For anyone struggling with styling outdoor furniture, fear not. There’s an art to it! No matter the size or shape of the space you have available, a few tips and tricks will help you craft the perfect lounging space every single time.

From picking the right theme to sourcing the right outdoor set, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the process. Let’s dive in!

1. Start with a Theme

Before jumping into the finer details, take a moment to think about the bigger picture. We recommend researching current outdoor décor trends and picking a theme that reflects your style and suits the space. Whether you love a boho vibe with macramé and rattan, a coastal look with whites and blues, or a sleek modern design with clean lines and neutrals, your theme will guide your furniture and accessory choices.

Keep it consistent by tying your furniture, cushions, and accessories to the theme. For example, a coastal theme might include wicker chairs, striped cushions, and lantern-style lighting. You might even want to create a mood board!

Pro tip: Let your home’s indoor design inform your outdoor theme. This helps your home feel cohesive, encouraging a sense of indoor-outdoor flow. When in doubt, rely on matching accent colours to bring your indoor design out into nature.

2. Add Layers with Cushions and Throws

Outdoor furniture can be stylish, but let’s face it, it must be comfy, too. Cushions and throws add both comfort and personality. Go for weather-resistant fabrics to keep things looking fresh, and don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures to create visual interest.

Layering throws over chair backs or draping them across a bench adds a cosy, inviting touch—perfect for cooler evenings spent outside with friends and family!

Pro tip: Cushions and blankets with natural textures are a great way to tie your new furniture into its outdoor setting. Textures like burlap, raw cotton, bamboo, and wool are ideal. Consider investing in a weatherproof chest to store these items during the winter or when New Zealand’s unpredictable weather takes a turn.

3. Incorporate Greenery and Natural Elements

It might seem a little strange to incorporate greenery into a space that is already outdoors, but the truth is that plants are a game-changer when styling your patio furniture. Potted plants, hanging planters, or even a tiny vertical garden can make your space feel vibrant and alive.

Remember, this is your space, so you can add as much personality as you want! For added charm, consider incorporating natural elements like a wooden coffee table, bamboo accents, or woven baskets for storage. These details help blend your furniture with the outdoors and create a seamless connection with nature.

Pro tip: While real plants are a wonderful addition to any space, artificial plants stay healthy and stunning year-round without adding plant care to your to-do list.

4. Play with Lighting

Lighting can completely transform your outdoor space once the sun sets. String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered lamps can create a warm and magical ambience. Place them around your seating area to highlight your furniture and set the mood for evening gatherings.

Choose lighting that complements your furniture’s style for a polished look—industrial fixtures for modern setups or vintage-inspired lanterns for a classic feel.

Pro tip: At night, lighting will attract insects to where you are, so it’s worth investing in one or two bug zappers, citronella candles, or even planted citronella to ward off mosquitoes.

5. Accessorise Like a Pro

No outdoor space is complete without a few well-chosen accessories. Think outdoor rugs to define the space, a statement centrepiece for your table, or stylish trays to serve drinks and snacks.

Don’t overlook practical accessories, either. A large umbrella or shade sail protects you from the sun and can also act as a design feature that ties the whole look together.

Pro tip: Treat your outdoor space like a room in your home. Define a focal point based on the space’s purpose and organise your furniture and accessories around it. While your living room’s focal point might be a television, your outdoor space’s focal point might be a fire pit, pizza oven, bar, or barbecue.

Ready to Bring Your Outdoor Space to Life?

At the end of the day, the secret to styling outdoor furniture is simple: it’s all about balancing form and function. Once you’ve accomplished this, you’ll be able to grab a refreshing drink, head outside, and comfortably lounge in this space you’ve carved out for yourself. What’s better than that?

At Victor’s Choice Furniture, we have a fully stocked range of exceptional outdoor furniture and accessories to help you create a picture-perfect spot in your garden or on your deck. No matter the size or shape of the space you’re working with, we have the furniture to fit. Explore our range today!