7 Outdoor decorating tips for a cosy and clean yard

Warm, sunny days call for a nature escapade! Whether that’s a picnic in the park, a quick walk around the block, or hiking—there are plenty of ways to spend time outdoors. 

Can’t schedule these nature activities? You can always spend most of your day in your gazebo or pergola (if you have one). And what better way to make those hours extra special than by adding in new furnishings, plants, and whatnot? 

Before going on an outdoor decor shopping spree, read these outdoor decorating tips and mistakes!

1. Place furniture strategically

One of the most common outdoor decorating mistakes is stuffing your patio with outdoor seating, potted plants, dining tables, and patio umbrellas. Less is more when it comes to outdoor spaces! You want people to be able to move freely whenever they please.

Depending on the size of your outdoor living space, stick to a simple layout so visitors can easily navigate the grounds. To ensure everything fits perfectly—from your dining table to the outdoor rugs—measure your patio before buying anything. It guarantees you can accommodate all your guests without them feeling cramped.

Tip: Choose different types of seating furniture to avoid a cluttered-looking backyard! You can add a lounger, a plush sofa, and a chaise lounge chair to keep the area cosy.

2. Don’t forget about ambient lighting

An outdoor decorating idea that’s often neglected is lighting. If your outdoor room looks beautiful under the sun but lacks artificial light, it’ll be useless after dusk.

Take note of the amount of natural light your backyard gets, and consider creating a lighting landscape with string lights, candles, pathway lighting, and outdoor lamps.

Tip: Diversify your outdoor area’s lighting sources. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that will beckon you and your guests to hang out all night!

3. Use furniture and fabrics that work for different elements

One of the best tips for decorating your outdoor space is finding products that can withstand wind, rain, extreme heat, and other types of weather. The last thing you want is to place a glass dining table outside, only for one of your patio furniture to shatter after a giant gust of wind.

Invest in fabrics that are mould, mildew, and fade-resistant, as well as sturdy cushions, dining chairs, and umbrellas designed explicitly for outdoor use. Furniture made of wicker, plastic, and marine vinyl are great options!

Tip: Outdoor furniture is still subject to wear and tear. Remember to fold your umbrellas and chairs and bring in other items that could be blown away when there’s a thunderstorm, sandstorm, or snowstorm warning.

4. Mix and match

Need to learn how to create a stylish outdoor space? Create a theme for your backyard! Or, choose an accent colour and decorate your outdoor spaces with various pieces that tie back to it.

Your outdoor curtains, seating area, outdoor dining area, and other outdoor decor don’t need to match each other exactly. But a common theme will make your backyard space look cohesive and balanced!

Tip: Want your outdoor living and dining space to look separate but still connected? Use rugs and decor of various sizes and prints in the same colour scheme to adhere to the whole place’s theme.

5. Outdoor storage is just as important

Only some yards have enough space for a shed. For a mess-free patio, add multi-use furniture, like a coffee table with hidden shelves, chairs with storage under the cushions, or a sofa with pillows inside.

Tip: Need help finding the right double-duty furnishings? Opt for garden shelves! Place small items like gardening tools, small plants, and other trinkets to create visual interest in your back patio.

6. Choose the right plants for the climate

Plants and flowers make any room brighter and more beautiful. But don’t make the mistake of just putting random ones in your outdoor living area—choose those that work in the British climate so they can thrive all year.

If you’re an amateur gardener, container gardening is for you. It can fit any space (whether large or small) and is easier to maintain. And if your plants do end up wilting and dying, you can replace them with new ones!

Tip: Note where you live when choosing plants and flowers! For example, Lily of the Valley thrives in dry shade and is native mostly to England.

7. Always maintain your outdoor furniture

What good is all your hard work decorating your outdoor area if you won’t take care of it? If you need more time to clean up, buy furniture that’s easy to wash and dry!

When maintaining your outdoor space, don’t think of it as a chore but as an investment so you can spend your days soaking up the sun without worrying about dirty pillows or crumbs between the cushions.

Tip: Outdoor furniture should be cleaned once or twice a year. If you live near the ocean, rinse your furniture monthly to remove salt buildup. Don’t plan on using your outdoor space soon? Place protective covers over them to prevent rust, mould, and mildew.

Create the perfect outdoor space with Airtasker

Having a beautiful backyard will encourage you to spend time outdoors and can have numerous benefits for your health—reducing stress, improving your mood, and fostering relationships! 

Styling your outdoor space doesn’t have to be a one-person job. You can hire a professional home decorator or interior designer to help! You can create a place filled with nature that reflects your style and needs.