Twilight, warm breezes, and fireflies are some of the best parts of summer, and there's no better place to enjoy them than your own outdoor entertaining space. Whether your home has an expansive deck, a backyard, a balcony, or a small patio, you can create a comfortable place to relax and gather with family and friends.
Photo from iStock.com/Martina Birnbaum
Before You Decorate
Treat the area like an outdoor room by making the most of what you already have. Fencing, walls, railings, and existing landscaping can become part of the design rather than obstacles to work around.
Before you decorate, give the space a thorough cleaning and inspection. Sweep away debris, scrub or power wash dirty surfaces, and check for mildew, pests, loose boards, damaged railings, or other minor repairs. Make sure walkways are also clear and safe.
Once the area is clean and ready, use the following tips to create an outdoor space that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget, whether you're in a rental, military housing, or own your home.
1. Define Your Priorities
Begin by deciding how to use the space. Will it be a quiet place for morning coffee, reading, and relaxing on the weekend? Do you picture family barbecues, children playing, or friends gathering for summer happy hours? It might serve more than one purpose.
Your lifestyle, household, and climate will guide your choices. For instance, if you imagine your outdoor space as a place to share popsicles with your kids and their friends after an afternoon of playing on the swing set, your setup will be different compared to someone looking for a peaceful retreat.
Those living in areas with more favorable weather conditions throughout the year may want to budget for a bigger investment in furniture, shade, or permanent improvements. If you’re stationed in a cooler location with limited warm weather months, it makes sense to invest less in your outdoor space.
The intended use will also help determine the layout. For a restful feel, prioritize seating, a hammock, and small tables for drinks and books. For entertaining, include a dining set with ample chairs and a convenient place to serve food and drinks.
2. Define the Space
Creating visual boundaries can make a patio, porch, balcony, or section of the yard feel like a distinct outdoor room. Defining the boundaries of your outdoor oasis can be as effortless as laying down a stylish outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs are affordable, readily available, and simple to clean. Rugs bring a pop of color, add visual interest, and introduce texture to your outdoor space, all while clearly delineating the area.
To ensure a perfect fit, measure carefully before buying, and choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of the furniture to rest on it. A rug that is too small can make the space feel disconnected.
Other Defining Elements
Decorative fencing, lattice panels, planters, and string lights can also define the area. Not only do these decorative elements add charm and interest, but they also serve practical purposes.
Decorative fencing can be strategically placed to create a defined enclosure, offering a sense of privacy and intimacy. Even a low picket fence can effectively separate the outdoor area from the rest of the surroundings.
Lattice panels are an inexpensive option, allowing airflow and glimpses of the surrounding landscape. They add structure and visual interest, and also provide a sense of separation and privacy.
Use tall planters or lattice walls to create separate zones for dining and conversation.
String lights are a popular and budget-friendly way to outline the perimeter while adding soft evening light. Solar lanterns, battery-operated lamps, or tabletop lanterns can provide additional lighting where needed.
Learn How to Decorate Your Rental Without Losing Your Deposit
3. Choose Comfortable, Flexible Seating
Outdoor seating should fit both the size of the area and the way you plan to use it.
Small Front Porch or Balcony
A three-piece bistro set (two chairs and a small table) offers seating without taking up too much room on a small front porch or balcony. These sets are compact and foldable, especially practical for tight spaces. Add a small side table if there's room.
Spacious Deck or Large Patio
If you have a frequently used deck or large patio area, it's helpful to have multiple seating areas, especially for larger gatherings. A dining table with four to six chairs can serve as the main gathering spot, while a pair of chairs or a sofa nearby creates another area.
Seating for Sunbathing, Relaxing, or Poolside Lounging
For sunbathing, relaxation, or lounging by the pool, there's nothing like a reclining lounge chair. Choose materials that resist water and sun exposure. And don't overlook small conveniences. Side tables give guests a place for drinks, sunscreen, phones, and reading material. Ottomans, stools, and benches provide flexible extra seating.
Outdoor furniture can be expensive, so check resale groups, garage sales, thrift stores, and end-of-season sales for decorating finds. Look for weather-resistant materials that are easy to clean, such as aluminum, teak, resin wicker, or quality synthetic wicker. Mixing new and secondhand pieces adds personality while keeping costs down.
Style and Storage Solutions
Mix and match different seating options to add personality to your outdoor space. Now's the time to incorporate those great thrift finds!
Cushions and throw pillows add comfort, pattern, and color, but plan where you will store them. A storage bench or weather-resistant deck box can hold cushions, blankets, toys, and entertaining supplies while keeping the area organized.
Photo from iStock.com/whyframestudio
4. Plan for Shade and Weather
Shade makes the difference between an attractive outdoor space and one that's actually comfortable to use. Shade doesn't only have to come from backyard trees, however.
Portable umbrellas are a practical and flexible option. They can be moved around and positioned to any area where shade is needed.
Retractable house awnings can be a convenient addition, offering shade and a way to regulate the temperature. Awnings can be easily extended or retracted as needed.
Consider a pergola for a more permanent shade solution. You can purchase pre-assembled pergola kits online or at a home improvement store. Kits range from economical to more expensive. Many pergola kits can be assembled and ready to use within a weekend. Pergolas can be softened with climbing vines, fabric panels, or outdoor curtains.
Also think beyond direct sunlight. A ceiling, standing, or tabletop fan can help cool the area and keep insects away. If evenings are cool, a gas fire table, fire pit, or outdoor fireplace can extend the time you use the space.
5. Add Plants for Ambiance and Privacy
Plants soften hard surfaces, add color, create privacy, and help an outdoor room feel connected to the landscape.
Whether you have a preference for a display of perennials, planters bursting with vibrant annuals, or a charming herb or vegetable container garden, plants are a fairly easy addition to your outdoor space.
Photo from iStock.com/Kristin Mitchell
Don't have a green thumb? Home improvement stores offer a convenient solution with their flower pot inserts. These containers come filled with a mix of annuals designed for you to drop into your preferred flower container (Lowe's calls them "Ready Refill Planters"). No need for digging or replanting—simply enjoy the effortless beauty they bring!
Another option is a planter box filled with succulents or cacti. These plants have become favorites for good reason. Succulents and cacti thrive in arid conditions. These resilient plants require minimal watering and can withstand long periods of drought (or a forgetful owner!), making them a hassle-free option.
For military families who know they won't be in a location longer than a season or two, container gardening is a great approach to experience the joy of gardening, even in a small space. You'll enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs right from your own porch.
6. Make Entertaining Easy
A few practical details can help guests feel comfortable without requiring an elaborate setup.
Create a self-serve drink area with a drink dispenser, cooler, galvanized bucket, bar cart, potting bench, or tall side table. Use unbreakable plates and glasses outdoors, and consider tiered serving pieces when table space is limited. A folding table covered with a tablecloth becomes an instant buffet or dessert station.
Keep frequently needed items in a visible basket or bin. Bug spray, sunscreen, hand fans, napkins, and stain-removal wipes saves guests from having to ask for help. Citronella candles, fans, and other insect-control measures make time outdoors more comfortable.
Arrange food, drinks, and seating so guests can move through the area easily. Avoid placing serving stations in narrow walkways, and make sure chairs don’t block doors or steps.
7. Add Finishing Touches
Once the essentials are in place, add details that reflect your style. Outdoor pillows, lanterns, colorful dishes, candles, or a simple centerpiece can make the space feel welcoming without overwhelming it.
The best outdoor areas aren’t necessarily the largest or most expensive. They’re clean, comfortable, functional, and suited to the people who use them. By defining your priorities, choosing flexible furniture, adding shade and plants, and planning for guest comfort, you can create an outdoor space that works for everyday relaxation and summer gatherings.
Summer is also the busy moving season for military families, which means you may be moving into a new home. Whether you're moving or staying put, find more ideas in our free home decorating guide below.
