Tips for Decorating A Patio

Patios are a great space to relax on warm days and evenings. However, knowing how to decorate your patio can feel a bit tricky compared to an indoor space because of the elements it faces. If you’re struggling to decide how you want to make your patio comfortable and good-looking, we’ve got some tips for decorating a patio.

Take the time to plan

It can be easy to leave projects like these unfinished when you don’t plan ahead properly. There are some key things to consider before you want to begin decorating.

• Budget
• Dimensions of your space
• Do you have HOA restrictions?
• Do you want it to be covered or shaded?
• Will you want to hire someone or do it yourself?
• Which color or pattern do you want to focus on?
• What do you still need to buy/replace?

It may be good to begin making a list as you answer these questions. If you’re a visual thinker, sketching out some concepts may be the best option for moving your plan forward.

Utilize what you already have

This tip is not only a money-saver, but it may help you in staying consistent with the theme of your home. Be aware of your surroundings. Make use of the greenery, flowers, and trees around your home. Do you have leftover cans of paint that you can use for the areas you want to paint? If you have any decor or indoor furniture that is suitable to be left outside, see if any of that fits into your plans for your patio.

Buy long-lasting furniture

Poly furniture is one of the number one options in long-lasting outdoor furniture. The high-density polyethylene that makes up these products is a plastic that is made from recycled milk jugs and bags. Once turned into a lumber substitute, the chairs made out of poly are waterproof, and UV-resistant, plus you don’t have to worry about mold or splintering. Because poly furniture is more durable than wood or rattan furniture, it is able to withstand snow, rain, and windy conditions easier.

Something else you can invest in to keep your patio setup looking nice for longer is waterproof cushions. There are plenty of companies out there that will sell complete pillow sets and others that will sell just the covers for standard-sized pillows. Even though waterproof cloth does help with stains, it may still be wise to store your cushions when they aren’t in use.

Be mindful of space

Whether you have a large or small area to work with, sometimes less is still more. Find ways to integrate storage and convertible items when decorating a patio. Investing in folding furniture that can be stored away is a great way to keep your space open when you aren’t in need of every piece of a set. Always keep your eye out for products that can be stored inside each other or serve multiple purposes. Some examples of this are a storage bench, a sipper glider, or a fire table.

If you have a more enclosed patio, using colors that will brighten up your space may also help to make it feel more open. Whites and lighter colors will make your patio feel more spacious, but they may require more upkeep to maintain a fresh and clean appearance. Experiment with samples of cool, warm, and various tones to create beautiful contrast and comfort.

Make use of hanging decor and lights

Hanging decor and lights aren’t just useful for those who have a roof or pergola over their patio. Think creatively about what you can hang on fencing, railing, or the exterior wall of your home that your patio is against. Do you have signs, hanging plants, or even shelving that you can set up? This kind of decor creates visual movement and balance in any area you are designing. It also can help you save ground space that may be limited in a smaller patio.

Most importantly: Have fun!

This is your space to relax. Do whatever will make this process stress-free and something you’re willing to work on. There are plenty of designers on the internet to take inspiration from. What’s most important is that you make it comfortable and visually appealing according to your tastes. Enjoy the process along the way.