Tips for Furnishing Your Backyard Patio

Chances are you’ve spent a lot of time and energy getting the details of your home décor just right. You’ve invested in quality pieces and decorated each room to match your style and ensure your home exudes the perfect atmosphere.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your interior design and forget how important it is to extend that finesse beyond the back door and into your yard! If you have a patio, that’s even more of a reason to take the time to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space.

Furnishing your patio can be a big undertaking, but we’re here to help you know where to start. Check out our fundamental guide to choosing the right furniture for—and skillfully arranging—your patio space!

Tips for Furnishing Your Backyard Patio

Decide on a purpose for your patio.

Before you head to the store and grab the first backyard furniture set that catches your eye, you should know what function you want your patio to serve. Do you want to transform your backyard into a formal living space? Or are you looking for a more relaxed, casual place to kickback and snuggle up? Use your answer to choose your furniture and décor.

Make a list of things you want to do on your patio, and what furniture and other equipment you need to do that. Want a cool backyard party spot? Get a high-top counter with some bar stools and try wine, beer, or spirit-themed décor. Looking for a chill place to lounge for the summer? You’ll want a comfy couch and ottoman for optimal rest and relaxation.

Put some consideration into how you arrange your furniture.

Knowing how you want to use your patio will help when it comes time to arrange your furniture too. A symmetrical, organized floor plan is more conducive to creating a place to entertain guests and sit down for a family dinner during the summer—this will give a more elegant, definitive feel to the space.

A less uniform layout will enhance the laid-back vibe of a patio intended for summer naps and leisurely hangouts, adding a bit of playful character to match the carefree atmosphere.

Choose the right material.

When shopping for patio furniture there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes time to make your investment—weather, maintenance, and style.

Think about the environment you’re working with when settling on a material for outdoor furniture. If the summers where you live are always hot and dry, you’ll probably want to stay away from wood, as it tends to crack and splinter in dry heat. Wicker, on the other hand, doesn’t fare very well in moist climates, so that might be a better fit if your summers are scorching. Also keep in mind whether your patio is going to be covered with an umbrella or awning of some sort, or open to the elements.

Always opt for easy maintenance when it comes to patio furniture. Invest in quality pieces made out of material that is easily cleaned and cared for over time. Choose something that is durable and matches the design scheme you have planned for your backyard.

Get the right size furniture.

You don’t want to end up with a giant couch that takes up your entire patio, just because it was comfy and looked good in the store. Measure your space and have at least a skeleton layout determined before you buy your pieces to avoid overcrowding or leaving your patio feeling empty.

Make sure there’s good flow to your patio traffic—you want you and your guests to be able to get around easily without bumping into things. If your space is smaller, then your furniture should be too. A cozy bistro table and chairs will probably be better for a more condensed backyard than a full dining room set.

Consider where you’ll be storing your outdoor furniture in the winter months as well, so you don’t buy more stuff than you have room for in your garage or storage unit.

Decorate with color and accents.

Just because your patio is outside doesn’t mean it has to blend in with the nature that surrounds it. Make your patio stand out with colorful accents and bright furniture! Add small splashes of color with fun couch or chair cushions and choose one or two sculptures or table trinkets to personalize the space.

Try using color on your outdoor finishes or making it elegant with some stone masonry or brick flooring. Throw down a couple of rugs to ground the space and make it feel homey. Accessorize with throw pillows, different lighting, or a handy canopy umbrella to make it shady and gorgeous!

Go for comfort.

Comfort is the number one quality you’ll want to look for and invest in when it comes to patio furniture. After all, this is the space where you’ll spend the summer relaxing and soaking up the sun! Try pieces out before you buy them—sit or lay down for a few minutes to see how they feel. You’re far more likely to use your patio and get your money’s worth if your furniture is comfortable and inviting.

Choose furniture made with good quality fabric that’s suitable for the outdoors. Cozy it up with cushions, pillows, and even a light throw blanket. A nice recliner or lazy hammock is another great way to really drive home an easygoing atmosphere as well.

If you feel like your patio is still missing a little something even after you’ve used these tips, our team at Vista Pro Landscape & Design will work with you to find the right solutions for designing or upgrading your backyard patio. Give us a call or visit our website today to schedule a free consultation and open the door to your dream yard today!