Backyard Patio Ideas and Inspiration for 2024

What are the best outdoor patio lights? There’s no right or wrong answer to that question. Outdoor patio lights can set the mood of your space and define your patio style.

For example, a patio draped in fairy lights invites you to relax, surrounded by a soft glow of tiny, twinkling lights. Whether you hang string lights from the trees or a pergola, they can create a mellow, relaxing atmosphere.

For a more rustic look, you can use torches or lanterns for heavier swaths of light to illuminate your patio. Less dainty in their appearance, metal lanterns or bamboo or wood torches can add a more down-home feel to your patio.

For something in the middle, you can create a tranquil place to unwind with well-placed real or faux candles to add light to your space.

When you want to give the illusion of a larger space, less is more. To reduce distraction and create more visual space, don’t clutter your patio with too many decorations.

Instead, make use of surrounding space and keep it simple. If your patio offers you and your guests a nice view, angle your seating to make the most of it. Also, try using a small grill set off to the side of your patio to give your guest more space to enjoy the outdoors.

Heighten the look of your patio by dangling string lights or tall plants to draw the eye upward.

To create an illusion of a longer patio, incorporate plants at intervals across the patio and even onto your yard.

A patio should feel like an extension of your home — just outdoors.

Enjoy a quiet night “in” outside with a cozy patio kitchen, with a built-in grill and broiler in brushed metal. These appliances are cleverly built into the concrete of the patio and positioned to reflect light from the (also built-in) fireplace. 

Adding to the zen effect are large statues and soft candle light. Crisp, light-neutral colored furniture and cushions create an even more calming, nature-loving feel to this setup.

Your patio dining set is the focal point of your outdoor space. It's important to select one that works for your space and your style.

Think of your space and your personal aesthetic. If you favor a rustic style of decor, look to wooden picnic tables. Love simple elegance and minimalism? How about glass tables and sturdy patio furniture with clean lines in black or white?

Or do you crave the feel of coastal charm or the feel of a Tuscan villa? Elegant patio tables — like this one — shows off an indoor/outdoor room perfect for lazy weekend mornings. Crisp white chairs and benches accented in cocoa brown complement the streamlined look of this patio table set, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

A covered patio provides a shady spot during the day to relax and enjoy the view. 

Thick columns don’t merely help to support the roof of a covered patio, but they also serve as more of a frame for the picturesque scenery.

Keeping the furniture simple works with — not against — the gorgeous view of the natural surroundings. Furniture with bold, striped patterns in brilliant turquoise and white make for a fun color palette that brightens up the space.

Matching your patio furniture with your patio columns and railings gives your space a sense of cohesion. 

Elegant white wicker furniture perfectly matches the circular railing on this enclosed patio, giving it a timeless look. 

You can always add colorful pillows or intricate accent pieces — like this delicate gold-and-glass lantern on the table — to add more visual interest.

Bohemian “Boho” design has been quite popular in recent years and shows no signs of fading in 2020. This colorful mix-and-match style lends itself to outdoor living. 

Colorful jewel-toned fabrics and sari prints can make for gorgeous accents with wicker or rattan furniture — pumping up the color profile of a patio.

The nice thing about Boho is that you’re not limited to making all cushions match, either. You can add purple cushions on one chair, yellow or turquoise cushions on another, or vibrant scarlet or emerald green on yet another patio chair. The wicker furniture itself can be a unifying factor while accents, plants, and even fairy lights can create a whimsical feel to your patio.