Summer patio in a city with lots of greenery and a wooden deck.
Are you also longing for a cozy and inviting summer patio? I think that this is the best part with summer, to be able to sit outside on a beautifully decorated summer patio. It becomes a retreat from daily life, a place to sip iced coffee in the morning sun or just enjoy slow dinners under the string light.
It doesn’t matter if you have an actual patio or just a balcony (like me), creating a dreamy outdoor space for summer is much easier than you might think.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing my favorite ways to style a summer patio with easy decorating ideas that will blend both comfort and function, but also aesthetic of course. So, let’s turn your patio into your personal summer sanctuary!
Just like any other place you should redo, you have to start with a vision, maybe even a moodboard. Scroll through Pinterest and save some ideas that you love. Because, every great design begins with a clear purpose.
So, before buying anything, ask yourself these questions:
Since I live in an apartment I don’t have a large patio, but I do have a balcony and this balcony really is my happy place in the summer. I love having slow weekend breakfast but also to just relax there in the sun. Therefore, I focused on making the space feel warm, breezy and relaxed.
I also used a Pinterest board to gather mood images that inspired me – I choose light woods, soft linen textures and potted herbs. And I love how it turned out!
The colors matters more than you might think, they set the entire mood. So, for a summer patio, stick to 2-3 complementary shades. This will make the space feel intentional and pulled-together.
Here are a few summer patio color combos I love:
Also, if you want to know which summer color palettes are trending this season, check out this post.
The next step is of course to layer with textures – this is one of the secrets to a cozy summer patio. By layering ifferent materials and textures, you will add both visual interest and comfort. Here, it’s also very important to stick to the color palette you just chose.
Here are a few amazing decor pieces to add texture to your space:
On my balcony, I styled a rattan chair with a soft linen throw pillow, a chunky knit blanket and a wooden coffee table. The mix of these textures feels just beautiful and curated, not at all fussy.
Want more summer home decor tips? Then check out this post!
The foundation of your patio design is of course your furniture. So, choose these with care. Pick one or two pieces that will anchor the entire space, for instance a comfy outdoor sofa, a cafe-style table or even a hanging egg chair.
I always recommend investing in quality for pieces you’ll use often, like a durable outdoor sectional. However, if you live in a small apartment and knows that you won’t be living there for such a long time, then maybe go for a cheaper option. Then, when you find your forever home, you can invest in really good quality pieces.
Lighting is so imporant for your summer patio, especially if you love late summer dinners. It can really transform the entire space. Also, consider investing in different light sources to create a beautiful layered look. For instance, check out these options:
Imagine having a late night dinner with family and friends. On the table you have lots of lanterns and candles lit up. On the roof or the wall you have a dreamy glow of string lights and in the yard you have a few solar lights placed. Can you imagine?
No summer patio will be complete without plants. They add softness, color and that dreamy lushness you see in those magazine spreads or on Pinterest. Now is the time for you to make that dream a reality.
If you’re a beginner, start with easy-care options like:
I love keeping my herbs in mismatched pots to make it an interesting and beautiful look. Also, a little tip is to place your herbs on a decorative ladder with shelves, just like this one. It gives your space that little extra touch.
Now we’ve come to the fun part – the accessories! This is the step where you really allow your personality to shine through. You now have the base, but let’s make it a cozy and inviting space. Treat your summer patio like any other room to really achieve that homey feeling.
Here are my go-to patio accessories:
If you want ideas on how you can decorate your summer dining table, then check out this post. You will find lots of different ideas and styling tips on how to decorate that perfect summer table.
If you have a large summer patio, then you might need to define different zones to make it feel cozy, functional and well-organized – like creating separate areas for dining, lounging and sunbathing. That’s where outdoor rugs come in. But, they aren’t just practical, they’re also very powerful design tools. They help divide your summer patio into zones:
When choosing rugs, it’s important to make sure it’s made for outdoor use. So, look for rugs in durable, weather-friendly materials such as polypropylene.
As always, it’s important to add your personal touches to the space. This is what will make you love your summer patio even more. So, try adding these design elements with your touch on it:
For me, a small tray with my favorite book, a lavender-scented candle and a cozy blanket instantly makes my patio feel like home.
What makes your summer patio feel like you?
If you have a patio that you can use all year around. For instance, if you have glazed balcony (like I do), then you might consider adding a few seasonal swaps throughout the seasons. But also, remember to add a terrace heater to make it comfortable even in the winter.
Try these seasonal swaps and styling tricks:
And don’t be afraid to rearrange your layout! Sometimes, moving just one chair or plant can refresh the whole vibe.
Styling your summer patio doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s about layering textures, choosing colors you love and making the space feel like a natural extension of your home.
Whether you’re sipping wine under string lights or reading in the afternoon sun, you deserve an outdoor space that brings you joy.
Ready to start? Save this post, pin your favorite ideas, and head to the blog for more summer decor inspiration.
If you try any of these tips, tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment with your favorite summer patio styling idea!
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