19 Best Patio Ideas
Looking for the best patio ideas to spruce up your outdoor living space? From patio furniture to patio lighting and patio flooring ideas, there’s a project for every inch of your patio.
We hope these ideas will help you to create a patio you love.
1. Create a colorful outdoor living room
This patio by Romanek Design Studio proves that a spot outside can be just as captivating as a colorful living room.
The key is using plants, flowers, and décor in lively hues, like apple green, fuchsia, and cobalt blue.
The custom bench is covered with a Perennials fabric, the vintage chair is from Orange Furniture, the table is by Jonathan Adler, the poufs are from Lulu & Georgia, and the flooring is bluestone.
2. Go for a modern look
If you have a more modern home, you may want to carry that look over to your patio.
This space, created by Lucinda Loya Interiors, features a contemporary fireplace that contrasts the rustic look of the exposed beams and the brick walls.
The steel and wood table, designed by Loya, is the perfect place to gather for a meal, and the built-in bench is a great spot for extra seating.
3. Add a daybed
Make your patio feel like it’s in a luxury resort by adding a daybed. It’s the perfect place to lounge with a good book, take a nap, or sip on a cocktail.
This outdoor space by Emily Henderson has a daybed, two chairs, and a coffee table, so there’s plenty of seating for entertaining.
4. Create a low-maintenance retreat
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining your outdoor space, stick to a few simple materials.
This patio by Romanek Design Studio uses a few trees and some potted plants to create a simple, serene backyard.
The neutral colors allow the scenery to shine and the colorful garden chairs add the perfect pop of color.
5. Create a living wall
If you’re lacking in space, turn a wall into a vertical garden with the help of a few shelves, like this one designed by Joanna Gaines.
It’ll create a cozy and intimate feel, plus you’ll be able to grow lots of herbs and flowers without taking up any floor space.
6. Add a water feature
If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious patio, consider adding a water feature.
This way, you can create a sense of enclosure and separation from other areas of your outdoor space.
In this patio designed by Arent & Pyke, the focal point is the large, round fountain.
The sound of running water will provide a relaxing oasis for you and your guests.
7. Get the look of the indoors outside
If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space to work with, that doesn’t mean you can’t create a beautiful outdoor room.
This patio by Romanek Design Studio proves any amount of space can be well appointed with the help of a few pieces of furniture.
A built-in sofa and table take up less space than a sofa and multiple chairs, making conversation easy with just one seating area.
8. Add a fire pit
If you’re looking to add a wow factor to your outdoor space, a fire pit is the way to go.
Not only will it create a cozy spot for you and your guests to gather around during the cooler months, but it’s also a great addition if you love to entertain.
“Fire pits create a natural gathering spot for conversation and marshmallow roasting,” says designer and stylist Jeneva Bell.
“They can also add ambiance and extend the time you spend outdoors.”
9. Create an outdoor kitchen
Take your outdoor cooking game to the next level by adding an outdoor kitchen.
This space, designed by Regan Baker Design, includes a grill, cooktop, and sink, so you can prepare your entire meal outside.
It also has bar seating, a fridge, and a fireplace to make it feel like an extension of the living room.
The best part? The covered roof makes it possible to cook and entertain outside, rain or shine.
10. Add a pergola
A pergola can create a beautiful focal point in your backyard. You can leave it open or cover it with a canopy or even grapevines.
This patio by Romanek Design Studio is a little bit easier to recreate than you think.
The fireplace and floor are beautiful, but the real standouts here are the two daybeds.
The best way to make your outdoor space just as comfortable and cozy as the rest of your home is by adding a daybed.
11. Add a charming patio with a fire pit
This patio by Romanek Design Studio proves any backyard can feel like a charming cottage.
A fire pit creates the perfect spot to hang out and chat with guests or just unwind at the end of the day.
String lights add a touch of magic to the space, and a few potted plants tie the design in with the rest of the yard.
12. Add a gazebo
A gazebo is an outdoor room you didn’t know you needed.
This stunning design by Arent & Pyke will make you feel like you’re on a European vacation with its white columns, draped curtains, and lush greenery.
You can use a gazebo to create a separate seating area, as a dining space, or as a living room. The options are endless!
13. Add a plant wall
Make a statement with a plant-covered wall. This outdoor space by Arent & Pyke is a lush, welcoming oasis that feels like a secret garden.
The floor-to-ceiling greenery creates a sense of privacy and seclusion.
14. Add a hammock
If you have enough space, a hammock is a great way to add a little relaxation to your patio. It’s also a good way to add a pop of color and pattern to your space.
Shop the look: hammock, $140, wayfair.com.
15. Add an outdoor shower
This outdoor shower is the epitome of luxury.
The shower is located on the side of the house, but the location is made to feel like a private oasis with a wooden privacy wall and lush greenery.
The shower is also located near the pool, so it’s perfect for rinsing off after a swim.
16. Add a pool
You can’t go wrong with a pool, especially if you live in a warm climate.
If you’re looking for a way to make your pool area feel more intimate, take a cue from this patio designed by Tamsin Johnson and build it directly into a stone patio.
Then, add an outdoor sofa, a fire pit, and a dining table to make it feel like its own little oasis.
17. Add a hot tub
If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your outdoor space, a hot tub is the way to go.
This gorgeous patio by Ailene Smith features a built-in hot tub, which is the ultimate way to blend the feature into the rest of the space.
If you prefer a stand-alone option, you can still make it look like it belongs. Try adding a pergola or even a custom stone wall around it to give it a built-in feel.
18. Add a sunroom
If you want a patio that’s a little more enclosed, consider adding a sunroom.
This option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without being completely exposed to the elements.
The large windows in this sunroom let in tons of natural light, making the space feel like a natural extension of the backyard.
19. Add a covered deck
If you’re looking to add a deck to your home, consider adding a covering to create a space that can be used in any weather.
This deck, designed by Regan Baker, features a pergola with a retractable canopy.
The canopy can be opened on sunny days, or closed on rainy days to keep the space dry.
Conclusion
There’s no better places than outdoor living spaces for cultivating garden spirit. Ply gem’s #designyourhappyplace campaign encourages homeowners to create a space that brings joy. To enter, share a photo of your happy place on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #designyourhappyplace. You’ll have a chance to win $2,500 in Ply Gem products and there will be weekly winners too!
