A beautifully designed patio can be the perfect outdoor extension of your home. With the right landscaping, you can create an inviting space for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying the fresh air. When planning your patio landscaping, there are many design factors to consider, from hardscaping and greenery to decor and lighting. We outline 16 of the best patio landscaping ideas to inspire your perfect outdoor oasis.
Combine Hardscaping and Softscaping
Skillfully blending hardscaping and softscaping elements creates visual interest and depth in patio landscaping. Hardscaping refers to non-living features like wood, stone, concrete, tiles, gravel, and outdoor furniture. Softscaping incorporates live plants, trees, shrubs, vines and flowers. Aim for a balanced mix of the two for ideal aesthetics and functionality.
Some popular hardscaping options include:
- Wood or composite decking
- Flagstone or brick pavers
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Concrete or tile flooring
- Built-in bench seating
- Planter boxes and beds
- Decorative stones and gravel
- Water features like fountains and pools
- Fire pits, fireplaces, and chimineas
Complementary softscaping choices include:
- Flowering plants and shrubs
- Ornamental trees and grasses
- Vines grown on trellises or pergolas
- Potted herbs, vegetables, and succulents
- Hanging baskets Overflowing with flowers
- Lush green lawns
- Privacy trees, bushes, and hedges
When designing your patio, pick 1-2 focal features like an outdoor kitchen or fireplace. Surround these with both hardscaping and softscaping materials for balanced landscaping. Use hardscaping to delineate functional zones like a dining area, then soften the space with plantings. Mixing materials creates visual depth and interest. For example, incorporate a stone retaining wall planted with cascading flowers. Or border a paver patio with garden beds and shrubs.
Add Vibrant Flowers and Foliage
Nothing brings a patio to life better than bright, colorful flowers and lush greenery. Annuals like petunias, marigolds, and geraniums provide non-stop blooms in all seasons depending on climate. Evergreen shrubs keep your patio looking fresh year-round. Potted plants are easy to rearrange. Hanging baskets overflowing with flowers inject charm while taking up zero floor space.
Some top options for patio plantings include:
- Flowering annuals like impatiens, begonias, pansies, zinnias
- Perennial flowers like daylilies, coneflowers, lavender, roses
- Evergreen flowering shrubs like azaleas, camellias, gardenias
- Ornamental grasses for texture and color
- Vibrant potted succulents and cacti
- Herb pots with thyme, oregano, basil, and more
- Fruit trees like dwarf citrus, olive, or fruiting vines
- Hanging baskets with petunias, fuchsia, and Million Bells
- Fast-growing privacy vines on trellises
Group colorful patio containers in clusters for maximum impact. Edge garden beds and walkways with a flower border. Plant striking architectural specimens like ornamental grasses as focal points. Aim for a cohesive color palette and transition from heights and textures. This creates a pleasing composition rather than a random assortment of plants.
Incorporate Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs bring natural structure and multi-season interest to patio landscaping. Evergreen trees like cypress provide shelter and privacy year-round. Deciduous trees offer shade in summer and allow sun in winter after dropping leaves. Flowering trees blossom in spring and summer. Potted citrus trees add Mediterranean flair.
Some top picks for patio trees include:
- Evergreen privacy trees like arborvitae, cypress, holly
- Ornamental trees like Japanese maple, crape myrtle
- Shade trees like dogwood, redbud, magnolia, fruit trees
- Potted citrus trees like Meyer lemon, lime, orange
- Flowering shrubs like hydrangea, azalea, camellia, gardenia
- Screening shrubs like boxwood, yew, juniper
Position trees and tall shrubs around the patio’s perimeter for shelter and seclusion. Plant shorter shrubs and ornamental grasses as borders and screens. Bright and variegated shrubs like gold mound spirea or heavenly bamboo add pops of color. Space plants appropriately for mature spread, especially near walkways and seating areas. Prune regularly to control shape and size.
Use Trellises, Arbors, and Pergolas
Install vertical structures like trellises, arbors, and pergolas to support climbing vines and create an overhead canopy on your patio. This adds dimension, privacy, and dappled shade for hot days. Choose sturdy wooden structures that complement your home’s architecture. Stain, seal and protect outdoor wood from weathering.
Cover structures with flowering vines like clematis, trumpet vine, wisteria, grapevines, or passionflower for stunning displays. Evergreen climbing vines like jasmine and creeping fig maintain coverage in winter. Train vines up posts, lattices, or wires attached to overhead beams. For quick coverage, start with more mature vines. Prune and train vines regularly to control spread.
Position arbors as beautiful entryways onto your patio. Use trellises as garden screens or living fences. An open-rafter pergola covered in vines creates an inviting shaded relaxation spot. A smaller pergola smartly defines a cozy dining area. Just be sure to consider mature vine size when designing structures.
Delineate Space With Planters and Beds
Strategically placed planters, pots, and garden beds help delineate different functional zones within your patio. Section off a cozy firepit hangout or dining space from the main area. Use rectangular planters or a short hedge as room dividers. Circle round pots and beds around seating nooks to carve intimate spaces.
Choose planters and pots in materials like weatherproof ceramic, concrete, wood, or galvanized metal that complement your design style. For low maintenance, plant drought-tolerant succulents, grasses, shrubs or small trees. Overflowing abundance can be achieved with annuals and perennials which require more care. For striking height, place tall grasses, bamboo or small trees centrally within beds and pots as focal points.
Leave room between planters and beds for optimal growing conditions and ease of maintenance. Situate them near seating areas or at entry points as stylish guides. Nearly any plants can grow well in containers when using a quality potting mix. Just be sure to water adequately.
Include Multifunctional Seating and Dining Areas
Comfortable, multifunctional seating encourages your family to fully utilize your patio. Arrange seating areas to take advantage of lovely garden views. Use a mix of durable outdoor sectionals, chairs, benches, and loungers for versatile configurations. Stylish deep seating sets with plush cushions are perfect for relaxation.
Designate a paved dining zone fitted with an outdoor dining table and weather-resistant patio chairs. For intimate gatherings, choose a small bistro set. Outdoor bar stools lined up around a counter create casual pub-style seating. Built-in benches surrounding firepits or integrated into deck rails provide a cozy hangout spot.
Ideas for multifunctional patio seating include:
- Deep seating sectionals or sofa sets
- Outdoor dining tables with swivel chairs
- Built-in benches and banquettes
- Stackable stools and folding chairs
- Weatherproof chaise lounges
- Patio swings suspended from overhead structures
- Hammock chairs for relaxing and reading nooks
- Bar-height tables paired with stools
Group seating in logical clusters around focal points. Angle chairs toward views or group in inward-facing circles for conversation. Keep walkways open and unobstructed. Place tables near power outlets to enable outdoor dining possibilities.
Install Stylish Pathways and Borders
Defining and connecting distinct areas of your patio gives it structure. Pathways make moving throughout effortless while borders contain garden beds and lawn. Material choices like pavers, gravel, stone, and concrete allow you to match or complement the style of your home.
For example, large flagstone pavers lined with pebbles make a lovely meandering garden path. Or choose interlocking concrete pavers or bricks set on a sand base. Gravel pathways with timber edging have a softer, natural vibe. Wide paved pathways work well for entertaining spaces and high traffic zones.
Borders keep soil and mulch neatly contained. Choices like landscape timbers, aluminum edging, bricks, stone, and concrete create crisp, clean lines compared to soft trench-style edges. Consider mowing strips between lawns and planted beds for easier maintenance. Low boxwood hedges or vines make attractive living borders.
Add Ambient Lighting and Lamps
Outdoor lighting allows you to utilize your patio long after sunset. Ambient lighting creates a welcoming glow for evening entertaining. Task lighting illuminates specific functional zones like dining sets or reading nooks. Dramatic uplighting placed strategically among plants adds flair after dark.
Ambient lighting ideas include:
- String lights draped overhead and woven through trees
- Floodlights, spotlights or lanterns
- Tiki torch lamps
- Flameless candles on tables
- Under-counter lighting for outdoor kitchens
- Uplighting placed in trees and behind plants
- Wireless LED garden stakes among plantings
- Solar pathway markers and lanterns
For dining areas, use pendant lights over tables, string lights, or candles. Reading nooks benefit from directional lighting. Landscape uplighting creates drama when illuminating architectural plants and focal features like fountains after dark. Use outdoor-rated fixtures with GFCI outlets for safe wiring. Install lighting thoughtfully to avoid glare and harsh shadows.
Build a Cozy Fire Feature
An outdoor fireplace, firepit, or chiminea provides ambient light and warmth for instantly upgrading your patio’s ambiance. Flames create an alluring focal point and gathering spot on autumn and winter nights. Adhere to local fire codes for safety and proper clearances when installing permanent structures. Having a water source nearby like a spigot or hose is also prudent.
Some popular options include:
- Pre-fabricated concrete firepits
- Firepit kits composed of stone, brick or metal
- Freestanding chimineas made of clay, metal, or stone
- Built-in fireplaces and fire tables using stone or brick
- Tabletop fire bowls fueled by bioethanol or gas
- Custom designed fireplaces with stone or brick surrounds
- Steel fire pits raised on a stone or paver base
Locate fire features in a protected spot away from overhanging trees and structures. Leave adequate room around the fire for seating and circulation. Have a plan in place for extinguishing the fire safely. Installing a fire feature creates an instant focal point for gatherings long into the evenings.
Add Stylish Planters and Pots
Planters and pots bring color, texture, and versatility to patio designs. Self-contained planters keep plants and soil neatly corralled. Lightweight containers are easily rearranged to evolve your layout. Use planters and pots to define seating areas, borders, pathways and more.
Select planters complementing your design style, like rustic terra cotta, sleek fiberglass, classic urn-shaped, modern geometric, or farmhouse galvanized metal buckets and tubs. Using containers in a matching color family or material creates cohesion. For convenience, choose planters with built-in water reservoirs.
Creative planter ideas include:
- Hanging baskets lining a porch or pergola
- Cascading flowers flowing over container edges
- Mixing pots in varying heights for interest
- Clusters of pots in bold colors as focal points
- Planter “wall” built from wooden pallets
- Repurposed buckets, crates and tubs
- Vertical wall planters to maximize space
- Self-watering planters for key plantings
- Dwarf trees underplanted with annuals
- Succulents and cacti for ultra-low maintenance
Proper drainage is key for healthy container plants. Situate planters conveniently near hoses or spigots for easy watering. Arrange configurations to allow adequate growth space. Move smaller pots around seasonally for a fresh look.
Include a Stylish Outdoor Rug
Chic outdoor rugs instantly cozy up bare patio surfaces. They define seating spaces, absorb sound, and provide a soft landing for bare feet. Rugs also introduce eye-catching color, texture and pattern. Look for UV and moisture-resistant rugs made of durable, all-weather materials. Synthetic options like polypropylene are fade, mold and mildew resistant.
Some great patio rug options include:
- Braided rugs in chevron or floral patterns
- Plush polypropylene shag rugs
- Colorful striped or geometric print rugs
- Faded vintage-style rugs
- Natural fiber seagrass and jute area rugs
- Whimsical indoor/outdoor kids’ rugs
- Moroccan trellis, tile and medallion-print rugs
- Fringed edges for boho flair
- Solid rugs in bold colors like turquoise or citrus yellow
- Patterned kilim, dhurrie or rag rugs
Use large area rugs to define sitting areas on your patio. Layer smaller scatter rugs under tables and beside loungers. Secure rug corners with weights to prevent shifting in the wind. Roll up or store rugs over winter in very cold climates. Proper rug upkeep results in years of enjoyment in your outdoor space.
Include Privacy Features
Not every patio needs to be completely open and visible from all sides. The addition of screens, fences, walls, and tall plantings allows you to create secluded zones for lounging, dining and entertaining. Built-in privacy also helps block undesirable views and noise.
Some ideas for boosting patio privacy include:
- Lattice privacy screens or fence panels
- Lush evergreen privacy hedges
- Solid cedar wood fences with gates
- Masonry garden walls or courtyard formations
- Tall and densely planted garden beds
- Arbors and pergolas intertwined with vines
- Cafe curtains hung from overhead beams
- Strategic placement of storage sheds
A pergola wrapped in climbing vines can shelter a secluded dining nook. Lattice panels mounted on posts create instant privacy screening. For lightweight safety barriers around elevated decks, glass railings maintain views while preventing falls. Living screens like arborvitae hedges need pruning over time versus permanent wood or masonry screens. Consider views both from and toward your patio when planning screens.
Add Fun and Functional Accessories
The right accessories complete your patio for both beauty and utility. Sculptural elements like fountains inject pleasant sights and sounds. Cozy up spaces year-round with warming features such as firepits, patio heaters and wind-blocking screens. Outdoor curtains create ceiling canopies and adjustable sun shades.
Some great patio accessory ideas:
- Free-standing or mounted patio misters
- Whimsical garden art and sculptures
- Chic outdoor side tables and ottomans
- Firepits, chimineas, and heat lamps
- Weatherproof pillows and throws
- Patio credenzas for serving and storage
- Hammock chairs and swings for relaxing
- Outdoor curtains, canopies and sun shades
- Water features like fountains, ponds and pools
- Fun patio games like cornhole, bocce or croquet
When selecting accessories, ensure they withstand sun, rain, and wind. Use weighted umbrella stands and secure fasteners. Choose lightweight and tip-proof pieces where possible. Store cushions, curtains and decor in winter months or during storms. The right accessories encourage your family to fully utilize your patio.
Create an Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Room
For true seamless indoor-outdoor living, incorporate a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining space.This allows you to cook, dine and entertain guests completely al fresco. Create zones for food prep, cooking, serving, eating and mingling. Include enough seating and counter space for parties.
Some fantastic outdoor kitchen elements:
- Sturdy covered counters for food prep
- Sink with hot and cold running water
- Refrigerator, coolers or beverage station
- Built-in cabinetry and storage
- Natural gas or electric appliances like rangetops, ovens, grills
- Pizza oven, smoker, or teppanyaki grill
- Under-counter lighting for evening ambiance
- Weather-resistant pendant lights over counters
- High top counter paired with barstools
Select durable materials like tile, concrete, natural stone, stainless steel and weatherproof cabinetry. Locate the kitchen with easy access from indoor entertaining areas if possible. Outdoor tables and seating should have weatherproof cushions for comfort. Keep the space minimalist and neatly organized when not in use. Investing in a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen brings incredible enjoyment for garden parties and holidays at home.
Add Built-In Garden Furniture
Take patio design to the next level by incorporating built-in furniture. Permanently installed benches, banquettes, daybeds and more make a defining style statement. Built-ins are ideal when you want furniture that won’t blow around in wind. Custom building also allows you to tailor furniture perfectly to your space.
Built-in furniture ideas include:
- Curved corner bench seating
- Daybeds perfect for napping
- Dining benches and banquettes
- Window seat overlooking the garden
- Custom firepit benches
- Cedar wood chaise lounges
- Contoured masonry seating walls
- Concrete sofa and armchair sets cast in place
- Storage-integrated benches and boxes
Choose durable, weather-resistant materials like stone, concrete, masonry, tiled, or naturally rot-resistant woods. Allow adequate circulation space around pieces. Built-in furniture can also serve as attractive retaining walls, privacy barriers and elevated planters in