Is your boring deck space giving you a reason to stay indoors? Perhaps you’re wondering: Can you mix and match patio furniture?
Yes, mismatched furniture is definitely in! It’s a great way to create a style that’s anything but cookie-cutter.
Read on to learn how to mix and match outdoor furniture to replicate the layered look of an indoor space.
Step 1: Mix Your Design Style
You can play with different design styles when choosing your patio furniture for an eclectic look. Remember that the primary furniture style of your big-ticket items will set the tone of your outdoor space. These include your sofa and dining table.
Your furniture can be a playful mix of traditional bones and modern silhouettes. Imagine the pairing of a farmhouse dining table and contemporary chairs. If you have a separate seating area, repeat the combination of old and new for a continuous flow.
Consider using transitional furniture, which blends classic and contemporary design elements. An example of this is a lounge chair with sleek lines and a curved upholstered back.
Different period pieces go well together when they share something like color, material, or finish.
Step 2: Choose Your Color Palette
The general design rule is to pick two neutral colors for your anchor pieces and two accent colors for some drama.
When picking your color palette, consider how different colors affect your mood. Warm colors, like red, yellow, and orange breathe vibrant energy. Cool colors, like blue and green, evoke a relaxing and soothing feeling.
If you’re not a fan of multi-colored design, you can opt for a monochromatic color scheme instead. You can achieve this by using three shades of the same color or a mixture of neutral hues.
Step 3: Use Different Materials
You can use different materials, such as wood, metal, fabric, or stone, to give your space a custom feel. Follow the Rule of Three when putting unique pieces together to create a unified look. That is, repeat each material at least three times in a grouping.
Let’s say you have a loveseat, lounge chairs, an ottoman, and a cocktail table in a set. You can effectively combine wood and metal as long as each appears three times in the group. You may also use these materials in the light fixtures and accessories to tie the area together.
If you don’t want to play by the rules, then a boho-chic aesthetic may appeal to your style sense.
This allows you to combine different organic materials for a truly personalized outdoor space. For example, wicker furniture has a woven texture that pairs well with the smooth finish of stone or metal.
Step 4: Play With Patterns
Patterns appear in the wood grains, upholstery fabric, and decorative details in furniture. Arabesque, chevron, and herringbone patterns all look beautiful. However, they can be overwhelming on large surfaces.
The key is to limit their use to a small scale, like on an accent chair, an ottoman, or even cushions. Mesh simple and intricate patterns together to add visual variety.
Stripes complement floral prints, while polka dots clash with a plaid or gingham design.
Use solid neutral colors to break up busy patterns. Remember that mixing and matching is an exercise in balance and restraint.
Finally, apply repetitions to create movement and rhythm.
