7 Ways to Decorate Outdoor Spaces with Stripes

Outdoor terrace with cabana striped patio cushions

This post was updated May 2022.

After the big chill of winter, your outdoor porch furniture could probably use a little TLC. What if we told you there was a simple way to give your outdoor decor an instant makeover? The answer lies in two words: striped furniture.

Yes, striped furniture. These alternating bands of colors pack a punch, which is exactly the kind of jolt your porch or patio needs. Whether you’re planning outdoor entertaining or simply want a seat next to your barbecue, a little refresh can go a long way. Here are some of our favorite ways to refresh with stripes your outdoor porch furniture for dining, lounging and entertaining.

Covered outdoor patio with furniture in black and white stripes

1. Striped Furniture — Bold and Beautiful

The high-contrast duo of black and white adds sophistication — and a little drama — to an outdoor space. For major impact, repeat the pattern on outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor drapery, and even pillows. It’s okay to vary the scale, but keep the color the same. Here, we went bold with a combination of pillows, seat cushions and an outdoor rug.

2. Curtain Call

Outdoor curtains are so incredibly versatile they’re on our must-have list for any outdoor room. They block the sun and heat, provide privacy from nearby neighbors and help define an outdoor room. Panels with vertical stripes draw the eye up and give the illusion of more height, making the outdoor space feel grand.

White metal outdoor dining table with striped cushions3. Lounge Time

Cushions are the perfect way to add both comfort and style to an outdoor porch furniture, making them another must for us. Replacing your cushions at the start of the new season is an inexpensive and easy way to change up your look. This year, make it striped.

Striped outdoor umbrella over poolside chaise lounges4. Striped Furniture Made In the Shade

Do you have a shadeless backyard that does not offer respite from the afternoon sun? Here’s your chance to turn something so utilitarian into a fun fashion statement. Simultaneously block the sun and catch the attention of your guests with a fetching striped umbrella canopy.

Covered patio space with striped pillows

5. Easy Does It

If you’re looking for a super simple solution that doesn’t break the bank, then pillows are your answer. Add a few striped pillows to your seating to kick up the color and draw the eye. We especially love ticking for its classic yet casual aesthetic.

Outdoor lounge chairs

6. Nautical by Nature

You don’t have to live in a beach house to create a seaside vibe. It’s as easy as adding crisp navy-and-white stripes to your patio. There’s just something so refreshingly simple and summery about this classic maritime combination. Of course, if you want to take the theme to the next level, add in other coastal elements and motifs, like anchors, paddles, ropes and seashells.

Outdoor furniture and drapery panels on a covered porch7. Table It

When the weather warms up, move dinner outdoors for a change — and don’t let lack of furniture deter you. You can impress your guests and family with a well-dressed table setting while keeping an unsightly card table under wraps. The tablecloth dresses it up just enough while the stripes keep it casual.

Find more outdoor decorating ideas on our Pinterest page or in the related articles below:

Did you like this post and find it helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments.

How to Decorate Team

We enjoy spending days interacting with How to Decorate readers. From answering Design Dilemmas to writing How To articles and working with guest designers, our passion is to provide informative and accurate resources to help people solve their design problems.

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  1. Reply

    Kelly

    May 1, 2021

    I was looking for Cabana striped outdoor throw pillows when I happened upon this site. My favorite look is the teak chair with a bright blue and white wide striped cabana cushion. I don’t know what color it is though. Does anyone know?
    I ordered some sample fabric but not sure if any of them are correct.
    Thank you for the help

    • Reply

      Abbey Nolte

      May 3, 2021

      Kelly,
      That is our Canopy Stripe Bermuda/White Sunbrella Performance Fabric. You can find it on a number of our outdoor cushions and throw pillows.
      So glad you like it!

  2. Reply

    Jacqueline Anderson

    December 12, 2016

    how do you hang the drapery outside? Should there be a curtain rod over the entire opening so they can open and close? Perhaps just a fixed16 or 18 inch piece by each arched opening? staple gun? curtain rods? fixed wood?

    • Reply

      Caroline McDonald

      August 21, 2018

      Jacqueline,
      We definitely recommend using outdoor drapery hardware, otherwise you’ll have a difficult time opening and closing drapery panels! Basically treat outdoor drapery in the same way you’d treat indoor drapery.
      Thanks for your question,
      Caroline

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