Summer’s hottest outdoor fabrics to freshen up any garden
It’s al fresco season, but if your patio furniture is looking tired take this as your moment to add some colour and pattern
There was a time when outdoor fabrics and upholstery equalled stiff stripes. Not anymore. This new generation of textiles is engineered to withstand rain and bright sunlight while retaining a tactile finish and luxurious look. Here’s our best of the bunch for summer 2026...
‘Tinta’ fabric, Perennials
Inspired by the dolce vita of the Italian coast, this Ikat-style abstract design has been realised on paperweave in six rich hues – including ‘Ice Blue’ (pictured). Its bold pattern makes it an artistic choice for outdoor spaces with a maximalist scheme. £219 per m, perennialsfabrics.com
‘Solana Stripe’ fabric, Osborne & Little
Horizontal stripes, bold prints and eye-catching geometrics make up the ‘Solana’ (Spanish for ‘sunny place’) collection of indoor and outdoor fabrics by this British brand. This ‘Solana Stripe’ is finished with intricate yarn detailing. £115 per m, osborneandlittle.com
‘Costa Menton’ fabric, Sunbrella
Designed to work on seating and cushion covers, this is the ultimate stripe for summer. Its thick bands of turmeric yellow and crisp white make it pop against garden backgrounds, while the 100 per cent acrylic material makes it a durable, hardwearing choice. Approx £60 per m, sunbrella.com
‘Helios’ fabric, Fischbacher 1819
Made from a fully recyclable polypropylene material that is naturally antibacterial and anti-mould, this collection takes inspiration from ancient Greek titans. This detailed design would look just as good framing the windows of a cosy living room or bedroom as it would on a patio or by the pool. £145 per m, fischbacher1819.com
‘Machino’ fabric, Casamance
Composed of groovy shapes that overlap and intersect in a dynamic manner, this jacquard is woven with twisted bouclé yarn and a narrower yarn, giving it a classic yet contemporary feel. Its four colour options are all punchy, but we think this warm terracotta (pictured) is set to be the colour of summer. £91.50 per m, casamance.com
‘Lipari’ fabric, Rubelli
In these blue hues, Rubelli’s geometric, subtly striped ‘Lipari’ is an easy way to integrate a touch of marine energy into your garden. Created by the company’s creative director and research-based studio Formafantasma, the fabric is made in Italy. £133 per m, rubelli.com
‘Shore’ fabric, Winch x Threads for GP & J Baker
This collaboration between design studio Winch and textile specialists Threads is certain to be popular among neutral fanatics. Each fabric is designed to reflect earth, water or the sky through soft colours, organic textures and flowing prints. From £89 per m, gpjbaker.com
‘The City’s Silent Lines’ fabric, Schumacher
This particular pattern pays homage to the impressive New York City skyline, with modern, large-scale patterns. Available in three colours, it is thick and weighty which makes it suitable for high-traffic spots. £136 per m, schumacher.co.uk
Why latex is the latest fetish for homes
13 of the best bespoke joinery experts
10 of the best designer carafes
The best accessories spotted at Milan
