Upgrade your patio with these designer-approved outdoor pillows — starting at $15

Designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin lives in Hawaii, so it’s safe to say she’s an expert at indoor-outdoor design! She loves this pillow for its fun shapes and textures (the pattern is tufted so it’s soft and slightly fluffy). “It’ll bring warmth and character to your outdoor space,” she says.

Just note that this price is for the pillow cover only, but at under $20, it’s still a bargain. Water-resistant inserts usually run less than $10 each, but if you don’t want to pay for one, try this old trick: Fit an old outdoor pillow that’s the same size or slightly larger into the case and voila, what’s old is new again!

Choosing decor that’s simple and solid-colored doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. These linen-cotton blend pillow covers (less than $13 each!) feature subtle, hand-frayed edges — a boho touch that adds to their elevated look. 

Low is a big fan of the navy color, which she describes as “rich.” As for the fabric, “the durable linen material not only looks great, but also stands up to daily use,” she says. As with Low’s other pick, just make sure to use water-resistant inserts.

You might not think you need an outdoor lumbar pillow, but these little cushions make great accents and fit perfectly on small armchairs. Plus, you can’t really go wrong with classic black and white. 

Even North Carolina-based designer Stacey Blake of Design Addict Mom, who’s obsessed with color, is a fan of this neutral geometric print. “World Market’s designs are usually fun and whimsical,” she says. This is proof!

Wayfair is a treasure trove of fun outdoor throw pillows, including ones from small brands like this pick from Ulli Home. Owner Ify Ojo started her company during the pandemic and many of the designs are inspired by her Nigerian heritage.

The color in this abstract design is what caught designer Blake’s eye, who loves the grass green accent (it also comes in red, turquoise, mustard yellow and burnt orange). Reviewers agree: “These pillows make quite a statement. Fabric looks very expensive,” wrote one shopper. 

And you won’t have to worry about it fading in the sun because both the pillow cover and insert are made of durable polyester. 

Interior designer Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs in Venice, Calif., seconds Wayfair for outdoor pillows. “The availability, variety and price point at Wayfair can’t be beat,” she says. 

This sweet little lumbar pillow features a brushstroke-inspired design that gets raves from shoppers for its pretty palette (it also comes in green, orange and yellow). “Outdoor pillows give us the opportunity to add comfort and a splash of color,” says Gordon. How cute would this one look on a beige or gray outdoor sofa?!

Pro tip: Adding textured fabrics to a space instantly makes it feel cozier. This hand-embroidered pillow, which Gordon loves, looks elegant enough to go indoors, too.

If an endorsement from a pro designer isn’t enough to sway you, what about a near-perfect 4.8 rating? “Fabulous quality,” said one fan. “The color is subdued and easy to coordinate with other pillows and patterns,” said another.

“A few of my go-to places for affordable outdoor pillows are Target and World Market,” says Leigh Jendrusina of Salthouse Collective, a firm that specializes in California coastal design. “Outdoor pillows don’t typically last forever, so lower price points are nice and they usually have options that are just the right amount of trendy and cool!”

Recycled plastic bottles are spun into fibers that give this indoor/outdoor pillow a soft, nubby texture. Jendrusina especially likes the ivory color for its versatility. Use it as a base, then add pillows in patterns and brighter colors for contrast. 

Checks, please! You’ve probably seen this pattern popping up on rugs. This Target find, made from recycled woven polyester, lets you bring the trendy design outdoors, and in a sophisticated brown-and-cream color scheme to boot. 

Jendrusina picked it as one her favorites because of how fun it looks mixed and matched with other pillows in different sizes and colors. Add a lumbar throw pillow, like what’s shown in this pic, and you’ve got a pairing that can’t be beat.

Here’s an outdoor pillow for when you love all the colors, but don’t want your patio to necessarily look rainbow-bright. Interior designer Aimee Meisgeier, who owns the Pacific Northwest-based firm AM Interior Design found it at Target: “Target always comes through for the affordable win!” she says.

To create the ultimate vacation vibe, Meisgeier says she’d pair her pick with an Amalfi Coast-themed pillow and a striped, tasseled lumbar. “All that is missing is an Aperol spritz!” she says.

Small-scale floral prints are trending right now, but it’s not often you see them on outdoor decor. Enter this adorable design made from sturdy cotton canvas. “I love a good block print and this feels so luxe without the hefty price tag,” says interior designer Ryann Swan of Ryann Swan Design. 

Just a heads-up that this price is for the pillow cover only. But don’t forget that water-resistant inserts usually cost less than $10 each, or you can always fit an old pillow that’s the same size or slightly larger into the case.

Sunbrella is the original (and dare I say best) outdoor fabric thanks to its durability, stain resistance and colorfastness. This stuff just never fades! For that reason many companies make outdoor pillows using Sunbrella fabric. 

Interior designer Sara Malek Barney of Bandd/Design loves this version because it’s a “high-quality staple piece,” she says. “It can literally be used anywhere due to its solid coloring and neutrality.” And though this pillow is pricey, “this one could truly stand the test of time,” she says. It’s even backed by a five-year warranty!