30 Outdoor Patio Ideas to Spruce Up Your Space
Create the outdoor space of your dreams with the help of these 30 inspirational ideas.
If you’re dreaming of a new outdoor oasis, now is the perfect time to create one. Sunny days and cozy evenings are coming, meaning it’s the perfect time to give your patio or outdoor living space some much needed TLC. Think of this space as an extension of your home. Although it’s not an indoor space, it’s directly connected to your home and should be conducive with your style. What will you use this space for? Will you have friends and family over for dinner parties? Will you host evening cocktail hours? Or will you spend the weekends roasting marshmallows over the fire? Once you decide your intentions, you can find your inspiration!
The possibilities are truly endless. All you must do is invest the time, effort, and funds needed to update your outdoor space. Then, regardless of what you plan to do with it once it’s finished, you’ll feel accomplished. No matter what style you choose to create or emulate—sleek and contemporary, warm and inviting, rustic and timeless, or eclectic and free-spirited—it will be all yours. Read on for trendy ideas that will make your space look inviting. From outdoor lighting to patterned pavers, there’s ideas for everyone.
Patio Daybeds
If you’re a bookworm, or even a cat-napper – a daybed could be your best friend. It’s so easy to close your eyes and take in all the sounds in the world around you. Elevate your patio’s comfort level with a daybed, and we promise you’ll never leave.
Nautical Stripes
Tried and true, going for blue is an excellent approach to any patio. Nautical stripes are a safe pattern that pairs well with whites, creams, greens, and pretty much any primary color! You get all of these advantages along with a classic print that will always be in vogue.
Cozy Fire Pit
It’s hard to resist the feel of a cozy fire pit. It allows you to add light and warmth to your outdoor space. And no matter what style of fire pit you choose, you’ll be able to reap the benefits. You and your loved ones can snuggle around the flames with oversized blankets and the necessities for s’mores.
Quaint Seating Areas
Pocket seating areas are fabulous in an outdoor space, especially if you have flower gardens in your yard. A quiet intimate area for guests to step away from the group and take a moment adds another level of comfort and hospitality to your space.
Shade Plants
Just because your patio is shaded, doesn’t mean you can’t have those fabulous lush plants in your space! There are tons of plants that thrive in shaded areas that would be very happy in your shady patio.
Outdoor Curtains
Crisp linens drifting in the breeze adds so much ambience to a space. As beautiful as they are, they’re also very functional. Putting outdoor curtains throughout your space gives you the option of privacy. If you’re not using them in that way, or just want to let in more sunlight that day, they can also be tied back, opening up the space.
Patio Rugs
Whether your patio is concrete, or even a wood deck, including an outdoor rug can completely change the space. Rugs bring the creature comforts of indoor carpet to your outdoor areas, and can make the space much more welcoming. Make sure to get one that is mildew resistant, if your patio is exposed to the elements.
Outdoor Blankets
Made from several different fabric options, outdoor blankets are perfect for the occasion that you need to wrap up while chilling on your patio. You can also use outdoor blankets as another layer to decorate with.
Lanterns
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, soft lighting sets the mood. Lanterns are amazing pieces that provide soft intimate lighting. You can also get remote controlled or wifi enabled candles and bulbs that you can turn on or off easily.
Water Features
There’s a reason fountains or small ponds have been used in landscaping for centuries. There’s something so relaxing about the sound of water. A stunning water feature can be a great focal point for your patio, so don’t be afraid to splurge on the right one.
Quaint Bistro Nook
Bistro sets are ideal for those who want brunches, lunches, and dinners on the patio. They’re cozy little sets that tuck perfectly into spaces both big and small. If you want to dress them up a bit, add pillows, plants, and a tea set! They’re typically made of iron, rattan, wicker, or wood.
Oversized Sofa Swing
There’s nothing sweeter than a well-furnished patio that has the potential for lazy mornings and cozy evenings. Furniture plays a huge role in decorating an outdoor space. If you’re wanting to add something inviting to your space, invest in an outdoor sofa swing. Once you’ve hung it up, you’ll be ready to settle in for an afternoon nap.
Plants and Greenery
Tall Privacy Hedges
Evening Mood Lighting
Adding outdoor hanging lights to your patio or outdoor space is a must. They typically have a more industrial look, but are built to handle all types of weather. And once the sun goes down and the lights are turned on, all you’ll see is the dreamy glow that the lights provide.
Matching Patio Furniture
While your patio needs a plethora of different patterns, textures, and colors, leave that to your accessories. Start your outdoor space off with a neutral foundation. We recommend purchasing a matching furniture set in a beige, grey, or black and then sprucing it up with pillows, cushions, and blankets.
Pretty Pavers
Bold Blankets and Pillows
As a new season begins, you may be tempted to update your outdoor space. If you’ve already got outdoor furniture and decor, there’s no need to completely start over. Instead, take the time to shop for a new outdoor rug, and a new set of pillows and blankets. You’ll be surprised by how much a new color scheme can change the look and feel of your space.
Outdoor Patio Bar
Most outdoor spaces are meant for family and friends. So, if you plan on hosting and have a knack for mixology, think about adding an outdoor patio bar to your space. This way, you won’t have to keep running inside for refills. And you can spend more time with your people! It’s a win-win.
Privacy Screens
Privacy screens are great for those who live in busy neighborhoods or even share balconies with their neighbors. There are endless screens that can be as decorative or as subtle as you want. They can also be used as a backdrop for decorative string lighting or a growing vine!
Outdoor Storage
Instead of cluttering your surfaces outside, or storing things away inside, get some outside storage! Having things out of site, yet in arms reach while enjoying your space is the best. You can put your out of season decor or even outdoor supplies here, so you don’t have to leave the space to get what you need.
Mosquito Repellent
The number one buzz kill while relaxing outside is bugs! If you hate the sound of a zapping bug zapper, there are repellents that you can use to keep the bugs away in the first place. Diffusers, torches, candles and even live plants are tried and true options to keep bugs away.
Wicker Chairs
Wicker chairs are timeless and add natural tones and textures to your project. You can buy a matching set, or even mix and match different colors or textures! It also gets your base furniture away from the plain black or metal furniture.
Moroccan-Inspired Patio
If you’re going for an eclectic aesthetic on your patio, you may consider taking a Moroccan approach. Mix-and-matched colors and patterns make for a cozy and relaxed feel that still creates a stylish ambiance. A Moroccan aesthetic lets you play with your design and completely make it your own – it’s completely fool-proof!
Lodge Aesthetic
Everyone dreams about spending the night in a warm and cozy lodge while snow slowly drifts outside the window. Choosing natural finishes and elements in your patio design really makes for a warm inviting place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, or even a late night chat with close friends.
Mixed Neutral Tones
Neutral tones can bring a relaxing and elegant mood to any space. Extending these warm neutrals outside also keeps the comfort of your home to your patio. Sticking to neutral base colors can also allow you to switch out items like pillows and decor with the season, without having to stress about how they match your overall aesthetic.
Geometric Prints
You could play it safe, or you could go all-out bold! Using bright colors and eye-catching patterns can totally make the space. An amazing print can keep you interested in your patio for several years, so don’t be afraid to try one out!
Outdoor Wifi Speaker
Music is what starts the party, and keeps it going. A wifi enabled speaker can turn your quiet place to a party pad at a moment’s notice, all with a simple voice command.
Cabana Patio
Crisp-whites paired with natural wood makes for a classic and elegant patio for entertaining, or just relaxing! Bring in some leafy green plants, and you’ll feel like you’re relaxing in Havana.
Outdoor Dining Areas
If you have the room, adding an outdoor dining area to your space not only adds to the functionality of your outdoors, but also provides another area to express your style. Nothing compares to an open-air dinner on a cool September evening. Cheers!
