13 Patio Décor Ideas That Will Instantly Elevate Your Outdoor Space

Mix Materials

Invite depth into your outdoor spaces by varying materials. 

"Please don’t go to a showroom and purchase the entire furniture set," says interior designer Leah O'Connell. "The beauty is in the mix—wood, rattan, metal, and stone. [The] same goes for accessories and pots. Mix up textures, heights, and colors."

In this project, O'Connell opted for rattan seating and a wood table set in a similar gray hue. Meanwhile, a ceramic pot brings in a natural texture—along with some vibrant blooms.

Transition Styles From the Inside Out

To create a cohesive look with the rest of your home, it can be helpful to take notes from interior designs you're already working with.

"We like to transition styles and colors—as well as curated finds—from the interior to their patio," says Susan McCurry, director of outdoor furnishings for Father Nature.

In this space, wood tones and darker-hued upholstery from the dining room are mirrored in the patio—the effect is further amplified by a floor-to-ceiling folding glass door.

Flaunt Floral Patterns

It always works in your favor to play into themes that evoke your natural surroundings—especially on a patio.

"Lately, I have been gravitating toward sophisticated florals," O'Connell says. "[It's] important to choose a solution-dyed acrylic, as they stand up the best [to the elements]." Here, the designer brought floral motifs to a breezy tablecloth, playing off of actual blooms nearby.

Update Vintage Pieces

If you don't mind a DIY project, then O'Connell suggests updating vintage metal furniture.

"Vintage wrought-iron pieces have so much character, such as the Sunburst garden chair by François Carré," she says. "Just put a fresh powder-coat finish on it, and it looks brand new."

Add Swivel Chairs

Some of McCurry's favorite pieces to use in a patio are upholstered swivel chairs. "They're extremely comfortable and really soften the space, and allow you to communicate easily," she says. "They work great in smaller, intimate patios and in larger areas."

Her ideal layout is four swivel chairs surrounding a coffee table, to help get drinks and conversation flowing.

Go for Unexpected Lighting

Lighting isn't just for illumination—unique statement pieces can also double as sculptural décor.

"We love using a large pendant over a dining area, or flanking a doorway with sconces," says Monique Miller, creative director and founder of Calimia Home. "Then, [add] in portable lamps for an intimate, layered glow during dinner parties."

Outdoor lamps that mimic their surroundings, like ones made of stone, can also offer a touch of unexpected luxury.

Reupholster Cushions

If you want to spruce up your patio furniture, reupholstering is a great way to add a playful touch in lieu of painting.

"It doesn’t have to be fancy," O'Connell says. "You could use a denim blue Sunbrella [fabric] and add a navy contrast welt. It's a fairly inexpensive way to make your furniture look more custom and personalized."

Here, the designer went for a lush emerald hue and bright yellow piping on the daybeds for the ultimate staycation look.

Integrate Teak Furniture

Weather-resistant material is a must for patio furniture, but it's all the better if it can bring in style, too.

"We love using teak for outdoor seating—its natural warmth and the way it develops a beautiful patina makes it timeless," Miller says. Here, she used teak chairs with creamy white accents and a slim silhouette to create a fresh, airy feel.

Soften with Pillows

For those who prefer to keep larger furniture neutral, pillows are a perfect way to inject some vibrancy.

"For larger [patios], we like to use pillows for sofas and add lumbar pillows to select lounge chairs," McCurry says. "The larger pillows add to the open space and is where color can be added."

The decorator suggests outdoor-friendly velvet pillows for a touch of elegance; you can always swap out different pillow covers seasonally too.

Bring in Cordless Lamps

Lighting instantly elevates a patio, providing a cozy ambiance once the sun sets. However, with a lack of outlets outside, you'll want to skip the cables.

"Not inventing the wheel here, but I think cordless lamps outside are just the best," O'Connell says. "I love the Zafferano lamps, and I love adding a custom shade to them. I also layer in candlelight either via hurricanes or votives."

Layer with Potted Plants

Potted plants are a beautiful fit for patios, blending with the environment while bringing the space to life.

"I love using pots in a consistent finish, but varying the heights and sizes to create visual interest," Miller says. "Once I’ve chosen the containers, I’ll select complementary plants—typically a statement tree paired with a shorter, textural plant for balance."

Use Drapes for Privacy

We often think of curtains only in the context of interior design, but they're more versatile than you might think.

"We love to use outdoor drapery to define and give privacy to areas, and it also softens the space," McCurry says. Here, the seating area is given a more intimate, cozy feel with gray drapes hanging from an overhead pergola.

Center Around a Firepit

Fire pits are a tried-and-true way to create a cozy ambiance.

"They create light, bring intimacy and warmth, and are a special place to gather with family and friends," says McCurry. Here, a fire pit anchors the seating area, while tall shrubs and trees hover surround it for added privacy.