Summer patio decor to make your backyard an oasis

At their best, patios are the perfect places to spend time outdoors and entertain guests. At their worst, they’re so old and tired that you hardly want to look at them, let alone make them your default hangout spot.

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Turning your backyard into an oasis with patio and garden decor will make it a place where you’ll want to spend all your free time.

Summer patio decor ideas

Comfortable outdoor furniture

Ebern Designs Naresa Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chair

In recent years, there’s been a shift toward plush, comfortable outdoor furniture. Outdoor couches, sectionals, armchairs and daybeds are all on-trend and make great additions to any patio.

This kind of comfy outdoor furniture encourages you to spend more time outside. After all, it’s much more appealing to lounge on a couch or a daybed with a book than to perch on a wooden patio chair. It is also great for entertaining and lets you create a separate space to relax away from a more formal dining area.

Natural tones with pops of color

Pyonic Outdoor Waterproof Throw Pillow Covers Set of 4

Natural tones are always a good choice. Think natural wood tones, rattan and wicker and earthy soft furnishings in hues like sage, stone and mushroom. You can’t go wrong with natural hues. They’re muted enough that they never go completely out of style.

If you’re usually into bolder shades, consider adding pops of color, such as patterned or brightly colored outdoor pillows.

Outdoor cooking facilities

Keter Outdoor Rolling Table Cart

While grilling outdoors is nothing new, outdoor cooking facilities beyond the humble barbecue are quickly gaining popularity. If you’re lucky enough to have the budget for it, a full outdoor kitchen makes a delightful addition to a large patio. It’s especially great when you live in a climate where it’s warm enough to cook outside for a large chunk of the year.

However, there are plenty of alternatives if you’re not in the market for an elaborate outdoor kitchen. Outdoor pizza ovens are great for entertaining and family dinners outdoors. They can also usually cook more than just pizza. You could also buy a freestanding outdoor kitchen island to prep ingredients on.

Kitchen gardens

A kitchen garden is a space for growing herbs, vegetables and leafy greens for use in the kitchen. Many people are turning parts of their patios into kitchen gardens. They’re often in convenient spots to quickly grab ingredients, especially if you cook outside regularly.

A patio kitchen garden doesn’t have to be big. All you need is a few containers in which to grow herbs and salad leaves. If you don’t have a large patio space, you could even plant a vertical kitchen garden up against your fence or the wall of your house.

Fire pits

Outland Living Series 403 Fire Table

Not only do fire pits warm you up, but they also create a pleasant ambiance that’s conducive to late nights on the patio with friends and household members. A quality fire pit will extend the amount of time you can comfortably spend outside, so they’re great for cool evenings.

Gas and propane fire pits are a better investment than fire pits that burn solid fuel. Wood burning fire pits create smoke that lingers on the clothes and in the hair, which isn’t always pleasant. Fire pits that run off natural gas require professional installation. This can be expensive, so propane is usually the more affordable option.

West Coast inspiration

Design-forward yet relaxed pieces with a distinctly Californian mood elevate your patio. Plus, they have a timeless appeal that won’t look dated come next summer. Consider muted tones, low-profile silhouettes and clean lines. However, don’t be afraid of texture, especially from natural materials, such as rattan.

Long, large outdoor dining tables have a distinctly West Coast feel and are great for large households or people who love entertaining.

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Shade sails

Shade sails are less cumbersome alternatives to gazebos to provide shade for your patio. They’re effectively large squares or triangles of material that are tethered at the corners to create a shady spot. They have a fairly architectural look to them when put up correctly and allow better airflow than structures like gazebos, so you won’t overheat.

If your patio gets so much sun that you find you can’t sit out during the warmest parts of the day, a shade sail could solve this problem.

Attention to underfoot surfaces

Whether your patio is made from paving slabs, poured concrete or is more of a deck than a patio, you probably rarely pay attention to the surface underfoot. However, painted patio surfaces are a way to dress it up. Some people are painting stripes or stenciling patterns, while others are painting them in solid colors. If you don’t want to commit to painting, at least consider outdoor rugs.

What to buy for your patio

Wildon Home Tressel 122” Wide L-Shaped Premium All-Weather Wicker Patio Sectional with Sunbrella Cushions

The ultimate in outdoor comfort, this poly rattan sectional comes with tough water-resistant cushions, so it’s even suitable for areas where summer weather is unpredictable.

Wade Logan Lauire 65” Wide Straight Acacia Patio Daybed with Cushions

This outdoor daybed is a multifunctional piece. It can seat two to three people in its couch formation, or you can flatten down one or both armrests and lounge to your heart’s content.

Orren Ellis Belle Concrete Propane Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Sleek and stylish, this fire pit table is perfect for cool nights when you’d like to stay out on your patio for longer. It runs from a propane tank, so there’s no need to install a gas line.

Unique Loom Transitional Distressed Vintage Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Add an extra dimension to your patio decor with this outdoor rug. It looks good enough for indoor use, but it’s made from woven polypropylene that can be hosed down and left to dry outside.

Beachcrest Home Maldonado Rectangular Eight-person Dining Set

If you’re serious about outdoor dining, this gorgeous dining table with eight chairs is perfect for al fresco dinner parties.

AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail

The perfect addition to a sunny patio, this shade sail lets you spend more time outdoors comfortably but still allows air and some light through.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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