Ico Traders Journal
The Wire

Colour Forecasting for Outdoor Furniture in 2026

We design furniture to look beautiful now & still feel right in years to come. For 2026, the global signals are clear – nature inspired hues, quietly optimistic brights and tactile finishes that soften harsh sunlight. Here’s how we see it happening outdoors in Aotearoa.

1. Sea greens & teals (the star of the family)

WGSN/Coloro have named Transformative Teal as 2026’s headline colour.  It's a deep, balanced blue/green that bridges ocean and forest. It’s versatile on metal frames (we are thinking matt finish), pairs with timber & loves texture.. Think: a refined upgrade to classic “outdoor green”. 

Expect teal to sit alongside softer aqua tones, mint and blush pink as accents.  This combo is perfect for side tables, stools and powdercoated accessories. When you want a natural 'pop' this is it. 

2) Warm putty, caramels & earthen browns (comfort that lasts)

Major paint houses are moving from greys to warmer tones. Earth based neutrals, putty, caramels, clay & chocolate. Dulux’s 2026 forecast calls out three palettes: Ethereal, Elemental, Evoke Warm whites, sage & moss, dusty rose and rich browns at the core. For powdercoated metal, they’re pairing these hues with finishes that add depth in bright light. 

Connecting colours (sage, spearmint, vintage rose, burnt orange, caramel), used tonally with the odd berry or copper accent. 

3) Soft blush & peach notes (gentle lift, not “pink-pink”)

Colour Marketing Group’s 2026 Key Colour is a Peachy pink with warmth, more than candy pink, proving that Ico Traders's blush & Adobe pinks are everlasting. In outdoor settings it works best as an accent: singular accent chairs, powdercoated  side tables, or  a tray, bringing warmth to greens, olives and browns, without tipping sweet. 

4) Deep berries, bronzes & near-blacks (for structure and contrast)

Pantone’s A/W 2025/26 reports lean into Lyons Blue, Damson, Bronze Brown, and other grounded shades.  These prove useful as “shadow colours” for frames, legs and hardware. They add sophistication to softer palettes and feel timeless next to timber and stone. 

5) One disciplined electric (micro doses only)

The WGSN/Coloro S/S 26 set also includes Electric Fuchsia for fashion we are thinking bright brick reds, but don't go big. Be confident with a micro accent: a side table, cushions, or a singular chair, energising teal & olive schemes. 


Finish matters (as much as colour)

High UV environments reward texture. Ripple, sandblasted and matt finishes scatter light and disguise everyday wear far better than high gloss. At Ico Traders we prefer satin and Matt finishes, texture & sand blasted effects, exactly the kinds of finishes that keep outdoor pieces looking luxe after a few summers. 

 

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