Inspiration11 min read

18 Ideas For Patio Accessories To Liven Up Your Outdoor Space

18 Ideas For Patio Accessories To Liven Up Your Outdoor Space

Your patio isn’t just an afterthought or an extra space in your house. It’s a place to gather, rest, relax, feast, and laugh. And with the right patio accessories, you can make it inviting and welcoming.

If you’re at a loss for what accessories to choose to spice up your patio or deck, stick around. In this article, we’ll give you 18 ideas for patio accessories to fit your style that will make your space come alive.

Finding The Right Theme

Before discussing some exciting ideas that can help transform your patio, let's first talk about the theme.

Choosing a theme for your outdoor area can be a great way to create a genuinely unique outdoor space. But it can also be hard to decide what's best.

To solve this dilemma, we've come up with a few suggestions to help you find a suitable theme that will transform your patio into the ideal outdoor space.

Consider A Location

First, consider a location. Just because you're at your house doesn't mean you can't be anywhere else (in spirit, of course!).

You can base your patio area on a favorite physical location. For example, if you love the beach and want to incorporate a beach theme into your patio, tropical prints and light blue accent colors could be a great way to do so.

Or, if you love the mountains, opt for a mountain-themed patio by incorporating a natural color palette.

Remember that your patio is a space you'll spend lots of time relaxing in by yourself and with family and friends. So, if you have a favorite physical location, incorporating colors that remind you of that place can be very soothing.

Choose Colors You Love

Cushion weather cover
Outer Wicker Outdoor Armchair and Ottoman

A common way to transform a patio area is by solely picking colors you love. This option can be simpler and less overwhelming to achieve. All you need to do is select your base colors and then consider which other tones they blend well with.

Incorporating pops of color into your décor and furniture makes your entire patio look put together and organized.

While cushions and rugs may be the first thing you think of when it comes to color, there are even more ways to add splashes of color to your patio area.

For example, if you're adding orange accents to your patio, choose flower pots or garden ornaments that match this tone. This can be a great way to liven up your patio space and give it some personality.

Incorporate Your Hobbies

Our hobbies are the little things we do that sometimes help us escape from our mundane, day-to-day activities. Since these activities bring so much joy, incorporating them into your patio area can provide some direction for your theme.

Whether you enjoy sailing, painting, playing music, or anything else, you can tastefully add your hobbies or passions into your patio decor. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

For example, if you love sailing, incorporate nautical-inspired cushions. If you spend a lot of time watching local teams play, include some sports memorabilia and a freestanding cooler. Or, if you play an instrument, add a touch of musical whimsy to your patio’s accents.

When it comes to choosing a theme, remember that there is no right or wrong. This is your space, and you get to decide what you like and the type of space you want to walk into every time you step onto your patio.

Just because your patio is outside and functional doesn't mean it can't be stylish. By selecting a theme you love, you can make it an enjoyable space for yourself and your guests.

With that said, let's get into some creative ways to use accessories to help you liven up your patio area.

18 Ideas For Patio Accessories

1) Patio Furniture

Great patio accessories near pool
Outer Brown Wicker Outdoor Loveseat with Armless Chair

For as practical as tables and chairs are, fountains are at the other end of the practicality spectrum. They might not be useful, but fountains are certainly lovely to look at and so relaxing. A fountain is one patio accessory that can really change the feel of your space for the better!

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  • A small, table-top fountain
  • A sleek, modern rectangular fountain
  • A stone fountain inspired by nature itself
  • A birdbath fountain
  • An artistic, tiered fountain

Big or small, natural-looking or clean-cut, there is a fountain to fit your style.

2) Fountain

Water fountain makes a great patio accessories

For as practical as tables and chairs are, fountains are at the other end of the practicality spectrum. They might not be useful, but fountains are certainly lovely to look at and so relaxing. A fountain is one patio accessory that can really change the feel of your space for the better!

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  • A small, table-top fountain
  • A sleek, modern rectangular fountain
  • A stone fountain inspired by nature itself
  • A birdbath fountain
  • An artistic, tiered fountain

Big or small, natural-looking or clean-cut, there is a fountain to fit your style.

3) Patio Bar Or Serving Cart

Here at Outer, we’re all about taking your life outside. And what’s better than spending a summer evening outdoors sipping on a drink and enjoying the company of your friends?

Adding a patio bar or serving cart to your outdoor space will make serving drinks a breeze. Go for a bar complete with stools, or choose a smaller serving cart where you can store beverages, mixers, glasses, and the like.

4) Umbrella

Patio umbrella and patio furniture on a water front patio

To add cool shade to an otherwise sunny patio or deck, look no further than an umbrella. An umbrella that goes in the center of your table is a good choice, or you can offer shade for your couch or armchair with a stand-alone umbrella.

The right umbrella can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, adding a special touch to the look and feel of your patio.

5) Fire Pit

When it comes to inviting patio accessories that change both the look and feel of your space, we think fire pits and fire tables take the cake.

Just like most other patio accessories, there are different styles of fire pits and fire tables to meet your needs. First of all, you can choose your fire pit based on your preferred fuel: wood, propane, gel fuel, or natural gas.

Secondly, you’ll choose between a fire pit, fire bowl, fire column, fire table, chimney, campfire, or a sunken pit that fits into your deck or the earth in your backyard. And that’s just to name a few of the options and designs.

We crafted the Outer Fire Pit Table to be the center focal point of your outdoor furniture, keeping you warm and adding an elegant touch to your patio at the same time. Use it during cool summer nights and cold winter days (or anytime!) to cook up something delicious on the Hibachi grill.

6) Plants

Even the smallest patio accessories can make a big difference. And plants come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve already got mother nature surrounding you when you’re outside, but why not add some curated potted plants to your patio scene?

Depending on your patio’s theme and style, you can go with big pots, small pots, pretty flowers, leafy green plants, wall-mounted planters, cacti or succulents, hanging baskets, and so much more. The plant possibilities are endless.  

Another option is to keep a vase full of fresh flowers on your outdoor table.

7) Pillows

Pillows are great patio accessories
Outer Outdoor Throw Pillows

Just as throw pillows complete the look of your living room or bedroom, they’ll also add the perfect touch to your outdoor living space. Add pillows for comfort as well as style.

Choose comfortable and durable pillows that are fade-, stain-, and water-resistant and with covers are easy to remove so washing them is a cinch.

8) Blankets

The right outdoor blanket can enhance your and your guests’ outdoor experience — especially when your blanket also shields you from pesky bugs. That’s what you’ll get with Outer Bug Shield Blankets.

These lightweight throw blankets are made with our invisible and odorless Insect Shield®️ technology, which is proven to repel pesky mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, ants, chiggers, and no-see-ums.

We created this blanket to be lightweight so you can get comfortable all year long. But we also want you to feel safe. The Insect Shield®️ was given the most favorable and lowest-risk rating by the EPA and is approved for use by pregnant women, children, and pets.

Our Bug Shield Blankets are also made with 100% recycled fibers, giving existing materials a second life. Choose from three different patterns (houndstooth, pinstripe, and plaid) to fit your look.

With less time spent worrying about annoying pests, you have more time to sit back and relax with friends and family.

9) Outdoor Lighting

Friends gathering for dinner on outside patio table

If you’ve ever been under the enchantment of twinkling lights on a warm summer night, you’ll know that the right lighting can make a space something magical. This is why we think outdoor lighting is on the must-have list of patio accessories.

Lighting comes in all shapes and sizes, from string lights to ceiling lights, candles to lanterns.

Speaking of candles, these can be used to set the tone. We love this option in particular because regardless of the size of your patio area, chances are, you can add a few candles.

Pillar candles are quite popular, but if you don't have these on hand, that's OK because any candle will do. However, if you have young children who can't keep their hands to themselves, battery-powered pillar candles are often the safest and easiest choice.

10) Mirrors

You might think of mirrors as an indoor accessory, but they also do wonders to liven up your outdoor living space. They can be used to make your area look bigger and reflect the beautiful green and blue hues of the great outdoors.

Keep in mind that mirrors don’t always have to be hung on a wall. To add interest, a large mirror can sit on the floor or a table as long as it’s placed correctly and safely. Of course, you can always hang a stylish set of mirrors if you have an accessible wall in your space.

11) Rugs

Wicker patio furniture with an aluminum coffee table
Outer Aluminum Coffee Table

The last on our list of great patio accessories: an outdoor rug. We started by mentioning patio furniture like tables and chairs, and we’ll finish with rugs — the perfect accessory to go under your furniture and the unsung hero of comfortable, stylish outdoor spaces.

Outer Outdoor Rugs have a neutral look to ensure that they fit within your decorating style, yet are attractively designed with a subtle texture and understated herringbone pattern. Plus, they’re eco-friendly to lessen our impact on the earth we love.

In fact, we use 100% recycled PET plastic bottles to make each rug, which not only gives plastics a second life but also lends to the rug’s overall durability. PET plastics are naturally stain-resistant, retain color, and won’t fade in sunlight or after a harsh cleaning.

Last but not least, these rugs are easy to clean because it’s just a fact of life that outdoor rugs get dirty in no time.

12) Outdoor Tiling

Perhaps you want to replace your deck or patio floors with something more permanent than an outdoor rug. In that case, consider patio and deck flooring options, such as ceramic or wooden tiles.

These are a great option if you're looking for something that you won't have to worry about with changing seasons.

When installed, creative outdoor tiling can add a simple element of design to a stylish and uncomplicated space. Not all patio decor ideas need to be flashy, so we also love this option because of how seamlessly the correct tiling can blend into your backyard area.

Just be sure to measure the space correctly to get the perfect fit.

13) Conversation Starters

gnome as a patio accessory

Including conversation starters in your space is a great way to make your patio stand out from the rest.

We've all been to that one friend or family member's house where the moment you walk in, you can't help but ask about an interesting art piece.

A garden statue, a lantern in an unusual shape, or any other quirky piece can be quite the talking point for the patio area. These small yet standout pieces can help elevate your backyard from ordinary or expected to unique and memorable.

14) Hammocks And Swings

If you’re looking to personalize your space, grab a swing or hammock! They can add a whimsical feel to your patio.

Swings can be the perfect option if you have a covered patio or a large enough tree for a hanging seat.

A hammock is another relaxing option (if you have kids, they’ll definitely love it, too!). There are even multi-person hammocks available. Either seat will bring a youthful vibrancy and personality to your outdoor space.

Any patio can benefit from a playful piece of furniture, so including a hammock or swing can provide just the right whimsical touch.

15) Wind Chimes

Wind chimes have a calming effect that can be felt even on the most stressful of days. A softly playing wind chime in a summer breeze is a soothing sound that always makes a house feel like a home.

You can hang yours near the entrance to the patio or even on a nearby tree if you're surrounded by nature.  

Depending on the type of wind chimes you have, you can also add a solar-powered light bulb, which will allow it to glow at night and add to its charm.

16) Wall Decor

Wall flower pots are great patio accessories

When it comes to our outside space, we don't always think of hanging wall decor because it's generally so open.

While this may be true, if you have a patio space that is partially enclosed or has walls, you can have some fun with exterior decor that's built to withstand the elements.

The simplest way to achieve exterior wall decor is by hanging small potted plants in creative designs. But this doesn't have to be the only option.

You can also choose ornaments, sculptures, and other art pieces inspired by nature that effortlessly blend into the wall and surroundings.

17) Centerpiece

Don't go overboard with elaborate tablescapes if you're looking for decor for an outdoor gathering.

A serving tray can be used as an eye-catching centerpiece just as easily as a charcuterie board. With their convenient side handles and sleek finish, wood trays appear to be made for this purpose.

Trays also make an excellent host or hostess gift, so pick one up if you're going to a friend's house for the weekend.

18) Privacy Screens Or Curtains

Patio dinning table with decorative plating

Earlier, we mentioned that umbrellas are great to place outside when your patio is positioned or facing direct sunlight. But this isn’t the only way to get some shading.

Consider adding a small cover to a space to make it feel cozier or provide some privacy. These additions create intimacy, provide shade, and add personality to an outdoor space.

In addition to curtains for shading, you can also separate different patio areas by adding screens.

Create mini "rooms" to divide up your outdoor space and make it feel more luxurious. For example, you can create a separate section for lounging by dividing the space with decorative screen panels.

Spruce Up Your Space With Patio Accessories

Friends sitting on outdoor furniture during a party
Outer Aluminum Outdoor Armchair Conversation Set

You’ve read about several ideas for patio accessories to add life, color, warmth, and character to your outdoor living space. Now, it’s time to get to work!

Once you have chosen the perfect patio furniture — like Outer’s Wicker Outdoor Loveseat or Teak Outdoor Armchair Conversation Set — accessorize with throw pillows, mirrors, potted plants, Blankets, and lighting. Add a fountain, fire pit, or patio bar to bring your space to the next level.

We have no doubt that with the right planning and the perfect accessories, your patio will turn into a special outdoor space where you, your family, and your friends will enjoy spending hours on end.