How do I dress up a boring patio?

Nisha Mannan
by Nisha Mannan
  27 answers
  • James A James A on Mar 27, 2011
    Let's think of a fun theme ... Bahamas? Rock n' Roll,? African Design? Oriental Design? Your vision laid into a master plan is where to begin. You might do ... palms, hammocks and tiki lights for a Caribbean look, or, a koi pond, bamboo and rattan for a oriental look, or, get some outdoor sound equipment, black lights and some comfy chairs and do a rock 'n roll theme. You are only restricted by your imagination. Some items can be had cheaply a thrift stores and yard sales and can change with your whim!
  • Darby C Darby C on Mar 27, 2011
    You could have the patio stained or painted. You could also have it stamped. The easiest would be new furniture and some planters.
  • Pavescapes Pavescapes on Jul 15, 2011
    paver overlay
  • Erica Glasener Erica Glasener on Jul 15, 2011
    A couple of large pots planted up with wonderful annuals and perennials will go a long way to making your patio a more dynamic place-and colorful.
  • Pami T Pami T on Jul 15, 2011
    Add potted plants - flowers, herbs, and the like. I find that a variety of colour brightens up a patio or deck.
  • Leslie D Leslie D on Jul 15, 2011
    We've been so busy with the inside of our house, that I wanted a quick "facelift" for our equally trashed patio area. We re-painted the wood pergola, and I made tab top curtains and matching pillows from outdoor fabric (believe me, I barely sew, so if you can sew rectangles, you can make outdoor curtains), and bought a $19 rug from Lowe's and painted a simple design with a $3.00 exterior paint sample for some extra color. The curtain rods are electrical conduit, hung with metal hanger strapping (available at any hardware store), then put a few plants around the area. It was a $150 quick dress up.
  • James A James A on Jul 16, 2011
    Impressed with your creativity. I like saving money and great ideas to do so. Your homemade curtains are perfect, you show them tied back, I imagine they close entirely for privacy/bug relief.
  • Nisha, I suggest you start with some nice patio furniture, the important thing is to keep scale in mind while shopping for furniture. Take a measurment of the patio and keep it handy so when you are shopping you are always aware of the size. The next thing is plants, container plants are good for patios, select plants that are suitable for containers and make sure you are selecting them keeping in mind texture, height, color and appearance. A nice outdoor rug will tie the space together. Add a few outdoor cushions, a BBQ, call for some company and a nice cool lemonade, tada! Check out Tonya Williams Makeover for inspiration, she has a very cool color theme going and she softened the space by installing white curtains- click on link below. http://www.hometalk.com/activity/33190
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jul 17, 2011
    @Leslie: Great example of not needing to have a big budget to have a terrific space.
  • James A James A on Jul 17, 2011
    That's what I'm talking about Douglas! There are so many creative ideas out there, there's no need to break the bank. The ideas within you are the ones that are most meaningful when implemented.
  • Patsy W Patsy W on Jul 17, 2011
    Plants, plants and oh yeah...plants. Keep in mind what you will be using patio for...just you and hubby, family gatherings etc. Is the patio covered? Add a small fountain, maybe a firepit table and surround with lighting, either solar or plug in [easy to do]. Don't know your budget, but Big Lots has a lot of their outdoor items on clearance now and lots of candles [citronelia of course]. Send us pics if you can!
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jul 26, 2011
    How ingenious, Beth! And what an inviting patio you have.
  • Great idea Beth. Recycled, reused and attractive!
  • Shane Tallant Shane Tallant on Jul 26, 2011
    There are lots of options, but I think posting some pictures could help us all give you some ideas. Cant wait to see them!!
  • James A James A on Jul 26, 2011
    Great look! The wear on that old ladder is priceless. Hope it holds up and doesn't break and fall into the lemonade!
  • Shane Tallant Shane Tallant on Jul 26, 2011
    Beth- I love this use of rustic items to create a iight fixture. GREAT JOB!!
  • Joe Washington Joe Washington on Jul 26, 2011
    Not much to add to such a terriffic assortment of ideas. You may have some unwanted guests though, mosquitos! A couple of small fans, one high and one floor level will help keep the little rascals away..
  • Virginia Virginia on Oct 07, 2011
    I like the Tuscan look (lots of stone, iron work, colorful pots). I don't want to spam here, but I made a web page about how to get a Tuscan patio look. It is on the Squidoo site.
  • Meghan A Meghan A on Oct 10, 2011
    We LOVE our fountain from Pike's. It adds the right touch of noise and movement and best of all, it's a self contained pottery vessel. You can add it into the landscape, or place pots around it. LOVE the addition of running water!
  • Terry Haas Terry Haas on Oct 31, 2011
    The old ladder is awesome. I am going to use this idea for a client. Great job!
  • Diane B Diane B on Jan 13, 2012
    Its good to see things re-purposed from utilitarian to ambiance! Nice Job.
  • Aaron G Aaron G on Feb 09, 2012
    http://mosquitocurtains.com/1-screened-enclosure-gallery/mosquito_netting-gallery-A.html Take a look at this local company. They are fast, low cost and very friendly!
  • Wendy S Wendy S on Apr 12, 2012
    This is by far one of my favorite things I've ever seen! LOVE IT! Where did you go to find the ladder?
  • Marcia Stansberry Marcia Stansberry on Apr 23, 2012
    I love that. Such a cute idea! Am sending it to my daughters.
  • Clarissa F Clarissa F on May 17, 2012
    love this
  • Connie E Connie E on May 18, 2012
    We strung white christmas lights for 1.00 a box around the patio using either pieces of old leftover wire from placing power in my shed or even bungie cords. I picked up 2 Umbrellas from garage sales for $5 each, and there we have it. Already had chairs,I even bought some Citronella plants to ward off pesky nite bugs!
  • Robin W Robin W on Jun 15, 2012
    Love this idea!