Upgrade Your Outdoor Living: Inspiring Patio Designs and Expert Advice

How to Choose Backyard Patio Ideas 

• Your style and tastes
• The space you have to work with
• Your budget
• Your goals or intended use of the space
• Etc.

Small Patio Ideas  

• Try a bistro table and chairs for a modern design that’s also compact and saves space.
• Add some live plants to brighten up the space and make it feel welcoming.
• Add a trellis for privacy or separation from neighbors and the rest of your yard.
• A simple, decorative outdoor rug can enhance small patios, too.
• Consider a patio umbrella for shade.

Concrete Patio Ideas

• Choose a stamped concrete design for a simple upgrade that will always add depth to the space.
• Worried about the heat of the concrete? Add an outdoor area rug for comfort and design.
• Add fire feature(s). A table with a built-in fire pit or even a freestanding pit that you build yourself could be a great addition to your concrete patio.

• Choose outdoor sofas and chairs to create a comfortable living space.
• Consider a raised concrete patio for a unique design.
• Add greenery and plants to contrast the stark concrete.
• Bonus: check out this cool barrel-inspired bar table for a unique addition.

Pool Patio Ideas

• Install a pergola or a patio umbrella that can provide respite from the sun when people get out of the water.
• Choose seating that’s conducive to getting wet without damage or safety risks.
• Create a walkway from the patio to the pool that includes plants and other design features.
• Install ambient lighting around the pool to create a relaxing nighttime oasis.
• If you want stylish pool storage, consider a deck box to keep all the pool toys and accessories organized.

Garden Patio Ideas

• Install a round patio in the middle of your garden to create a unique design.
• Use planter boxes to add accents and cultivate fresh herbs.
• Add fairy lights or string lights for a cozy finish.
• Choose décor colors that accentuate or contrast your plants and greenery.

Patio Shade Ideas

• Planting trees (nature’s original shade!)
• Installing a pergola
• Building onto the house to add a roof/cover
• Use umbrellas (freestanding or table umbrellas)
• Try hanging plants around the patio edges or use a small greenhouse

Patio Lighting Ideas

• Use string lights draped over railings or a pergola for cozy ambient lighting at night.
• If you’re building a garden patio, stake lights are a great accent to put around the edges or even on the path leading to it.
• Choose an outdoor lantern or light that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for ambiance and entertainment, such as the Bluu umbrella light.
• Install more than one type of light so you can create different moods.

Patio Décor Ideas

• If you really want a high-end or expensive patio item, wait until the end of the season and see if you can catch it on sale.
• Make way for shade. Check out our umbrella light for ambiance and shade at once.
• Add plants and greenery to concrete and stone patios. This creates warmth and contrasts with the stark, sterile look of stone.
• Use pillows and other accents to further enhance your space or create unique eye-catching designs.
• Stop thinking “outside.” Imagine your patio as one of your indoor living spaces and decorate it accordingly (with weatherproof materials, of course).

Patio Design Tips

 

• Stick with weatherproof furniture and materials, even if you live in a climate without a lot of actual “weather”—your pieces will last much longer.
• Use sites like Pinterest and Houzz to explore other people’s designs and get inspired for yourself.
• Look at the space that you have and consider the features that are most important to you. Then, you can go from there to create your perfect patio design.
• Consider hiring a designer to assist you with your new patio design.
• Take advantage of functional pieces as design concepts when you can (color-coordinated umbrellas and chairs, etc.).
• Make sure that your patio design doesn’t clash with the curb appeal or exterior design of your home.

FAQs

I have a small patio. How can I maximize the space with design?

Is concrete better than pavers or other patio materials?

Can you install patio lights without hard-wiring them?

• Battery-operated accent lights
• Solar lights and light stakes
• String lights or fairy lights
• Lamps

What can I put on my patio?

How can I make my patio an extension of my home?

How much should I spend on patio design?

Final Thoughts