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8 Ways to Create a Relaxing Porch and Patio That You Will Never Want to Leave

I am so ready for warm weather and even though its chilly and raining outside that doesn’t mean I can’t plan my outdoor space for the summer.  This year I am all about creating a relaxing porch and patio that I can sink into and never leave!

If you didn’t catch it I have a great guest post on Cheap Patio Ideas of the DIY variety.  This post, however, is a little different because we aren’t DIY’ing anything, we are just talking about the ways you can create a beautiful relaxing porch or patio (or deck).

A pin for pinterest on creating a relaxing porch and patio

This post contains affiliate links, see my full disclosure for details.

 

 

1.  Add Some Mood Lighting

If you want a relaxing space that you can use even into the evening then you should add some lights.  Not just any old lights but some cool lights that will create a soft ambiance so you can see things but not bright enough where you need sunglasses.

This room here by Kelley Nan is one of my favorites!  She hung the coolest lights and it adds a nice glow.

A picture of a covered deck with a comfy sofa at twilight and hanging lights overhead.

Source:  Kelley Nan

2.  Create Some Privacy

It doesn’t matter if you live in the country or in a condo adding some curtains around your porch or patio is a great way to soften the space and make it feel cozy and secluded.

I just love what Catherine from DIY Without Fear did here with these outdoor curtains.

White curtains hanging to make a relaxing porch and patio.

Source:  DIY Without Fear

3.  Add a Comfy Place to Sit

Well, this one seems like a captain obvious moment but seriously, you need a comfy place to sit.  

I used to have a set of table and chairs on my patio and it was so uncomfortable to sit in and relax.  So for Mother’s Day onw year, I asked for a love seat and chair set.  We have used the patio furniture more than we ever use the dining table.

If you live in the South then you know about porch swings.  Porch swings, in my opinion, are the best thing EVER!  Especially ones that are bed sized.  You can stroll on out and take a nap and be a cozy as can be.

A relaxing porch swing that is big enough to sleep on!

Source:  Amy Storm

A sectional sofa and chairs on a relaxing patio with an umbrella and blue and white rug.


Source:  Home Stories A to Z

4.  Music!

Some soothing tunes are the perfect addition to a porch or patio.  Make sure you have a portable speaker that is waterproof, just in case you accidentally leave it outside.

Here are a few of my favorites.

5.  Nature

Plants are a great way to dress up your porch and patio.  Depending on whether you have a lot of sun or shade determines the plants you should choose.  My friend Melissa at Create and Find has some really great posts on this.

Blue pots of different sizes with plants in them sitting on stairs.

Source:  Maison de Pax

Rachel is one of my favorite bloggers.  I am working through her photography course which is amazing, I am a total beginner!  She has a beautiful home and her outdoors are just as stunning.

6.  What’s Underfoot

Having a great patio or deck means being able to go out barefoot if you want to.  My husband will never be barefoot but I love to go barefoot on my deck.

In our first house, my kids used to get splinters all the time on the deck so having something covering the deck boards where you have your furniture is a great idea to save those little toes.

Outdoor rugs are amazing and so easy to clean.  They also dry really fast.

7.  Add Some Heat!

On those chilly nights, you will want to stay out a little while longer so you need a little heat to keep you warm.  Fire pits and fireplaces are the perfect addition to keep you warm on cold nights.  And it also offers the opportunity to make smores and that my friends is never a bad thing!

A fire pit with a gravel patio around it and lots of Adirondack chairs for relaxing evenings.

Source:  Prodigal Pieces

You totally need to check out the tutorial on this fire pit.  It’s a great tutorial and the end result is just fabulous!

An outdoor relaxing patio that is covered. There are sofas and a fireplace with a tv.
A relaxing patio with a fireplace and a tv above it with gorgeous planters.

These are a couple of my favorite photos from the Parade of Homes last Summer.  I love the fireplaces and the double sided is just a great way to entertain and have everyone enjoy the heat from the fire.  I also love these planters!

8.  Add Some Personality

This is like the decor you have in your family room.  And really that’s what we are creating here, an outdoor family room.

So add some decor to the exterior wall to your home.

Candles make a great addition and have a double feature, they can repel mosquitos too!

Trays holding a pitcher of iced tea, or an adult beverage, and some glasses are also nice.

Exterior decor can come in all shapes and sizes.  Some people like statues, light balls.  Visit the outdoor section of your local home improvement store to get more ideas.  We have a local nursery that has a home decor section with tons of these types of things.  It’s called Oakland Home, check your local area for stores that are similar.

 These are just some ideas of what you can use to decorate your porch or patio.  If you like something click on it and Amazon should show you some similar items.  

Other Related Outdoor Space posts

A pin for pinterest on how to create a relaxing porch and patio.

I hope that you have found some inspiration to create a relaxing porch or patio, remember the outside can be an extension of the indoors.  It’s all in how you decorate it!

As a licensed Real Estate Agent and an avid home decorator, I strive to give my clients the very best I can when it comes to staging, selling, and decorating their homes. I have lots of experience with paint color choices and love to DIY my home so I can have everything just the way I want it. I share my ideas and projects with the world in the hopes that I can help others have their homes just the way they want as well.

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Ivory

Tuesday 25th of January 2022

Thanks for all the tips. I have this gorgeous furniture on the deck, with very thick and expensive cushions. I am often racing to bring then inside during summer months, especially when all of a certain it starts to rain. Our neighbor have these large trees that extends over our deck. We trimmed them, but the birds are our problem. They poop every time we put the cushions out. I am so tired of the bird poop and rushing to take the cushions inside when it’s start or about to rain. We do have scotchgard on the cushions. Any advice? Help, anyone!!!

Tracy

Saturday 1st of April 2023

@Ivory, we bought oversized waterproof covers for our chairs and love seat on our deck (bought at Home Depot). We have the furniture covered when not in use and would protect your cushions from bird droppings. They are very easy to put in and even easier to Take off.

Michelle

Saturday 16th of April 2022

@Ivory, Hello maybe you can get a faux owl because birds won’t come around it. Thank you

Sarah

Tuesday 11th of May 2021

Love these ideas! I think string lights are so adorable, and I think I might have to finally get some!! I also adore rugs on porches, it seriously makes the biggest difference in making my front porch look decorative and relaxing!

Sally Sevener

Thursday 25th of June 2020

I love the pretty look of the back porch or patio.. But from my experience, on our screened in porch, things get dirty!! We have to clean the floor and wipe down the furniture often. How does one justify the cost of such beautiful furnishings, sectionals loaded with pillows, area rugs, etc., only to have them get dirty or wet?

atlaneandhigh

Tuesday 7th of July 2020

I totally see your point Sally. I have a couch and chairs on my deck and all the cushions and pillows I keep in a deck box to keep them clean. There are a lot of people who leave theirs out, they don't mind the weather hitting them. It's all personal preference. As far as the rugs go, you would be surprised how easy to clean the outdoor rugs are. I have one on my front porch and I just hose it down when the pollen starts to fall and it gets dirty. Have a great day!

Annie Britton

Monday 12th of August 2019

Just love your take on the patio, everything look just lovely.

atlaneandhigh

Monday 19th of August 2019

Thanks Annie!

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