Right. So you want to get your act together on the patio and design a pretty space to relax and entertain. Tired of your local garden store cushions, you head over to Target and other retailers but walk away feeling less than inspired. What to do?
First of all, you always have the option of working with a designer or decorator who has showroom access and can get you in front of some of the most gorgeous bolts of to the trade fabric in the world. If your budget doesn’t allow you to take this route, I’ve compiled a list of some of the places I suggest for finding fabric for your patio. If you’re in the market for other important details, like lawn furniture and outdoor rugs, you’ll want to click on all the links below as most of these places carry a bit of everything. But first, let us drool over this porch, complete with curtains and floor pillows. This is so very southern, makes me really miss living in South Carolina because there’s nothing like a big front porch used as a room.
My first pick for all weather textiles is a place called Outdoor Fabrics. Yeah I know, totally obvious what they sell with a name like that. They have a vast selection so I encourage you to check them out. Also try Outdoor Textiles.
I can’t mention Arthur Lauer without plugging the modern Adirondack chair from the The Cole Collection designed by the great Sheila Bridges. They’re coastal Maine meets Marrakesh and they’re guaranteed to rock your cashbah. The Bridges Collection is another favorite of mine because I love all the custom upholstery options.
Ballard Designs is another great resource that I mention frequently here on decor8 for finding fabric, though it’s not sold by the yard, they specialize more in outdoor cushions.
Also try Tropitone for all-weather fabric. Bookmark Grandin Road because they have it all, especially lots of colorful choices in solids. Lane Venture also stocks fabric galore, many solids and patterns. Kingsley-Bate, too.
You can’t mention outdoor fabric without Sunbrella coming to mind. The Sunbrella Store has everything from awnings to umbrellas. I like their stripes collection the most, when I think of Sunbrella I think of stripes.
Frontgate is another great source that I’ve mentioned here before. I especially like their interactive cushion design tool, you can dress your chaise before you decide on the perfect cushion.
Misc. clicks: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, House of Fabric, Oxford Garden, Smith & Hawken, Hancock’s of Paducah, Crate + Barrel, and Calico Corners. Also try Country Casual for cushions and umbrellas, you can also order swatches.
Happy shopping for outdoor fabric and stay tuned because I’ll be putting together a list of my favorite patio finds for Spring and the annual doormat round up scheduled to appear on decor8 next week.
(images all credited and linked directly below each photo.)











































March 11th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I’d love to see your ideas for small space patio ideas. I just want two chairs and a small table for dining al fresco. I have a lovely, but small balcony and can’t seem to find furniture that’s an appropriate size and within my budget.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I found some surprisingly John Robshaw-esque outdoor throw pillows and cushions at Home Depot, of all places.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Great post! Now excuse me while I go clicking and exploring the links.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Absolutely fabulous post, Holly. Being from the South, we take our outdoor decor very seriously. I adore the Adirondack!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:09 am
I bought 6 yds of the Asian-esque red cherry blossom a few months ago just in case. It’s beautiful just on the roll…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I would take any of those patios! They all look so relaxing!
March 13th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I just stopped by World Market yesterday and they had a fun and BRIGHT collection of outdoor toss pillows. They seemed to have more in their stores than what I can see online. However, they definitely aren’t as classic and elegant as what you have posted, but a few thrown in here and there could really make your patio pop for the summer.
It looks like Smith & Hawken also sell outdoor fabric by the yard.