17+ Outdoor Summer Decorating Ideas for Every Size Backyard
With the warm months quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning outdoor summer decorating ideas for your home! We rounded up the 17+ absolute best outdoor summer decorating ideas for small patios and big yards alike. Say goodbye to the stress of summer hosting and hello to easy, breezy get-togethers!
Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s almost time to host pool parties with your neighbors, epic BBQs with your coworkers, and backyard picnics with your friends!
But before you start welcoming guests to your outdoor space, let’s take some time to gather some summer home decor ideas. It’s time to spruce up your space with the trendiest summer decorations for home so you can host in style.
We searched far and wide for the best outdoor summer decorating ideas every host needs and found your new must-haves. Spoiler alert! They’re pretty awesome.
Whether you’re hosting in a massive backyard or on a small patio, these outdoor summer party decoration ideas will be perfect for your space! Everything is available on Amazon – because there’s nothing better than free 2-day shipping, right?
From mini fire pits to scalloped umbrella stands, we’re covering it all! Here are 17+ outdoor summer decorating ideas for every size home.
1. Outdoor Fire Pit
Keep the summer BBQ going all night with an outdoor fire pit. You don’t need a massive backyard to incorporate toasty flames in your summer get-togethers. Outdoor fire pits come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate small outdoor patios and sprawling yards. They’re a fun gathering spot for guests and provide much-needed warmth on breezy summer nights.
If you’re tight on space, check out this tabletop fire pit, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It offers three different flame settings and is easy to store in smaller homes. For those with larger yards, this steel fire pit table or concrete fire pit is a no-brainer.
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2. Stone Side Tables
If you love low-maintenance outdoor furniture, you need a stone side table. Stone is a durable, weather-resistant material that looks good paired with wood, wicker, and metal outdoor furniture. It’s easy to incorporate in a range of design styles and will last you years!
I’ve had my stone side table for over 5 years, and it still looks brand new. It’s a staple piece on my deck, and I never have to worry about it getting damaged in rainstorms or large gatherings. If you’re a low-maintenance woman like me, you need to try out stone outdoor furniture!
3. Stripes on Stripes
I’m loving the stripes-on-stripes trend this summer! And no one does it better than Sarah Sherman Samuel. I mean, just look at that seat cushion and round pillow set—I’m swooning!
This trend is so easy to recreate with a matching set of striped pillows or a striped seat cushion and pillow combo. Upgrade your seating area this summer with your favorite striped pairing, or put your own spin on it with a patterned fabric of your choice. Whichever pattern you prefer, the idea is to repeat the same fabric at least twice in the same space. I listed a few striped combinations from Amazon below to shop the Sarah Sherman Samuel look for less.
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4. Oversized Planters
Sometimes, less is more. If you want to achieve the RH look in your home, it’s all about playing with scale. Swap out your small planters for 1 or 2 oversized planters to instantly elevate your space. Unlike small planters, large planters can hold multiple plants, ideal for smaller backyards and decks. If you have a larger backyard, you can take advantage of the size to fit larger plants and trees.
One thing to note is their weight. Oversized planters are difficult to move, so I’d recommend choosing a spot in your outdoor space where they look the best and sticking with it.
5. Scalloped Edge Decor
Is there anything cuter than scalloped-edge decor? I can’t wait to add this scalloped umbrella stand and scalloped umbrella combo to my deck. The pop of green is so fun! Plus, it comes in 3 other colors (dusty pink, antique white, and vintage black) to fit a range of design styles.
If you don’t have room for an outdoor umbrella, there are countless ways to incorporate the scalloped trend in your space. Consider adding a scalloped jute rug to ground your space, scalloped pillows to elevate your seating area, or a scalloped wicker tray to complete your outdoor coffee table styling.
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6. Natural Fiber Outdoor Rugs
Ground your seating area or dining set with a natural fiber outdoor rug. Jute and sisal are eco-friendly and biodegradable options that look great in any outdoor space. They’re comfortable underfoot, cost-effective, and durable with the proper care.
Unlike synthetic rugs, jute and sisal are not weather-resistant, so make sure your rug is in a dry area, ideally with lower foot traffic. Natural fiber rugs require a bit more love and car compared to synthetic, but you can’t beat the earthy, natural look of sisal and jute.
7. Cordless Outdoor Lamps
Gone are the days of using taper candles to illuminate your outdoor space. Save yourself the matches and candle wax clean-up with cordless outdoor lamps! These little lamps are such game changers. They’re rechargeable, portable, and stylish.
I usually put one cordless lamp on my outdoor coffee table and a few on my outdoor dining table, but the possibilities are endless. You could add some lamps to your bar station or food buffet or even as centerpieces for larger events. I rounded up a few of my favorite cordless lamps below, ranging from brass to wicker. They’re safe to use indoors and outdoors, so you can move them around as needed.
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8. Terracotta Flower Pots
Upgrade your patio or deck area with terracotta flower pots! You could even scatter a range of different-sized terracotta pots in the center of your outdoor dining table to create an elevated centerpiece.
The neutral, earthy tone will complement most design styles, and your plants will love their new home. The porous material promotes air circulation and drainage in the soil, leading to healthy root growth.
9. Floral Outdoor Pillows
Floral outdoor pillows are a fun way to add pattern and personality to your outdoor space. Go bold with a large block print or dainty with smaller florals. I love mixing a range of floral patterns in my outdoor seating area. Try it out by layering one small pattern pillow, one large pattern pillow, and one solid lumbar to create the perfect pillow grouping
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RELATED POST: 19+ Super Cute Outdoor Dinnerware Sets for Summer Hosting
10. Upholstered Outdoor Lounge Chairs
There’s nothing better than relaxing on an outdoor lounge chair with a glass of iced tea on a warm summer day. I’m getting excited for summer just thinking about it! If you haven’t invested in comfortable seating for your outdoor space, this is your sign to give it a try.
I bought a set of upholstered lounge chairs from West Elm 2 years ago, and they are a complete game-changer. The deep, cushioned seat is the perfect relaxation spot, and the custom seat covers keep the chairs in perfect condition year-round. Lounge chairs are usually on the larger side, so consider buying one if you have a smaller space or a pair to fill a bigger sitting area.
11. Sculptural Vases
If you love color but don’t want to commit to an expensive, colorful piece, try decorating your outdoor space with a sculptural vase! I keep my outdoor furniture as neutral as possible, then add pops of color with decor. How fun is this pop of green?
Sculptural vases are an easy way to add color and dynamic shapes to your space without committing to one color or trend long-term. Plus, they’re cost-effective and easy to switch out with the seasons. I listed a few of my favs under $70 below.
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12. Wicker Outdoor Furniture
If you love affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean outdoor furniture, you need to invest in some wicker pieces. They’re easy to pick up and move around, which makes hosting different events super easy. And it’s so easy to upgrade your wicker seating with outdoor throw pillows and seat cushions.
Wicker furniture comes in a range of colors, styles, and materials (natural or synthetic), depending on your design style and desired level of care. If low maintenance is your priority, go with synthetic wicker. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, natural wicker is for you.
13. Outdoor Wall Sconces
Add brightness and style to your deck or patio with outdoor wall sconces. And don’t worry – you don’t have to break the bank to instantly elevate your outdoor space.
I rounded up the best weather-proof wall sconces below under $130 for all design styles. These sconces are all waterproof, snow-proof, and rust-proof to survive in a range of climates. Whether you love matte black finishes or brass, I have a sconce for you!
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14. Outdoor Ottomans
Upholstered ottomans are an easy way to add more seating in your outdoor space. They’re small, lightweight, and portable, making them perfect for smaller decks or patios. If you have a bigger outdoor space, you can add a few ottomans to your seating area to host larger groups.
15. Something Blue
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue doesn’t just apply to brides on their wedding day. Sprinkling in pops of blue in your outdoor space is a fun way to incorporate color without committing to one color long-term.
I love how baby blue decor looks under the blue summer sky, and it’s so easy to bring in blue pieces in your space. I rounded up a few of my favorite blue decor pieces under $100 below, ranging from throw pillows to cordless table lamps.
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16. Oversized Pottery
Do you have an awkward, empty corner in your outdoor space that you need to decorate? The easiest way to fill negative space is with oversized decor, specifically pottery. I’m not a big plant person, so pottery is a great way to incorporate natural elements in my space without worrying about keeping a plant alive (the struggle is real!)
Oversized pottery comes in a range of materials, from clay to stone, to fit your design preferences. One piece is enough to stand alone, but you could also group two different sizes together to fill a bigger space.
17. Waterproof String Lights
Create a whimsical, bright outdoor area with waterproof string lights. String lights are a quick and easy way to elevate your outdoor eating area and wow your guests. You can use command outdoor light clips or screw hooks to arrange the string lights around your space. Plus, they come in white, brown, and black to match your decor style.
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This post is all about outdoor summer decorating ideas.
