Tips for Decorating a Patio

With the right decorations and style a patio can become a great place to entertain guests and enjoy as a family. By following these simple steps you'll create a beautiful outdoor space.

Get it Clean
Start with a clean canvas. Remove any chairs and tables, old decorations and rugs or mats. Sweep and clean the space, then take a few minutes to look at the empty patio without anything in it.

Choose a Theme and Make a Plan
Choose a theme for the patio. If you want an Italian garden feel look through magazines and find pictures that represent the theme. Then decide what types of items you want in your space. Do you want wicker furniture or metal or wood? What patterns will you use? What colors? What is your budget? How will you be using the patio? Will be mostly for family or will you be entertaining others?

Furniture
Think about how you are going to use the patio, how big the patio is and your theme, then choose furniture accordingly. Sometimes all that will be needed is a single chair and a few other accessories. If the patio is large and you plan on entertaining you will want to consider furniture that will increase seating.

Accessories
These are really the items that pull the whole look together. Sometimes a patio rug is needed to really bring out the theme, other items such as wind chimes, potted plants, vases, candles and birdhouses or decorative signs may be just what is needed. If your patio is especially small make sure that you have one item that is really the focal point and that you don't clutter the space with too many accessories.

Keep it Looking Good
Patio furniture can really take a beating from the weather and can quickly look worn and dirty. During winter or when the furniture will not be used for an extended period of time store the furniture in a garage or basement if possible. During the summer months when the patio furniture will be used often and it is not practical to store the furniture in a garage or basement make sure that you have some type of heavy cover to put over the furniture when not in use. Applying a coat of vinyl protectant bought at a hardware store can protect vinyl chairs. Metal tables can also be painted with a protecting varnish, but the best way to avoid rust is to cover the table.