Eclectic Balcony with a Blue Bench and Mixed Print Pillows

Mixing patterns on a balcony bench is easiest when you limit the colors and vary the scale. Stick to two main colors, blue and yellow, then choose one large print, one medium stripe or check and one small print, repeating each at least twice. Six pillows on a long bench look generous; on a short one, four is plenty. A vintage piece painted a strong color, like this cornflower bench, anchors the mix and hides mismatched finishes. Enamel planters in the same two colors carry the look down to the floor. Keep a lidded storage bench or bin nearby so pillows can go in before a storm.