How to Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture for a Stylish and Cohesive Look?

You don’t always need matching outdoor furniture to transform your outdoors into a stylish space. Rather, a mix-and-match approach can give your patio, garden, or backyard a lot of character and style along with comfort. All you need to do is thoughtfully combine different styles, textures, and materials in a way that they complement each other, providing you with a cohesive look overall. By mix-and-matching not only does your space stand out but it also reflects your unique taste.

This video is sourced from Youtube@Ballard Designs

Table of Contents 

• Beyond the Set: Outdoor Decor Ideas for a Curated, Collected Patio Look
• Explore GARVEE’s Outdoor Furniture
• Addressing Common Questions

Beyond the Set: Outdoor Decor Ideas for a Curated, Collected Patio Look

Time to up your décor game and bid adieu to the same old matching outdoor patio furniture set. Give your space the fresh look it needs with these mix-and-match outdoor décor ideas.

Combine Different Materials

Mixing and matching different types of materials can add depth and interest, creating a visual interest and layered feel. Here is how you can blend various materials for a cohesive look.

• Wood and Metal: Combine a wooden patio sofa or an outdoor loveseat with a metal coffee table or chairs. The wood adds warmth to the place while the metal patio furniture pieces add sleekness, complementing each other really well and achieving a harmonious look.
  
  You can also choose patio furniture that is a combination of metal and wood. If you want to give your place a rustic, farmhouse-style feel, then opt for wood that has a distressed, weathered, or reclaimed look and is paired with wrought iron or matte black metal frames. For vintage vibes, go for metal frames or structures that have decorative curves and antique finishes. 
  
  
• Wicker and Aluminum: If you want a blend of traditional with modern, then wicker and aluminum go well together. The softness of the wicker very beautifully contrasts with the clean lines of aluminum patio furniture. Combine a wicker outdoor sectional couch with a stylish aluminum coffee table. To tie these two looks together, use cushions, rugs and throws.
  
  
• Wrought Iron and Teak: If you want something that is elegant yet earthy and timeless, then teak and wrought iron patio furniture would be a great addition to your outdoors. The earthiness of teak complements beautifully with the timeless sophistication and durability of wrought iron. 
  

Tip: To ensure a balanced look, the materials that you use should all share a common design element be it in terms of colors or finish.  

Harmonize Various Designs

For a more personalized, unique, and dynamic look overall, blend together various styles – modern patio furniture with rustic, contemporary with traditional, etc.

• Traditional and Contemporary: To blend in both traditional and contemporary designs, you can opt for an outdoor sofa, outdoor couch, or patio loveseat and mix and match them with contemporary accessories such as geometric-patterned cushions and throw pillows, modern light fixtures, neutral tone rugs, etc.
  
  
• Modern and Rustic: Combine a modern patio furniture set with rustic wooden accents. For example, you can mix and match modern sectional patio furniture with a distressed or reclaimed wood coffee table. 
  
  
• Bohemian and Industrial: Want something that screams free spirit meets urban edge, then pair boho and industrial elements together. Combine industrial or rugged metal outdoor furniture with boho-style textiles such as kilim rugs, macramé throws, and embroidered cushions. The mix feels collected and lived-in, full of character and charm.

Tip: To bridge the gap between these two very distinct styles, use accessories like rugs and throw pillows for a seamless blend.

Balance Textures for Visual Interest

If you want to add some visual interest to your outdoor space, then it’s essential to mix and balance out various textures. This makes your space feel more inviting at the same time it gives of a thoughtfully designed vibe. 

• Smooth and Rough: Pair aluminum outdoor sectional furniture with rough-textured elements such as jute rugs, stone planters, or stone fire pit tables. 
  
  
• Natural and Refined or Synthetic: Blend natural materials or textures such as wood, wicker or rattan, and jute with glass, resin, aluminum, or plastic to create a layered look. 
  
  
• Hard and Soft: Pair hard surfaces such as aluminum or metal patio furniture sets with soft elements such as plush cushions, throws, and rugs. Doing so will help create a comfortable space along with some contrast.  
  
  
• Add Movement: Add some movement with boho-style tassels, fringes, and woven patterns.

Tip: Do not go overboard with textures, stick to 2-3 distinct textures to avoid a cluttered look. Create a more balanced space with just a few combinations.

Use a Cohesive Color Palette

A well-chosen color palette helps tie all the elements together, making your mix-and-match outdoor décor look intentional and beautifully put together. Here’s how you can do it right:

• Neutral Base: For larger furniture pieces such as your outdoor sectional sofa or your patio couch set choose neutral colors such as white, grey, beige, ivory, taupe, etc. 
  
  
• Accent Colors: Add a pop of color through accessories such as rugs, cushions, throws, and planters. For instance, vibrant colorful patterns, or shades of blue, green, yellow, or orange can brighten up and add energy to the space.
  
  
• Monochromatic Scheme: To balance out the neutrals and the pop of color, choose varying shades of a single color.

Tip: Always remember to use the 60-30-10 rule, where 60% is your dominant color, 30% is the secondary color, and 10% is your accent color. Once you understand how to mix and match your color palette, you have created a perfectly sophisticated and balanced outdoor space for yoursel

Accessorize for a Unified Look

Accessories play a very important role in tying all the mismatched pieces together and helping you create a unified look. Here’s how to use accessories to style your outdoors:

• Outdoor Rugs: Outdoor rugs define your seating area and add comfort and warmth. Make sure to choose colors or patterns that complement your furniture and overall décor. 
  
  
• Cushions and Pillows: Choose a color palette that will soften and visually link different materials together. Mix and match patterns and varying shades of solid colors to bring all the elements together. 
  
  
• Throws and Blankets: For added texture and balance, add lightweight throws or blankets over your sectional outdoor furniture, outdoor couch or outdoor loveseat. Choose colors that match or complement other accessories such as your rugs or planters.
  
  
• Planters and Greenery: Adding some greenery elevates the look of your space even further. Choose pots and planters with patterns or colors that match with other accessories to tie the whole look together.
  
  
• Lights: To unify the whole space and give it a more magical feel, particularly during the night, incorporate lighting elements. This could be lanterns, string lights, tungsten lights, or solar-powered lamps. Lights beautify your space, making the décor feel whole and complete.

Tip: To reinforce unity, make sure you repeat patterns or colors across various accessories that you use to decorate your outdoor space.

Explore GARVEE’s Outdoor Furniture 

GARVEE has a wide range of outdoor furniture pieces that you must explore. From outdoor lounge furniture to patio couches, outdoor loveseats to patio sofas, metal patio furniture to wrought iron patio furniture, and more.

GARVEE’s outdoor furniture collection includes various styles, designs and materials that are suitable for any home. They are high-quality, durable, comfortable, weather-resistant, visually appealing, and easy to set up.

To name a few, you have the Outdoor Patio Swing Chairs, Wicker Egg Chair with Ottoman, Patio Bistro Set, and Rattan Swivel Rocking Chair.

Addressing Common Questions

Here’s addressing a few common questions.

Q. Can I mix different wood tones?

A. Yes you can mix different wood tones. Doing so gives your space some depth and richness. Make sure to stick to very similar undertones – warm or cool, and combine light, medium, and dark shades for contrast. Also, ensure that there is an even distribution of tones throughout so that you achieve a balanced and intentional look.

Q. How do I make mismatched pieces look intentional?

A. To ensure that your mismatched pieces look intentional, you have to repeat the common elements such as materials, colors, patterns, or shapes. To create a sense of order, furniture should be arranged in symmetry. To tie all the pieces together and create a visual interest, consider layering rugs, pillows, throws, or other accessories.

Q. What accessories unify a mixed look?

A. To unify a mixed look, use coordinated accessories such as rugs, throws, cushions, lights, and décor items such as planters, art pieces, vases, etc.

When you mix and match your outdoor furniture you create a space that is stylish and personalized, reflecting your taste. By carefully and thoughtfully putting all the furniture and décor pieces together your space looks beautiful and balanced and feels warm and inviting. 


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