Making the most of our backyard is always the goal. From family time to play time to party time, we’re always looking for ways to make our outdoor space as cool as possible. And really, there’s no better place to start than the patio. Afterall, it’s the first stop on your way out the backdoor, and, of course, it’s functional. So functional, in fact, that it’s easy to neglect this area and let it become a catch-all for all things outdoors. With these 19 patio ideas, though, we’re bringing in a little extra form to that function.
These patio ideas are almost year-round must-haves (depending on your location), and you can add and swap out different elements depending on the season, too. They’re also really fast ways to give your space a glow-up with minimal effort and maximum impact. Your humble patio is about to become a little slice of backyard paradise.
Patio Lighting
Solar Globe Lights, 4pk
Illuminate your evenings with these eco-friendly, waterproof, crackle-effect globes. They come in a pack of 4, so snag a couple and light up your whole yard. Available in 3 colors.
Solar Globe Lights, 4pk ($39.90)—Buy Here!
Solar Light Plant Stands, 2pk
You can display your plants, or you could display your plants and light up your deck. They’re available in 8 styles.
Solar Light Plant Stands, 2pk ($50.96)—Buy Here!
Rattan Hanging Lanterns
Tabletop or strategically hung, these lanterns cast a really pretty glow. Available in packs of 1, 2, or 4.
Rattan Hanging Lanterns ($25.99+)—Buy Here!
Solar Brick Lights, 6pk
These brick lights are incredibly handy. Place them anywhere you want to brighten up. Available in warm and cool tones.
Solar Brick Lights, 6pk ($23.99)—Buy Here!
Planters & Greenery
Kids’ Garden Bed Set, 5pk
These colorful planters are made with rounded sides and lead-free steel, so little ones can safely get in on the outdoor glow-up.
Kids’ Garden Bed Set, 5pk ($225.99)—Buy Here!
West Elm Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters
Add vertical greenery with chic wallscape planters—perfect for small spaces. Available in 2 colors and sizes.
West Elm Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Wallscape Planters ($23.29+)—Buy Here!
Crate & Barrel Ceramic Plant Pots
These pots come in various colors and sizes—great for a cohesive plant display.
Crate & Barrel Ceramic Plant Pots ($79.96+)—Buy Here!
Colorful Planters, 15pk
What could be easier than swapping out your dull pots for these colorful planters? They’re rated a 4.7 on Amazon, so we’re not the only ones who love them.
Colorful Planters, 15pk ($23.99)—Buy Here!
Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Planters
Spruce up that blank patio wall with this 5-pot hanging planter. Available in white and black.
Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Planters ($80)—Buy Here!
RELATED: Prime Day Is Officially Four Days—Here’s What You Need to Know
Patio Decor
Easy-Care Outdoor Rug
Define your seating area with a weather-resistant rug that adds color and pattern. Speaking of color and pattern, this rug comes in 9 different options and multiple sizes.
Easy-Care Outdoor Rug ($114.53)—Buy Here!
Maeve Scarf Print Outdoor Pillow
Playful pillows = instant patio style. Anthropologie’s outdoor pillows coordinate, too, so pick your set for a custom statement.
Maeve Scarf Print Outdoor Pillow ($58)—Buy Here!
Waterproof Outdoor Curtains, 2pk
A little privacy is great, but sun protection is elite. Available in 15 colors.
Waterproof Outdoor Curtains, 2pk ($25.99+)—Buy Here!
Metal Flower Garden Stakes, 4pk
Fun and oh-so charming, these picks add character to your plant beds or pots. They’re outdoor-safe and water-resistant, and they come in a set of 4.
Metal Flower Garden Stakes, 4pk ($17.99)—Buy Here!
Functional Additions
3-Tier Patio Umbrella
The 3-tier design of this umbrella promotes airflow, so you get shade and a breeze. It’s available in 13 colors and two sizes.
EliteShade 3-Tier Patio Umbrella ($199.86)—Buy Here!
Outdoor Resin Storage Box
Keep your cushions and accessories safe and dry in this sleek storage box. It’s even lockable and creates extra seating. Available in 2 colors.
Outdoor Resin Storage Box ($166.99)—Buy Here!
Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit
Extend your outdoor season with a compact fire pit that creates warmth and adds to your patio space’s ambiance, especially since it’s designed to produce minimal smoke.
Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit ($249.99)—Buy Here!
JBL CHARGE 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Enjoy your favorite tunes with a Bluetooth speaker designed for the outdoors. The JBL CHARGE 5 includes USB charging and 20 hours of play time.
JBL CHARGE 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($179.95)—Buy Here!
BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
Keep your drinks chilled and close at hand with this cute rolling cooler. The BrüTank comes in a bunch of colors, but the best part is the 7+ day ice retention. Also available in 35qt.
BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler ($399.99)—Buy Here!
Small Furniture
3-Piece Folding Outdoor Bistro Set
Perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails, a compact bistro set is a must. It’s available in 7 colors/styles, too.
3-Piece Folding Outdoor Bistro Set ($109.99+)—Buy Here!
Anjenette Solid Wood Bar Cart
Move your snacks and drinks with ease using a versatile serving cart. It offers shelves and storage, too.
Aisma Solid Wood Bar Cart ($474.99)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.