Patio decor ideas to create a dreamy outdoor space

With summer in full swing, it’s time to get serious about outdoor decor. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a cozy porch or a sprawling deck, it doesn’t take much to turn it into an inviting space to linger. Read on for our favourite patio ideas that will help you create a welcoming place to read, work, or lounge with a coffee or a cocktail.

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An oversized sectional sofa will instantly maximize seating and create a place for the whole family to gather. If space is a challenge, a compact loveseat will also give you those outdoor living room vibes. Think comfort first when choosing chairs, and consider fun options such as a hammock or swing chairs to add a bit of whimsy to your space.

For smaller pieces, look for versatility. A stool or ottoman can be a place to rest your drink or double as extra seating. A side table can serve as a plant stand or even a mini bar.

No matter how tiny your space, make room to enjoy al fresco dining. A simple bistro table for two will do nicely for the space-challenged patio decorator.

Add a market umbrella, shade sail canopy or an awning (in a fabulous colour, of course) so it’s never too hot to enjoy your outdoor oasis.

Bring all the creature comforts of your indoor space outdoors. Think plump pillows to sink into to, soft blankets to warm up a chilly evening, a colourful carpet to ground the space and even flowy curtains to add a touch of privacy. And all come in beautiful sun-and-water-safe fabrics. Keep all your soft furnishings in the same colour family to create a cohesive look.

Don’t miss the chance to expand your space vertically. Hang a chic mirror on a fence or garden wall to expand the view. Install a wall shelf to display decorative objects. Wall-mounted planters and flower boxes are a simple and beautiful way to up your garden decor game.

There are endless options for outdoor lighting, but you can’t go wrong with a simple set of outdoor string lights to give evenings a twinkling glow. Candle-or-battery powered lanterns are elegant on the ground, tabletop or hung from above. Light-up paper lanterns are a cheap and cheerful option. Don’t forget to add touches of ambient lighting such as fairy lights in a jar, or wrapped around a tree trunk, or up lights nestled into planters. Many great solar-powered options exist, if you don’t have convenient access to an electrical outlet.

Plants, plants and more plants. There’s no such thing as too much, when it comes to greening your garden decor. Keep it simple and refined by planting an abundance of a single type of flowering plant, or go wild and bring in a riot of colourful blooms. You can also create a kitchen garden with handy herbs or crops that do well in pots, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Don’t forget to add hanging planters and vining plants to bring the natural beauty up to eye level.