Easy Outdoor Christmas Light Decorating Ideas

10 Inspiring Outdoor Patio Decor Ideas

CC BY 2.0/Bill Wilson/Flickr

Picnics on sunny days and warm-weather cookouts on summer nights are great reasons to ramp things up when it comes to choosing decorating ideas for patios. Your outdoor space can be as important to the vibe at your home as the kitchen or living room, and this applies whether you're seeking designs for small patios or decorating a large garden patio.

Patio Fireplace Designs

Outdoor fireplace patio designs are a pretty way to add a touch of warmth to an outdoor patio. The fireplace can be built into a wall under an attached roof to trap a bit of warmth of chilly evenings. Or, a freestanding fireplace can be installed on the outside edge of a patio to make sure excess smoke blows away in the open air.

CC BY 2.0/Bill Wilson/Flickr

Covered Patios

Putting a cover over a patio is a way to make your outdoor space feel even more like an extension of your living space. You can choose one with open slats to let a little extra light shine through, a metal one that makes the rain sound like music or solid vinyl patio covers made to last for years with little or no extra maintenance.

CC BY 2.0/Bill Wilson/Flickr

Patio Railing Designs

Patio railing designs help keep people and pets from sliding off the edge of elevated patios and decks. They can also be crafted in charming spots to sit down outdoors and enjoy a meal. To create this effect, mount a shelf near the upper rail of the railing to serve as a bar, then choose seating that lets you sit comfortably at the bar.

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Brick Designs for a Small Patio

Patio brick designs can add a touch of style to a small outdoor area. To make the most of the space, place the bricks in an interesting pattern. Then, add a couple of potted plants and some other embellishment, such as a bird feeder or birdhouse. Consider folding patio furniture for seating so it can be stored in an out-of-the-way spot to free up some room to walk around when you aren't using it.

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Patio Lighting

Adding an extra light source to your patio area lets you enjoy the evening air for entertaining or dining outdoors. It's an alternative to using candles or eating by the light of a fireplace or fire pit. Consider lantern-style light fixtures to add an outdoorsy touch that perfectly complements an al fresco dining experience.

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A Wall of Plants

Plants are practically a necessity for small garden patio designs, and taking advantage of wall space is one way to incorporate plants into a small area. To create this effect, use mounting hardware to attach flower pots to the exterior wall. Then fill the pots as you normally would and plant your favorite small flowers. If you want to incorporate larger potted plants, consider placing them along the base of the wall in decorative planters.

An Umbrella for Al Fresco Dining

An oversized patio umbrella keeps the sun off you while you're enjoying a meal outdoors. It also adds a charming touch of style when paired with a rustic table and some colorful plants, aCC0rding to Country Living. You can simply close the umbrella when it's not in use to help protect it from wind damage.

A Fire Pit for Warmth

Fire pits can be built from stone or brick to match the rest of your patio decor, or they can be freestanding pieces, such as a chimenea. Leave room for seating around the fire pit so everyone can stay warm and roast marshmallows around the flames. Keep a space for stacked wood nearby for stoking the fire.

Play With Bold Colors

One way to add an energetic, fun effect to your patio is by adding a splash of bold colors, aCC0rding to Real Simple. Accent pieces provide an easy way to incorporate a splash of color to an outdoor living space, such as brightly colored cushions and cushions covered in bold stripes.

Unique, Nature-Inspired Table and Seating

To get this effect, with or without petrified wood, choose a tabletop that's cut from a cross section of a large tree. The stools are cut from sturdy sections of log. Consider choosing a low set for casual seating or a more elevated set with stools crafted from larger logs for dining. These piece are perfect for a patio because the natural beauty of the wood's grain is a great fit for the beauty of nature outdoors on your patio.