Outdoor spaces are a lifesaver in the heat so brush up on pretty patio decor ideas to transform yours into a blissful, beautiful haven fit for summer.
Whether you enjoy your backyard alone or with friends, rent or own your own, we have seven ideas to suit every taste and style, from boho, to modern and bistro-inspired Parisian patio ideas that won't break the bank.
Upgrade your small space with the best patio furniture, or add a few soft furnishings and twinkle lights and see it come to life.
Beautiful patio decor ideas to transform your space
From gorgeous patio lighting ideas, to budget-friendly privacy screens, it doesn't take much to transform your outdoor space into a little slice of heaven to enjoy this summer.
Where we've recommended products to help you shop our inspirational ideas, we've curated highly-rated items from trusted retailers and let you know exactly why we like each one.
All prices were correct at time of publication.
1. Bring bistro chic
Cheap, cheerful, and available at many retailers in copious colors, a sweet little bistro table and chairs set is the perfect base to build out your patio decor and bring a little touch of European chic to your space.
The beauty of this patio decor idea is it's not only pretty to look at, but it's functional, adding useful seating and a spot to eat and adaptable for all seasons.
Swap out a vase of summer florals on your table, much like the Wayfair Oldsmar bistro set pictured above) with mini pumpkins in fall, or a potted Christmas tree in the winter with thick blankets to make this space work for you year-round.
Shop bistro deals on offer today with our easy to navigate quick links or browse our three top picks below.
Price: Was $249.99, now $139.99
Made from aluminum, this beautiful tulip-motif bistro set is hardy and weatherproof, light enough to move around comfortably and bang on trend for 2024 with its minty color. It has grips on the feet to stop it sliding around your patio, or to help it find grip on a lawn. The 1.75 inch hole will fit most parasols, but you'll need to purchase that separately. It's been rated an average of 4.8/5 stars by happy Target shoppers, which is always a great sign it's a quality build for the budget.
Price: $119.99
If the ornate Parisian style isn't for you, this highly-rated Amazon set in red is much more contemporary. We love that it folds away for easy storage when not in use (or if you like to do your morning yoga outside and need the floor space). It is lightweight, rated an average of 4.7/5 stars by more than 1600 Amazon shoppers and comes in six colors including yellow, sage green and white. Add a solar lantern to the table and soft throws for evenings spent enjoying the balmy weather.
Price: Was $188.99, now $169.99
This gorgeous peacock-inspired outdoor furniture set is made from durable powder-coated steel so you don’t have to worry about leaving your bistro set outside when the weather turns. Like the Amazon option, this set also folds away. Animal motifs have seen a strong resurgence this summer so we absolutely love the peacock-inspired design on the back of the chairs. Pair with a bright outdoor rug and add seat cushions for comfort for long, lazy afternoons in the sun.
2. Incorporate pops of color
This is our favorite budget-friendly patio decor idea as it really doesn't take much cash to achieve. Whether you grab a few outdoor cushion covers, take your favorite colorful throw outside, invest in vibrant outdoor rug or splurge on one eye-popping bit of patio furniture, the desired effect is instantly brightening.
Play with dopamine decor and see your space come to life with just a few clever colorful touches. We love this Adirondack blue outdoor chair from Funberry on Amazon which folds away, making it perfect for small patios. It also comes with a nifty cup holder. If your budget is tight, you won't need to spend on a side table, or keep tripping over your iced latte.
If you join Amazon Prime (nab your 30-day free trial), you'll get $20 off the listed price, and with Amazon Prime Day looming in July, it's a great time to sign up and revel in the savings and benefits year-round including free Prime delivery, easy returns and member only deals.
If you don't have cash to spare, use up that old tin of paint you have leftover and brush on a patio pattern using a stencil, refresh a tired table or add color to a wall. Ask your friends and family for leftovers and paint a rainbow feature. Whatever you choose, it'll instantly cheer up your patio area.
Price: $41.94 (1 gallon)
Paint once, enjoy for years. This primer and paint combo is a latex formula that bats off UV rays and retains its color well. It works best on pre-painted or prepared outdoor surfaces so make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best result and make your DIY time worthwhile. And honestly, if you don't have time to prep, don't sweat it. Enjoy it while it lasts and pickup next year's trendy color for a refresh. The beauty of DIY is you can switch it up or redo it any time you wish.
Price: $70
Size (inches): L84 x W60
Wash this outdoor rug down with the hose any time it's looking a bit worse for wear and it'll spring back to botanical beauty in minutes. It has a latex backing making it less likely to slide around, and has a low pile, meaning it's not going to get stuck under your chairs or other furniture and annoy the heck out of you all summer. It comes in one size only, and it's pretty compact so measure your space and see if it works for you. Ideally, you want to be able to have any bistro or dining furniture and chairs full on a rug to stop it becoming a nuisance underfoot but at this price point, we can live with the back chair legs being off!
Price: $119.99
I'll admit I'm a sucker for an Adirondack chair. It gives 60s vibes and reminds me of romantic summers of Dirty Dancing past. This one comes in multiple hues so you're bound to find one you like. Add a seat cushion for extra comfort or pop a parasol in a stand next to you for hours of heat-induced dozing.
3. Plant flowers and greenery
Let nature do the heavy lifting by adding planters and some fab outdoor pots filled with vibrant flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses.
Plants bring a lived-in homey feel to any space so if you're renting and can't touch the borders, lawns or have no greenery in your little concrete jungle, thrift some pots, or buy a matching set and get going.
Pick plants that will thrive in your US gardening zone, and if you're new to gardening, use our month by month gardening calendar to learn what to plant and do, when.
Plenty of stores and online retailers carry great selections of plants that are ready to plant so if this is your first time, here are the retailers we recommend taking a look at:
- Shop flowers at Target
- Shop flowers at Walmart
- Shop for plants on Amazon
- Shop for plants on The Sill
- Shop for plants on Lively Root
- Shop for plants on Plants.com
- Shop for plants on Easyplant
4. Use lanterns
Lanterns are a cheap and effective way to cozy up any patio decor idea, so adding one of our best outdoor lanterns as a finishing touch to your outdoor space is just the ticket.
Choose from plug-in LED lanterns, to solar powered ones, or USB rechargeable ones (I absolutely love these glowing round orb lights from Breck + Fox) and either hang them up, place on the floor in clusters, or on top of your bistro set for extra va-va voom.
There's nothing like some soft lighting to set the mood and add a lovely lived-in touch.
Price: $21.59 for two
Size (in.): H6.30 x W5.50 x L5.50
Made from: Metal
If you're loving Moroccan garden ideas, these bronze lanterns are the perfect match. The handle means you can hang them if you want, or move them around your patio, table, or use them to light up a path. Shoppers say the design casts pretty and intricate patterns when lit and looks fabulous in all seasons.
Price: $20.99
Size (in.): H5.7 x W3.54 x L3.54
Made from: Glass, metal
Bring together a pop of color and clever lighting into your patio decor with this stunning lantern, which is also Amazon's Choice. Once fully charged, enjoy eight hours of playful lighting. Happy Amazon shoppers mention these add more color than light so if you like subtle illumination, this is the one for you.
Price: $13.99 for 12
Size (in.): H12 x W12
Made from: Paper
This multipack comes with various lantern sizes to help you cluster together a visually impactful hanging light feature. Alternatively, spread them around your patio and backyard for a cohesive look. If the Barbiecore pink isn't for you, don't fret: there are 17 other colors and styles to pick from including metallic, dual-tone and monochromatic mixes.
5. Embrace natural materials
Layer up natural materials layered up in an outdoor space to amp up the boho chic in your patio decor makeover.
Think wicker, rafia, cotton, and pull in items with tassels, jute and woven features. As you'll see in the image above, they do not have to match exactly to work perfectly together. Little pops of color will add further intrigue.
We love the use of the fab outdoor curtains to create privacy without blocking light and the wooden privacy screen idea, which are key facets of successfully bringing in patio privacy. This is often essential in a small and overlooked backyard or patio area.
If you love the look pictured above, we've found matching picks. Get the look with Target's Wood Slat Outdoor Lantern, Bed Bath & Beyond's Brown Wood Screen, and enjoy Pottery Barns' White Tab-Top Outdoor Curtains.
6. Hang string lights
The Real Homes team love hanging string lights around our outdoor spaces and it makes for a brilliant patio decor idea. Hang from pergolas, wrap around trees, drape across shrubs, arch them around fencing or simple line lawn borders with them to add a magical twinkle to your patio.
Without even trying, you'll have a romantic soiree on your hands that is perfect for date night, or an evening filled with with glowing fun with friends.
We've rounded up the best outdoor string lights for easy perusing, including lampoon lights, string lights, ball string lights and more.
I personally have Amazon's 20 LED 72FT Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof Globe Lights with 8 Lighting Modes and adore them. They're strung around my patio around, which is in my small, sloped backyard and they work nicely to bring the space together. As they are solar powered, and I live in the UK, they tend to stay dark in winter months but it's worth it for the eight or nine months a year they work brilliantly.
7. Ensure patio privacy
Outdoor screens, dividers, climbing plants, tall shrubs, and pergolas are among the best patio privacy ideas and investing in any one of these will make your space much more enjoyable.
Nobody wants to be overlooked by nosy neighbors and have their backyard BBQs or date nights in full view.
No matter how small your space or limited your budget, there is a privacy solution that will work. Our experts have run down dozens of ideas in our backyard privacy guide.
The brilliance of this is they're usually very pretty, bringing in patio decor plus function. A double threat we can get behind!
Now you have some decor inspiration for your patio, browse our style editor's pick of the best small patio furniture, or learn about the latest decor trends for outdoor spaces.