Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.
Create an inviting, peaceful atmosphere using these patio décor options. You’ll find adding light, textiles, plants, water or fire, and privacy to be easier than you think!
Related: Makeover options for a Concrete Patio – 25 Handmade Backyard Games – Handmade Outdoor Furniture and Decor
40 Relaxing Patio Decor options
Create an inviting area in which to entertain guests, relax with the family and enjoy the season! Add to the atmosphere of your outdoor area with a few main elements:
- Lighting for romance and softness
- Textiles to appeal to the senses and for comfort
- Water or fire to create interest and a fun mood
- Plants and flowers for color and a pleasant, clean aroma.
- Flooring for warmth and a finished feel
- Privacy Screens for feelings of intimacy and solitude
This post contains affiliate links. Learn more here.
See more of our go-to outdoor projects and plans.Patio Décor options: Lighting
This “chandelier” of lanterns hanging from a ladder is clearly unique and eye-catching. Duke Manor Farm
You can find memorable lanterns online at West Elm, Pottery Barn, Wayfair, World Market, and Target.
Similarly, this lighting project makes use of mismatched lanterns, ropes, pulleys, and hooks hanging from a pergola. Serendipity Refined
This candle chandelier uses remote control electric candles for striking lighting at the click of a button. The Created Home on Bekob
Add a canopy of lights over your patio by following this direct how-to. Studio Gray House
If you’re stringing up some lights around a deck or patio, make them pop by adding ping pong balls over each bulb!Advanced Mischief on Instructables
Another direct patio decor option: cover string light bulbs with rattan balls from a dollar store. Crafty Butt
Use extra building materials to create a direct candle holder! Service Central
If you like the option of tiki torches for patio décor, but are looking for something with a little more interest, try these wine bottle torches. Design Sponge
These mason jar citronella “torches” are also unique and add romance, with the added bonus of warding off pests! Marty’s Musings
Or make hanging lanterns with mason jars, tea lights and a bit of chain. Home Depot (article no longer available)
You can get mason jar lids with the chain attached from Michaels.
Attach mason jar candles to a fence panel or pallet wood with pipe hangers. For a beach-y look, add sand and shells to the jars. Handmade Ready
You can create some custom solar powered lights for your patio with mason jars and glass marbles or stones from the dollar store. My Turn for Us
And while you’re at it, make a few solar powered lamps for your seating area as well! Houzz
You could even Handmade a solar powered chandelier for your outdoor space! Home Jelly
And if you really like solar powered lights, you can find several different Handmade options here! From lanterns and table lamps to wall lights and street lamp posts – there are lots of charming options. Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Patio Décor options: Textiles
Sew some pillows for your patio furniture on the low-cost by using an outdoor tablecloth. One piece of fabric equals several outdoor pillows! Two It Yourself
Line your pergola or canopy with fresh, crisp curtains that not only add that needed softness but also drape down for privacy. Everyday Expressions from Kanda
You can add texture, romance, softness AND shade with fabric! Here, drop cloths were cut into wide strips and woven among the upper beams of a pergola to create a sailcloth effect. Anything Pretty
Patio Décor options: Water and Fire Features
You can easily create a small fire feature with a terra cotta bowl and sterno burners. This tabletop fire bowl couldn’t be easier to make, and creates a lovely blue flame. Today’s Creative Life
Using a sleek and slender flowerpot with a sterno burner and rocks can turn a decorative flame into a tiny fire pit! Roast s’mores while enjoying the atmosphere. | The Blue Eyed Dove (blog no longer available)
Or, make a larger fire pit with gel fuel and flame-safe rocks by creating a poured concrete bowl as a base. Make several modern concrete fire pits and place them around the perimeter of your deck or patio for a fun atmosphere! Man Made Handmade
Create a serene waterscape using the same type of concrete base and a water filter. | BJL Aquascapes (website no longer available)
An elegant bamboo water feature creates ambience with the relaxing sound of trickling water. Plus, it’s cute and small enough to fit on your table! SAF Affect
With some clay pots from your local garden center, you can make a bubbling fountain for your outdoor space. Flying Kitten
Patio Décor options: Plants and Flowers
Hang these cascading bud vases on fence or pergola posts for an exciting pop of color. Snaps of Ginger
Build a (large!) monogram planter to hold lots of color. Many letters available! Bekob
A sand and flower centerpiece on your patio table is a direct yet classy addition to your space. Change out the flower as your garden blooms throughout the seasons. Something Turquoise
Pomanders are balls of blooms that are hung not only for their attractiveness but also for the fresh and pleasing aroma they provide. These flower balls were made with silk flowers, but you could easily make similar balls with fresh flowers as well. eHow
Hang multiple floral pomanders from your canopy or pergola, string them up between fence posts, dangle them from tree branches or hang one as a centerpiece above your table.
A cluster of macramé hanging jars with buds in your go-to colors will complement your outdoor space and add more texture with the natural twine element. Hopeful Honey
Try out this easiest hanging planter ever for a quick Handmade hanging plant. Shark Tails on Bekob
Build this planter with just one board! Create several of different heights for variation and interest. Lemon Thistle on Bekob
Also helpful: How to Create striking Outdoor Planters
Make these concrete geometric planters and stack them any way you like! A Touch of Rainbow on Bekob
Patio Décor options: Flooring
Update your concrete patio with paint. You’ll be amazed at the finished result! Bekob
If you want to add a ton of interest, you can score lines into your “flooring” with a circular saw and paint it. The effect is nothing short of memorable. The Handmade Home
You can also use a concrete stain to create the look of tile. Your patio will look like an entirely new space with this makeover. Beneath My Heart
If you’re just plain sick of the concrete, you can cover it with brick pavers. There are endless colors available and you can create any design imaginable. It’s a clever way to personalize and dress up your space. Family Handyman
Or, if you like the warmth and texture of wood, but don’t want to shell out for decking, cover the concrete with pallet wood! You can make a variety of patterns with the pallet wood slats – herringbone or parquet for instance. Redo Redux
Outdoor rugs create dimensions and texture. They can also be pricey. Save some cash by buying a plain rug and stenciling your own pattern. The bonus is that you can pick the exact colors to match your space! Hunted Interior
You can easily paint diamonds on a wooden floor and give your deck, porch or sunroom that ‘wow’ factor. Southern Hospitality
Patio Décor options: Privacy Screens
Build a wall with wood slats (or cover an existing wall or chain link fence) with this walkthrough. Add hanging pots for even more pop. The Garden Glove on Bekob
And here’s another garden slat wall to hide away eyesores, or hide YOURSELF away! It’s an afternoon project and you can use reclaimed wood as well. Taryn Whiteaker
A hanging patio screen can be ideal when covering sight-lines from above. Hang some framed trellis pieces for privacy that still feels light and airy. Organized Chaos Online
Go extra frugal and create a cabana-like feel with drop-cloth curtains all around your pergola or patio! Tie them up when entertaining a crowd and they add an ideal softness and layering effect. Let them drape and it’s your own private island getaway right in your backyard! Fancy Frugal Life
Putting It All Together
Here are some excellent tips and options for making your very own dreamy oasis in your backyard. Bekob
This outdoor space combines it all! Green Wedding Shoes
This small cottage has a tiny outdoor space that’s big on style. Refinery 29
Get tons of options for creating the well fitted atmosphere on a modest-cost. Bekob
More options for your outdoor spaces:
- Outdoor Handmade Light option
- Front Porch Decorating options
- 20 Backyard Lighting options
- Creative Patios and Pergolas
- 30+ Fun Outdoor Games
Please PIN this!
Originally published 9/7/16 — Updated 5/21/2021
