A backyard patio or deck is one of the most versatile areas of the home and a blank canvas for creativity. We’ve gathered together some quick decorating touches—lights, textiles, plants, fire, or even painting the back of the house—that will make the average patio look like it came straight off of a magazine page.
Now, this may seem a little late in the season, but it’s actually the perfect time, as one of the largest expenses of any outdoor room—the all-weather furniture—is now or will soon be going on “end-of-season” sale at retailers and big box home stores, with plenty of warm weather weeks left to enjoy it this year.
Furniture Thoughts
Sale season leads to impulse purchases. So before getting the credit card out to snap up a fabulous deal, measure your space. What can you comfortably fit in, taking into account leaving room to move about? How will you be using the space?A dining set is perfect for entertaining, a modular couch is perfect for kicking back with family and friends, and a bistro table or chaise longue is all you might need for a private retreat. Don’t buy more furniture than you need.
Impressive Illumination
String lights are a relatively inexpensive item that provides significant ambience, adding a magical atmosphere to the evenings. Choose from globe lights, Edison bulb string lights, rope lights, fairy lights, copper wire lights, and color-changing lights.Most are available in standard plug-in, battery-powered, and solar-powered options, so they can be easily hung on a wall, strung in trees or on poles over the patio, or used to illuminate the underside of a patio umbrella, with or without a handy outlet nearby.
Dimmable models allow one to fine-tune the mood, while solar lights that turn on and off automatically are convenient for hard-to-reach installations, as are sets that use remote controls.
Terrific Textiles
Just like indoors, cushions, blankets, throws, and accent pillows all provide an instant facelift at minimal expense. They can be color-coordinated for a sophisticated feel or a quirky and vibrant mix of colors and patterns that energize the space. Textiles soften the look of bare metal or wood furniture, not to mention making it more comfortable. While there are durable outdoor fabrics, such as Sunbrella, that are designed to last through years of sun and rain, if you’re going to be bringing them in after each use, less expensive fabrics will do.At your feet, an outdoor rug creates an attractive foundation for patio decor. Available in a selection of shapes and sizes, from small throw rugs for underneath a chair or two and a small table to 10-by-14-foot models and more. They are also available as rectangles, ovals, and even runners. Polypropylene is popular as it comes in low, medium, and high piles and is resistant to stains, mold, mildew, and even pool chlorine. Polyester also resists UV rays, fading, and shedding. For a warmer choice in a covered location, consider natural jute, sisal, and seagrass.
Shady Situations
Hot, sunny patios are used less frequently. So while adding a gazebo, pergola, or planting a tree all work, use a less expensive umbrella to provide instant gratification and protection from UV rays and cooler temperatures beneath it.Consider at the very least a 5-foot umbrella to go over a café table or bistro set, or a 9-foot umbrella to shade diners around a 4-foot dining table. Cantilever (or offset) umbrellas are a good choice to cover a large area without needing to set the umbrella pole in the middle of the furnishings. They’re also useful to shade a hot tub or a section of a pool.
