I have been looking for a versatile backyard furniture color that will look just as good in summer 2026 – Stanley Tucci proposes gray

Patio season welcomes a chance to invest in an outdoor living space, and as such, some stunning furnishings that will stand the test of time.

I've been thinking about outdoor furniture in terms of color first, and I think I've landed on my top pick for this year (and beyond) with a little help from Stanley Tucci: gray.

The actor and home cook first shared his gray outdoor furniture on Instagram in 2023, and now, on the verge of summer 2025, it looks just as perfect. I was struck by how elevated his gray patio furniture looked among his many plants and green landscape; it's complemented further by wood accents, tying the pieces back to the natural world.

Despite being two years old, it looks just as fashionable today, making it a safe bet if, like me, you're looking for a long-term investment. I can't be certain, but I would hazard a guess that it'll look just as good if we revisit this clip in 2026.

Shop the gray patio furniture edit

While sometimes thought of as a 'boring' or plain color, using gray in a patio is a choice neutral selection, according to experts.

'Decorating with gray outdoors doesn’t have to mean playing it safe,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Gray provides a flexible foundation for creative expression, capable of evoking sophistication while inviting personalization through textures, materials, and accent colors. Whether you want to create a quiet retreat or a stylish entertaining area, gray patio furniture offers the perfect balance between elegance and modernity — creating a space that feels as inviting as it is visually striking.'

Stanley's move of using gray furniture with wood accents, such as his gray sofa placed next to a wood table, is a styling techinque Nina highly approves of for its restorative and aesthetically pleasing properties.

'Pair gray furniture with wooden accents to bring a touch of warmth and natural beauty,' she suggests. 'A weathered gray sofa placed alongside a rustic wooden coffee table or side tables made from driftwood or teak adds an earthy element to your patio decor. The combination of gray and wood speaks to a harmonious blend of contemporary and organic design.'

Finally, consider experimenting with different grays depending on your patio's landscape and existing furnishings and accessories.

'Gray isn’t a one-note color,' Nina explains. 'From pale dove gray to dark charcoal, mixing various shades can add depth to your outdoor space. Consider lighter gray cushions on darker gray furniture frames, or vice versa, to create a visually engaging monochromatic look.'

Gray is not only versatile, but it also gives an outdoor space a calm yet elevated feel. If you're looking for a new color scheme to incorporate into your backyard, I'd bet my money on this shade to make waves this year.