19 Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Decor

Written by
Nicole Steriovski
Nicole Steriovski is a writer and holiday and event planning expert. She gives tips and advice on everything from napkin folding to party decor.
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Nicole Steriovski
Updated 07/13/20
table setting
Guille Faingold / Stocksy United

When it comes to sprucing up your outdoor decor, a great philosophy is to work with what you already have and then make some thoughtful additions. An outdoor living space is an important area of your home; between entertaining, lounging and family meals, you will find the space is quite often utilized and deserving of your attention.

Don't feel limited or overwhelmed by the size of your space. You can enhance your backyard even on a budget with these helpful tips.

  • 01 of 19

    Intimate Setting

    Friends Enjoying Backyard Dinner Party
    Getty / Hero Images

    Turn your outdoor space into an intimate setting for entertaining and personal use. Think of your area as a room without walls and decide how each piece works in relation to one another and your outdoor environment as a whole. The arrangement of your outdoor space should speak to your plans on using the area.

  • 02 of 19

    Choose a Color Palette

    Potted plants and benches
    Ali Lanenga / Stocksy United

    Decide on a color palette to incorporate into your new outdoor decor scheme. Bright whites and neutral sand tones are perfect for an outdoor oasis because they contribute to an overall tranquil feeling. Nothing beats beautiful sunlight spilling over a fresh coat of white paint and your patio garden.

  • 03 of 19

    Hammocks

    Hammock and side table with hat and books on it.
    Melanie Riccardi / Stocksy United

    A hammock is a simple way to update your backyard and make it feel more relaxing. They work in almost any setting; porch, terrace, patio or yard. A nap in a hammock can be a great end to your day; the easy swinging motion is calming. Hammocks are also a great decorative accessory.

  • 04 of 19

    Build a Daybed

    Wooden garden patio with green trees in a summer setting and a daybed
    Hugo Goudswaard / Getty Images

    Lounging in your new outdoor space is top priority. In addition to a hammock, building or buying a cozy daybed for outdoor naps, reading and entertaining is a great idea. A swinging daybed is a fun middle-point between a hammock and outdoor sofa.

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  • 05 of 19

    Create Some Privacy

    Parents Swinging Daughter in Garden
    Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

    Adding a fence can help create privacy from neighbors and boundaries from other areas of your home. Fences are great for both rural and urban outdoor spaces to give a sense of cozy quarters while entertaining.

  • 06 of 19

    Potted Plants

    Hanging Planters
    Francesco Butera / EyeEm / Getty Images

    A simple idea that works for any size space is adding potted plants. You can never have enough green in your outdoor space. Grass is a given, so put a little thought into your landscape detail with hanging or potted plants.

  • 07 of 19

    Lanterns and Outdoor Lighting

    Blue couch in room with mood lighting
    Alexander Grabchilev / Stocksy Untited

    Lanterns are a playful addition to your backyard setting. The luminous home decor adds light and interest to your space. Things with function and form are our kind of home goods! Another idea is stringing pretty lights along a fence or post for extra lighting.

  • 08 of 19

    Dining Alfresco

    Dining Al Fresco
    Lee Edwards / Getty Images

    Weather-resistant furniture can be ideal for dining alfresco. Since you will be dining outdoors, choose a solid base for your table and invest in coverings to protect the furniture. Make it a priority to eat outside at least once a week during the warm weather seasons, in addition to inviting friends over for special events.

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  • 09 of 19

    Breakfast Nooks

    Mallorcan Stone House
    Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images

    If you don't have the money or space to invest in an elaborate al fresco dining situation, create your own little outdoor breakfast nook. Sitting outside in the sunshine with your newspaper, fresh cup of coffee and bowl of fruit is a great way to start each day.

  • 10 of 19

    Floor Pillows and Poufs

    Real photo of an armchair, pouf as a table and wicker couch on a terrace
    KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images

    Add floor pillows and poufs to your lounge area. This is an easy way to create extra seating and a Bohemian feel to your outdoor space. Floor pillows are perfect for both urban and country homes, potentially adding some style to your patio. Poufs also work as extra serving space.

  • 11 of 19

    Create an Escape

    Wooden Patio Furniture
    Trinette Reed / Getty Images

    Escape your daily routine with an outdoor home away from home. Make sure your outdoor area is significantly spaced away from your actual home. Retreating into your patio oasis will be most enjoyable if it feels like it's a mini getaway from your day-to-day.

  • 12 of 19

    Bench Seating

    Relaxing on a garden bench
    terra24 / Getty Images

    Bench seating is effortless for outdoor dining. Benches also have a very outdoors-y feel for general seating in your backyard. They are simple, direct and beautifully crafted.

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  • 13 of 19

    Tropical Touch

    Hanging plants and small chair
    Carey Shaw / Stocksy United

    It's fun to bring island style to your backyard. Whether you decide to incorporate a tropical plant or lounge cushions with a palm tree print, a tropical touch always leaves you feeling like you're on vacation and translates into relaxation for you and your guests.

  • 14 of 19

    Oceanside Themes

    Wooden table with cloth, candle holders, shell
    Milena Milani / Stocksy United

    Nautical themes are so fun for outdoor entertaining. If you prefer to leave the island style for Mexico, another great option is playing with shades of blue for a seaside feel. Seashells, anchors, and boats all make great motifs for outdoor decor.

  • 15 of 19

    Outdoor Rugs

    chairs and flowers on front porch
    Raymond Forbes LLC / Stocksy United

    Love the idea of adding textiles like rugs to an outdoor space. Just remember to check for inclement weather. Make sure all things that could be weathered make their way into storage.

  • 16 of 19

    Rattan, Wicker and Bamboo Furniture

    Rattan Seating
    Jumping Rocks/UIG/ Getty Images

    Wicker, bamboo, and rattan outdoor furniture all have a very light, summery feel and can look super chic in your backyard. Stick with a neutral rattan color for a traditional aesthetic, but white or black painted wicker and rattan furniture have a great modern look too. 

    Continue to 17 of 19 below.
  • 17 of 19

    Mix and Match Chairs

    wooden table with plates, place settings, and chairs outside
    Studio Firma / Stocksy United

    Whoever said outdoor dining or lounge chairs have to match? Mixing benches and chairs is a great way to save and collect amazing individual pieces. All seating can be different if you like. This is a great decorating option for vintage lovers.

  • 18 of 19

    Pops of Color

    Patio Daybed
    Dominique Vorillon / Getty Images

    Often people tend to lean toward neutrals for outdoor decor, but that doesn't mean you need to shy away from pops of color. Mimic the sunshine and sky with bright yellows, oranges, and blues for a gorgeous addition to your outdoor landscape. Planting flowers is also a simple way to get color into the mix.

  • 19 of 19

    Cover Up

    Covered Patio
    Francois De Heel / Getty Images

    When the sun is too hot to handle, have a cover-up available to pull overhead for shade. Invest in a tent, or curtains or a taut piece of canvas will do the trick.

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