How to Style Outdoor Pillows: Create the Perfect Outdoor Look

Whether your backyard is your weekend retreat or the daily hangout spot, your outdoor pillows can completely change the mood of the space.

With a few clever swaps and design tricks, you can refresh your patio setup each season without a full furniture overhaul.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to style outdoor pillows or wondered whether you could dye or spray paint older ones, we’ve got all the answers (and then some) in this complete guide.

How to Style Outdoor Pillows

Styling outdoor pillows is about finding the balance between comfort, visual appeal, and functionality.

With the right combinations, your setup will look intentional, cozy, and season-ready.

Outdoor Pillow Styling Tips:

1. Start with a theme: Think coastal, modern, boho, or farmhouse. This helps guide color, pattern, and material choices. You can also draw inspiration from your existing outdoor furniture, landscaping, or seasonal décor.

2. Mix sizes and shapes: Combine square, lumbar, and bolster pillows for dimension. Standard sizes include 18"x18", 20"x20", and 12"x20". Adding a round pillow or two can introduce a softer element to angular furniture.

3. Layer patterns intentionally: Use one bold print, one subtle print, and one solid to avoid visual clutter. Try balancing florals with stripes or geometric prints to keep the arrangement dynamic but harmonious.

4. Use odd numbers: Three or five pillows look more balanced than an even number. Odd-numbered groupings naturally create visual interest and prevent symmetry from becoming too predictable.

5. Consider texture and durability: Choose pillows with outdoor-rated fabrics that resist sun, mold, and water. Woven textures like basketweave or slub cotton blends offer added depth while still standing up to the elements.

6. Anchor with neutrals: Neutral bases let accent pillows shine and are easier to update seasonally. Shades like beige, charcoal, and ivory serve as timeless backdrops and help unify diverse color palettes across your outdoor space.

We styled our deck seating with crisp navy and cream pillows this summer—an easy coastal touch that worked with our planter boxes and string lights.

After the kids spilled juice on one, the removable cover made cleanup a breeze.

Can You Spray Paint Outdoor Pillows?

Technically, yes—but there are some caveats. Spray painting can be a creative and budget-friendly way to refresh old or faded outdoor pillows, especially when you’re in the mood for a quick DIY project.

When It Works:

• Use fabric spray paint, not standard aerosol paint.

• Works best on light-colored or solid base fabrics.

• Apply multiple thin coats and let dry fully between layers.

• Smooth, tightly woven fabrics tend to yield better and more even results than coarse textures.

Pros:

• Quick way to update pillows without sewing.

• Great for stenciled designs, stripes, or accents.

• Offers seasonal flexibility—try switching colors between summer and fall themes.

• Can extend the visual life of worn or mismatched pillows without replacing them.

Cons:

• Paint may stiffen fabric feel and reduce breathability.

• Doesn’t last as long as professional dyeing or replacement covers.

• May flake or fade with repeated sun and moisture exposure over time.

Pro Tip:

Protect painted pillows from full-time sun and rain exposure to extend their lifespan. Place them in semi-covered areas or rotate them out seasonally to preserve the design and texture.

How to Dye Outdoor Pillows

For a more permanent color refresh, fabric dyeing is a great option—especially for pillow covers made of cotton or polyester blends.

Steps to Dye Outdoor Pillow Covers:

1. Remove pillow inserts and clean the covers: Check for stains or residue that could interfere with dye absorption. Use a mild detergent and let the covers dry completely before dyeing.

2. Choose a dye suitable for synthetic fabrics (like Rit DyeMore for polyester): Be sure to follow the product’s directions closely. Synthetic blends often require higher water temperatures or longer soak times.

3. Soak in a dye bath according to instructions: Use a large stainless steel pot or plastic bin and stir regularly to ensure even color distribution. You can also add salt or vinegar depending on the dye type for better colorfastness.

4. Rinse until water runs clear: Rinse in cold water repeatedly until no dye remains. This step is essential to prevent color transfer when the covers get wet later.

5. Air dry thoroughly before reassembling: Dry flat or hang in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight during drying to prevent uneven fading or blotching.

Best Fabric Types for Dyeing:

Avoid dyeing pillows with waterproof coatings or vinyl-like finishes—they won’t absorb the color well.

Whether styling inside or out, it’s always a win to coordinate textures. A fluffy outdoor lumbar pillow set on a cozy hammock feels right at home when the indoor space includes the luxurious softness of a Puffy Lux Mattress—it’s the same idea of comfort, extended throughout your home.

How to Measure Outdoor Pillows

Getting the right fit ensures your setup looks polished—not overstuffed or saggy.

How to Measure:

1. For covers:

   • Measure seam-to-seam across the pillow.

   • Do not include corner flares or trim.

   • If the cover has piping or a decorative edge, measure just inside the seams for accuracy.

2. For inserts:

   • Use a tape measure to check width and height while the insert lies flat.

   • Inserts should be 1–2 inches larger than covers for a full look.

   • For square pillows, measure both sides to ensure the insert isn’t uneven or misshaped from frequent use.

   • If your insert is particularly plush or thick, you may want to go up a size to maintain that full, structured appearance.

Standard Outdoor Pillow Sizes:

Extra Tip:

Always measure twice if you’re ordering custom covers or buying inserts separately. A snug, structured fit gives your pillows a high-end look.

Matching Outdoor and Indoor Style

Styling doesn’t have to stop at the back door. Echoing the colors or textures you love outside into your home makes everything feel more cohesive and thoughtfully designed.

• Carry over patterns like stripes, geometrics, or florals into living room or bedroom textiles. These small visual echoes help create a unified flow from patio to interior spaces.

• Use similar materials like cotton-linen blends or woven jute for rugs and throws. Not only are these materials durable, but they also bring a breezy, relaxed feel indoors that mimics the patio vibe.

• Layering in comfort outdoors and indoors is seamless when your spaces share a design language. Think of using complementary pillow colors or matching accent tones in your decor accessories like planters, candle holders, or wall art.

By repeating themes and textures, you blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, making your home feel larger, more open, and more harmonious.

After an afternoon in the yard, coming inside to a Puffy Cloud Mattress feels like a continuation of outdoor comfort—supportive, breathable, and always inviting.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to style outdoor pillows adds personality, polish, and purpose to any space.

With just a few thoughtful choices, you can transform your patio from basic to beautiful while keeping it functional and family-friendly.

Whether you’re updating old pillows with dye or spray paint, mixing shapes and sizes, or echoing indoor style, this is one of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh, pulled-together look.