pillows to tie everything together.
Use Odd Numbers
Groups of three or five pillows always look more natural and intentional than even numbers. On a two seater sofa try three pillows — two smaller ones at each end and one larger one in the middle.
Vary Sizes
Mix different pillow sizes for a more layered and luxurious look. A combination of 20×20 inch square pillows with some 12×20 inch lumbar pillows looks much more interesting than all the same size.
Don’t Overdo It
More isn’t always better with outdoor pillows. Too many pillows leaves no room to actually sit! Two to four pillows per seating piece is usually the sweet spot.
Change With the Seasons
- Spring — fresh florals, soft pastels, botanical prints
- Summer — bold bright colors, coastal themes, tropical prints
- Fall — warm earth tones, rust, mustard, and deep greens
- Winter — deep jewel tones, plaid patterns, cozy textures
Best Outdoor Throw Pillow Combinations
Combination 1 — Classic and Timeless
Navy stripe + white solid + navy solid Works with: any color furniture, any style patio
Combination 2 — Modern and Bold
Black geometric + white solid + charcoal solid Works with: grey, black, or white furniture, contemporary style
Combination 3 — Boho and Relaxed
Terracotta solid + cream woven texture + rust botanical print Works with: rattan, wicker, or natural wood furniture
Combination 4 — Fresh and Bright
Sage green solid + white solid + green botanical print Works with: black, white, or grey furniture, any garden setting
Combination 5 — Coastal and Breezy
Blue and white stripe + navy solid + coastal print Works with: white or natural wood furniture, coastal or beach style
How to Care for Outdoor Throw Pillows
Keeping your outdoor pillows looking their best is easy with a little regular care:
- Brush off dirt and debris regularly — a soft brush works well
- Spot clean stains immediately — the sooner you treat a stain the easier it is to remove
- Machine wash covers if they’re removable — use a gentle cycle and mild detergent
- Air dry completely before putting covers back on
- Store inside during heavy rain or winter — even weather resistant pillows last longer when stored properly
- Use a storage bag or box for off season storage — keeps them clean and dry
The Easiest Outdoor Upgrade You Can Make
Outdoor throw pillows are genuinely one of the best value home decor purchases you can make. For the price of a few pillows you can completely transform how your outdoor space looks and feels — making it more comfortable, more stylish, and more inviting.
Start with two or three pillows in colors and patterns you love and see how much of a difference they make. You might be surprised at how much a small change can transform your entire outdoor space! 🛋️
What’s your favorite outdoor pillow style? Save this post to your Pinterest board for later!
Low Effort Luxe 