You already know how much I enjoy decorating my home, but that love doesn’t stop inside. I think your outdoor spaces deserve just as much attention.
Maybe you’re trying to revamp your front porch decor or you’re focusing on creating a more inviting backyard. Either way, I wanted to share several outdoor decor ideas that’ll make you want to spend more time outside this year.
The best part is that many of the ideas that work for your interiors look just as nice when they’re applied to your outdoor “rooms.” It all comes down to your decor and designing a space with a little intention. Although it takes more effort than throwing a few lounge chairs on your deck and calling it good, the reward is so worth the time and energy.
To inspire your own outdoor spaces, I’ve pulled together some outdoor decor ideas and tips, as well as a few beautiful furniture, decor, and storage pieces that will complete your arrangement. Just wait — you’ll want to spend more time outside than in once these spots are perfectly styled.
Outdoor Decor Ideas
Outdoor Decor Tips
- Make your outdoor decor an extension of your indoor style.
Starting with a blank page easily leads to overwhelm. Luckily, you don’t have to begin at square one with your porch, patio, or backyard — just look at how you’ve decorated inside. You can simply extend your interior design style outdoors. If your aesthetic leans into neutral home decor, for instance, choose the same color palette for outside too. This ensures that your outdoor spaces reflect your personal style and it leads to your whole property feeling cohesive.
Aside from your outdoor space serving as a continuation of your interior style, you can also copy styling tips and rules from inside. The same method you’d use for decorating a coffee table or dining table works outdoors too (like styling three objects together or creating levels with vases and candles). You can also layer rugs for extra texture or pair outdoor couches with a set of accent chairs. Really the only differences in designing exteriors are choosing weather-resistant materials and adjusting based on the square footage you have.
- Use dividers, panels, and curtains.
While decorating might feel pretty similar outside, structurally it might feel a little different. You don’t have the same walls and barriers separating your rooms, so you have to get creative when you want zones for specific activities. That’s where dividers and curtains come in. These items aren’t only made for separating indoor spaces. Incorporating dividers or gauzy panel curtains can give your outdoor space the sense that it’s a “room” too! You can give your sun lounger area a little more peace and privacy with a screen or curtain off a reading nook.
- Add cozy elements to make your outdoor areas comfortable.
It’s easy to forget that you can warm up your outside spaces just like you would with your interiors with the help of decor. Oftentimes, people only add a few chairs or a table and their backyard ends up looking sparse. The trick is adding a few soft and cozy elements!
There is a whole world of outdoor-resistant textiles that you can take advantage of. From fade-resistant throw pillows to waterproof (but still surprisingly soft) throw blankets to stylish outdoor rugs, you’ll have no problem finding outside-ready equivalents of soft goods that warm things up. Not only that, but they help create zones and really define your outdoor space.
- Shed some light with purposeful sconces, lanterns, and string bulbs.
Lamps and lights make a huge impact on the mood of your indoor spaces and can do the exact same for your outdoor ones. Bring in a soft glow with pretty string lights, add a little atmosphere with lanterns, or create a pleasant surprise with artsy orb lights on your lawn. Lights don’t have to purely exist for functionality (though that’s important too), but they can just as easily serve as decor in their own right!
Outdoor Decor Finds
1. Prep areas for al fresco dining.
I love finding pretty plates, glassware, and table settings for my outdoor spaces too! I suggest gathering up a separate collection of goodies that is better equipped for being outside (like melamine dishes and fade-resistant or water-resistant tablecloths). This makes those months of sharing meals outside feel all the more special.
Hammered Outdoor Goblets
Larkhill Dining Table
Dakota Melamine Dinner Plates, Set of 4
Sophia Black Outdoor Patio Dining Armchair
2. Add plenty of comfortable seating choices.
The key to keeping your family and friends comfy while you spend hours outside in the warmer months is a perfectly curated seating arrangement. Add bar stools around your outdoor bar or kitchen. Think about floor cushions for a unique look, or set up the perfect place for chats over coffee with a bistro set on your porch. I also recommend creating a plush corner for afternoon naps with extra-wide loungers, bean bag-style chairs, or hammocks.
Slope Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Chair
Kavala Outdoor Lounge Chair
Crosby Double Chaise
Outdoor Marine Stripe Floor Pillow
3. Get creative with storage options (and make them stylish).
Storage is often forgotten but super important for keeping a clean and streamlined deck, patio, or porch. It may not be the most exciting buy, but I promise the units you choose don’t have to look boring. I’ve found so many chic hidden storage units, like side tables with a secret inner container or benches that double as organizational tools. There are also plenty of shelves and cabinets that are beautiful and functional.
Madaket Outdoor Basket
Radius Hose Storage
Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side table
Indio Eucalyptus Modern Outdoor Coffee Table with Storage
4. Curate a peaceful plant sanctuary and care zone.
Whether you’re a fan of hanging baskets or tiered planters, I highly recommend adding a collection of different plants to make any corner of your outdoor space feel more like an oasis. The planters you choose as well as the beautiful flowers and plants themselves all add to the overall look. Another cute idea? Create a potting station or plant care area with cute gardening staples. The whole vignette will look straight out of a magazine.
Wavy Concrete Orb Planter
Teak Work Station, Tall
Chris Loves Julia Woven Basket Planter
Sungmor Set of 3 TerraCotta Pots with Saucers
