Types of Fabric Patterns for Outdoor Use

Whether it's time to replace your dining chair cushions or you want a few new throw pillows to brighten up your patio sectional, you'll need products tailored in materials rated for outdoor use. Before making any purchases, do some research to figure out what you need for your home.

The checkered pattern consists of intersecting vertical and horizontal lines that form squares.

This is a common pattern of repeating zig-zag stripes shown in two or more alternating colors.

Vertical diamonds are stacked end-to-end in this repetitious motif.

Similar to chevron, the herringbone pattern consists of broken zig-zag lines.

Commonly depicted in two-tone black and white, houndstooth is a distinctive checked pattern with irregular four-pointed shapes.

This genial geometric pattern consists of same-size, evenly spaced circles blanketing a solid background.

Rows of vertical or horizontal lines in two or more colors that can be uniform or vary in width.

A pattern showing horizontal lines and vertical stripes crossing at right angles to form a square-like design.

Floral designs show flowers in repeating patterns. Flowers fit in with just about any design style, and their versatility makes them some of the most common fabric patterns.

This realistic motif is covered in illustrations of herbs, plants, and other flora.

Zebra, giraffe, and leopard print fabrics are popular in the furniture and clothing industries. They are often made to closely resemble the real thing but also come in unexpected colors or painterly designs.

This European design pattern is typically characterized by detailed, repetitive pastoral scenes. Historically, toile was printed in one color over a white background.

Showing wide outdoor scenes like mountain vistas or ocean sunsets, these types of patterns repeat horizontally but not vertically.

Chinoiserie style originated in 17th-century Europe and borrows inspiration from Asian motifs, architecture, and materials to show romanticized and playful illustrations.

This is a small-scale print that's meant to look random. Tiny flowers, small dots, or itty-bitty birds in bright colors are blanketed across a solid backdrop.

Beloved by French royalty, the design shows a three- or four-petal lily replicated across a solid background.

Also called “meander,” this interlocking square-and-rectangle scheme is created by one continuous line.

Medallion designs are circular, square, or diamond-shaped, and can be echoed over a backdrop or show one central point.

Two continuous S-shaped lines mirror each other, creating oval shapes every time they connect.

This teardrop motif is intricate, curvy, and often portrayed in vivid colors.

Curved or angled lines are interwoven to create a lattice-like design.

Here's an ornate design featuring a mix of vines, scrolled leaves, and other whimsical floral patterns.

This is an Indonesian dying technique where threads are tie-dyed before they're woven into ornate designs.

This design is meant to look like paint was artfully flung onto the fabric by a free-spirited artist.

This pattern features thick-lined blocks of varying shapes and sizes filled with bold colors.

Inspired by the ancient Japanese art Suminagashi or "floating ink," colored ink is added to water (but not mixed in) and then poured over fabric to create a marbled look.

A blocky and angular pattern, cubism shows fragmented and geometric objects that are somewhat identifiable—and everyone sees something different.

Simple, clean, and beautiful, this abstract design uses continuous lines to form surreal shapes.

Emphasizing bold colors, geometric shapes, and the blending of different patterns, Memphis style embodies the joy of experimentation and discovery.

Giving a nod to natural colors, materials, and textures, this pattern consists of curvy shapes in muted shades.

When images are taken from solid shapes to series of dots, they can be described as halftone.

Distorted reality is what surrealism is all about. This type of design is meant to be odd and unconventional, combining objects and scenes that don't go together in real life.

This stitching technique creates a wavy pattern resembling flames.

Matelassé is a weaving technique performed on a jacquard loom. The resulting raised design appears thick and padded.

This pattern is loom-woven with an elaborate raised design.

Like brocade, damask is woven on a loom. It's a scrolled motif created with a blend of warp and weft threads.

A print is a design that has been printed onto fabric, whereas a pattern is a type of design that repeats itself. Patterns can be printed, woven, painted, or embroidered onto fabric.

You can spritz fabrics with protective sprays to guard them against water, stains, and UV radiation. Look for products made specifically for patio furniture, and read product labels first to ensure it's safe for your intended surface.