7 of the best outdoor fabrics

With the weather getting (albeit slightly) warmer, many of us will be hoping for more time spent relaxing and entertaining outside in the coming months. To ensure maximum pleasure, create a space that is stylish and beautifully decorated by using outdoor fabrics to upholster cushions, adorn sun loungers and dress tables. Whether this be on a balcony space, at a poolside area or at a secluded outdoor dining table, there is a fabric to suit every need. Here are some of our favourite designs...

1. Dedar

Combining subtle, geometric prints with a colour palette of zesty lemon,
lime and orange, Dedar's Summertime collection sets the bar for stylish
and sophisticated outdoor fabrics. Made from a solution-dyed
polypropylene, these clever materials are designed to guarantee maximum
resistance to light and weather conditions, meaning they're not only
great to look at but are strong and long-lasting too. Above, designs
from the Summertime collection are combined with the Basquette range.

2. Kirkby Design

The contemporary arm of the Romo Group, Kirkby Design,
seriously impressed the Homes & Garden's team at this year's Deco Off fair in
Paris. Three particular launches caught our eye. For colour and pattern,
it was the Arcade collection of wovens inspired by old-school computer
games, from £62m, and the Terrazzo prints (above) - a bold range of
outdoor fabrics in extra-vibrant shades, from £33m.

3. Robert Allen

Having noticed the trend for bold colour, pattern and texture in the world of interior design this season, the team at Robert Allen have launched a collection of outdoor textiles to help bring this exciting trend into our gardens and patios too. Exotic motifs, over-sized botanicals, bold geometrics and batiks all feature, bringing an explosion of print and colour to the garden (from £70.70 - £95.80m).

4. Anni Albers

For retro glamour, look to Christopher Farr's Intaglio collection of woven outdoor fabrics, designed by the American textile designer Anni Albers. Having studied weaving at The Bauhaus school of art, Albers design oozes old-school charm, featuring a small geometric block print in indigo and white.

5. Ralph Lauren

Inject a touch of the Hampton's into your garden with Ralph Lauren
Home's Harbor collection, featuring smart stripe designs inspired by the
classic awnings of lakeside resorts. A cushion cover in Northport
stripe, as seen above, will bring an enviable designer touch to your
outdoor entertaining area. From £79 to £180m.

6. Osborne & Little

Each named after islands off the Ionian Sea, these sunny prints from
Osborne & Little will inject a much-needed touch of the
Mediterranean into your garden. With a stain-repellent finish that is
irresistible to water and mildew, use these fabrics to upholster a stack
of outdoor cushions to create an outdoor area that is both comfortable
and stylish. Sticking to one colour, as seen above, keeps the look
sophisticated.

7. Michael Szell

The Carnival print by Hungarian-born textile maker Michael Szell is a classic example of the designers flamboyant, colourful and sumptuous fabrics. If your outdoor space is lacking colour, this bold, floral print (available at Christopher Farr) will inject life back into the space.

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