How To Style and Decorate Your Patio Space

Outdoor furniture has come a long way since the days of fold-up lawn chairs and steel-mesh tables. Now you can find furniture that bring your indoor styles to your outdoor patio area, complete with beautiful decor. With the right patio furniture, you can design your exterior space into a lounging area, a go-to place for family barbecues, or an al fresco dining experience. Follow along for ideas on how to style and decorate your patio space.

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Ideas for Styling Your Patio

Small Patios

More than ever, your porch, patio, and balcony are seen as an extension of your home. Think of them as your extra living room or den. Here are two examples of how to style a small patio with a basic patio set:

A vintage touch

White or rustic-colored cushions and a weather-proof carpet can easily complement a furniture set made of cast iron steel. Or refresh dated furniture stuck in your house by upholstering it with weather-proof material and bringing it outdoors.

Farmhouse meets Industrial

Create a textured concrete or cobble floor space with a small grill, minimalist teak chairs, an industrial table with a wood paneling tabletop, and a cozy fireplace.

Minimalistic Patios

Is your outdoor space surrounded by architectural beauty or natural greenery? One of the most straightforward themes for your patio is to keep it neutral and minimalistic. Clean-lined, monochromatic pieces are perfect furniture choices in these settings so you and your guests can embrace the scenery and enjoy good company.

Staying neutral

Keep things fresh yet classic with hues from white to light gray to tan for your patio furniture and outdoor rugs. Use materials that keep to the theme: wicker seating, teak coffee table, concrete pots for greenery, and neutral cushions and blankets.

Coastal essence

Build your patio setting with a nautical point of view, wherever you’re located. Partner a low, white modular sofa with neutral cushions and subtle accents of yellow, blue, gray, or a mix within the decor.

Transform Your Patio With Furniture.com

Big or small, your patio should feel like a cozy retreat. If you’re ready to take advantage of your backyard, start your search on furniture.com for big furniture, smaller decor, and various accessories like lighting and fire pits.

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Ideas for Decorating Your Patio

A space isn’t fully realized until the finishing touches are added. Add more comfort, beauty, and personality to your backyard and patio with these durable accessories, specially designed for the outdoors:

Ideas for Arranging Your Patio

The best advice to remember when designing your patio layout is that every piece of furniture serves a purpose. If you enjoy hosting gatherings and parties often, seating should be your top priority and you can design your layout around the seating areas. If you like more intimate get-togethers, you’ll have more room to play around with furniture arrangements. Whether you have a small or large gathering, here are a few tips when layering your patio design:

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Activity zones

When taking your measurements of your patio area, consider if you need to create zones for dining, lounging, game area, etc. — easy ways to section different types of patio furniture, and make sure the layout has walkways for better traffic flow. For example, the dining area typically requires a set of outdoor dining chairs and tables as well as comfortable cushions.

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Conversation space

The placement of your seats will either engage conversation or make it difficult for people to socialize. Create a welcoming atmosphere by laying out your patio chairs and sofas in a circular, semicircular, or square shape. We also recommend modular seating for more flexible arrangements. Add a large ottoman or accent poufs for extra seating and smaller drink tables.

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Poolside

Create a separate lounge area with a leveled-up cabana or a line of outdoor chaises with end tables in between for drinks and snacks. Another must-have accessory is an outdoor umbrella.

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Mix and match

If you opt for lightweight pieces, you can move your setup around as the night wears on. Consider accessories like rattan ottomans and benches that are versatile enough to be used in a myriad of ways, from end table to seating.

Nature-Inspired Patios

When you incorporate Mother Nature into your outdoor design, your patio will transform into a serene place of comfort and refuge — a sanctuary where you and your guests can unwind and relax after a long day.

Backyard oasis

Whether you create a wall dedicated to an assortment of potted plants, grass between pavement stones, or hanging plants and trailing vines, you can’t go wrong when adding greenery to your arrangement. Consider putting up decorative lighting along a wood fence with plantings to create a whimsical aura.

Seasonal touch

If you live in a climate with different seasons, changing patio furniture will allow you to enjoy the outdoors all year round. You can switch things up simply by changing the colors and types of material of your patio cushions and pillows: bright colors for spring and warmer or darker colors for fall and winter. You can even consider swapping the coffee table with a fire bowl to keep the chill away.

Bold Patios

Bring summer vibes to your patio with colorful updates. Brighter touches can be added as decor, which help elevate the space and add personality without looking overwhelming or chaotic. Layer in colorful poufs, throw pillows, and blankets or choose vibrant accessories like patio umbrellas or colored glassware and plates.

Bohemian vibes

Boho chic patios are all about mixing texture and comfort to curate a dreamscape. Consider hanging a swinging chair or a hammock and adding different textured pillows and knitted and quilted throw blankets with vibrant colors and patterns.

Go retro

Even if your indoor style is modern and neutral, contrast it by electrifying your patio with accented chairs and pillows of bright, neon colors. To ground the look, we recommend beautiful neutral wood furniture that balance the colorful decor.