Outdoor decorating has a demanding client, which is the weather. Sun, rain, wind and temperature swings will test every material you bring outside. The reward is worth it, though, since a welcoming porch or a comfortable patio can feel like an extra room and changes how your home looks from the street.
How to plan an outdoor space that lasts
A little planning helps outdoor decor stay attractive past its first season. Start by paying attention to how the space behaves throughout the day.
Watch the sun, wind and rain
Notice where the shade falls in the afternoon, where rain reaches, and whether wind tends to sweep across the space. Those patterns determine where seating belongs, which plants will thrive, and whether lightweight decor needs to be secured. Fabrics labeled for outdoor use and rust-resistant furniture are worth prioritizing in exposed areas.
Know the rules before you decorate
Renters, condo owners and homeowners association members may face limits on railings, grills, fire features, lighting and visible decor. It’s worth reading those rules first, particularly if you’re planning anything attached to a wall or railing. Local fire rules and the product’s instructions should decide whether a fire pit is appropriate and where it can go.
The main sub-topics in Outdoor Spaces
This category is organized around seven sub-topics, beginning at the front door and working around the home.
Front Porch
The Front Porch section covers small porches, modern entries, mobile home porches and seasonal displays. A door mat that suits the door’s width, a pair of planters and a clear path to the entrance can transform a porch without much spending. Decor should never block the door or the steps.
Patios
The Patios section takes in backyards, back porches, renters’ patios and small fire pit setups, along with plants and budget furniture. An outdoor rug and a clearly defined seating area can make an open slab feel like a room. Removable pieces are a smart option if you might move.
Balconies
The Balconies section focuses on very small spaces, privacy, lighting and container gardens. Folding furniture and vertical planters make good use of limited floor area. Check any weight limits and make sure that nothing can fall or blow off the railing.
Curb Appeal
The Curb Appeal section looks at the exterior as a whole, including paint colors, window shades, front yards and house styles. A paint sample should be viewed on the house at several times of day, since sunlight can shift a color considerably. Small projects such as cleaning up edges, replacing house numbers and adding planters can improve the view from the street for relatively little money.
Outdoor Lighting
The Outdoor Lighting section covers entry fixtures, wall lights, uplights, solar lights, permanent lights and string lights. Check that every fixture is rated for its location, because a covered porch and a fully exposed wall have different needs. Plug outdoor lights into suitably protected outlets, use outdoor-rated cords, and leave any hardwired work to a licensed electrician.
Sunrooms
The Sunrooms section helps you furnish a bright room that sits between indoors and out. Three-season and four-season rooms differ in how well they handle heat and cold, which affects the furniture and fabrics that make sense. Strong sun can fade textiles, so window coverings and fade-resistant fabrics are worth considering, particularly in a long, narrow room with windows along one side.
Outdoor Holidays
The Outdoor Holidays section covers fall displays, Halloween yards and Christmas decorations, including DIY projects and oversized pieces. Secure anything large against wind, keep walkways and driveways free of cords, and choose battery-powered candles for pumpkins and luminaries. A display is at its best when guests and trick-or-treaters can still get to the door safely.
Keeping outdoor decor simple and affordable
A simple plan often works better outside than a lot of small accessories. One large planter generally has more impact from a distance than several tiny ones. A paint refresh, healthy plants and good lighting tend to give you the most visible change for the money. Store cushions and delicate items when bad weather is on the way, and they’ll last for more than one season.