How to Create a Cozy Patio Space: 9 of Our Best Tips

Last updated on April 8th, 2024 at 01:10 pm

If your home has a yard, then it likely has a patio or an area you could turn into a patio. Unfortunately, too many of us leave our outdoor living spaces bare, undecorated, and uninviting.

People often don’t think they have the time to revamp their backyard. But, if you make the effort, this is a project you won’t regret. Decorating your patio is a wonderful way to create another comfortable and pleasant living space you’ll look forward to spending time in.

Depending on the climate where you live, your patio could even become a space you use every day, so let’s get discuss how to create a comfy and cozy patio area.

9 Ways to Create a Cozy Patio Space

Add a Fountain

There’s nothing more soothing than being around water, and yes, even having a backyard fountain can have benefits, like reducing stress and helping you feel more relaxed. Adding a fountain is a wonderful way to make your home’s patio look and feel much more inviting.

Look for fountains made from stone or made to resemble stone. If you used natural stone for your patio paving, shop for a fountain that has the same type of stone to create a cohesive look.

For those who aren’t able to afford (or don’t want to spend money on) genuine stone fountains, there is an alternative. Concrete fountains resemble naturally cut stone fountains and look just as impressive. One of the main advantages of concrete fountains versus stone is that they are much more affordable. They tend to last longer than stone fountains too since concrete is a hard-wearing and durable material.

Choose the Right Seating

Of course, you’ll need seating if you want your patio to be comfortable. When thinking about cozy patio furniture, you’ll want to skip the hard metal outdoor furniture sets. Instead choose wicker sofas and chairs with soft cushions.

To keep your wicker furniture in good condition, store it indoors over the winter months, or cover it, depending on your climate. Then, in warmer weather, your cozy, cushy outdoor sofa will be the perfect place to relax.

Get Some Warm Throw Blankets

Speaking of cozy patio furniture, why not also invest in some soft and snuggly throws? They’ll come in handy on those cooler summer evenings.

Just be sure you take them indoors when you’re not using them, and give them a good shake before bringing them inside. If you leave your throws on the patio, they could attract all kinds of pests, and, of course, there’s a chance they’ll get rained on. 

Hang Some Lanterns

Adding lanterns or string lights to your patio can make it feel magical. If you have trees that overhang your patio, then you can hang lanterns from their branches. If not, then you can just place them around on the ground. 

Instead of buying lanterns that use candles, think about buying LED lanterns. Having to light the candles in your lanterns each time you use your patio will be a chore, not to mention a potential fire hazard. LED lanterns and string lights are very affordable and can be found all over the internet.

Or, for a longer-lasting solution, consider permanent outdoor lights to create that perfect ambience.

Add Planters

Another way to make your patio feel more inviting is to add planters filled with beautiful greenery and flowers. This is a wonderful way to bring some natural beauty and color into the space.

Make sure that you carefully select your plants and flowers, however. Try to find flowers that will bloom throughout as much of the year as possible. You may also want to consider growing vines, like wisteria, up the side of your house that faces your patio—or onto a trellis for privacy.

Grow Fragrant Herbs

Speaking of planters, how about growing some fragrant herbs in containers on your patio? This is a great form of aromatherapy, and as a bonus, you can use those amazing fresh herbs for cooking! [Also read: How to Store Fresh Herbs]

Some of the best and most fragrant herbs you can grow in outdoor containers are: 

• mint
• basil
• sage
• rosemary
• oregano
• dill
• lavender
• thyme

Build an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is something that’s definitely worth considering. The only downside to these kitchens is that they can be expensive and high maintenance, depending on how much you put into them. However, if you have the money and the time, they are worth looking into.

If you want to stick to a smaller budget and still have the benefits of an outdoor cooking and food prep area, all you really need is a grill or smoker and an outdoor kitchen island. You can add a cooler too, if you’d like.

Once, you have a place to cook and grab some cool drinks, you’ll have even more of a reason to spend time in your yard.

Add a Firepit

Having a firepit on your patio is the ultimate way to elevate your outdoor living space. Not only does it add a beautiful focal point to your yard, but it also provides a cozy spot to gather with friends and family on cool nights.

Imagine sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. What could be better? 

If you want a built-in firepit, that will likely not be a do-it-yourself job, but fortunately, there are lots of companies who can build one for you. 

You can also buy a firepit. They’re available in a range of styles and price points, so you’re sure to find one that will work for your space.

You’ll want to read up on how to use it safely, know what you can burn, and get familiar with local ordinances regarding outdoor burning.

Plant Shrubs

Another terrific way to create a more intimate and cozy patio space is to plant shrubs around its perimeter. 

They’ll give the area a natural, yet secluded feeling. Be sure to look into what kind of shrubs are best suited to your soil and climate and understand how to trim and care for them. 

If you have outdoor living space, then make the most of it! These are just some of the ways you can transform your patio into a cozy retreat. 

Do you have more ideas? Leave a comment.

Also read:
Create Your Perfect Backyard Kitchen: 7 Things to Consider
Outdoor Style Inspiration: 15 Maximalist Patio Decor Pieces You’ll Love
Outdoor Style Inspiration: Our Favorite Neutral Patio Decor Pieces

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