21 Outdoor Patio Ideas to Try in Your Space

outdoor patio by finding lovely — Finding Lovely

There are plenty of resources on how to decorate your kitchen, bedroom, or even your guest bathroom. But, what about your outdoor patio? Your patio provides a space to soak up the sunshine and gather with friends—but decorating it can feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry: we're here to help.

We've rounded up some of our favorite outdoor patio ideas for you to try in your own backyard, and we're sure you'll find something you love.

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Keep It Simple

outdoor patio decorated simply — Calimia Home

First things first: you don't need to go overboard on your patio décor. Especially if your home's exterior is already pretty picture-perfect, all you may need for your patio is a nice set of tables, chairs, and some string lights.

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Get Back to Black (and White)

outdoor patio in black and white — Amy Bartlam Photography

For a truly classic outdoor patio look, use black and white. White furniture alongside black accents, like lighting or pillows, provides a fresh, modern look that feels timeless at the same time.

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Don't Leave Lighting Behind

outdoor patio with pendant lights — Calimia Home

Just because your patio is outdoors doesn't mean it doesn't need great lighting. Lighting is key to setting the mood for those late summer dinner parties, and the fixtures themselves can provide a pop of personality. Choose something oversized for a light that will truly stand out.

Target 18" LED Solar Pendant Outdoor Ceiling Lights $100.00

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Place a Fire Pit

outdoor patio with firepit — Bespoke Only

Make patio season last a little bit longer with a fire pit. Fire pits are the perfect addition for staying warm on a breezy summer night, and they can provide heat for fall or spring gatherings.

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Use Unique Patio Pavers

outdoor patio with natural stone — Calimia Home

For a look that's a step above your average concrete slab patio, use natural stone pavers. They'll give your outdoor space a rugged, Old-World look, and they'll set your patio apart from the rest.

When choosing natural stone pavers, choose a stone that's durable and one that complements the coloring of your home (AKA: avoid stone that clashes with your exterior).

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Create a Mini Patio

mini outdoor patio — Chelius House Of Design

Heads up: you can place a patio in unexpected places. Try installing a small patio near a walkway or staircase for a cozy seating nook that's tucked away from your main outdoor space. Add a small conversation set or a swing, and your mini patio is good to go!

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Take Some Screen Time

outdoor patio with tv — Chelius House Of Design

Just like the rooms in the rest of your home, your patio can serve a purpose too—and one of those purposes can be an outdoor family room! Think about installing a TV for an outdoor entertainment center that can become the ideal space for watching sports or having outdoor movie nights.

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Pick 3-4 Colors

outdoor patio with simple colors — Calimia Home

When it comes to outfitting your patio with furniture and accessories, it's best not to go overboard with color. Use 1 or 2 base colors to use throughout your furniture, and accessorize with a pop of something brighter, like a burnt orange or green.

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Break Out the Statement Chairs

outdoor patio with statement chairs — Desiree Burns Interiors

Your outdoor chair options go so much further than the Adirondack or stacking plastic chair. Instead, there are unique and durable options to be found that can fit nearly every style and look. Pick a chair you love for your outdoor patio, and your personality is sure to shine through.

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Add Some Structure

outdoor patio with structure — Devon Grace Interiors

Make your patio more set apart from the rest of your outdoor space by adding some structural elements, like beams or trellises. Not only will this create a more distinct space, but it will also provide some privacy and shelter.

You can even plant vines at the base of your beams for an enchanted garden vibe.

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Let It Grow

outdoor patio with grassy pavers — Devon Grace Interiors

Your patio floor doesn't need to be filled with concrete, pavers, and grout—it can also be filled with grass. Leave wide gaps in between pavers to allow space for grass to grow, and create a patio floor that's a soft place for your feet while still being durable and long-lasting.

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Cover It Up

outdoor patio that is covered with pergola — Dazey Den

Living in a space that is especially hot, sunny or windy? Use a pergola or other type of patio covering to provide shelter from the elements. Certain pergolas can also provide respite from the rain, and they provide a wonderful structure to hang string lights off of.

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Have Multiple Patios

outdoor patio with multiple spaces — Dazey Den

If you have the space, why not have multiple patios? Different patios can serve different purposes: a larger, paved one can be a great spot for an outdoor dining area, while a smaller, tucked-away spot is the ideal space for a fire pit.

Having multiple patios can be the ideal solution for yards that are dry, dusty, and not very green. Patios can break up the desert that may be your backyard.

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Hang Around for a Little

outdoor patio with hanging sofa swing — Devon Grace Interiors

Make your patio seating infinitely more relaxing with a hanging sofa swing. Hanging sofas are a fun and unique touch for any outdoor space, and they provide a fantastic place to lounge or take an afternoon nap—we won't tell.

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Extend Your Deck

outdoor patio extension of deck — Finding Lovely

Struggling to decide where to place your patio? Build it off your deck. Installing a patio off your deck makes it feel like a natural extension of your outdoor space, and it allows for easy overflow space when you're entertaining outdoors. Pick a patio stone that complements your deck finish for a custom and cohesive look.

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Plant Some Tropicals

outdoor patio with tropical plants — Julian Porcino

For a year-round tropical vibe, add a few potted tropicals and succulents to your outdoor patio. For the best look, place plants in small groups and make sure you have a few statement plants—think big, bold, and floral—alongside smaller ones.

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Make It Cozy

When it comes to decorating your patio, the details are in the accessories! Make your patio a cozy space to be by adding plenty of outdoor throw pillows, electric candles, string lights, and of course, a place for your wine glass.

Anthropologie Vera for Anthropologie Perennial Indoor/Outdoor Pillow $54.00

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Flex Space Is the Best Space

outdoor patio with flexible space — Jenn Pablo Studio

Keep your patio ready for every need by making it a flexible space. Use furniture that's light and easy to move—bonus points if it's collapsible—so you can take it in and out as needed. Flexible furniture can transform your patio from a comfortable seating area for cocktail hour to a table for 6 with just a little bit of shuffling.

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Stay Warm

outdoor patio with heater — Katherine Carter Design

Ensure your patio stays warm and cozy all year round with an outdoor heater. Radiant heaters or heat lamps are easy solutions to warm up cool places. Position them near seating so they're heating you and your guests rather than an unused part of your patio, and make sure to use them safely.

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Lighten It Up

outdoor patio in all white — Tara Kantor Interiors

An all-white patio is a bold choice that can pay off. It provides a pop of brightness in the midst of the dark green tones of nature, and it can make your outdoor patio stand out.

Make sure your all-white patio stands up to the test of time by picking furniture that's upholstered with durable and stain-resistant fabric.

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Zone Out

outdoor patio with different zones — Ursula Carmona Of Home Made By Carmona

For an outdoor patio that does it all, use different zones for different purposes. Create a dining zone for eating and drinking and a seating zone for lounging and relaxing. Separate the zones with potted plants or outdoor rugs.

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