How to

How to Decorate an Outdoor Space

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Kiss garden envy goodbye with an outdoor space that oozes class. Use the following expert tips to decorate your garden and bring relaxation to a patio, balcony, or sprawling lawn. Best of all, it’s easy to achieve on a tight budget! 

What’s The Purpose of Your Outdoor Space?

Before you jump right in to buying extra plants, furniture, and ornaments, consider how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want to entertain guests, grow your own fruit, or attract wildlife? Your purpose will guide the decorations you use and the aesthetic created. 

For example, if you want to entertain, you might consider adding a seating area and some statement plants, like a cordyline or citrus trees for a tropical vibe. If you want to attract wildlife, you can add bird feeders and pollinator-friendly plants, like a clematis. Fancy something more rustic? A small space can become a mini-allotment with crops like blueberries, which can grow in pots on a balcony or patio.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper lighting can help extend the use of your outdoor space and add ambiance. LED lighting and solar-powered options are popular for their energy efficiency and low impact on the environment. Consider incorporating lighting into your patio, garden paths, and seating areas for a well-lit and inviting outdoor space.

Favourite outdoor lighting:

Mix and Match Furniture

Rather than matching sets, many people are opting for a mix and match approach to outdoor furniture. This allows for a more personalised and eclectic look, and it’s often more budget-friendly as well. Consider mixing and matching materials, colours, and styles to create a unique and cohesive look.

If you really fancy being the envy of your street, Etsy sell build your own garden pubs! This wooden L-shaped garden sofa is equally stunning albeit a tad more understated.

Sustainable Garden Decorations

Incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly elements into your outdoor decor is not only good for the environment, but it can also add character and interest to your space. Consider using recycled materials, like repurposed wood or metal, for decorations and features like planters, bird feeders, and furniture. You can also look for decorations made from sustainable materials like bamboo or natural fibres.

This vertical Scottish larch garden ladder planter sold on Etsy is a great example of stylish, sustainable furniture made from natural materials.

Garden Ornaments

Garden ornaments can add personality and charm to your outdoor space — and no, we’re not talking garden gnomes here. Choose ornaments that reflect your style and the theme of your garden. Classic options include statues, urns, and sundials, while more modern choices might include sculptures or abstract art.

Some of our favourite garden ornaments include:

Create Cosy Areas

Make your outdoor space a comfortable and inviting place to relax by creating cosy areas. This might include adding a fireplace or firepit, hanging string lights, or incorporating blankets and cushions into your seating area.

Our favourite affordable firepits include:

Add Warmth

Extend the use of your outdoor space by adding warmth. This could be in the form of a fireplace or fire pit, but we really love contemporary outdoor heaters. Consider adding these elements to your seating area or patio to create a comfortable place to relax on cooler evenings.

One of the best-selling outdoor heaters from Amazon is the Realglow gas flame heater which starts at a very reasonable £189.99!

Pots and Planters

Pots and planters are an easy way to add colour and interest to your outdoor space. Choose pots in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials to create a cohesive look. Consider using plants with bold foliage or flowers to make a statement. For more information about planters, check out of guide to repotting outdoor plants.

Other Decorative Ideas

There are endless ways to decorate your outdoor space. Other ideas might include adding a water feature, like a fountain or pond, creating a herb garden, or incorporating outdoor art. Get creative and have fun with it!

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