{"id":2610,"date":"2021-08-18T07:00:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-18T07:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2610"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:28:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T10:28:33","slug":"using-fabrics-in-outdoor-spaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk\/blog\/using-fabrics-in-outdoor-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips & Tricks for Using Fabrics in Outdoor Spaces"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Want your garden to feel as comfortable as your living room, but with birdsong and fresh air as your backdrop?<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few of our favourite tips and tricks to help you bring fabrics in your outdoor spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Drum<\/p>\n

1) Choose durable outdoor fabrics that can handle British weather<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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 \u2013 so it\u2019s vital that your fabrics withstand all weather conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>linen union fabrics<\/span><\/a> in a range of designs that take inspiration from the natural world \u2013 helping your outdoor spaces feel beautifully connected to their surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top tip<\/b>: Opt for darker or more forgiving colours and patterns in high-use areas, as these will better disguise marks and fading.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Spruce up your seating with made to measure outdoor seat pads<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019t quite fit, opt for garden bench cushions that have been made to your exact measurements to create a neater, more tailored look.<\/span><\/p>\n

We offer <\/span>made to measure cushions<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019t just have to choose one fabric for your garden bench cushions \u2013 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top tip<\/b>: 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Alfresco<\/p>\n

3) Layer cushions for a relaxed, inviting feel<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve created a comfortable base for your seating, it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to combine different patterns and scales here. For example, you could layer a soft stripe (like <\/span>Stockholm Stripe<\/span><\/a>) alongside a delicate floral print (like <\/span>Fine Foliage<\/span><\/a>), or pair a simple plain fabric with a bold, botanical design. Our <\/span>outdoor fabrics for cushions<\/span><\/a> are designed to work beautifully together, making it easy to mix and match while still achieving a harmonious look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top tip<\/b>: 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Cover your outdoor table with a patterned tablecloth<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>fabric samples<\/span><\/a> via our website, allowing you to narrow down your favourite fabrics before committing to a full roll.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top tip<\/b>: 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Summer<\/p>\n

5) Create shade with soft, flowing fabrics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Shade can make all the difference on those hot summer days. Introducing a canopy, curtain, draped cover, or even a children\u2019s play tent will help to soften the light and create a calming shelter from the sun\u2019s harsh rays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lightweight linen fabrics work beautifully here, helping to catch the breeze and add a gentle sense of movement. Our <\/span>Plain Linen<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Simple Ticking Detail<\/span><\/a> 100% linen fabrics make for the perfect outdoor canopy or curtain, offering subtle texture and interest without feeling too heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our top tip<\/b>: Choose softer tones such as off-whites, pale blues, or washed pinks to enhance that airy, tranquil feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to refresh your garden with outdoor fabrics?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Browse our outdoor fabric collection<\/span><\/a> to find your new favourite design.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Are linen fabrics suitable for outdoor use in the UK?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I make my outdoor fabrics last longer?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\u2019re worried about marks or fading.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the easiest way to refresh a garden seating area?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoors"],"yoast_head":"\r\nTips for Using Fabrics in Outdoor Spaces | Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want your garden to feel as comfortable as your living room? 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