Making the most of our backyard is always the goal. From family time to play time to party time, we’re always looking for ways to make our outdoor space as cool as possible. And really, there’s no better place to start than the patio. Afterall, it’s the first stop on your way out the backdoor, and, of course, it’s functional. So functional, in fact, that it’s easy to neglect this area and let it become a catch-all for all things outdoors. With these 19 patio ideas, though, we’re bringing in a little extra form to that function.
These patio ideas are almost year-round must-haves (depending on your location), and you can add and swap out different elements depending on the season, too. They’re also really fast ways to give your space a glow-up with minimal effort and maximum impact. Your humble patio is about to become a little slice of backyard paradise.
Patio Lighting
Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights
Illuminate your evenings with these eco-friendly, twinkling lights. Perfect for wrapping around railings or draping across pergolas.
Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights ($19.98)—Buy Here!
Threshold LED Lanterns
These battery-operated lanterns bring a warm, inviting glow and can be hung or placed on tables. Available in 3 sizes.
Threshold LED Lanterns ($20.00 - $40.00)—Buy Here!
Loon Peak Outdoor Wall Sconces
Stylish and functional, these sconces add a modern touch to your patio walls.
Loon Peak Outdoor Wall Sconces ($169.95/ea)—Buy Here!
Pottery Barn Flameless Candles
Safe and beautiful, these candles give the flicker of real flames without the worry.
Pottery Barn Flameless Candles ($54.00 - $104.00)—Buy Here!
Planters & Greenery
West Elm Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters
Add vertical greenery with chic wallscape planters—perfect for small spaces. Available in two colors and two sizes.
West Elm Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters ($29.00 - $39.00)—Buy Here!
Crate & Barrel Ceramic Plant Pots
These pots come in various colors and sizes—great for a cohesive plant display.
Crate & Barrel Ceramic Plant Pots ($79.96+)—Buy Here!
Williams Sonoma Herb Planters
Grow your own herbs in style with this pretty set of planters, complete with tray, ideal for your patio table.
Williams Sonoma Herb Planters ($79.95)—Buy Here!
Home Depot Boxwood Trees
Maintenance-free greenery that looks stunning in planters? What more could you ask for. Home Depot has a ton of different options, too.
Home Depot Boxwood Trees ($172.17/set of 2)—Buy Here!
Patio Decor
Safavieh Outdoor Rug
Define your seating area with a weather-resistant rug that adds color and pattern. Speaking of color and pattern, this rug comes in 9 different options and multiple different sizes.
Safavieh Outdoor Rug ($115.86)—Buy Here!
West Elm Outdoor Split Colorblock Throw Pillows
Brighten up your outdoor furniture with durable, colorful throw pillows. West Elm has so many different colors, patterns, and shapes, too.
West Elm Outdoor Split Colorblock Throw Pillows ($47.20)—Buy Here!
Sun Zero Outdoor Curtains
Add a touch of elegance and privacy with these weatherproof curtains. They also offer shade and UPF 50+ protection.
Sun Zero Outdoor Curtains ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Evergreen Whimsical Glass Plant Picks, Set Of 3
Fun and oh-so charming, these picks add character to your plant beds or pots. They're outdoor-safe and water-resistant, and they come in a set of 3.
Evergreen Whimsical Glass Plant Picks, Set Of 3 ($27.50)—Buy Here!
Functional Additions
EliteShade 3-Tier Patio Umbrella
The 3-tier design of this umbrella promotes airflow, so you get shade and a breeze. It's available in several colors and two sizes.
EliteShade 3-Tier Patio Umbrella ($219.95)—Buy Here!
Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Outdoor Resin Storage Box
Keep your cushions and accessories safe and dry in this sleek storage box. It's even lockable and creates extra seating.
Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Outdoor Resin Storage Box ($173.42)—Buy Here!
Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit
Extend your outdoor season with a compact fire pit that creates warmth and adds to your patio space's ambiance, especially since it's designed to produce minimal smoke.
Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit ($229.99)—Buy Here!
JBL CHARGE 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Enjoy your favorite tunes with a Bluetooth speaker designed for the outdoors. The JBL CHARGE 5 includes USB charging and 20 hours of play time.
JBL CHARGE 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($179.95)—Buy Here!
BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
Keep your drinks chilled and close at hand with this cute rolling cooler. The BrüTank comes in a bunch of colors, but the best part is the 7+ day ice retention. Also available in 35qt.
BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler ($399.99)—Buy Here!
Small Furniture
Ipanema Metal Retro 3 Piece Folding Outdoor Bistro Set
Perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails, a compact bistro set is a must. It's available in 3 colors, too.
Ipanema Metal Retro 3 Piece Folding Outdoor Bistro Set ($229.99)—Buy Here!
Aisma Solid Wood Bar Cart
Move your snacks and drinks with ease using a versatile serving cart. It offers shelves and storage, too.
Aisma Solid Wood Bar Cart ($299.99)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
