68 Patio Ideas That Will Make You Want to Live Outside

Use Black and White

Stick to a black-and-white color palette to lend a timeless look to both modern and traditional spaces.

Leanne Ford Interiors created a crisp modern feel on this patio with coordinated sconces, planters, a striped rug, and a wooden picnic-style table with black metal legs.

Accent With Color

Add pops of color to brighten a neutral patio. Mary Patton Design finished this patio dining area with bright yellow chairs and a navy blue sconce that add contrast with the stone paver flooring and white brick exterior of the home.

Incorporate Vintage Pieces

Vintage garden furniture will add a timeless feel to a modern patio. Interior designer Vanessa Scoffier created a charming patio at the Hotel Henriette in Paris with a painted metal table and chairs, plus unexpected decor touches like an arched mirror and whimsical decorative lighting.

Mix Dark and Light Finishes

Add instant sophistication to your patio with a mix of dark and light finishes. This pale stone slab patio from Calimia Home has modern light wood furnishings and contrasting dark wood fencing and pergola festooned with string lights and climbing vines that add contrast.

Try Multiple Seating Areas

Break a large patio into multiple seating areas to maximize space. A large brick patio on the backside of this modern farmhouse from My 100 Year Old Home is designed for gatherings of friends and family, with three separate but linked areas that accommodate a sitting area, living room, and outdoor kitchen and bar area.

Hang Some Curtains

Hang curtains around the periphery of a covered patio to shield the space from harsh rays. Fantastic Frank paired a rattan patio cover with billowing white gauze curtains that help diffuse light without totally blocking views.

Choose a Patio Set

Choose a matching patio set to create a cohesive feel. This tranquil patio from Breeze Giannasio Interiors has ample seating in pale weathered gray tones that harmonize with the stone and encourage gathering and conversation in the lush zen-like setting.

Install a Glass Door

Create an indoor-outdoor feel by installing a wall of glass doors. Thomas Guy Interiors chose modern glass and black metal doors and windows that complement both the dark hardwood flooring inside and the white stone on the patio for a contemporary feel.

Try the Front Yard

If you have more front yard than back yard, consider installing a deconstructed patio in your front yard instead.

This small front patio from Brophy Interiors has stone slabs that match the front walkway, plus a circular fire pit and two lounge chairs, while the nearby small front porch is finished with wood and decorated with a simple bench.

Hang Pendant Lights

Hang pendant lighting from the top of a pergola to structure an outdoor living and dining area.

This patio from Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Design has living and dining areas decorated in a black, gray, and orange palette that complements the brick walls of the home and showcases the surrounding greenery.

Try a Tiered Layout

In a large, long lot, choose a tiered layout to help define zones and add visual interest.

Manscapers paired a fire pit area with a raised wood deck at the far end of this New York City backyard that houses a dining table and chairs.

Try Curved Seating

Give your patio a contemporary feel with curved seating. House of One chose a pair of half-circle sofas, circular fire pits, and an elaborate water feature in this Florida backyard for a tropical feel.

Add a Surprising Element

Add a whimsical sculpture or decor element to add a surprise element to your patio that will make it personal. This patio from Mary Patton Design has clean lines, white furnishings, and pink flamingo and bulldog statues that add a sense of fun.

Lay a Patterned Tile Floor

While it is easy to default to neutrals when designing an outdoor space, even the slightest use of color can add a surprising lift and energy to the design.

Emily Henderson Design chose blue-and-white patterned patio tile flooring to add movement and pattern to this patio terrace.

Add a Vintage Fountain

Scour yard sales, thrift shops, architectural salvage stores, or online for vintage elements that will give your patio a lived-in feel.

A vintage French outdoor fountain on this Parisian patio at the Hotel Henriette adds charm and can be used as a planter or a bird bath.

Paint the Floor

If you're up for a fun weekend project, elevate your concrete patio with a DIY paint job. A Beautiful Mess chose a graphic black-and-white design that is more affordable than tile but is packed with personality and style.

Add Boho Style

Carry your boho-style decor onto the backyard patio for a cohesive feel. This outdoor living room patio space from Blanco Bungalow has neutral colors and a mix of seating, accessories, and plants for a casual but pulled together look that doesn't break the budget.

Use Brick Flooring

Complement brick patio flooring with mixed materials on furniture and accessories. This Spanish-style home backyard dining space has a lived-in feel, with metal chairs, a mix of concrete planters, and a large wood dining table with a scrolled base.

Add a Striped Awning

A striped awning provides shade and a retro sense of elegance to an outdoor dining patio.

Breeze Giannasio Interiors added matching tie-back curtains and black-and-white finishes, furniture, textiles, and decorative objects for a polished feel that's ready for company.

Add a Statement Fireplace

Create a focal point in your backyard with an eye-catching outdoor fireplace. This lush and laid back patio from Emily Henderson Design has comfortable furniture, a statement fireplace, a pergola laced with string lights, and global accents like a kilim pouf.

Repurpose the Driveway

Turn the driveway outside a converted garage into a patio to add extra outdoor space to your backyard.

This Portland garage conversion guest cottage from Arbor & Co. has a patio living and dining room covered by a wood A-frame roof that makes outdoor living possible even in rainy weather.

Add Rainbow Stripe Floors

Bring a playful spirit to your patio makeover with a fun DIY paint job. This all-white back patio from A Beautiful Mess got a cheerful mood boost with wide pastel rainbow stripes.

Pair Gravel and Rugs

Dress up a gravel patio floor with an outdoor rug. Fantastic Frank softened this casual outdoor living room space with a pair of colorful rugs and a sculptural stone coffee table.

Try Stone Pavers

Install floating patios in a manicured backyard with stone pavers. A pair of stone paver patios create distinct areas for a modern fire pit area and adjacent dining zone in this California backyard from Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Decorate a Bedroom Patio

If you live in an apartment or condo with a walk-out patio or terrace, turn it into an outdoor living room.

Fantastic Frank complements brick tile flooring with vintage-style rattan furniture, pale blue and white textiles, and a high wall for privacy on this Mallorca patio.

Prioritize the Pool

Turn your whole backyard into a large pool patio to optimize space. This vast patio from Mindy Gayer Design Co. unifies the backyard entertaining space, which is divided into zones for sitting, dining, and lounging by the pool.

Add Eclectic Touches

Complement a country house with a rustic patio that will help you get more use out of your outdoor space.

This Swedish country patio from Fantastic Frank is built in the shadow of a stone wall, with small kilim rugs that function as bench warmers and a sun umbrella that offers shade when needed.

Build a Banquette

Build a custom banquette with extra storage and display space to finish off a fire pit conversation area.

BASE Landscape Architecture added under-seat firewood storage for this Portland, OR patio surrounded by extra-tall privacy hedges.

Add Mood Lighting

When designing or decorating a patio, be sure to consider the essential role of lighting so that it is comfortable and pleasurable to use at all times of day or night.

This is especially important if you are designing a large outdoor space that needs more than string lights or tea candles to feel properly illuminated. The various zones of this backyard patio from New Eco Landscapes are each well-lit with bright but warm bulbs that make it feel relaxing.

Install a Daybed

Give your poolside patio the feel of a boutique hotel with a large canopy daybed. House of One chose a luxurious outdoor daybed with tie-back curtains for lazy summer afternoon naps or sleeping outdoors when it's too hot to sleep inside.

Use Woven Accents

Use woven accents to add warmth to a neutral modern patio. Christina Kim Interior Design chose woven dining chairs and bar stools to add contrast with white walls and gray flooring on this cabana patio.

Set Up a Space for Two

Create a quiet corner for two that will encourage you to step outside and chill with your partner or best friend.

This patio from Georgia Zikas Design is styled with simple matching lounge chairs, a mix of flowers and plants, and a combination pouf and coffee table for cocktail hour with the one you love.

Use Rust Tones

Pair whitewashed brick with burnt orange tones for a harmonious feel. Cortney McClure Design chose a bold rust-and-white patterned area rug that defines the patio dining space and echoes the whitewashed brick exterior of the home.

Make It Holiday-Ready

Patio living isn't just for summer. This cozy backyard patio from Most Lovely Things is styled for the holidays with sheepskin seat covers, a plaid blanket tablecloth, seasonal branches, and a roaring fire.

Hang Sculptural Lighting

Add a decorative touch to a simple patio with a striking pendant light. Jenn Pablo Studio added whimsy to this Palm Springs patio with a large star-shaped glass-and-metal pendant light.

Mix Finishes and Materials

Mix finishes and materials to create a warm and inviting feel outdoors. This covered patio Marie Flanigan Interiors uses a mix of materials including concrete flooring, a stone fireplace wall, metal fittings, and touches of wood on the ceiling and seating.

Build a Platform

Define the seating area on a patio and grill space with a slightly raised deck platform and a modern pergola, like this space from New Eco Landscapes. A pair of turquoise lounge chairs adds a pop of color.

Add a Cozy Couch

This Palm Springs patio from Jenn Pablo Studio is set up like an outdoor living room. Styled with throw pillows and an organic coffee table, the lounge area provides the perfect transition between indoors and out, and creates a relaxing spot to enjoy the pool even on days when you don't feel like getting in the water.

Use Woodsy Colors

Use earthy brown color accents to complement a patio located on a large property surrounded by greenery.

Murphy Maude Interiors paired brown and white tones to create an intimate sitting area on the patio with its wide open views of the surrounding landscape and pond.

Add Coastal Stripes

Add a coastal feel to your patio with blue-and-white sailor striped upholstery. Christina Kim Interior Design used the same material on lounge chairs and a curved built-in banquette that blends harmoniously into the surroundings.

Create a Formal Dining Area

Set up a formal dining room on your patio to give your outdoor entertaining a stylish edge.

Breeze Giannasio Interiors finished this dinner party-ready space with a simple indoor outdoor rug, comfortable woven outdoor dining chairs, and a farmhouse-style pedestal dining table.

Rotate Seasonal Decor

Swap out your patio decor throughout the year to make it festive and functional as seasons change. This patio from Most Lovely Things is decorated for Christmas gatherings, with an outdoor tree dressed in simple string lights, and chairs covered in fluffy sheepskins arranged around the fire pit.

Add a Mini Pool Cabana

Create a focal point in a minimalist backyard with a mini pool cabana. Cathie Hong Interiors divided this Northern California space into zones, with concrete slab flooring throughout interrupted by trees planted in gravel-covered beds, and an open air cabana outfitted with a spacious sectional set back from the pool.

Add a Media Center

A central fireplace and wall-mounted outdoor TV equipped with a proper sound system will turn your patio into everyone's favorite spot for summer movie nights.

Marie Flanigan Interiors decorated this patio with pale tones, wood touches, blue accents, and fresh flowers.

Embrace Weathered Finishes

You might not be able to recreate the patina of the beautifully worn walls and flooring of this historic Mallorca patio from Fantastic Frank.

But you can take inspiration from the warm colors, rustic-chic furniture, and natural tree branch pergola when decorating your own outdoor oasis.

Tile the Walls

If your patio is more of a place to stretch and check the weather rather than sit and read a book, there's no need to add furniture.

Jenn Pablo Studio decorated this small Palm Springs patio with decorative black-and-white patterned tiles lining the walls that flank the French doors, and a pair of large cacti in oversized planters.

Pair Brick With Wood

Pair brick patio floors, walls, and/or columns with wood furniture and accents for a warm and homey look.

Marie Flanigan Interiors paired warm brick walls and a wood-clad ceiling and dining table for a relaxed feel.

Lay Statement Tile

Patterned floor tiles in a large-scale design make a statement on this patio from Emily Henderson Design. Comfortable seating encourages lounging, and warm wood accent tables add warmth.

Use All-White Furniture

Use all-white furniture and decor to add a contemporary feel to a patio. Will Brown Interiors decorated this outdoor space with chunky seating and tall white planters that help to define the open space while adding a modicum of privacy.

Play With Geometry

Geometric floor tile will instantly upgrade a minimalist patio. Cathie Hong Interiors made a big statement with cubist floor tiling that adds interest and a sense of rhythm to the wide open pass through space that leads to a spacious lawn.

Add an Outdoor Mirror

Add an outdoor mirror to reflect light and give your patio the feel of an indoor room. Marie Flanigan Interiors chose a decorative mirror with a warm metallic frame to complement light beige walls, rustic stone accents, and contrasting cool white and blue-gray upholstery on the seating.

Use Transparent Furniture

Create an airy feel with transparent furniture. This breezy Florida patio from interior designer Maite Granda has glossy stone flooring, a shiny white tulip-style table, a tinted glass pendant light, and transparent polycarbonate Victoria Ghost chairs.

Maximize Space

While it can be tempting to leave a small patio bare, adding more furniture can make the space more usable and functional. Here, a small side patio off the dining room is turned into a cozy sitting area outfitted with contemporary furniture from Seed Studio Landscape Design.

Add Modern French Doors

To create an indoor-outdoor feel at this San Francisco home, Heather Hilliard Design used modern glass and black metal French doors. Wide plank bleached oak floors that mimic the pale flooring of a narrow patio blurs the distinction between indoors and out.

Add a Curved Stone Wall

In a large backyard, create a patio oasis dedicated to hosting sit-down meals. Marie Flanigan Interiors modernized this rustic stone patio with a bright white table with a bulbous base.

Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Make your patio into an entertaining hub by installing an outdoor kitchen. Interior designer Maite Granda built a fully equipped L-shaped kitchen on this covered poolside patio with a skylight on the roof and a large dining table.

Use Matching Materials

Create a seamless look with matching materials on the home facade and patio. This stone patio from Fantastic Frank looks like an extension of the stone facade of the house for an organic feel.

Plant a Tree

Use planted or potted trees to add greenery and shade to a backyard patio. Mindy Gayer Design Co. used a small tree to partially shelter the fire pit seating area on this Southern California patio.

Layer on the Accessories

Bring the maximalist style of your interior to your outdoor place by layering it with accessories. Bartone Interiors styled this patio with outdoor furniture, floor lamps, an indoor-outdoor rug, copious throw pillows, and decor objects.

Add Some Pattern

When choosing indoor-outdoor fabric, don't shy away from pattern. This Palm Springs patio from Michelle Boudreau Design has an oversized cactus garden, a white wire armchair, and a comfy outdoor sofa that is upholstered in a retro palm print fabric that steals the show.

Install Ceiling Fans

Keep cool by installing a pair of ceiling fans on the roof of a covered patio. Interior designer Olga Hanono has midcentury modern-inspired seating, an organic wood coffee table, a scenic stone wall backdrop, and a warm wood pergola festooned with string lights and equipped with ceiling fans to shelter it from harsh sunlight and downpours.

Accent With Green

Use a bright shade of green as an accent color for an outdoor space. Maestri Studio decorated this patio with a mix of graphic black-and-white patterned floor tile and striped seat covers and bracing green metal dining chairs and matching table base.

Choose Clean Lines

For a patio with a view, choose simple furniture and accessories with clean lines for a modern feel.

This seaside patio from Maestri Studio is built off the end of a deck with a simple table and chairs equipped with an umbrella that creates a perch for admiring the jaw-dropping ocean views.

Use Earth Tones

For a softer feel, decorate your patio with warm earth tones. Living with Lolo used earth tones everywhere from the stone flooring to the brown wood paneled ceiling and dining set, creating a relaxing outdoor space that blends into the surroundings.

Add a Glass Ceiling

Turn your patio into an all-season room with a glass roof. Jessica Lagrange Interiors created a haven of calm in a crowded urban area with a covered patio that includes tall wood planters around the periphery to add privacy and greenery.

Add Sustainable Landscaping

Add xeriscaping landscaping to add a sustainable green element to your patio design. This spacious patio from Maestri Studio includes a central green zone with stylized landscaping and a pair of Adirondack chairs that create a calming backyard oasis.

Add a Strip of Faux Lawn

Given the climate emergency, it's important to minimize water use and landscape our own backyards with sustainability in mind. In this poolside patio from Joshua Smith Interior Design, a stripe of faux grass breaks up all the hard stucco and concrete finishes, while a few judiciously spaced bushes of fluffy grass add volume with minimal planting.

Zone It Out

Clear zones for dining and lounging will structure a wide open patio. Maestri Studio outfitted this modern patio with neutral furniture that adds contrast to the warm brick siding of the home.