Need a fresh idea to make a noticeable difference in the backyard?
This list of 25 Patio Decorating Tips will cover a variety of simple projects that will both attract attention & serve a useful purpose in any outdoor space.
We will explore some of the most popular outdoor trends & professional exterior design tips including:
– Outdoor Arrangement Ideas
– Creative Patio Lighting
– Landscaping & Gardening Tips
– Outdoor Entertaining Advice
– And Much More
Related: Patio Decorating Ideas: 120 Best Awe-Inspiring Design Tips
Table of Contents
Tip # 1 : Create Spot To Gather
Perhaps the best place to get started is by creating a space in the backyard with plenty of space for family & friends to sit & gather around.
This can be anything from a fire pit, a shady tree, fountain or sculpture, a favorite piece of artwork; whatever your favorite part of your backyard, arrange seating to attract attention & make a welcoming hangout spot.
Tip # 2 : Use Trees To Provide Light
Trees are rarely put to any use at night mainly because there is never enough light around them to attract attention.
From Christmas lights to candles, there are plenty of creative ways to make your trees a little brighter.
Tip # 3 : Patterns Help Everything Match
No matter what furniture style or material you are using, one simple pattern (top right) can help everything come together.
If you have all the same material furniture (bottom), use similar colors & designs instead of identical ones to add some necessary variety.
Tip # 4 : Heaters Are Both Warm & Inviting
Chilly weather should not stop you from enjoying the beauty of your backyard.
Outdoor heaters are an easy addition & can help motivate guests to take that first step outside when weather can be questionable.
Learn More About Outdoor Heaters >>
Tip # 5 : Design A Creative Space For Games
Creating a dedicated spot in the backyard for your favorite game is sure to attract attention.
Organize a family DIY project to create the new, favorite place in the backyard.
Tip # 6 : Ice Chest’s Keep Drinks Cool & Inviting
Another creative DIY project to work on is making an ice chest for the warm months.
Whether there is alcohol or not, an outdoor ice chest is sure to grab a lot of attention; alcohol can usually help though.
Tip # 7 : A Mirror Can Make A Difference
Mirrors are an easy addition that can make a substantial & immediate impact to an outdoor space.
Big or small, use mirrors to expand any area & it is easy to find a design to match your style.
Tip # 8 : Incorporate The Water Element
Adding the water element, such as a fountain or pond, is not the easiest of these backyard projects; but it does make the biggest splash.
Fountains can be used to be the center of attention or provide the perfect accent to your favorite outdoor spot.
Learn More About Outdoor Fountains >>
Tip # 9 : Grab A Lot Of Shade With A Giant Umbrella
Jumbo sized umbrellas are the best way to cover a large area of the patio; not to mention they are quite eye catching as well.
Normal umbrellas won’t be able to protect larger furniture arrangements like a deep seating sectional or a trio of chaise lounges.
Learn More About Patio Umbrellas & Awnings >>
Tip # 10 : Find Artwork To Accent The Look & Style
Hanging artwork & sculptures brings a distinctive look, while adding more life to the theme you are going for.
Consider using a cultural piece to make it your patio feel more like of a part of you.
Learn More About Lawn Art & Statuary >>
Tip # 11 : Use String Lights For Easy & Elegant Lighting
String lights are perfect for outdoor lighting because they are small enough to be difficult to see during the day & there are so many bulbs to spread the light out easily at night.
The best part about them is their versatility & variety; you will be surprised how easy it is to find a set to match any area of patio.
Tip # 12 : Find A Place To Swing From
An outdoor swing can be one of the most enticing areas of the backyard.
They serve as a perfect oasis to escape by yourself; or perhaps enjoy your day outside swinging with someone special.
Tip # 13 : Large Rocks Are Easy To Add & Maintain
If you are looking for a little to no maintenance outdoor project, consider incorporating large rocks into your landscape.
Aside from putting them in, there is no work needed to keep these up; so they can keep on absorbing attention year after year.
Tip # 14 : Incorporate The Fire Element
The only thing more attractive then water is fire; using fire anywhere in an outdoor space is sure to get some wow’s.
Most fire pits use propane tanks, making them more portable & versatile than ever before.
21 Outdoor Fire Pits >>
Learn More About Outdoor Fireplace & Fire Chat Pits >>
Tip # 15 : Archways Provide Nice Transitions
One of the most inviting outdoor pieces to use is an archway.
Archways are best used to set a transition from one outdoor area to another.
Tip # 16 : Fill Wall Space & Attract Birds With A Bird House
Empty wall space is not necessarily a bad thing, but for some it might seem too vacant; if so consider inviting some graceful guests to spend time there.
One of the best ways to use wall is by making a home for local birds to spend their days, also creating a wonderful sight that can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
Tip # 17 : Inconspicuous Bluetooth Speakers Are Convenient & Decorative
Music is a big part of outdoor entertaining, but hooking up just any old set of speakers outside is not usually an attractive looking sight.
There are a variety of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that make listening outside easy on the effort & on the eyes.
Tip # 18 : Dining Areas Should Have The Best View
If you enjoy eating outside then consider setting up the dining table to look upon the best view in the entire backyard.
Doesn’t matter if that view is overlooking something as grand as an ocean, or something as small as a garden; just make sure it is your favorite place to spend time & make memories.
Tip # 19 : Hang Up A Hammock
Hanging a hammock is one of the simplest ways to add a new & personal area to the patio.
There used to be only one basic style but now you can find hammocks in more creative ways than you could imagine.
Tip # 20 : Repel Bugs With Citronella candles & Torches
Using candles & torches are usually pretty common to see in outdoor spaces; however most are not burning citronella.
Citronella will repel unwanted mosquito’s & other bugs away while at the same time providing the gorgeous flame to set the mood.
Tip # 21 : Create A Focal Point Of The Backyard
Every outdoor space should at least have one piece to act as a focal point that leaves a lasting impression & sets it apart from the rest.
This can be something as inspiring as a waterfall or a fire; this can also be something as basic as an unique piece of artwork or a small garden.
Tip # 22 : The Cocktail Cart Is Always A Happy Sight
Cocktails are a large part of outdoor entertaining; cocktail carts & stands make preparing & mixing drinks outside easy to enjoy.
The carts add a nice portability to move & enjoy anywhere around the patio, but a stand can act a permanent attention magnet.
Tip # 23 : Make A Place To Sit Under The Tree
The biggest shame of having a large, shady tree is not setting up a place to sit & relax underneath.
There are lots of creative ways to make a seating area perfect under your tree; could be a drinking hangout, a secluded reading spot, or a place to spend romantic nights.
Tip # 24 : Drapes & Curtains Are A Pretty Way To Block The Sun
Perhaps one of the most elegant patio design tips on the list, use curtains or drapes to add that special touch.
This unique look can completely transform the look & feel of an outdoor space.
Tip # 25 : Living Walls Are Always Unique
Living walls have come back with a bang & are sprouting up all over social media.
Explore online for some inspiration or come up with a unique arrangement of your own.
We hope you enjoyed reading 25 Patio Decorating Tips & Design Ideas To Transform Your Backyard.
If you know someone who might enjoy this article, please share it with them.
If you would like to read more about outdoor patio design, check out these articles we recommend for you:
12 Patio Design Ideas >>
50 Luxury Patio Furniture Collections >>
Check This Out: Designer Tips For Outdoor Spaces
Special thanks to HGTV, Handy Home Owners, Houzz, Patio Place, Veranda, Casual Living, Beautiful Backyards, Homestead Gardens, Splash Pools, Better Homes & Gardens, Outdoor DIY, American Backyard, and Home & Garden for the beautiful photography seen in this post.
