Turn your backyard living space a comfortable, welcoming place for friends and family to relax.
Tom Story
Just like interior rooms, patios benefit fromseasonal spruce-ups, new furniture arrangements, and added accessories.
Arrange a Large Patio
Hector Sanchez
Make sense of a large patio by breaking it into zones.
Credit:Tom Story
Conversation, dining, cooking, and relaxation can all hold separate space.
Here, a large rug marks the seating zone as distinct from the rest of the patio.
The taupe piping on these cushions softens the look and adds depth.
Credit:Hector Sanchez
With this added structure, you might hang lights, plants, shades, and even furniture.
In this case, the wood also adds a dose of warmth amidst an all concrete and metal rooftop.
The romantic mood continues with classic wicker cafe furniture with pastel accents.
Credit:Karyn Millet
Use of similar accent pillows helps tie the two areas together.
The vibrant green table and chairs need little accessorizing, so you might get to the enjoying faster.
Backyard surroundings provide all the inspiration you need for your patio design.
Credit:Meredith Corporation
This formal wicker dining set reflects the formal garden beyond in the square lines and subdued color palette.
The grand height of this pergola provides space for pendant lights and a hanging swing chair.
The arched shape and fluttering awnings reflect the round curves and breezy beauty of this patio set.
Credit:Jacob Fox
Patio Fire Pit
JOHN MERKL
This oven-style fire pit is a sophisticated twist on a patio staple.
The raised hearth is a natural place for potted plants and other decor.
Paired with an outdoor coffee table and two ottomans, this is an outdoor living room at its finest.
Credit:Paul Costello
To get this artful, informal look, vary the plant species and sizes and mix various planters together.
Use a singleplanter styleand fewer species for a more formal feel.
Keep the lowkey feel going with low-maintenance, weatherprooffurniture and fabrics, and cultivate a garden fromeasy-care container plantings.
Credit:Victoria Pearson
Portable Patio Furniture
Versatility is key for your patiofurniture arrangement.
Consider choosing lightweight pieces that can be moved from sun toshadeor be partnered with other conversation groupings.
Top neutral outdoor furniture with vibrant throw cushions for a bold look thats easy to alter.
Credit:Tom Story
A complementary color palette, such as red and blue-green, ensures your colorful oasis is a harmonious one.
Flamboyant upholstery complements groovy vintage patio furniture making a patio with tons of personality.
Vibrant outdoor fabric makes the space even more enticing.
Credit:Buff Strickland
Small Gravel Patio
You dont have to have ahuge backyardfor this outdoor patio idea youll love.
Carve out a small corner by laying down DIY-friendly and affordable pea gravel.
Installlandscape fabricfirst to prevent weeds and mud, then rake the material on top.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Add a few chairs and a garden stool to complete yourcustom gravel patio.
Small Outdoor Patio Ideas
You dont need an expansive backyard to create an attractive patio.
Even a tiny space can become an open-air retreat with the right planning and pieces.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Then furnish the patio space with chairs and a table with an umbrella.
Consider abistro table setif youre working with limited square footage.
Finally, add anoutdoor rugand mounted lanterns to amplify the cozy atmosphere.
Credit:Victoria Pearson
Addchairs or stoolsat counter height and an umbrella to complete the setup.
Be sure to look up your citys regulations around firepits before purchasing or installing.
Patio Ideas for Unused Spaces
Convert underutilized areas in your landscape into welcoming patios.
Credit:Paul Costello
Add cozy appeal with handsome furnishings,vibrant fabrics, and beautifully planted containers.
All you better create a purposeful patio are a fewcomfy chairsand a table for placingdrinksor books.
Then, arrange these pieces in a lush garden and add awater featurefor even more charm.
Credit:Anne D. Schlechter
Elegant Patio Design
Upgrade yourpatio furnishingsto give your outdoor space a more refined look.
Colorful Patio Decor
A splash of color can instantly give your patio a personality boost.
Considerpainting wood furniturein a favorite hue to add contrast and energy to the space.
Credit:JOHN MERKL
For the best finish, chooseprimer and paintintended for exterior use.
Stylish Patio Accessories
Amplify a patios appeal and function by adding stylish accessories.
Then layer in smaller items such aspotted plants or flowersand decorative lanterns for added appeal.
Credit:Karyn Millet
Patio Color Scheme
Thinking about redesigning your patio?
Create a cohesive scheme by taking your color cue from yourhomes exterior.
These furnishings pull up to a rustic stone table that echoes the sidings earth tone.
Credit:Carson Downing
Revive Patio Furniture
Grab a paintbrush andwhite paintto refresh worn or mismatched outdoor furniture.
Before painting metal patio furniture, check for rust andtreat any rusted areas before painting.
Then, a fresh coat of paint will make the pieces look new.
Credit:Robert Peterson
Outdoor Fabric Ideas
Outdoor textiles come in various colors, patterns, and styles.
Choose yourfavorite design or colorto cover cushions, fashionthrow pillows, or create patio-enclosing drapery panels.
Fresh Patio Ideas
Use colorful blooms to brighten your patio space.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
For long-lasting, easy-care color,plant your garden with perennialsthat will show up year after year.
A repurposed workbench functions as apotting stationin this patio area, so fresh flowers are always within arms reach.
Shaded Backyard Patio
Uncovered patios can be less enjoyable because of too much sun.
Credit:Julie Soefer
Consider cutting the suns glare and improving comfort levels withfreestanding or table-inset umbrellas.
Choose ones that can be adjusted as the sun moves across the sky.
Select umbrella fabrics that complement your patios color scheme.
Credit:Meredith Corporation
For example, move TV time from the couch to the outdoors by mounting atelevision on an exterior wall.
Consider adding stereo speakers, anoutdoor kitchen, or a fire pit toupgrade your patiofurther.
DIY Patio Furniture
A fresh look for your patio doesnt require splurging onnew outdoor furniture.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Instead, it’s possible for you to DIY your own using simple materials.
Antique-Style Patio Ideas
Antique garden furniture and accessories bring sophisticated substance to old and new patios.
Look forgarden relicsat estate sales,flea markets, and antique shows specializing in vintage garden gear.
Credit:David Tsay
Define the Patio with Walls
Mike Jensen
Stone walls and fencing create a naturally cozy outdoor room.
Add plants for additional height.
This will add privacy to your space.
Credit:Brie Williams
This outdoor furniture requires very little care, just a quick wipe down after the rain.
The brick pavers drain well and require minimal upkeep.
The nice thing about brick is they don’t crack like concrete.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Finally, a tight palette of greens and shades of pinks creates an intentional and
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