In 2026, fringe is everywhere. It’s uplifting our cushions, adding a fun twist to lighting fixtures, and adorning the edges of our rugs. For inspiration on how to style the look in new, innovative ways, we’re going back to its mid-20th century heyday. Fascinatingly, Rock Hudson’s ’50s garden shows that original adopters used the look outside.
We spotted Rock’s patio furniture idea in an archival image of the actor doing yard work at his Beverly Hills home in 1957. His stone patio features a collection of wooden chairs, one of which is edged with cream fringe. Though practicality often trumps style in our choices of outdoor fabrics, Rock’s space demonstrates that it’s possible to be just as innovative with these choices as we would be with those inside our homes.
As spring approaches, we predict this retro style staple, which has already been trending outdoors, will make it onto all of the chicest people’s patios. To explore the look, let’s take a peek at how Rock Hudson was styling it in the ’50s. Then, I’ve curated an edit of my favorite fringed outdoor pieces to make it easy to emulate the retro trend. I’ve also spoken with a design expert to get to the bottom of how interior design trends will be influencing our outdoors this season.
Shop the Outdoor Fringe Edit
Fringe Edged
A fringe rug is one of the lowest lift ways to bring this retro detail to your outdoor space. This flatwoven one from Anthropologie has style and substance for a long-lasting patio upgrade.
Retro Feel
From blue and white stripes to red and white stripes. This beach umbrella isn’t all form and no function though, it has a tilt function so you can move it to create shade where you need to. It also all packs into a very handy carry bag so you can take it from patio to beach.
Boho
This blue and white striped pillow is the perfect addition to a white outdoor chair. I love the tassel corners, which incorporate fringe in a more subtle way.
’70s Inspired
This chair would be an ultra-cool and oh-so-comfy addition to a covered patio. It makes the perfect unexpected pairing to match a more traditional collection of furniture.
Dark Accent
Nothing is comfier than a hammock, and with the right fringe, it can be stylish too. It would look gorgeous with a collection of wooden pieces.
Soft Cotton
Some outdoor furniture comes with fringe, while other pieces have fringe thrust upon them. Adding fringe to your existing outdoor furniture would be a fun DIY to recreate Rock Hudson’s look.
The emergence of the fringe trend in our outdoor spaces is an extension of the renewed interest in decorating our patios like the inside of our homes. Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: ‘In 2026, alfresco entertaining is all about creating inviting, versatile outdoor spaces that effortlessly blend style and comfort. The trend leans towards cozy yet elegant settings with plush seating, layered textiles, and warm lighting that encourage relaxed gatherings from day to night. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and woven textures are key, adding organic warmth and tactile interest.’
She continues: ‘Outdoor dining areas are becoming more intimate and thoughtfully curated, often featuring statement tables and ambient accessories that make every meal feel special. It’s about crafting spaces that invite connection and celebration, making the outdoors feel just as welcoming as the inside of the home.’ As we see through the layered throw cushions on Rock’s patio, this movement is about comfort over practicality.
These outdoor decorating trends show no signs of stopping, and are likely to extend to other stylish areas from 2026, like warm minimalism and personality-drenching. Magdalena advises: ‘We’re paying just as much attention to our outdoor spaces as we do to our interiors, treating them as true extensions of the home. This shift means outdoor areas are being decorated with the same care and consideration—focusing on comfort, style, and personality.
We’re seeing a move away from purely functional garden furniture towards thoughtfully designed pieces that offer both elegance and cosiness. Textiles, cushions, and accessories once reserved for inside are now making their way outdoors, helping to create warm, inviting spaces that encourage lingering and entertaining.’
As soft furnishings dominate the outdoor space, so will fringe. By looking to the past, we seek to understand what these trends might look like in the future.
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