Tips AU

40 Patio ideas for your backyard

By Katie

Updated: June 20th, 2023

Get ready to entertain the crowd with an inviting patio setting to unwind after a busy week.

Looking for a refreshing place to entertain guests or a change of scenery from your usual lounging area? Your backyard can be an excellent canvas for events and unwinding of any kind, especially on sunny afternoons or cool evenings.

You can transform your home’s open space into one you’ll love to use for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Check out these patio ideas to breathe new life into your backyard.

Patio seating

You don’t always have to have guests over to deck your patio with comfy seating. Having seating ready outdoors makes for the best lounging spot if you’re in the mood for fresh air.

1. Capitalise on corners

couch seating in patio corner

Turn a bland corner into a cosy nook perfect for everything from lively conversation to quiet contemplation by adding cushioned seating and a coffee or bistro table.

2. Small furnishings for small spaces

relaxing small patio seating for two

Who says you need a ton of space to enjoy your patio? Adding a couple of seats and a smaller coffee table for drinks can be enough to create an inviting hangout spot that you can’t wait to come home to.

3. Build seating right into your patio

built-in bench seating

If you’re planning a broader remodel of your patio, building seating right into the structure of the patio itself can be a great option. Allow the seating to blend seamlessly into the foliage for a picturesque feel. Dress it up with comfy throws for events or lounging around.

4. Go casual with Adirondack chairs

comfortable adirondack chairs

Adirondack chairs offer a timeless, classic design that adds casual style to any patio. Use them to surround a fire pit, or place them by the corner for the ultimate relaxation spot to enjoy some sun.

5. Create space to “hang out”

woven hanging chair in patio

Hanging chairs are another fantastic way to create a relaxing environment. Spaces don’t always have to be too formal; they should be as comfortable as you prefer them to be.

6. Loungers for sun-lovers

patio loungers for laidback hangouts

If you’re looking to use your backyard to soak up the sun, why not add a couple of loungers to help you do exactly that? Whether or not you have a pool, you can use loungers to get a tan, read a book, or chat with good company.

7. Why sit when you can lie down?

casual hammock in patio

How about a mid-afternoon snooze? Adding a hammock to your patio instantly ups the cool factor and creates an inviting place to relax and recharge.

Patio décor ideas

Sometimes decorating your patio is just a matter of adding unique design elements to keep it visually stimulating or to bring that air of calmness to the overall look. Don’t be afraid to bring big and small pieces to your space. If you’re hesitant, find professional contractors to plan it out and make it happen.

8. Create an airy feel with curtains

airy curtains in patio

Outdoor curtains can create an elegant and airy feel as they move in the breeze on your patio. They aren’t just for show, either; curtains can help filter out just the right amount of sunlight, and they also allow you some privacy if your backyard is quite large.

9. Add a fountain

small patio fountain

The sound of running water offers a relaxing bit of white noise that can help drown out the sounds of the city. Add a fountain to your patio to bring a touch of that tranquillity to your space.

Not sure where to add that water feature? Sounds like you might need to think about your overall garden design. But if that’s not something you’re not too sure about, you might want to get a professional and figuring out how much a garden designer cost is a great place to start.

10. Scatter lanterns

small hanging outdoor lanterns

Lanterns brighten the night and create an inviting atmosphere on your patio once the sun goes down. Try incorporating multiple lanterns of varying shapes and sizes for a casual but put-together look.

11. Build a pond or waterfall

charming home koi pond

Create a sense of calm and well-being when relaxing on your patio by adding a water feature. Whether it’s a waterfall, a pond, or both, a water feature is an excellent way to create a calming atmosphere while relaxing on your patio. Here’s how much a water feature will cost when putting one in your garden.

12. Lay down an outdoor rug

cosy outdoor patio rug

With the trend toward bringing the indoors out showing no signs of slowing, consider adding outdoor carpeting to define a sitting area and add a splash of colour to your patio.

13. Add planters

clever wall of planters

Potted plants are versatile accessories that can dramatically change the look of your patio or deck. Whether your space is big or small, it’s a great way to minimise the amount of work you need to put in when tending to the greens.

14. Incorporate colourful pillows

colourful patio cushions

Pillows are one of the most flexible and affordable elements you can incorporate when it comes to getting the look you want on your patio. Choose warm colours to create vibrant and upbeat energy, or opt for cooler colours to create a more relaxed environment.

15. Plant a splash of colour

patio with flowers in rattan baskets

Flowers add a pop of colour that makes a welcome addition to any patio décor plan. When selecting flowers, consider choosing colours that play well together with the rest of your décor. Also, consider planting flowers that bloom during different times of the year so that you’ll always have something to enjoy when you step outside.

16. Surround your patio with plants

lush greens surrounding wooden patio

Adding greenery all around your patio makes the space feel safe and secluded as if you’ve just walked out of your home and into a secret garden.

Patio layout & material ideas

The essential part of patio planning is considering your layout and material options. Factors like the amount of space you have and your design preference will affect how your backyard will look.

17. Build a multi-level deck

stunning multilevel deck patio

A multi-level deck is a great way to create a usable outdoor living space with naturally-defined areas. One of the most common layouts for a multi-level deck involves keeping a BBQ on one level and a seating area on another. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could add a third level and a hot tub.

Not sure where to start? Here’s our DIY guide on how to build a deck.

18. Use pavers for extra visual interest

decorative patio paving

If you’re building your patio from scratch, consider using pavers to add interest. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Pavers can be used to create looks ranging from old-world charm all the way to ultra-modern symmetry.

19. Bring the indoors outside with tiles

colourful tiled patio flooring

Give your patio a sophisticated look with tiles outside. If there’s no shade to cover them, look for waterproof options like plastic, rubber, or porcelain for your tiles.

20. Create a path for the eye to follow

winding stone pathway

Speaking of views, why not take an active role in that by creating a picturesque path leading to or from your patio? A greenery-lined path naturally captures our eye and creates a sense of curiosity about what lies beyond.

21. Sliding doors

sliding doors opening to patio

If you’re going full-scale renovation, there’s no better way to create an airy, flowing feel than to build in sliding doors leading out to your patio. When open, it allows for a seamless transition between indoors and out, making your patio feel less like the outdoors and more like an extension of your living room.

22. A custom wood deck

wooden patio deck

There’s something to be said about wood as a timeless choice in deck design. Consider having the wood planks layered in varying directions to add a more polished look to your deck.

Patio entertaining ideas

If you’re an ever-enthusiastic host who loves to wow guests, you’ll enjoy creating an outdoor space perfect for events of every kind.

23. Embrace the casual ambience of a fire pit…

outdoor fire pit

Share ghost stories and fond memories by adding a fire pit to your patio. A fire pit is great at creating a casual vibe. Be sure to have enough seating space to accommodate guests. Wrap-around seating works well for fire pits.

24. …or go upscale with an elegant fire table

cosy outdoor fire table

For an elevated design, consider choosing a fire table instead. Fire tables are available in various shapes and sizes but generally work best with a modern or contemporary design style.

If these fire pits aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve compiled a dedicated article on fire pit ideas.

25. Get that old-world feel with a wood-fired oven

classic wood-fired oven

Are you big into making your own pizza? A wood-fired oven might be right up your alley. It offers function and form, creating an old-world vibe reminiscent of simpler times – perfect for a backyard patio.

26. Add a built-in grill

built-in outdoor grill

For a more versatile culinary option, build a grill right into your patio structure. It lends a more put-together look than keeping it as a standalone item. Plus, it can be built to offer you more counter space as well.

27. Create an inviting outdoor kitchen

modern stainless steel outdoor kitchen

Why stop with a grill? If you’ve got the space, you can create an entire outdoor kitchen complete with an oven, stove, and sink. Take your entertaining game to new heights by creating a complete backyard oasis.

28. Catch your favourite show on TV

upscale fireplace with outdoor tv

While you’re bringing the kitchen outside, why not take the living room with you too? The advent of weather-resistant TVs means that you can catch up on your favourite show without having to leave the comfort of your patio.

29. Set the tone with camouflaged speakers

weatherproof rock speaker

If you enjoy listening to music while relaxing outdoors, all-weather speakers can be a great choice. These days they come in various shapes and sizes to blend in with your décor and are made to withstand the elements — sometimes even more than indoor speakers.

30. Keep the conversation flowing with an outdoor bar

sophisticated outdoor bar

An outdoor bar is a great way to give people a gathering place to relax, sip a cold drink or talk with whoever is behind the counter. If you’ve got a TV behind the counter, it can also be the perfect place for you and your friends to catch that season premiere you’ve been waiting for.

31. Dine outdoors

patio dining area

Adding a full-size dining table to your outdoor space immediately designates that space as an area to gather and eat as a group. When the weather is nice, having a dining table on your patio is a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal in the comfort of your backyard.

32. Pool on the patio

relaxing pool by the patio

Few pairings are more classic than the patio-and-pool combination. For a seamless look, choose a paving material that works for your patio and pool liner; you’ll want something that retains a grip when wet.

Patio lighting & canopy ideas

Lighting lends a hand in setting the mood for any space. It also helps define the amount of activity and comfort throughout outdoor endeavours.

33. Illuminate a path with floor lighting

discreet floor light by walkway

Not only does floor lighting look beautiful at night, but it also serves a practical purpose. It can help illuminate walkways, stairs, and seating areas of an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the fresh air day and night.

Looking for some more lighting ideas? Take a look at our ultimate favourite backyard ideas.

34. Let the light in with a pergola

trendy pergola by the patio pool

A pergola is a gorgeous way to dapple the sunlight overhead and create a place to recharge in your backyard. Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes, from the traditional to the ultra-modern.

35. Add a cosy feel with a gazebo

large backyard gazebo with comfortable seating

A gazebo is a perfect way to create a sheltered area to relax on your patio. Rain or shine, you’ll be protected from the elements, and the sturdy structure opens up all kinds of other decorating ideas, from lighting to seating and beyond.

36. Create natural shade with climbing vines

gorgeous climbing vines over pergola beams

Climbing vines can be trained to climb up and around your pergola (or any other structure, for that matter). They are a beautiful way to add even more shade and greenery to your patio without the need for additional materials.

37. Hang fairy lights for a fairytale feel

hanging fairy lights

Fairy lights are very popular these days and for good reason; there’s just no better way to create that dreamy fairytale atmosphere. Hang them across your ceiling or between structures in your patio on nights you’d like to add magic to your space.

38. Play with fabric for pergolas

layered fabric over wooden pergola

For a more relaxed and airy look, experiment with different fabrics to layer over your pergolas. They can be a gorgeous way to filter the sunlight without being fussy – and they’re movable, too. Canvas is a great material to work with as it’s relatively thick to bring in shade.

39. Open up an umbrella

large patio umbrella

For shade that’s easy to install only when necessary, an umbrella works perfectly. Get all of the sun protection you need with the added benefit of portability. Plus, today’s shade umbrellas are available in various styles and colours to suit your tastes.

40. Protect from rain and run with an awning

automatic retractable window awning

Just as you want to be protected from the rain, you’ll want some shade in the heat of summer when dining outside for lunch. That’s where an awning comes in. It can extend at various lengths to give you the exact shade you need.

Now you have plenty of patio ideas to give your outdoor entertaining space the ultimate makeover. Find landscape designers and patio builders near you to help bring your backyard dreams to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie

I've loved interior design for as long as I can remember and I'm currently about to renovate my first home. So as well as being the Content Lead at Airtasker, I'm also on the lookout for the latest design trends, backyard ideas and anything to do around the home. I'm also trying to use low-tox cleaning methods and work towards being more plastic-free!

Enjoyed reading this? Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *