How to Decorate a Backyard Patio

Gone are the days of the simple concrete slab patio in the backyard that is barren of any personality. Now a backyard patio often serves as an extended living area, an outdoor retreat complete with all of the comforts found in an indoor living space. By evaluating the purpose of a patio and creating a thoughtful layout, an ordinary backyard patio may be transformed into a personal outdoor oasis.

Things You'll Need

• Patio furniture
• Barbecue pit
• Table
• Chairs or other seating
• Potted plants
• Outdoor rugs
• Candles
• Items for privacy barrier

Instructions

1. Determine the purpose of the patio. Consider how the patio will be used before purchasing furniture and decorative items. A patio used primarily for entertaining purposes will require different items than one used for a single retiree or one belonging to a couple with young children.

2. Create zones. Divide the patio into different areas to create a comfortable atmosphere with a logical flow. Station a barbecue pit at one end of the patio or off to the side and create a conversational seating area at the opposite end. A bar area or tall island can be located near the barbecue to hold cooking utensils. Place a patio dining table in an open location, making sure it does not interfere with any other zone.

3. Add rugs. Place an outdoor rug beneath the dining table with a smaller rug by the conversation area. The rugs will help to anchor the space and visually separate the zones that have been created.

4. Add potted plants. They offer the ability to be moved around the patio to various locations or may be changed with the seasons. Plants can also emit delicate scents that can be relaxing.

5. Add decorative touches. Outdoor candles on a table or yard torches around the perimeter of the patio can add ambiance at night while also deterring bugs. A colorful cushion added to the top of a weather-resistant outdoor storage container can serve as additional seating, while the container can conceal gardening equipment and other outdoor tools.

6. Add a boundary. Wooden or metal fences or manicured hedges can serve as a permanent privacy barrier, while large potted plants or trees can be set upon wooden benches for a movable boundary.

References

• Creative Home Decorating Room by Room: Patio Decorating Ideas