Choosing the Best Outdoor Color Schemes For Your Patio

A well-balanced patio color scheme sets the intention of alfresco spaces, adding energy, imbuing inviting warmth, or creating a sense of calm. From outdoor furniture and decor to accent walls and stonework, the palette you choose should reflect your style and elevate your home’s architectural details. 

Keep reading to learn how to pick the best shades for your patio, discover new ways to incorporate them, and get inspired with 10 outdoor color scheme ideas.

How to Pick Outdoor Patio Color Schemes

Featured: EDGE 6-Piece Modular Deep Seating Set in Black and Dune Burlap

Whether it's time for a total makeover or you just want to introduce a new hue (or two), there are multiple factors to consider when choosing your ideal color palette.

Personal Style 

Your outdoor spaces should fit seamlessly with the rest of your home and showcase your personality. 

HOA Rules 

If you belong to an HOA, find out if any rules and restrictions exist, as they may dictate the home exterior updates you can make.

Existing Architecture

Consider your home’s style, exterior paint colors, and patio composition to narrow your choices.

Lighting

Note any visible changes throughout the day and if your current palette looks different under direct sun, shade, and light fixtures.

Patio Size

While dark tones help create a cozy vibe, lighter hues can make a patio feel larger—keep this in mind when browsing new outdoor color schemes.

Natural Landscape

Nature is always a great place to find inspiration. For example, if you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may seek a mix of blues, greens, and greys that mimic the misty ocean.

Utility

Think about how you want your patio to serve your family and choose hues that fit the aesthetic. Try soothing tones for lounge zones and study spaces or a warmer palette for your dining area.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Outdoor Color Schemes

Think beyond the paint can and introduce new hues to your exteriors in smaller or more unexpected ways.

Keep Materials in Mind

Featured: Outdoor Lumbar Pillow in Safari Pistachio and 20" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Wild Game and Safari Pistachio

When selecting your shades, think about how you can leverage them with various materials and textiles, such as outdoor rugs and throw pillows, patio furniture frames, flower boxes and planters, and other decor. 

Use Color in Out-of-the-Box Ways

These decorating ideas will let you display your color palette in playful ways:

• • An architectural feature wall: Install a leveled-up accent wall to showcase your outdoor patio color scheme using a mix of modalities such as wooden beams, exterior paint, moulding, etc.
  • Patio or porch ceiling: There's also a blank canvas right above you. A fresh coat of ceiling paint in one of your new hues is an unexpected way to add color and extends your style overhead.  
  • Window and door frames: Outline your windows and doors with one of your chosen shades.
  • Wall decals: Apply outdoor decals on an accent wall to introduce color and character. Bonus: You can remove them when you want to change up the look.
  • Outdoor lights: Add to your aesthetic with color-coordinating light fixtures.
  • Door interiors: Use a different exterior paint color or peel-and-stick wallpaper on the insides of your outdoor kitchen cabinet doors or storage spaces.

Display Your Palette Through Patterns

Displaying outdoor color schemes through a mix of solid shades, prints, and patterns is a clever way to add character to a patio living room. 

10 Gorgeous Outdoor Patio Color Schemes

Get inspired to redecorate your space with these backyard outdoor patio color schemes.

1. Grey and White 

Featured: EDGE Dining Arm Chair and EDGE 5-Piece Modular Deep Seating Set in White and Grey Mist

Clean, simple, and open, shades of grey and white brighten a space and make it look larger. For more contrast, use darker greys like charcoal as accent colors for outdoor furniture and trim. 

2. Monochrome

Featured: Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie 3-Piece Deep Seating Set in Sand and Dune Burlap

Using a single hue will let you layer in drama and depth. Mix pieces in one shade with varied undertones to keep your monochromatic palette from becoming monotone. Sandy tan lounge chairs styled atop a cool greige outdoor rug is a good example.

3. Primary Colors

Featured: Classic Folding Adirondack Chair in Pacific Blue

Red, yellow, and blue naturally complement one another. To keep the look stylish, pick one bright color, use another sparingly, and add subdued versions of the third. Think blue-hued Adirondacks surrounded by red accents and hints of yellow.

4. White and Wood

Featured: Chippendale Dining Arm Chair and Long Island 18" Side Table in Teak

If your exterior siding is white, create contrast with a warm cherry stain on the window trim and extend the look to your patio with a wooden or brown-hued lounge set. We also love the trend of building an architectural feature wall with reclaimed wood—it's a sustainable and stylish backdrop that can highlight the hues of white furniture.

5. Black, Red, and Grey 

Featured: Modern Adirondack Chair in Sunset Red, Vineyard Adirondack 48" Swing in Black, and Harbour Deep Seating Collection in Black and Grey Mist

This bold trio is a popular color combination, especially in outdoor dining areas. Outfit your open-air kitchen or bar with black cabinetry and appliances, a grey marble countertop, and red stools for energetic pops of color.

6. Desert-Inspired Hues

Featured: EDGE 6-Piece Modular Deep Seating Set in Vintage Coffee and Natural Linen

Pay homage to the Southwest's sprawling desert landscapes with an earthy color scheme consisting of dusty rose, ochre, and taupe with a verdant accent shade. Textured decor like terra-cotta vases and woven jute rugs evoke tranquil vibes, and succulents, cacti, and other plants offer up hints of vibrant green.

7. Yellow, White, and Black 

Featured: Presidential Rocking Chair in Lemon

Make your patio warm and welcoming with shades of sunny yellow and bright white. Dot the space with pots of cheerful yellow daisies, a white bistro set, and a honey-hued rug underneath. Incorporate contrasting black accents by way of light fixtures, cushions, and door hardware to accentuate the lighter shades.

8. Coastal Color Scheme

Featured: Wave Collection 3-Piece Set in White

For those who love the sea, try a chill color palette that emulates it. A grey deep seating set layered with sage and sky blue pillows, beige rugs and planters, and driftwood decor will bring the feeling of the shore right to your door.

9. Green and Brown 

Featured: Long Island Adirondack in Green and Quattro Folding Adirondack in Lime

If you have beige stonework and siding, complement the materials with a palette of warm browns and greens. Terra-cotta planters filled with herbs and ferns, a sage outdoor rug, and copper light fixtures are lovely accompaniments that will bring out the hues of your home.

10. Jewel Tones

Create a striking aesthetic with rich hues inspired by gemstones. These shades are lively and vivid, so small winks of color can have a big impact. Turquoise throw pillows, sapphire-blue planters, and metal wall art with an emerald-green finish are easy and budget-friendly ways to try out these tones. 

FAQs

How do I choose an exterior color combination?

To choose an exterior color combination that fits your patio, start with shades you like. Then look at your home's architectural details and see if your chosen hues fit the aesthetic. Make sure to test color swatches to see how they look at different times of the day. 

How do I add color to my outdoor patio?

Easily add color to your outdoor patio with plants and accessories. Style flowers in varying shades throughout your space, and layer in additional colors through seat cushions, pillows, vases, and blankets. When you're ready to change the look, simply swap out the foliage and fabrics.

How do you brighten an outdoor patio?

Here are some ways to brighten an outdoor patio:

• • Hang pendant lights overhead.
  • Paint your door a vibrant hue.
  • Enhance the ambiance with strings of fairy lights.
  • Unroll a colorful area rug in a solid shade or graphic pattern.
  • Plant fresh flowers in the surrounding landscaping.
  • Use outdoor pillows and cushions in bold colors.