The biggest factor that has turned the outdoor furniture industry (teak furniture included) from a niche segment into a mainstream behemoth has been advances in materials science. From new protective coatings for metal furniture to resins that look like natural wicker, these advances have enabled us outdoor furniture manufacturers to create outdoor pieces with distinctively indoor looks.

One area that has seen the biggest advancements is outdoor fabric. Traditionally stiff with boring color pallets, outdoor fabrics were not very inspiring. However, in the last five years a number of companies (led by Sunbrella®) have perfected the area of solution-dyed acrylics, which have the look and feel of indoor fabrics but can repel the elements and resist fading for up to a decade. Simply amazing.

As can be seen in the January 2008 issue of Casual Living Magazine, my favorite trade journal, here are some recent fantastic fabric introductions across the color spectrum. By way of a little self promotion, click here to see some of our high-style outdoor fabrics as well.

SUMMER BLUES

GARDEN GREENS

AUTUMN BROWNS

MORE DARK SHADES

REDS THAT POP