How to Decorate a Porch or Patio

Spruce up your patio or porch with furniture and accents.

Decorate your outdoor patio or porch much as you would the inside of your home. Create a comfort zone with pillows, color, plants, and comfy chairs, lots of small tables, and special touches like small vases of flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor sofa
• Outdoor side chairs
• Pillows
• Small outdoor tables
• Sisal rug
• Print fabrics
• Tray
• Dining table
• Chairs
• Accessories

Instructions

1. Place a wicker-framed sofa covered in a neutral weatherproof fabric. This will be your focal piece.

2. Accent your sofa with cane or wicker side chairs.

3. Throw on a few bright pillows for vibrant accents.

4. Add small tables around your sofa side chairs to give your guests a place for their drinks and food.

5. Mix textures and colors outdoors. Use a sisal rug for texture. Colorful cotton print fabrics, in florals especially, liven up an outdoor space or patio.

6. Place a colorful tray on top of an ottoman or table to hold your drinks and snacks.

7. Pair a wooden dining table with lightweight chairs for a relaxed feel to your patio or porch, if you have the space. Folding chairs are also a cheap and easy option.

8. Include accessories like melamine plates and plastic glassware for more color and style. They don't break and are heavy enough not to blow away. There is a vast array of colors and styles available to suit your taste.

9. Add votive candles, LED lighting, books and magazines, and small vases of cut flowers. These items will add a homey touch and encourage your guests to linger and enjoy your patio or porch get-together longer.

References

• Overstock.com; How to Decorate Your Patio; Nina Makofsky