William Shatner's 80s Greenhouse Chairs Prove Why Colorful Outdoor Furniture is The Secret to a Whimsical Autumn Patio
Colorful outdoor furniture is making a major comeback this fall as a playful alternative to wood – the actor's yard was a masterclass in styling it
As the air cools and the leaves crispen, many people are beginning to put their outdoor furniture into storage; but the best chosen pieces can stay out year-round. That's why, this season, the chicest people are investing in colorful, weatherproof pieces.
You might be asking what this patio furniture idea might look like. Luckily, an archival photo of William Shatner's San Fernando Valley home from the 1980s, which features green-painted iron chairs, offers a helpful clue. Positioned in front of his Scandi-wooden greenhouse, the seats look utterly elegant with their bright scrolled handles and bright shade. It's a reminder how brightening colorful outdoor furnishings can look as the colors of nature dim.
Whether you opt for vintage Woodard Wrought Iron chairs like these from eBay or a more modern interpretation like these Stacking Chairs from Wayfair, brightly colored chairs and tables are the best choice for your yard this fall.
William Shatner at his San Fernando Valley home, 1980
Furthermore, as the best outdoor furniture evolves to be able to withstand all seasons, creating outdoor living rooms that your family will use all year is becoming an increasingly popular design trend. 'The most striking trend that I observe about outdoor furniture in 2026 is that the outside spaces are treated more as permanent rooms than as summer patios,' explains Mike Bowman, San Diego-Based Designer and Outdoor Furniture Expert at Harmonia Living.
As William Shatner's backyard demonstrates, colorful pieces are ideal for tapping into this trend because they infuse your outdoor space with a touch of personality, similar to that seen within the home. Mike advises: 'There is a focus on creating an indoor-like atmosphere outside where the furniture will have enough weight, comfort, and feel like collected over years. No one is looking for uniformity in terms of material or form; rather, there is a preference for creating unique looks.'
Shop The Colorful Outdoor Furniture Edit
Whether its a large piece of furniture or a smaller accessory, bringing color into your outdoor space instantly uplifts it. These are our editors' picks for recreating William's look.
Outfitted with weather-resistant paint and drainage holes, these grass green seats are designed to look good in all weather. When all of the leaves turn brown, they bring that missing touch of verdancy.
It's hard to find a pattern as versatile yet striking as this green print, the perfect addition to any colored outdoor furniture. The square shape and simple pattern add a bit of excitement to outdoor furniture without getting too over-the-top.
Featuring a classic open, curved back for an airy, inviting look, this chair is crafted from durable resin that resists water, UV rays, mildew, and rust. Its stackable design also makes it easy to store when not in use.
Little round side tables are my favorite addition to a stylish patio, and this curved one is especially chic. The stoneware glaze makes it easy to clean, while the mustard yellow color makes it instantly joyful.
These gorgeous orange chairs remind me of Mid-Century Salterini Radar Chairs for about 10% of the price. They come in a three piece set including two chairs and a table for easy conversation.
This versatile set of three red ceramic pots is crafted from high-temperature fired ceramic for durability and odor-free use, featuring drainage holes with matching trays to promote healthy root growth. The red color is the perfect low-lift way to bring some vibrancy to your patio this season.
This season, outdoor furniture trends are becoming more whimsical. Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, states: 'Garden furniture in statement shades is gaining popularity as people increasingly see their outdoor spaces as extensions of their homes and take a more considered and creative approach to the styling of these areas.'
She continues: 'This has meant a shift away from pared-back, more neutral pieces towards characterful and colorful outdoor furniture and accessories. Bold colors help to define a space, add personality, and create atmosphere, making gardens feel just as inviting and thoughtfully designed as interior rooms.'
As in William Shatner's yard, a set of two chairs is the perfect way to tap into this colorful outdoor look, even if you have a small yard. If you can add a tiny bistro table, it looks even better.
Magdalena advises: 'Brightly colored bistro sets add interest to the garden or balcony. For those with limited outdoor space, such as a small balcony or courtyard, I’d recommend a bistro set. Bistro sets are compact, making them the perfect option for alfresco entertaining in a small garden. Those with large gardens should also consider a bistro set because they are small and lightweight so they can be easily moved around the garden so that you can enjoy the last of the evening sun.'
She adds: 'Alternatively, bistro sets can be used in a small dining zone in the garden - they comfortably accommodate two people for an intimate outdoor dining experience.'
Decades later, William Shatner's green outdoor furniture looks just as chic, and the same will be true of the colorful pieces you buy today. By investing in a personality-forward outdoor space, you will make your house feel like home year-round.
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