Spruce Up Your Patio With Classic Black and White Striped Outdoor Pillows

A patio is an extension of your living space, a welcoming outdoor oasis to relax and entertain. Decorating your patio thoughtfully can elevate it from simply functional to an area you truly enjoy spending time in. Black and white striped outdoor pillows are a timeless choice that instantly livens up patio furniture with their bold, graphic style. With proper placement and care, these classic pillows can withstand the elements while making your patio look pulled-together and polished.

From selecting the right materials and sizes to creative styling for different looks, you'll learn insider tips to display these iconic pillows with confidence. We'll also cover keeping your pillows looking fresh so you can enjoy their pop of pattern for seasons to come. Read on to learn how this versatile accent can transform the feel of your outdoor space with a little stripe power.

Choosing Your Pillows

Before decorating, it's important to select high-quality black and white striped pillows constructed specifically for outdoor use. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping:

Weather-Resistant Materials

Look for pillows made with exterior grade polyester or acrylic fabric. These synthetic materials resist fading and withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and moisture. Avoid cheaper cotton blends which can fade and deteriorate when wet. Water-repellant treatments on the fabric provide extra protection.

The pillow fill should also be designed for outdoor use, with materials like polyester fiberfill that won't get moldy if wet. Make sure any insert included is suitable for outdoor conditions.

Size Variety

Outdoor pillows come in standard sizes ranging from 12 to 26 inches square. Rectangular lumbar styles are also available, typically 14 by 28 inches. Having a mix of sizes creates a layered, visually appealing arrangement. Larger 26-inch pillows make a bolder statement, while smaller 12 to 18-inch styles are great accents.

Measure your furniture to calculate how many pillows you need of each size. Keep proportion in mind--a giant pillow on a small chair will look overwhelming. A good guideline is your pillows should take up about 30-50% of the furniture's seating surface.

Construction

Look for pillows with neatly finished knife edges that maintain their shape. Box constructed pillows tend to collapse when sat on. Sturdy zipper closures make inserting and removing covers easy for cleaning and replacement.

High-quality stitching and fabric binding help pillows endure constant use. Thickly woven fabric with a tight weave resists snags. Inspect seams and embellishments for loose threads or unfinished edges before purchase.

Where to Buy

Shopping online provides the widest selection of styles and colors beyond basic black and white. Retailers like Wayfair or Overstock allow you to filter by material, shape, and size. Browse reviews and check return policies in case you need to exchange.

Big box stores like Target and Walmart offer budget-friendly options in limited color combos. Specialty home decor stores like Crate and Barrel and West Elm feature well-made, design-forward choices. Visit stores in person to get a feel for pillow quality.

Arranging the Pillows

When placing your new pillows, think about balance and proportion for a cohesive look. Here are some layout tips for showcasing striped pillows to perfection:

Mix Textures and Patterns

Combine different fabric feels like flatweave, velvet, or outdoor rug textures. Solid colored and printed cushions provide contrast to the bold stripes. Varying textures and patterns creates visual interest.

Negative Space

Resist overcrowding furniture with too many pillows. Leave some open space between pillows and balance out larger styles with smaller accents. The negative space allows the stripes to stand out.

Group by Section

Place pillows in odd numbers, clustering 2-4 matching pillows per seating area. Having a mix of pillows for each corner section or lounger area pulls the look together.

Try different heights and arrangements until you find a composition you love. Lean some vertically against the armrest or stack one pillow on top of another.

Get Creative

For a playful layout, arrange pillows in staggered rows or create a striking checkerboard effect mixing colors. Fully covering a bench or daybed with varied pillow sizes makes a fabulous focal point.

Incorporate other black and white patterns like buffalo check, trellis, or graphic prints for a cohesive monochromatic scheme. Simple steps like folding down one striped corner also adds flair.

Styling for Different Looks

Beyond traditional preppy style, black and white striped outdoor pillows pair well with a variety of design aesthetics. Tailor your decor choices to the mood you want to create on your patio. Here are some inspiring ideas:

Vintage Americana

For a retro 1950s vibe, mix stripes with gingham, red accents, and vintage signs. Wicker or distressed wood furniture and floral accents enhance the timeworn charm. Display patriotic bunting for a nostalgic 4th of July feel.

Coastal Chic

Capture breezy waterfront style by blending stripes with navy and white tones, rope details, and natural wood furniture. Accent with sun Bleached blues, greenery in whitewashed planters, and other nautical motifs like anchors or seashells.

Modern Minimalism

Allow the graphic stripes to pop against sleek, contemporary furnishings in black, white, or metal. Streamlined planters, geometric ceramics, and single flower stems keep the look crisp and uncluttered.

Bohemian Luxe

For global vintage flair, adorn striped pillows with exotic patterned rugs, ornate garden lanterns, and fresh florals. Macrame wall hangings, a canopy overhang, and greenery create a lived-in aesthetic with cozy texture.

Farmhouse Cozy

Embrace laid-back farmhouse style with wicker seating, galvanized metal buckets of blooms, and gingham table linens. Whitewashed wood planter boxes overflowing with greenery and string lights draped overhead enhance the welcoming charm.

Fabric Care and Maintenance

The right care is key to maintaining the vibrancy of your black and white striped pillows when exposed to the elements. Here are some useful care tips:

Follow Instructions

Always check the included care tag and follow washing guidelines. Most outdoor pillow covers can be spot cleaned by hand rather than machine washed. Take care not to damage any waterproof coatings.

Act Quickly on Stains

Promptly wipe spills and dirt off fabric using a clean, damp white cloth to prevent stains from setting. For tougher stains, mix a mild detergent and water solution and lightly scrub the spot before rinsing.

Use Water-Repellent Spray

Mist pillows monthly with a fabric water repellent spray. This provides an invisible barrier against moisture and prevents mildew growth in humid climates.

Fluff and Rotate

Fluff pillow inserts occasionally to maintain loft and rotate which side faces outwards. Even fading prolongs their life so they wear evenly.

Store Indoors

When not in use, protect pillows from direct sun and moisture by storing them folded flat indoors. Consider removable covers to wash and swap out patterns seasonally.

Know When to Replace

Inspect regularly for pilling, holes and tears which compromise durability. Fading and damage from improper storage can't be repaired. Replace pillows every 2-3 years to keep your patio looking fresh.

DIY Ideas

Get creative and save money by making your own striped pillows. Here are some fun DIY ideas to try:

Easy No-Sew Covers

Use pre-cut lengths of black and white awning fabric from the craft store. Wrap and glue the cut edges around an existing insert. Add ribbon ties for a tailored finish.

Painted Accent

Jazz up solid colored pillows with abstract hand-painted stripes using fabric paint pens. Use painter's tape to create sharp edges. Let dry fully before use.

Adhesive Stripe tape

For a quick update, apply black and white striped washi tape trimmed to size onto plain pillows. Overlap the tape edges slightly for a continuous stripe.

Fringed Edge

Use fabric glue to attach ball fringe trim cut to size along the edges of an existing cover for a boho vibe. Choose black and white fringe or combine colors.

Adding Functionality

Accent pillows aren't just decorative. Use black and white striped outdoor styles in these clever ways to boost comfort and convenience:

Lumbar Support

The long rectangular lumbar pillows provide extra lower back cushioning as they conform to your body's natural curves. Tuck behind you on patio chairs or loungers.

Hidden Storage

Keep outdoor essentials like sunscreen and sunglasses stashed inside waterproof storage pouches hidden in an oversized floor pillow's cover.

Repurpose as Poufs

Sturdy Knife-edge floor pillows easily double as poufs to prop up your feet or use as casual seating around a firepit.

Mosquito Repellent

Place pillow inserts in the cover of pillows not in use to absorb natural mosquito repellents like eucalyptus or citronella oils. Store near seating areas.

Black and white striped outdoor pillows are a timeless choice to elevate your patio, porch, or poolside decor. Their graphic pattern makes a bold style statement that withstands the outdoors. By selecting quality constructed pillows in a variety of sizes and creatively arranging them on your furniture, you can enhance your space with a polished, put-together look. Adjust your surrounding accent pieces to achieve different moods from coastal chic to modern minimalism.

Properly caring for your pillows helps retain their vibrancy for many seasons of use. A few easy maintenance steps like frequent fluffing, periodic washing, and using water repellent spray keeps them looking fresh. For a custom designer touch, you can even DIY stylish striped pillows on a budget. However you incorporate them, these classic patterns are sure to infuse your patio with livable personality and style.