Design

The Hues You Choose – The “Art” of Color Selection in Outdoor Furniture Design

The Hues You Choose – The “Art” of Color Selection in Outdoor Furniture Design

Selecting your favorite furniture for your hospitality or foodservice oasis paints only half of the picture.  Identifying the right color scheme to elevate your outside space - this is where the fun begins.  Color sets the stage for the personality of your venue and is one of the first visual elements that guests notice.

In this article, we aim to cut the red tape, clear up any gray areas, and give you the tools needed to greenlight the color selection process to help create vibrant and inviting environments that match your vision.

The following factors can help you choose an impactful outdoor furniture color scheme to enhance your outdoor living space and provide comfort and enjoyment for years to come.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Outdoor Furniture

Tactically deciding on colors for your outdoor presentation should take to heart your personal style, the overall theme of your outdoor space, and practical considerations like weather resistance and maintenance of materials.  Here are 7 color-full tips to get you started:

1. Take note of the natural surroundings. 

Choosing colors that harmonize with the natural surroundings help generate a seamless blend between the manmade environment and landscape.  Earth tones and muted shades often complement outdoor landscapes well, and brighter colors can align with the presence of vivid flora.

Be aware of seasonal adaptation and how colors change with the seasons to ensure that outdoor spaces maintain their appeal year-round.  Vibrant spring and summer colors on an extended patio might give way to warmer tones in fall and winter when furniture is brought in or populated with heating accessories and coverings.

2. Match with existing décor. 

Existing outdoor décor such as cushions, rugs, or landscaping features, calls for furniture colors that harmonize with these elements to create a cohesive look that ties everything together.

3. Think about maintenance. 

Lighter colors may look appealing but can sometimes show dirt and stains more easily.  Grosfillex furniture is created to withstand the elements and cleans up easily with soap and water.

4. Personal style and preferences. 

Your outdoor space reflects your personal style. If you prefer a vibrant and bold look, consider bright colors or patterns. If you prefer a more subdued and elegant atmosphere, neutrals might be more suitable.

5. Climate considerations. 

In areas with intense sun exposure, certain colors may fade over time. UV-resistant materials and finishes can help mitigate this issue.  Similarly, in humid or rainy climates, materials that resist mold and mildew are key.  Grosfillex materials withstand the elements, chlorine, and maritime air.

6. Versatility. 

If you like to change your outdoor decor frequently, consider neutral colors for your furniture that adapt easily to different schemes and add pops of color with cushions, pillows, and accessories.

7. Longevity. 

Choose colors and styles that you'll be happy with for several years, rather than what is currently trendy.  Classic colors like white, black, and natural wood tones tend to remain timeless.

The Impact of Color on Customer Perceptions in Commercial Spaces

Depending on the mood and atmosphere that you want to convey, colors can evoke different emotional and psychological responses to influence the customer experience.  Whether you want to promote relaxation, increase productivity, stimulate creativity or even purchase intent, colors can influence customer behavior in subtle ways:

Warm colors like reds and oranges create vibrant and energetic atmospheres, suitable for restaurants, entertainment venues, or retail spaces.

Cooler colors like blues and greens can induce calm and relaxing atmospheres, great for offices, healthcare facilities, or educational environments.

Bright colors can attract attention and encourage impulse purchases in retail settings.

Subdued colors can create a more relaxed environment, encouraging customers to spend more time in a space.

Harmonious color combinations can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your commercial space and establish a zone that feels inviting and pleasing, that can enhance your guests’ experience, gain repeat patronage, and attract new guests.  Studying color theory and complementary color schemes can help create visually appealing environments.  Grosfillex furniture offers many options to suit diverse tastes.  With many mix-and match color options, you can serve up the right pallet to achieve the feelings that you want to convey.

 

Ramatuelle Barstools

 

Practical Solutions for Enhanced Functionality

Practical considerations come into focus as well.  Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, which can help keep outdoor spaces cooler during hot weather.  Darker colors, however, tend to absorb more heat from sunlight.  Grosfillex engineers its outdoor furniture using technopolymer resins which withstand heat absorption and enables them to remain relatively cooler under the unrelenting sun.

Functionally, color choice is important in providing visual cues like wayfinding, establishing sections and borders.  Color can be used strategically to guide movement or delineate areas in outdoor environments.  In commercial settings, colors are often used to reflect and reinforce brand identity and create a memorable and recognizable outdoor presence.

Sunset Armchairs

Color in Culture: A Vibrant Connection

It is important to consider that colors may hold cultural meanings that influence their use in outdoor design.  Understanding these associations can help create spaces that resonate with local communities.

Color trends in outdoor furniture design evolve with each season and year, influenced by factors such as lifestyle, technological advancements in materials, and current fashion preferences:

  • Neutral tones such as taupe, beige, and gray create a timeless and sophisticated look that can easily blend with various outdoor settings and decor styles.
  • Natural wood finishes, including teak, cedar, and acacia, remain popular choices for outdoor furniture. These finishes complement outdoor environments by enhancing the natural aesthetic and providing warmth.
  • Earthy and organic colors inspired by nature, such as olive green and terracotta create a calming and grounded atmosphere in outdoor settings, connecting users with their natural surroundings.
  • While neutral bases dominate, bold accent colors in outdoor furniture design like deep blues used for cushions, umbrellas and accessories add pops of color and personality.
  • Monochrome color schemes, where different shades of the same color are used, are becoming popular. Varying shades creates a cohesive and sophisticated look.  Conversely, pairing light and dark colors together in high contrast, such as light gray with charcoal, creates visual interest and depth in outdoor spaces.
  • Metallic finishes such as bronze and matte black are trending in outdoor furniture by adding a touch of modern elegance and can withstand outdoor elements with proper maintenance.

 

Sunset Chaise Lounges

 

The influence of color in outdoor design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it encompasses functionality, segmentation, emotional impact, and cultural relevance.  Careful consideration of color choices can transform your outdoor spaces into visually appealing, functional, and harmonious environments that can optimize your outdoor furniture profile.

Need more color inspiration? Contact our customer service representatives here

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