Cynthia Nixon clearly has a thing for gray. We've previously covered the Sex and the City and ...And Just Like That star's gray sofa in her living room, but it turns out that this affinity for the beloved neutral transitions to her outdoor area, too.
In a clip recently shared to her Instagram page, we can see her patio decked out with an assortment of gray-painted, wood seats, which complement the stone coffee table and metallic heating lamps surrounding it.
We often see patio furniture in shades of bold black or crisp white, but Nixon's outdoor setup has us thinking that decorating with gray could be an unexpected yet sophisticated move.
According to experts, gray's transition from interior to exterior is seamless thanks to its workhorse nature as a color.
'Gray has made its way from modern interiors to the outdoor living spaces of homes everywhere, offering a sophisticated and versatile backdrop for patio furniture,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Whether you’re curating a cozy corner for two or creating a statement-worthy entertainment area, decorating with gray allows you to establish a refined atmosphere that speaks to tranquility, balance, and understated elegance.'
She continues, 'Gray evokes a sense of calm and serenity, making it the perfect color for an outdoor retreat. Unlike the boldness of black or the crispness of white, gray is a soothing neutral that offers warmth and depth without overwhelming the senses. Its versatility ranges from cool, steely tones to warmer, greige hues, allowing you to craft a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.'
Seeing as many of us retreat to our patios to relax, gray is a perfect fit for furnishing an exterior space.
'The neutrality of gray also allows it to act as a bridge between natural elements—complementing the greenery of your garden, the warmth of wooden decking, or the coolness of stone pavers,' Lichtenstein says. 'Whether your outdoor space is minimalist or layered with lush plant life, gray enhances the environment while letting other colors and textures pop. One of the misconceptions about gray is that it can feel flat or monotonous, but when styled thoughtfully, gray furniture and decor can be incredibly dynamic. The key to maintaining visual interest lies in blending textures, materials, and accent colors.'
To maintain visual interest, Lichtenstein also recommends experimenting with different gray finishes and textures (as Nixon has done with her heating lamps and chairs).
'Gray outdoor furniture with metallic accents, like aluminum, stainless steel, or iron, can give your outdoor space a modern, industrial edge,' she explains. 'Metallic touches reflect light and add a subtle shine, creating a sense of luxury without detracting from the calmness gray provides.'
'Add dimension to your gray palette by incorporating a variety of textures,' she says. 'A concrete patio table paired with soft, plush gray cushions introduces a tactile contrast. Mix woven wicker furniture with sleek metal or aluminum chairs in a weathered gray finish for a textural interplay that’s both chic and practical.'
This gray outdoor sofa provides comfy cushions and ample seating, perfect for entertaining.
Add some greenery to a gray patio with this sleek, low planter.
In addition to the expert tips, we recommend incorporating natural materials into a gray outdoor color scheme. For example, place a potted plant next to a gray sofa or add a linen throw blanket to a wicker basket. This hue is almost impossible to style wrong.
