When the warm sun and cool breezes of the summer months are upon us, many of us spend more time outdoors, which means the patio season is in full swing. Outdoor patios are a great place to enjoy spending your time, whether you are throwing a backyard party, socializing with your neighbors, cooking and eating a delicious family meal, or simply relaxing with a few close friends or even just by yourself. Whether you already have a functional outdoor patio and would like to give it an update, or you’ve been pining for a patio and are thinking about how to style it, there are endless options to consider, so let’s explore some ideas.

How will you use it?

One of the most essential considerations when styling your perfect outdoor patio is determining its primary purpose or how you will use it. Two good questions to ask yourself that will help guide you in your styling planning and decision-making are: How do I use my outdoor patio today? How would I like to use it in the future?

For example, if you plan to often barbeque for a large group of people, you may want to include an outdoor grill or pizza oven, along with space for food preparation and an area to eat your meal. If you envision your outdoor patio as a place to have drinks, relax with a few friends, or read a book by yourself, you’ll likely want to include comfortable outdoor patio furniture. However, many people find that they’d like their outdoor patio to provide a variety of activities for their family and friends, and they want their style to be reflected in their choices.

With your outdoor patio’s purpose in mind, here are a few ideas to spark your creativity when styling an outdoor patio area that perfectly suits you and your home.

Patio Furniture

Many homeowners build their patios around a few (or several) pieces of outdoor patio furniture. A typical outdoor patio furniture setup often includes one or more couches as its centerpiece, with other complementary pieces positioned around it.

Patio couches and loveseats

A patio couch and loveseat are versatile pieces of outdoor patio furniture that can be used to seat a few people for an engaging conversation or as a spot for you to lie down and read a book or take a snooze. Style, comfort, and durability are all important in choosing your patio couch or loveseat. Look for ones that fit the look you want and complement the other pieces of outdoor accessories and style in your outdoor space. You’ll want to search for furniture with the shape, cushions, and fabrics that feel comfortable and fit the look you want while being made from weatherproof materials and construction, so they are durable against the elements. This Finley Sofa has a contemporary style with generous cushions and padding, while the Montana Sofa can fit well with many styles.

Patio chairs

There are so many different types and styles of patio chairs available today that it can be hard to choose amongst them all. A few considerations can be good starting points for narrowing down your options: how much space you have available, what type(s) of chairs you prefer, and whether you would like your chairs to match or complement your patio couch loveseat. Some great examples in various styles are this Campbell Corner Chair with a wicker frame, the Luxe Swivel Chair in a contemporary style, and the Nevis Chaise Lounge Chair that gives an added level of relaxation. Another outdoor furniture category is the Adirondack style, with its coastal beach look and feel, like this classic Contempo Adirondack Chair.

Patio tables

No outdoor patio is complete without a few tables as spots to place your book, laptop, drink, or food. As with the patio furniture described above, choose tables that have a look you are after, complement your couches, loveseats, and chairs, and will be durable in an outdoor setting. There are cocktail tables, coffee tables, end tables, side tables, tea set tables, and others, each available in materials that will enhance the function and style of your outdoor patio. This Contempo Cocktail Table has an understated contemporary look, and the Tommy Bahama South Beach Cocktail Table has an island holiday vibe.

Fire tables and pits

Fire tables and pits have become popular in recent years because they have become more stylish and durable, with many options to choose from for your patio. Some homeowners will decide to use a fire table or pit as a centerpiece for their outdoor patio, while others will use it as an accessory, providing additional style to their backyard space. This Blaze Fire Table is the perfect size and shape to place several patio chairs around it and socialize with some friends as you enjoy its flickering flames and warmth, and the Oasis 42″ Round Gas Fire Pit can be placed in a cozy nook.

Pizza ovens, grills, and smokers

Who doesn’t love the smell of burgers on the grill or pizza in the oven? Another growing trend in outdoor patios is cooking features like pizza ovens, grills, and smokers. Cooking and preparing food on your outdoor patio is fun and a great way to socialize with guests as you prepare a delicious meal. You’ll cut down the wait time with the 5 Minuti Pizza Oven that can cook two pizzas in just 90 seconds. The Louisiana Grills Black Label LG800BL Pellet Grill will have everyone’s mouths watering.
And the Medium Big Green Egg is just the right size for small outdoor patios, and accessories like the Modular Nest EGG Frame and Modular Nest Expansion Cabinet will help you build up your outdoor kitchen as your outdoor patio cooking needs may change over time.

Outdoor gaming

If you enjoy some friendly competition, adding a gaming item to your outdoor patio might be a great option reflecting your favorite activities. The 300X Outdoor Ping Pong Table has adjustable legs for uneven terrain, folds up for portability, and is durable enough to withstand most weather conditions. The Maxwell Putting Green provides more than 50,000 break combinations to let you practice your close-range shot in your own backyard. For a game that fits into a small space, check out the Giant Teetering Tower, a fun one for a party or for just playing with family.

Now that you’ve read a few of our favorite tips for decorating and using your outdoor patio area, we hope you will visit our Greater Southern Home Recreation website. We hope this writing gives you some extra confidence when deciding what you want to do with your outdoor patio area! We look forward to serving you, and please Contact us anytime!