Is your backyard in need of a makeover? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite backyard decor ideas to get you started on your journey to creating your dream outdoor space.
At Outer, we’re on a mission to bring life back outside, and we want to show you how to have fun doing it. Let’s create a backyard you’re excited to spend time in and can’t wait to show off to your friends, family, and neighbors.
With a mix of DIY and pro-level ideas, there’s something for everyone in our list of backyard decor ideas below!
20 Backyard Decor Tips, Tricks, And Ideas
Set Up A Zen Zone
A dedicated space in the backyard just for relaxing? Yes, please!
Creating your own zen zone is surprisingly easy. Start with one of our Eco-Friendly Rugs to lay a soft foundation, then add accessories such as outdoor cushions for meditating or a hammock for spending a relaxing afternoon reading.
Take it one step further by dressing up the area around your relaxation zone with your own zen garden. Keep it eco-friendly by choosing native plants where possible and avoiding chemicals, like herbicides and pesticides.
Decorate For Each Season
Love decorating your home with holiday decor? Carry that theme outdoors by using seasonal backyard decor to spruce up your outdoor space.
Take spring cleaning to a new level by adding fresh linen accessories to your outdoor seating area. Bring in Halloween-themed pillows, Christmas-colored blankets, and all the Thanksgiving decor you can find to bring the warmth of the indoors outside.
Covers can help prolong the life of your furniture through the changing seasons. If you have an Outer sofa or sectional, you know all about our built-in cover (the OuterShell™) that tucks neatly behind your sofa cushions.
For more inclement weather, we’ve also specially designed All-Weather Covers that fit like a glove around your Outer furniture. With their waterproof design, easy-to-use zippers, and vents to keep airflow happening, think of these covers as a finely tailored suit made just for your sofa.
Implement Hygge Techniques
Hygge is a Danish concept that’s all about designing a cozy, comfortable space that makes you feel content — what could be better?
Hygge techniques don’t have to be confined to the indoors. You can easily bring the warm and fuzzy feelings from your living room or lounge into your outdoor space. Think warming fires, cozy blankets, soft rugs, and, of course, somewhere comfortable to sit and relax.
Try snuggling up on our Teak Outdoor Corner Sectional, paired with soft-toned accessories to bring a little hygge to your backyard decor.
Add A Minimalist Style
Another popular outdoor style focuses on sticking with the essentials for a clean and clutter-free look. This doesn’t mean throwing away everything in your yard. Instead, the minimalist style is a way to rediscover the things about your outdoor space that you love most.
Of course, one of the essentials for any yard is furniture for you and your guests. And when it comes to minimalist furniture, the goal is to keep things simple, neutral-colored, and functional while also providing comfort.
Keep things sleek and simple with our Aluminum collection. One of the best parts about quality aluminum furniture is how little time it takes to maintain it throughout the year.
Along with our patented OuterShell cover to quickly protect your cushions from the elements, there’s no better way to minimize the time spent on cleaning so you can maximize time spent with the ones you love.
Try adding a neutral outdoor rug to bring everything together, or take the hassle out of gardening by growing native plants that thrive in your location’s natural environment.
A minimalist backyard is a great way to make the most out of your space without overcomplicating things, and it’s perfect for connecting with the outdoors.
Try Upcycling
If you’re craving a DIY project that won’t blow the budget, upcycling (turning discarded or unused materials into new objects) old furniture and accessories is a great way to add to your backyard decor without spending a fortune.
Whether you search your Grandpa’s shed or head to your local antique store to find some treasure, try these ideas:
- Upcycle wooden crates to make tables
- Bring new life to vintage chairs with fresh upholstery
- Create a portable bar for your patio out of unused boards
- Add colorful accessories to your backyard with flea market finds
Upcycling projects are great for the planet, and they can really jazz up your backyard when done right.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand-new to upcycling, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help you create the perfect upcycled backyard decor.
Create A Ladder Garden
Ever heard of a ladder garden? This upcycling project is a fun way to add potted plants to your outdoor space, even if you don’t have a sprawling garden to work with.
Whether you have an old ladder lying around or you’ve tracked one down at your local thrift shop, sprucing up your ladder with paint and adding some potted plants, flowers, or herbs will instantly bring life to your backyard.
Try painting your ladder a rustic white for a farmhouse feel, or keep it industrial with a mix of metal frames and wooden boards to rest your plants on.
Build Your Own Veggie Garden
This backyard decor idea is inexpensive, easy, and a fun project for families to learn about sustainability while spending quality time together outside. It’s also a great way to save money on your weekly trip to the grocery store!
You can start your own veggie garden by building an open box out of wood, using a pre-made trough, or by planting your veggie seeds directly into a dedicated section of grass if you have one available.
Start small and choose up to five vegetables that your family is excited to eat. Try starting with produce that’s in season where you live to test out your growing conditions — you’ll be a pro in no time!
Make A Vertical Garden
Just like the ladder garden, a vertical garden is perfect for those wanting to add a little greenery to their outdoor space without taking up too much room. It’s especially handy for those with a patio or balcony.
Building a vertical garden as backyard decor is all about getting creative! Try using wooden crates, hex wire with hanging pots, woven baskets, or even attaching your vertical garden directly to your fence.
Design An Outdoor Movie Space
It’s not the first article we’ve mentioned this idea in and it probably won’t be the last — we love DIY outdoor cinemas!
If you have a projector screen, you’re already halfway there. If you don’t, grab a white sheet and hang it on your fence or between two trees.
Buy, borrow, or hire a projector and you’re good to go. The toughest decision will be which movie to watch!
Use a seating set like our Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs, grab as many pillows and blankets as you can find, and gather way too many snacks to make your backyard movie night the perfect evening outdoors.
Make An Outdoor Dining Zone
If you have extra space on your hands after taking care of your seating needs, why not create a dedicated space for family meals?
An outdoor dining zone is a simple way to go technology-free and focus on mealtimes together as a family (or even with a group of friends). Can’t we all afford to switch off a little more often?
Create your outdoor dining zone by starting with an outdoor rug to define your space. Add in your favorite dining set (maybe an upcycled piece?) and style to your heart’s content!
Build (Or Buy) A Fire Pit
There’s nothing better than cozying up around a fire and roasting marshmallows with your friends and family. So many fond memories are made during simple times like these!
We love fire pits for adding a focal point to outdoor spaces and bringing warmth to backyards. Whether they’re a DIY project or bought pre-made, they also create a fun opportunity for backyard camping.
Grab your sleeping bags, gather the s’mores ingredients, and snuggle up to gaze at the stars together beside your fire pit!
Create An Outdoor Kitchen
From outdoor pizza ovens to built-in cookout stations, outdoor kitchens let you bring the heart of your home into your backyard. They also allow you to spend more time with your guests while you’re cooking up a storm.
Choose your favorite outdoor kitchen pieces — a mini-fridge, an outdoor sink, a state-of-the-art barbecue, the list goes on! — and build your food preparation benches around these key pieces to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
Building an outdoor kitchen can be a pretty big undertaking, but the end result is worth it.
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a comfy seating area to relax after a big meal. We recommend choosing a sofa or sectional with stain-resistant fabric to avoid scrubbing out any food spills.
Our Teak Outdoor Loveseat with Armchairs is not only stylish and incredibly comfortable, but it’s also resistant to water, mold, bleach, stains, and UV rays (just like all Outer furniture!).
Build A Deck Or Patio
While this project might sound overwhelming, it can be straightforward if you have a level block of land. Start by deciding which structure works best for your needs, measure your space, and get building!
Though they can take time and resources to complete, decks and patios are a great way to add value to your home when it comes to resale time. Plus, they’re the perfect place to relax with a drink after a long week or entertain friends and family on the weekend.
Decorate with a comfortable sofa or sectional, like our Wicker Outdoor U Sectional, throw in a fire pit, and you’ve got yourself the best seat outside the house!
Clear Some Space For Yoga Mats
Once you’ve got your deck or patio built and ready to go, the options for using the new space become endless. Keeping a few yoga mats nearby can help you prepare for a number of solo or group activities with friends and family.
Whether it’s a morning yoga session, some family exercise, or just lounging around with a good book, these versatile mats can add a pop of color while in use without creating an eyesore.
When your mats aren’t rolled out and ready for your daily activities, roll them up and place them in a stylish wicker basket to match your wicker furniture.
Create A Bird Sanctuary
Decor tips can bring so much more than products to your yard. The right elements can invite some of nature’s guests to liven up your backyard with a long list of benefits.
For example, attracting native birds is as easy as purchasing or building a bird feeder, filling it with the right food, and watching your space fill with a beautiful array of colors.
You can also expand on this look — without overwhelming your yard — by adding a modern birdhouse or an aluminum birdbath.
These outdoor decorations make it simple to do a lot with a little. After all, the end goal for a balanced space is to have a variety of birds rather than an excess of bird accommodations!
Along with the visual perk that birds can bring, the benefits to your yard are well worth the effort. Love keeping unwanted pests out of your garden? Birds will take care of them without damaging your plants.
What’s more, having a space that nurtures bird populations is linked to increased property values. Homes with natural landscaping that attracts different species of birds are more likely to attract new homeowners.
At the end of the day, birds are a terrific way to add color, music, and value to your backyard.
Consider A Water Feature
There’s a water feature for every backyard space. From garden fountains that blend in with the natural surroundings to cascading waterfalls that take your zen zone to the next level, water features are both visually pleasing and calming.
An aspect of water features that makes them so appealing is that the variety of options is practically limitless. The endless number of shapes, sizes, and styles make it so anyone can find one they love.
Thinking about going a step further? Backyard ponds are an excellent way to reinvent an outdoor space. Sitting pondside in your outdoor loveseat while listening to the relaxing trickle of water can turn any yard into an oasis.
Let There Be Light
A great way to give your yard a redesigned feel without making any major changes is by adding some new light features.
Since most people have a basic light source for their yard that they can turn on and off when they need to, it can be easy to look past how unique lights can fill your space without actually filling your space.
String lights are a common and fun way to add character to awnings, gazebos, pergolas, and so much more. From warm, neutral glows to multicolor options, these lights make for a calm night or add a festive feel without the hassle of putting up new decorations each year.
To get even more dimension out of your lights, consider a projector. These can drape your landscape in a sea of stars or blanket your yard in holographic images of your choice. For every occasion, a light projector is sure to wow the crowd!
You can also choose from lanterns, LED deck lighting, and spotlights to line the fence.
Have Paths To Guide Your Guests
While some yards lend themselves to being open and grassy, placing pavers down on paths between zones can make your space feel interesting and intentional.
Sure, anyone can meander from your outdoor sofa to the deck, but adding paths to get there gives the land its own sense of direction. You can do it the traditional way with stone or brick, or try something unique, like a mulch path with plastic edging.
Whether your path takes guests to and from each zone or lets them wander through garden arbors, these trails are easy to make for all skill levels.
Pro tip: A path in your yard is another fantastic way to include light features! Just choose inground pathway lights that can effortlessly slide into the ground around your walkway, and now it’s illuminated for any time of day.
Put Some Art In The Mix
From vases to garden statues, outdoor art can add just the visuals you’re looking for. Styles range from rustic to modern for a look that can win over any critic.
Outdoor art is also a creative way to express your favorite things. Maybe you have a favorite animal that you’ve been looking to incorporate into your backyard design. A garden sculpture of the animal or some fence art can help fill your space without overpowering it.
Sculpture, statues, vases, and fence decor help make a yard feel more like a gallery. Pick a few pieces that speak to you, and let the new display tell your story.
Save Room With Storage
When your backyard goes through redesigns, you might end up with a few things that you don’t want to get rid of but don’t know what to do with at the moment. Storage options can give your yard a clean solution without sacrificing space or style.
For a small option, try building a DIY storage bench. This multifunctional choice can store items and seat guests, all while fitting in perfectly with your space. A sleek and natural wood is just the thing to go with your teak coffee table.
A storage shed might take a bit more time, but the right look can add an elegant focal point to your space. Even if you don’t have the time to build one yourself, there are plenty of modern choices available to spruce up your yard.
Plus, you can use your new shed as the perfect way to hold your easy-to-store Outer furniture in case of severe weather or toward the end of the season. It’s a great way to keep your most comfortable assets protected no matter what!
Create Your Dream Backyard With Outer
Backyard decor can completely change your outdoor space for the better. From upcycling furniture to creating your own personal zen zone, it’s amazing the difference some extra backyard decor can make to your space.
Whichever backyard decor ideas you choose to implement, be sure to enhance your outdoor space with comfortable seating and sustainable accessories.
Between our Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs, Teak Outdoor Corner Sectional, and range of Eco-Friendly Rugs, Outer has got your outdoor furniture needs covered!