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Patio Decorating Ideas For Creating The Ultimate Backyard Hang Out Spot

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Got a boring patio attached to your house or in your backyard?  A lot of people have a back patio but aren’t sure how to decorate the space.  If you leave this area undecorated, it can make your backyard look a little plain and uninspiring. 

But how exactly do you decorate your patio?  In this guide for patio decorating ideas, I’ve got some great articles to help you turn this area into the ultimate summer hang out spot!  Check them out below:

Collage with outdoor kitchens featuring stone and wood elements, a grill, seating area, and scenic views ideal for backyard mealtime. Text reads "Outdoor Kitchen Designs & Ideas" at www.theglossynest.com.
Innovative Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For Cooking A Backyard Feast
Collage of backyard pergola patio designs. Top image shows a wooden pergola with hanging lights and a chiminea. Bottom image features a larger pergola with outdoor seating and a neatly landscaped garden. Text overlay reads "Backyard Pergola Patio Ideas.
The Best Patio Pergola Ideas For Remarkable Outdoor Spaces
Collage of outdoor patio ideas, featuring cozy seating areas with stone fireplaces, chairs with cushions, and lush plants. Text overlay reads "Covered Patio Ideas" with a website link.
Beautiful Covered Patio Ideas to Inspire A Cozy Outdoor Space
A well-lit patio transforms into a dream outdoor oasis with string lights elegantly draped over a tree and umbrella, casting a warm glow over the seating area. A wooden bench sits beneath this inviting ambiance. Text overlay: "Simple Ideas for Patio Lighting" with a website link.
Magic Patio Lighting Ideas to Create Your Dream Outdoor Oasis
Outdoor patio with wooden and wicker furniture, featuring beige and black-and-white striped cushions, accented by patterned pillows. Text reads “Backyard Oasis: Patio Furniture Color Schemes” with a website link.
The Best Patio Furniture Color Schemes For Your Backyard Oasis
Outdoor patio collage features a cozy wooden swing chair with cushions above. Below, a simple wooden dining table set with an umbrella is surrounded by lush plants. Text in the center reads: "Small Patio Furniture Layouts www.theglossynest.com." Enjoy cozy backyard spaces effortlessly.
Simple, Small Patio Furniture Ideas For Cozy Backyard Spaces
Collage of a unique patio with a fire pit and seating area. Top image shows a fire pit with chairs and cushions. Middle text says "Backyard Fire Pits for Your Patio." Bottom image features a patio with vibrant orange cushioned seating around an inviting fire pit.
Fun, Unique Patio Fire Pit Ideas You’ll Want to Try
Collage of outdoor patio fireplaces. Top image showcases a stone fireplace with a grill. Bottom image features a brick fireplace beside a cushion-filled seating area. Text reads: "Unique Patio Ideas with Fireplaces" and website "www.theglossynest.com.
Popular Outdoor Fireplace Ideas For Awesome Backyard Evenings

Patio Decorating Ideas

If you’re looking to spend more time on your patio in the warmer months, then nice patio decorations and styling are a must. 

By thinking of your patio as an outdoor room, instead of just a plain, open space, you can start to visualize how to turn it into a nice area for relaxing both during the day and at night.

Step into an outdoor patio oasis, where red cushioned chairs under a pergola with string lights create the ultimate guide to relaxation. A barbecue grill rests against the house, while lush plants and stylish patio decorations enhance the cozy atmosphere. Sliding glass doors beckon you inside.

In the photo above, lots of different patio decor ideas such as colorful furniture, shade covers, a fire pit and potted plants come together to create a lovely hang out space.

Let’s explore some simple outdoor decorating ideas you can use to transform your patio into an area you’ll be inspired to use daily.

Decorating Covered Patios & Pergola Patios

One of the first things to figure out on your patio is what you will use for shade.  Unless you love to sun bathe regularly, shade on your patio is a must if you plan on using the space during the day.

Otherwise, it’s too hot to sit on your patio, no matter how nice it is.  One of the best ways to get shade on your patio, is to create a covered patio with either a permanent or semi permanent shade cover.

Discover a cozy outdoor seating area under a wooden pergola, where white couches and green-cushioned comfort await. A coffee table topped with a flower basket adds flair. This gem, perfect for Patio Projects, overlooks a lawn and hedge with a modern house in the background.

For some ideas on creating a shady space with covered patios, check out this article:  Beautiful Covered Patio Ideas to Inspire A Cozy Outdoor Space

Another option for a bit of shade is to install a pergola on your patio.  Pergolas help create the sense of an “outdoor room” by providing a ceiling over the area.

A charming brick courtyard features a wooden pergola and two columns. Iron table and chairs grace the stone patio, embodying stylish patio decorations. Lush greenery and blooming flowers envelop the area, crafting a cozy, inviting outdoor space.

You can hang shade covers over the rafters of your pergola to provide some shade on the patio.  Lighting and hanging baskets can also be installed to create a lovely space.  Check out more patio pergola ideas here:  The Best Patio Pergola Ideas For Remarkable Outdoor Spaces

Patio Decorating Ideas With Furniture

No patio is complete without a decent place to sit and relax!  Or to sit and enjoy a nice outdoor meal.

I thought at one point that patio furniture was pretty basic in neutral colors and shades.  But as I redid our patio, I realized how many different color schemes there are for patio furniture.  

Outdoor patio scene with wicker furniture showcasing white cushions and blue patterned pillows. A blue-and-white rug graces the ground, while the background reveals a pool, lush greenery, and tall trees. Dive into this stylish patio decoration for creating a tranquil garden atmosphere.

If you’re confused about what colors to use for your patio furniture, or want to use colors that aren’t neutrals, then this article is a must read:  The Best Patio Furniture Color Schemes For Your Backyard Oasis

Is your back patio small and tiny?  If so, it can be tricky to figure out what furniture to use – large conversations sets might not work.

A cozy outdoor patio with a wooden privacy fence, featuring stylish patio decorations like a beige sofa, yellow round coffee table, and modern woven chair. Potted plants and string lights add greenery and ambiance to the space.

But you can still create a fun hangout spot on a small patio or deck.  Get some inspiration with these furniture ideas for small patios:  Simple, Small Patio Furniture Ideas For Cozy Backyard Spaces

Patio Decorating Ideas With Lighting & Fire Pits

If you plan on spending time on your patio at night, then good lighting is a must.  Having fun lighting on your back patio is one of my favorite simple outdoor decorating ideas to incorporate into a backyard space. 

Maybe when you think of patio lighting, your mind goes right to string lights?  String lights hung across a patio space is easy to do and are a good budget option for those without a lot of money to spend.

Cozy outdoor patio setting with stylish wicker table adorned with glowing candles and string lights. A soft white runner drapes over the table. Cushioned sofas with pillows form the background, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere, perfect for exploring stylish patio decorations.

But there are lots of other outdoor lighting options you can use to get a nice glow on your back patio at night.  Check out some of these patio lighting ideas here:  Magic Patio Lighting Ideas to Create Your Dream Outdoor Oasis

If your back patio is next to a pool, you might be interested in these pool lighting ideas too:  Magic Pool Lighting Ideas For A Spectacular Backyard Oasis

Chic outdoor patio with a modern fire pit, cushioned wooden chairs, and a small round table. A sleek countertop with bar stools stands nearby. The vibrant sunset sky and lush greenery enhance the backyard makeover, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for your patio decorating aspirations.

One way to get some light on your patio at night is to use a fire pit.  Fire pits come in so many different shapes and styles, you’re sure to find something that will work for your patio area. 

I love the little fire bowl in the photo above – perfect for two people!  Get some ideas on how to incorporate a fire pit on your patio here:  Fun, Unique Patio Fire Pit Ideas You’ll Want to Try

Patio Kitchens & Patio Fireplaces

Do you like to grill outside often?  If so, consider giving yourself more space for your outdoor culinary adventures by installing an outdoor kitchen.

Many people think they don’t have the space on their patio or deck for an outdoor kitchen, but you might be surprised by what could fit.  

An outdoor kitchen setup with a stainless steel grill, a sink boasting stylish faucets, and a countertop featuring salt, pepper shakers, knives, and fresh herbs. The backdrop is an idyllic blend of nature with a fence and water, perfect for elevating your patio projects.

Outdoor kitchens might sound extravagant, but there are lots of good budget options available these days.  Get some inspiration for a patio kitchen here:  Innovative Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For Cooking A Backyard Feast

Another one of the most popular patio decorating ideas that might seem too expensive at first, is installing an outdoor fireplace.  You might think of fireplaces as an indoor feature, but you can have a fireplace on your patio too.

A cozy outdoor seating area with wicker chairs featuring striped and patterned cushions embodies Stylish Patio Decorations. A rustic stone fireplace with logs is surrounded by lush green plants in large planters, and a brick floor completes this inviting space.

Outdoor fireplaces offer a warm glow at night as you relax underneath the stars.  For some patio decorating ideas for summer with an outdoor fireplace, check out this article:  Popular Outdoor Fireplace Ideas For Awesome Backyard Evenings

I hope this article series on patio decorating ideas gives you a good starting point for creating an outdoor paradise on your back patio!  Check out the articles on patio decor ideas here:

  • Beautiful Covered Patio Ideas to Inspire A Cozy Outdoor Space
  • The Best Patio Pergola Ideas For Remarkable Outdoor Spaces
  • Innovative Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For Cooking A Backyard Feast
  • Simple, Small Patio Furniture Ideas For Cozy Backyard Spaces
  • The Best Patio Furniture Color Schemes For Your Backyard Oasis
  • Magic Patio Lighting Ideas to Create Your Dream Outdoor Oasis
  • Fun, Unique Patio Fire Pit Ideas You’ll Want to Try
  • Popular Outdoor Fireplace Ideas For Awesome Backyard Evenings

Don’t forget to bookmark this page for reference later!

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A collage of stylish patio decorations. The top image features wicker furniture with blue and white pillows by a pool, while the bottom highlights red cushioned chairs with decorative pillows. Text reads "Ultimate Guide: Backyard Patio Decor Ideas.
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A historic, weathered white building features three windows with black shutters and a central white door. A tree with sparse leaves grows in front, and a classic black street lamp stands on the sidewalk. Subtle sunlight creates a gentle lens flare.

Hey there – welcome to The Glossy Nest!  I’m your host, Ellie.  Around here I share stylish decorating ideas for your home, garden & holiday celebrations.  Learn more about me.

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