Designer Tips: A Guide to Patio Accents

Comfortable stylish wicker sofa with soft seat and pillows placed in patio with lush green tropical vegetation in daytime

Even after buying every piece of furniture your patio could possibly need, you may still feel like your outdoor space is missing something. This is where accents come in. Outdoor accents are a great way to give your patio the personal touch. They fill in the gaps of an exterior design by adding texture, color, or contrast where it is needed. Accents round everything out and make spaces feel whole. Without patio accents, the space just feels incomplete.

Are Patio Accents Affordable?

No matter what your budget or style, there are accents to compliment every exterior design. And they don’t have to be bought brand new in a store. Many you can make yourself or purchase at yard sales and swap meets for cheap. For example, planters can be purchased brand new at your local garden supply store, but they can also be bought secondhand or DIY’ed. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get handy, you can save money and exercise those creative skills.

Common Types of Patio Accents

Some of the most common types of accents include:

Some of the images that come to mind when thinking of outdoor accents may include pink flamingos and ceramic garden gnomes. But there is much much more to consider. There are a wide variety of options out there when it comes to outdoor decorations.

Accent Furniture Pieces

Patio accents don’t have to be purely decoration, they can be functional pieces of furniture as well. For example, Acapulco chairs are popular in modern design settings because they really stand out. The bright colors, retro look, and curved lines contrast nicely against the clean lines and solid surfaces of modern design.

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Acapulco Lounge Chair Set (Glacier Blue)

Daybeds are another piece of accent furniture. Not only are they attractive, they help make your patio experience so much more comfortable and relaxing. Daybeds come in all shapes and sizes so you’re sure to find something that serves well as an accent piece. Just be sure it doesn’t clash with the overall look of your exterior.

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Wink Canopy Day Bed

Hanging chairs make good accent pieces too. They add a sense of magic and make adults feel like kids again. Like gently rocking on a swing in the park, hanging chairs recreate the feeling of freedom and weightlessness loved by children AND adults. But instead, the swing is more like a cradle you can sink into and let the stress melt away. Hammocks work as well.

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Nimbus Hanging Chair & Stand

Side tables are another good idea because they come in a wide variety. But with a little DIY ingenuity, side tables can be made out of just about anything. Some clever ideas include using an old wooden barrel, cable spools, wooden pallets, tree stumps, and even on old trash can. Depending on your needs, you can shop for side tables with unique designs as well.

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Acapulco Side Table & Ottoman

Stools, benches, and outdoor poofs are a smart idea when it comes to comfort, especially if you plan on entertaining large groups of people. Just like side tables, stools and benches can be created out of a variety of items. Or, they can be purchased brand new. Outdoor poofs tend to come in round or squared designs that feature brightly colored fabrics and decorative patterns. This makes them great for adding a splash of color and texture.

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Nautical 48″ Bench

Another way of adding color and texture is by using outdoor rugs. The floor can be one of the most underutilized spaces to decorate but it makes an impact when they are. When used as accents, outdoor rugs emphasize the distribution of space in specific areas. Which is why they tend to be placed in the center of a social area for gatherings. People instantly know this is the space for socializing. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and patterns so you’re sure to find something that is just right.

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Maui Gold Outdoor Rug

There’s no denying the appeal of an outdoor fire table. Not only do they help keep you warm, but they are stylish enough to be the centerpiece of your patio design. As an accent piece, fire tables add a little bit of everything. The color of the fire adds a warm glow to the surroundings. The bouncing flames contrast against a dark night sky. The dancing shadows add texture to every surface the fire’s light can reach.

Mezzo Square Propane Fire Table

Accent Pillows, Cushions, & Throw Blankets

If you already own patio furniture, you can instantly create accents simply by changing the color of your cushions and pillows. Lime green is a good accent color. It was one of the most popular trends for outdoor furniture in 2015.

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4 Pc. Ando Teak Sofa Set

Throw blankets draped over chairs and sofa sets are another great way to add color and texture. When guests come over to watch the sunset, it gives them something to stay warm as the temperature drops. Plus, they add a certain charm that is undeniable.

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Creative Ideas for Patio Accents

Planters are common but there are creative ways to make them part of your outdoor design. Use string lighting to wrap around the planters on a path, creating a romantic illuminated walkway at night. Or add a splash of color by using brightly colored planters. Ever heard of a fairy garden? That’s when you take a broken planter and recreate a miniature home for the mythical creatures. You can even make planters out of your old furniture!

My first attempt at a fairy garden patio accents guide how to decorate outdoor space exterior

Succulents keep growing in popularity every year because they are beautiful and require little maintenance. As a form of displaying succulents, vertical gardens have grown in popularity as well. There are many ways to create a vertical garden and they can even be used to grow herbs and vegetables. Some creative ideas for vertical gardens include using picture frames, mason jars, or an old bookshelf.

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Water fountains are a classic outdoor feature that have gone through a DIY renaissance. Water bottles, mason jars, planters, tin buckets, vases; there are instructions for turning just about anything into a water fountain. If you don’t have the time or DIY skills needed, you can still buy a beautiful outdoor fountain online. The sound of running water is known to help people focus and relax.

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Patio Accents aren’t just about what you see, they also include what you can hear, smell, and feel. Wind chimes create soothing sounds that are perfect for a relaxing outdoor space. Bird baths and feeders invite nature’s musicians to come and play on your own private stage. Plantlife that freshens the air and makes it clean & crisp adds to the feeling of the outdoors. Fire pits are a great way to add warmth to your patio when the temperature drops.

About the Author

Cheryl Khan is a passionate DIY and interior design blogger. She contributes to the Patio Productions blog to lend her insight and experience.

2 thoughts on “Designer Tips: A Guide to Patio Accents”

  1. My husband and I recently realized our backyard could use some things to make it more exciting, so I’ve been wanting to find some outdoor decorations to put out there. I hadn’t thought of using succulents, but it is so true that they are both really cute, and low maintenance! It seems to me like sometimes the simple things make a big difference. I’ll be sure to share this with my husband!

  2. I love the idea of having a little fountain out side on my patio. So, I liked that you brought up that it can be really relaxing to help with. I want my outdoor patio to be a relaxing place and it does seem like a good thing to have a comfortable furniture.

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