As a homeowner, you deserve a place to rest, relax, and refresh. The outdoor backyard is perfect for lounging, but if it’s small, noisy, or lacking in privacy, you may not want to spend much time on it.
Updating your patio backyard is essential, not just to elevate the look of your space, but for you to maximize and enjoy this less-utilized space that you have. You don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your patio – you can transform your space using a few chic chairs, dining tables, and pops of color and style.
Furnishing a patio backyard can be a fun and exciting project. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Plan your space
Before you start buying furniture and decor, take some time to plan out your space. Consider the size of your patio and the type of activities you want to do there. This will help you determine what kind of furniture you need and how much space you have to work with.
No one wants to have a space that feels sparse. Even if the area is relatively small, you can add oversized items like pillows on the couch or big planters with big plants. Don’t forget that less is more. Fewer, more oversized items can make a small space feel bigger. Packing many small items and furniture will make your patio look cluttered.
Choose durable materials
Your patio furniture and decor will be exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose durable and weather-resistant materials. Look for materials like metal, wicker, and teak that can withstand sun, rain, and wind.
Outdoor couches must be upholstered with weather-resistant materials, so they would not fade quickly since they will be left outdoors.
Create zones
Consider creating different zones for different activities if you have a large patio. Just as you would create separate living spaces inside your house, create zones on your patio to keep it looking organized. For example, you could have a seating area for relaxing and lounging, a dining area for eating, and a play area for children. You can separate the spaces visually by using outdoor area rugs or different furniture styles in each space. But make it coherent and consistent by using the same color palette and accent décor.
Add lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in the ambiance of your patio backyard. Add some lighting to make your patio more inviting during lazy summer nights, even when it’s dark. Lighting is key, not only to help you enjoy your outdoor area after the sun goes down but also to help draw the eyes vertically, which is essential when your patio is small.
Consider adding string lights, lanterns, or even a fire pit to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If your patio is an entirely open space and you can’t install lighting, then put indoor-outdoor lamps around your space.
Place an outdoor sectional for more seating
Everyone would want to spend more time outdoors if only they had a cozy spot to stay in. An outdoor sectional is fantastic for many reasons. It gives you flexible seating so you can stretch out when lounging alone, and it’s also large enough to accommodate many people. They are configurable to suit different seating needs, plus they can also serve double duty as seating around an outdoor dining table, so people don’t need to move around.
Enclose your space
Creating a sense of enclosure on your backyard patio is vital for privacy, so you can make it feel like a secluded oasis. You may like your neighbors or think they’re okay, but you don’t want them looking right at you while you’re lounging or relaxing in your space. Use a privacy screen, a pergola, or curtains to create a semi-enclosed space. So if you want to relax and take a nap outdoors, it can function as your peaceful sanctuary.
Bring the indoors out
There’s no reason to go inside if you make your outdoor living space cozy and comfortable. Let your personal style extend to your outdoor space for an elegantly cohesive outdoor entertaining environment. Make your patio backyard feel as luxe and comfortable as your indoor living areas. You can do this by bringing comfortable and stylish furniture with accessories, an outdoor kitchen, or a built-in fireplace. Add personal touches like greenery and plants, blankets draped over chairs, lanterns, votives, and more.
Adding an outdoor rug is one of the easiest ways to make your outdoor area feel extra welcoming. Much like the way plants can bring the outside in, outdoor rugs can bring the indoors out and help create a natural flow from your indoors to your backyard patio and garden.
Add a dining table
If enjoying delicious dinners al fresco is your cup of tea, then you’ll need a fabulous dining table that can make outdoor dining a family affair. Avid home chefs and BBQ masters should include a dining table and chairs as part of their patio backyard furniture options.
For large spaces, a long dining table is perfect. But if you’re tight on space, you can choose a table that has moving parts or attached leaves so that the table can be expanded if you have more guests. Bistro tables are also a perfect solution for small patio spaces.
Always provide shade
You may love sunny days, but you would also want to enjoy outdoor spaces without the heat or bright sun chasing you. When placing furniture outdoors, avoid putting it in a place that gets the harshest sunlight. Then, add umbrellas to create a shady retreat – it can also help your outdoor furniture to last longer. You can use it to complement the existing design and color palette of your patio, but you can also use it as a way to introduce bolder colors to your outdoor décor.
Add splashes of color
Neutral colors are great – they are elegant, fresh, and easy on the eyes. But a splash of color can keep your space visually interesting. If you like entertaining in your home, have fun decorating your backyard patio and inject some personality into it by adding your favorite colors. Choose bold colors or funky prints to elevate the look of your patio without making any major design overhaul. Pops of blues and greens complement the natural surroundings without overpowering their beauty. You can also take cues from the flowers you have outdoors – if you have red, purple, or yellow flowers, imitate their colors through your cushions, rugs, pillows, or other accessories.
Layer up
Most of the time, backyard furniture is left undecorated. But as you add texture, color, and visual interest to your indoor spaces, make sure not to overlook your outdoor space, too. Even if you’re working with a large and airy space, you can make it cozy by layering different items and textures on it. Use outdoor area rugs, scatter the cushions, add pops of color, and use side tables and cozy ottomans to embrace the outdoors and personalize the space. Layering will add depth to the design and bring warmth and added interest, completing the look.
Create cozy corners
If you have a small patio or porch but want to make it your own, skip the big and bulky pieces and make it comfortable. With chairs and tables with a smaller footprint, your small space can be your quiet corner. You may even choose not to use tables and chairs but only some outdoor cushions and area rugs on the floor to make it cozier. You can make it your Zen corner, where you can meditate on the floor!
Create a place to lounge
Adding the right seating can turn your underused patio into the perfect space to start or end your day. Whether it’s a daybed, a lounge chair, or a hammock, make sure you have a comfy place to sit back and pull up your feet.
Add some soft curves
Instead of sticking to the typical rectangular tables or L-shaped couches, have some fun with your furniture by picking items that create visual interest because of their shapes. Rounded armchairs and couches can become a standout pieces in your backyard patio. You can also choose a rounded fire pit and arrange your chairs in a circle around it. Adding round and soft curves can boost the cozy vibe that you’re aiming for.
Warm up the area with a fire pit
Outdoor living should not be limited only to summer nights and spring days. If you warm up the space using functional fire pits, you can keep warm on a chilly night, and that pit can quickly become the centerpiece of your outdoor living area. If you have a large outdoor patio, you can have a fire pit installed. Fire pits with covers can transform them into a table when not in use. But if you have limited space, you can opt for a portable one that can be moved to wherever the party takes you. You can sit around the fire with blankets to get the ultimate cozy feeling when the fire is crackling.
Keep things natural
Mix natural materials into your patio furnishings so it won’t feel like a huge shift from your house to the patio, then back again. A balanced combination of materials like wood, rattan, wicker, ceramic, concrete, glass, or metal will give your space a collected feel that’s connected to the interior.
Incorporate plants
This may seem obvious since it’s your backyard, but if it looks flat and boring, you definitely need plants. Plants can add color and life to your backyard patio, making the space more interesting and relaxing. Consider adding potted plants, hanging baskets, or even a small garden to your space. You can also use plants to cover walls to create a lush background. Vertical planting is a smart way to display plants and gardens, even if you’re short on space. These plants can also help increase privacy in your space as they grow.
Don’t forget about storage
It’s important to have a place to store your patio furniture and decor when it’s not in use during the off-season and extreme weather to keep them in good shape. Sheds, garages, and basements are great solutions. If you’re short on space, you can opt for stackable or foldable furniture. Storage areas are also practical for storing pool accessories, outdoor décor, and toys.
Personalize your space
Finally, don’t be afraid to add personal touches to your patio backyard. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, a colorful rug, or a cozy throw blanket, adding personal touches will make your space feel like home.