Tips & Tricks for Using Fabrics in Outdoor Spaces
Want your garden to feel as comfortable as your living room, but with birdsong and fresh air as your backdrop?
As the first signs of spring start to emerge, now is the perfect time to spruce up your garden with some new outdoor fabrics. Think durable outdoor fabrics for cushions that transform your tired old benches into inviting, sink-in seating, and fresh linen tablecloths that set the scene for relaxed, sun-dappled alfresco dining.
Here are a few of our favourite tips and tricks to help you bring fabrics in your outdoor spaces.
1) Choose durable outdoor fabrics that can handle British weather
You need to think beyond just colour and pattern when choosing outdoor fabrics. British weather can be unpredictable at best, with sunshine one moment, and showers the next – so it’s vital that your fabrics withstand all weather conditions.
Linen fabrics are perfect for outdoor use if you care for them properly. They soften over time and develop a relaxed, slightly faded charm that makes them look like part of the furniture. At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we offer durable linen union fabrics in a range of designs that take inspiration from the natural world – helping your outdoor spaces feel beautifully connected to their surroundings.
Our top tip: Opt for darker or more forgiving colours and patterns in high-use areas, as these will better disguise marks and fading.
2) Spruce up your seating with made to measure outdoor seat pads
Your old garden bench can feel just as comfortable as your favourite armchair with the right outdoor seat pads. Rather than making do with something that doesn’t quite fit, opt for garden bench cushions that have been made to your exact measurements to create a neater, more tailored look.
We offer made to measure cushions in a huge range of nature-inspired fabrics that are designed with both comfort and longevity in mind. Each cushion is beautifully sewn by hand in the Cotswolds and filled with luxury feather pads. But you don’t just have to choose one fabric for your garden bench cushions – you could opt for piping in a contrasting colour to help frame the design, or even go double-sided so you can turn the cushion over when you fancy a change.
Our top tip: Add ties or discreet fastenings to your seat pads to keep them in place, as a strong gust of wind could easily send them slipping.
3) Layer cushions for a relaxed, inviting feel
Once you’ve created a comfortable base for your seating, it’s time to add some scatter cushions. Introducing a mix of different fabric-covered cushions will make your space feel relaxed, welcoming, and full of character.
Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns and scales here. For example, you could layer a soft stripe (like Stockholm Stripe) alongside a delicate floral print (like Fine Foliage), or pair a simple plain fabric with a bold, botanical design. Our outdoor fabrics for cushions are designed to work beautifully together, making it easy to mix and match while still achieving a harmonious look.
Our top tip: Stick to a palette of no more than three colours. This will help your patterns sit comfortably together and create a look that feels cohesive rather than overwhelming.
4) Cover your outdoor table with a patterned tablecloth
A patterned tablecloth can transform even the most weather outdoor table into a true focal point, instantly refreshing it with colour and pattern. Whether you’re drawn to soft florals, classic stripes, or more playful prints, a patterned tablecloth helps to create a sense of occasion and turn simple outdoor meals into a real treat.
All our handcrafted fabrics are available to purchase by metre, so you can choose the perfect amount to cover your table. You can order up to five free fabric samples via our website, allowing you to narrow down your favourite fabrics before committing to a full roll.
Our top tip: Choose a pattern that echoes the colours in your surrounding garden. This will help your table feel naturally connected to the landscape, rather than standing apart from it.
5) Create shade with soft, flowing fabrics
Shade can make all the difference on those hot summer days. Introducing a canopy, curtain, draped cover, or even a children’s play tent will help to soften the light and create a calming shelter from the sun’s harsh rays.
Lightweight linen fabrics work beautifully here, helping to catch the breeze and add a gentle sense of movement. Our Plain Linen and Simple Ticking Detail 100% linen fabrics make for the perfect outdoor canopy or curtain, offering subtle texture and interest without feeling too heavy.
Our top tip: Choose softer tones such as off-whites, pale blues, or washed pinks to enhance that airy, tranquil feel.
Ready to refresh your garden with outdoor fabrics?
Browse our outdoor fabric collection to find your new favourite design.
FAQs
Are linen fabrics suitable for outdoor use in the UK?
Yes, linen fabrics are suitable for outdoor use in the UK. Although linen is not fully waterproof, it performs well if you bring it indoors during wet weather and overnight, and develops a faded, relaxed look over time.
How can I make my outdoor fabrics last longer?
If you want to extend the life of your outdoor fabrics, we recommend bringing cushions indoors during heavy rain or overnight, dabbing them with a wet sponge when needed, and allowing them to air dry naturally. Opt for darker colours and patterns if you’re worried about marks or fading.
What’s the easiest way to refresh a garden seating area?
One of the easiest ways to refresh your garden seating area is by adding new cushions or seat pads in coordinating fabrics. Layering different fabrics and introducing a fresh tablecloth will also lift the mood and make your space feel more inviting.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
