How to Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture

Mix and match outdoor porch furniture on your patioIf you’re looking to revamp your outdoor space this season, start by mixing and matching outdoor furniture. Designers like Suzanne Kasler, Bunny Williams and Miles Redd all prefer to mix and match outdoor furniture pieces on a porch or patio to create the same layered look they design for their indoor spaces. We’re showing you how you can put this strategy to the test by blending elements from different outdoor collections in the same open-air space.

In the above video, designer James Farmer shares his guidelines for mixing outdoor furniture collections.

Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture with different finishes1. Pick Three Finishes

When picking pieces for your outdoor porch furniture, start with mixing three different finishes. For this outdoor space, we chose to mix in woven, teak, and concrete finishes. The woven sofa, lounge chairs, and teak table legs gives the entire space a cohesive look, while the concrete accents help break everything up and keep the space from being too matchy.

Teak outdoor porch furniture mixed with concrete fire table2. Mix in Accessories

In this space we used the rectuangular fire table to contrast the natural teak of the Madison Collection. Since so many outdoor porch furniture pieces tend to be woven, metal or wood, mixing in concrete is a great way to break up a stagnant outdoor space. We also brought in different outdoor decor like the outdoor throw pillows, LED lanterns, and various planters.

Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture with outdoor seating

3. Seating Switch

Rather than a matching dining set, we chose a mix of chairs from Suzanne Kasler’s outdoor collections to partner with Miles Redd’s rectangular dining table. And in the same way you’d add in a different head chair in your formal dining room, we chose folding teak campaign chairs.

To finish off the space, we flanked an outdoor-safe mirror with wall sconces, creating a focal point on the far wall.

4. Play with Shapes

In addition to the variety of interesting finishes and extra warmth, one of our favorite reasons to mix and match collections is the interplay of interesting shapes. The scalloped edge and contrasting trim of the umbrella adds a touch of drama to this poolside space.

Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture with finishing touches

5. Finishing Touches

Don’t forget the final flourishes – they’re just as important outdoors as in. To complement this outdoor kitchen island, we used a trio of barstools and a large arrangement of faux palm leaves. The leaves add a fresh and natural element to the space, while the woven barstool seats echo the weave of our dining chairs.

Need more outdoor decorating inspiration? Read these related posts to learn more:

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Abbey Nolte

Abbey is a homegrown Georgia peach who loves a fresh take on Southern design. When she’s not working behind the scenes of the How to Decorate blog and podcast, you can find her cheering on the Appalachian State Mountaineers and spending time with her wheaten terrier, Charlie.

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