Colorful Patio Furniture - Tips and Top Color Choices for the Outdoors


Countryside allows you to choose the specific colors not only for your indoor furniture but also for pieces intended for the great outdoors. This means you have a literal rainbow of options at your fingertips, from bright Aruba Blue to subdued Cedar to rich Burgundy. To help with the selection process, we've put together tips for finding the right color palette for your outdoor space. We also chose to showcase some of our favorite colorful patio sets for your browsing pleasure.

Browse the categories below, remembering that each outdoor furniture piece comes in dozens of colors!
 

Amish outdoor furniture sets

Amish patio chairs

Patio tables

Outdoor loveseats

Adirondack chairs

Picnic tables

Tips for Picking Colors for your Patio Furniture

Have your outdoor furniture feature two colors, maximum

There are a few reasons we generally recommend that buyers stick to two colors when furnishing their patio or yard:

  • Your outdoor space is already full of visual interest—from the clouds overhead to the surrounding plant life and street views. Buying furniture in three or more colors risks creating a visually busy space, rather than a calming and harmonious retreat.
     
  • Your furniture isn't the only opportunity to introduce color to your patio. Pillows, outdoor rugs, umbrellas, planters, and even your home's exterior can provide additional pops of personality. The more colorful your furniture frames are, the less flexibility you'll have to experiment with these accents.
     
  • Your furniture will feel more coordinated and purposeful if there are the same two colors uniting all of the pieces. Have three or more hues, and you risk having the set feel random.

Of course, rules are meant to be broken if you’re feeling confident and bold in your vision for your colorful outdoor furniture. 

Think about the colors you’d want for all outdoor seasons

Chances are, you’ll be enjoying your outdoor area during three of the four seasons. This means you’ll be comfortably enjoying everything from springtime blooms to summer greenery to autumn leaves. However, this can also present a challenge, as you’ll want colorful outdoor furniture that compliments your patio or yard in all its states. 


Pro tip - While swapping your outdoor furniture seasonally may be impractical and costly, changing out the cushions offers a simple way to refresh your space. For example, if your backyard features cherry blossom trees, consider using pink cushions in the spring to complement their blooms, and then transitioning to warmer autumn tones in the fall.

Consider how the color will look under all lights

When people pick paint colors for their walls or stains for their indoor wood furniture, we always recommend that they view the color in as many different lights as possible. After all, what may look lovely under morning’s natural light may appear entirely different when lit by LEDs at night. 

This same principle applies equally to your patio. Because the great outdoors experiences such dramatic shifts in light, consider how different hues will respond at various times of day. Will bright whites be glaring in the afternoon sun? Will moody grays and plums appear too dark when you're enjoying your deck at night?
 

Don’t be too concerned about fleeting trends

While decor fads come and go each year, investing in high-quality furniture ensures lasting style. Choose a patio color palette that resonates with you, not just the latest trend.

Want to be conservative with your use of color? Opt for colorful accents

Does the idea of bright, colorful patio chairs fill you with trepidation? If so, incorporate colors as accents rather than as the foundational tones. Accent colors can be presented in numerous ways in your outdoor furniture, such as by using vibrant cushions, eye-catching side tables, or even furniture trim. Another way to temper the impact of vibrant furniture colors is to pair them with natural tones, like browns and beiges.
 

Coordinate your outdoor furniture with your other patio elements

Consider matching colors or styles with your umbrella, potted plants, or even a colorful front door. Window trim and awnings are also great features to tie into your patio design.

Consider color psychology when choosing your patio furniture

  • Red - Associated with energy and excitement, red furniture adds a bold touch that contrasts greatly with surrounding natural elements. For this reason, many people choose to use red within the accent or trim, rather than the dominant hue, when selecting colorful outdoor furniture.
     
  • Blue - Evokes feelings of tranquility and serenity, making it ideal for creating a relaxing outdoor retreat. Blue furniture can also suggest stability and trust, inviting guests to unwind in a dependable, comfortable space.
     
  • Yellow - Yellow evokes feelings of happiness, optimism, and energy, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor furniture to create a cheerful and inviting patio space. Using yellow accents, such as cushions or small side tables, can add a pop of brightness without being overwhelming. However, be mindful of using too much yellow, as large quantities can sometimes be perceived as too intense or even agitating, so balance is key.
     
  • Green - Combining the calmness of blue with the friendliness of yellow, green elicits feelings of comfort and renewal. What's more, green is one of the most common hues in nature, making it a natural extension for your colorful patio furniture. Unlike yellow or red, you can safely use green as the leading color in your furniture set without risking fatiguing the eyes.
     
  • Purple - Purple contrasts with green in numerous ways, starting with the fact that it is the least common color in nature. Therefore, it's commonly associated with imagination and fantasy rather than a grounded feeling. This contrast ensures it will pop against the surrounding outdoor environment, creating an overall modern aesthetic.
     

The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials to Sustain Bold Colors

Poly lumber is a durable and weather-resistant material made from recycled plastics. Yet don’t let the fact that it’s made from plastic fool you, as it avoids many of the pitfalls commonly associated with this material. Reasons it is by far your best choice for colorful outdoor furniture are: 

  • Adaptability to all colors. All the outdoor furniture featured in these photographs is made from poly lumber, demonstrating firsthand its ability to exhibit brash colors, whether that be black, brown, blue, or purple. 

  • Can mimic the appearance of natural wood. Bold colors aren’t the only hues poly lumber is capable of displaying. It can take on the appearance of organic materials, even displaying details like a wood grain.

  • UV resistance. Poly lumber ensures that the patio furniture’s color stays consistent, as this material resists fading and degradation from sun exposure.

  • Moisture resistance. Poly lumber doesn't absorb moisture, preventing rot, decay, and mold growth.

  • Overall durability. Poly lumber is resistant to insects, splintering, cracking, and warping, ensuring long-lasting performance.

  • Eco-friendly. It's made from recycled plastics, reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainability.

  • Low maintenance. It doesn't require painting, staining, or waterproofing, saving you time and money.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DOZENS OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE COLORS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH POLY LUMBER

 

Materials to Avoid For Your Outdoor Furniture

  • Natural wood species. While some woods naturally withstand the elements better than others, none compare to the durability of poly lumber. However, wood species that are especially ill-adapted to maintaining color when exposed to the outdoors are maple, pine, aspen, birch, and spruce. 
     
  • Aluminum. While some stores praise aluminum’s durability and ability to sport nearly any color, it’s not without its downsides. Mainly, they are easily scratched, can absorb heat, and are lightweight enough to be blown away by strong gusts. 
     
  • Metal. Metal furniture can rust, corrode, and become excessively hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable and having any color lose its vibrancy. 
     
  • Cheap plastic. Flimsy, inexpensive plastic furniture often cracks, fades, and becomes brittle quickly, lacking durability and aesthetic appeal.
     
  • Wicker. Wicker's vulnerability to moisture and weather makes it a less durable option for outdoor furniture.
     

Maintain the Vibrancy of Cushions With the Right Textiles

Because not all outdoor fabrics offer equal weather resistance, Countryside Amish Furniture carefully considered various options before choosing to collaborate with Sunbrella fabrics. 

These fabrics are specifically engineered to confront the elements, helping them successfully resist fading, water damage, and mildew. This allows any color you choose for your outdoor cushioning to stay crisp year after year. Visit this page, and you’ll see a multitude of different color and pattern options for your furniture.
 

Why Entrust Countryside Amish Furniture to Build Your Colorful Furniture

Countryside Amish Furniture shapes modern poly lumber using traditional Amish furniture-making techniques, merging the best of both worlds. We pride ourselves on offering complete customizations, allowing you to select both the colors of the furniture and the cushioning to perfectly suit your style. In addition to stellar furniture making, we are committed to providing stellar customer service, ensuring a satisfying experience. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized support, we strive to exceed your expectations.
 

 

Learn More About Countryside Amish Furniture

Author, Baileigh Basham

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.