Plaid Outdoor Pillows
Plaid outdoor pillows
Plaid is the oldest pattern language in outdoor textiles, and the one that reads clearest from a distance: a grid of woven lines that the eye resolves as a single colour block from across a yard, then breaks back into stripes when you sit down next to it. Buffalo check, tartan and gingham are all variations on the same idea at different scales.
All printed into 100% spun polyester on both sides. UV-resistant, water-resistant and mildew-resistant, with a sewn seam closure.
Choosing a scale
Scale does most of the work here. A large buffalo check is a statement piece and wants plain cushions either side of it. A fine gingham behaves almost like a solid colour and layers under anything. The one combination to avoid is two plaids of similar scale next to each other, which reads as a mistake rather than a mix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between plaid, buffalo check and gingham?
Buffalo check is large squares in two colours. Gingham is the same idea at a much smaller scale, usually with white. Plaid is the broader family, and usually has bands of several widths crossing each other rather than an even grid.
Does plaid only suit autumn?
No. Warm plaids in rust and brown lean autumnal, but blue, green and black-and-white checks read as year-round, and gingham in particular is a summer pattern.
Can I mix plaid with a floral?
Yes, and it is one of the more reliable pairings, as long as they share a colour and differ clearly in scale.
