Easy Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

Today, you don’t have to scroll on social media long to see picture-perfect backyard setups. It can be hard to be satisfied with what you’ve got, or even know how to start to improve your outdoor living space. The good news is that if you have a small patch of yard or a simple deck patio, you’ve got the perfect canvas to make a welcoming outdoor space. You don’t need tons of land to create something you’ll love. Sometimes, the simplest additions can make the exterior of your home feel elevated and attractive. There are tons of outdoor structures and accessories to explore for yards and patios of different sizes. Whether you want to utilize things you already have or want to invest in a stylized outdoor space, let’s explore some of the most popular options.

Create a Comfortable Seating Area

One of the easiest and most practical ways to improve your outdoor living is to add seating. You can pair them with a table or counter for a unique dining experience or create a place to socialize around a fire. If you’re looking to invest in something new, there are so many styles and color combinations to choose from. So, let’s break down some of the most common.

Adirondack Chairs

The ergonomic design of these chairs has made them a classic option for outdoor seating. Adirondack chairs have an angled backrest, sloping seat, and wide armrests. These features are all designed to fit the natural curves of the body, encouraging good posture. You can also find counter-height options available in balcony chairs. These tall options are great for lookouts, pools, and bars.

Benches

Classic, dependable, and straightforward. Benches are an easy way to create flexible seating areas without eating up too much space. Some benches come with storage compartments to add to their space-saving functionality.

Gliders/Rockers

Coast along in pure comfort. Whether you prefer the smooth movement of a glider or the gentle swaying of a rocker, these are great seats for kicking back in the great outdoors. There are plenty of different styles and features that fit your support needs, whether that’s Adirondack, single seating, bench-style, or upholstered.

Lounges

This luxurious option is also sometimes referred to as the “pool bed.” Whether you want to tan, take a nap, or have the perfect spot to read a book, a chaise lounge is the ideal option. The elongated base and reclined back give you plenty of space to sprawl out in the sun.

Swings

Swings are a source of joy for all ages and add charm to any space. Add pillows and blankets to your swing to give it an even cozier appeal.

Add Elements of Light

While lighting is not a necessary outdoor feature during the day, this small detail is the cherry on top. Once the sun sinks behind the horizon, you’ll be grateful for more than just a porch light.

String Lights

These lights offer a softer glow that perfectly lights up trees, patios, gazebos, and other tall structures. You can even string them along counters or wrap them around posts.

Candles

Almost everyone has candles around their home. These are some of the cheapest and simplest ways to add a little light to your evening outside. Citronella candles are a bonus as they help keep away pests like mosquitoes.

Fire Pits/Fire Tables

Nothing is more inviting and warm than the glow of a fire. Whether you want the rustic approach of a fire pit or the more modern fire table, you’ll always have a cozy flame to sit around during your time outside.

If you’re not fond of chopping wood and getting a fire started the old-fashioned way, we recommend you check out the Ironwood Fire Table. This new, innovative take on “sitting around the campfire” makes nights outside easy.

• Can be fueled by either LP or Natural gas
  • Adjustable legs to help with ventilation
  • Aluminum has a rust-resistant powder-coated finish
  • Aluminum is lightweight for effortless mobility
  • Easy to clean
• Teak or aluminum top can be placed to convert it to a coffee table

Lamps/Lanterns

While you might be picturing the more primitive gas lanterns, there are also more modern electric alternatives. (Modern metal frame, boho wicker style, paper lanterns, etc.) These fixtures are great to hang from exterior walls and hooks, or if you’d like, you can install lamp posts in your yard.

Path Lights

If you’ve got a path of any kind, dirt, stone, brick, or concrete, consider giving it some charm by lining it with path lights. You’ll never have to guess where you’re stepping, and you’ll be surprised to see how much those little lights really shine.

Keep Your Outdoor Space Tidy

Nothing makes a yard or deck feel more inviting than keeping it uncluttered and well-maintained. This goes beyond just mowing your grass and keeping your weeds at bay.

Sheds and Mini Barns

The easiest way to keep a yard decluttered is to invest in a shed. This space not only stores your outdoor items but also serves as an attractive addition to your yard. Sheds and mini barns have become very versatile. The styles, colors, and features have become easily customizable. They can match the exterior colors of your home or stand out as a focal point in your yard. It doesn’t have to be a boring storage unit. Give it a fresh paint job. Add a wreath to the door. Give it a good wash or replace shingles if needed. Maintaining these small details really adds curb appeal.

Sheds make for a great place to keep all your gardening and lawn care tools that keep your backyard in shape. If you already have one, consider how to organize it and maximize its space. Could you add shelving, hooks, cubbies, and other storage accessories?

If you don’t have a shed, they’re easier than ever to get installed at your home with online shed kits. You can order these kits from the comfort of your home, and they’re made from quality materials by expert American Amish craftsmen. The process includes picking your desired shape, dimensions, and colors. The package comes directly to your home.

Ordering Amish-made sheds online

Each shed kit includes everything you need to build the basic structure: pre-cut wood components for the walls, siding, doors, and trim. The manufacturer prepares all the pieces for easy assembly and designs them for a smooth, intuitive build.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Pre-cut components for easy assembly
• Primed siding (ready for your exterior latex paint of choice)
• Double doors and windows (varies by model)
• Hardware included (hinges, latches, etc.)
• Optional floor kit available
• Roofing materials not included – customers will need to source shingles or metal roofing separately

You can read our Shed Kits article here to understand how ordering an Amish shed online works.

Outdoor Cabinets

Ever dreamed of having an outdoor kitchenette, or just an easy spot to store pool floaties, outdoor games, and other miscellaneous items? You should look into adding cabinets to your patio. You can use old cabinets if you have any lying around, but it may be good to look into weather-proofing them or placing them under a covered area.

If you’re looking to buy new cabinets, there are plenty of outdoor varieties on the market. Look for cabinets constructed of poly lumber – a material that mimics wood but is made out of recycled plastics. These are long-lasting, rust-proof, mold-resistant, and very sturdy.

You can get pull-out drawers, trash can compartments, and even cabinets that are made to accommodate a Green Egg.

With all these options at your fingertips, you can build out the perfect patio for your family and friends.

Other Things to Spruce Up Your Place

• Potted plants – a little greenery goes a long way
• Rugs – you can use carpet remnants or purchase a woven outdoor rug
• Decorative rocks – you can even paint these yourself
• Fountains/mini waterfalls – nothing is more relaxing than the sound of trickling water
• Birdfeeders/birdhouses – invite the neighborhood birds to join you
• Keep your bushes and trees trimmed

Conclusion: Even Small Changes Upgrade Outdoor Spaces

You don’t need the latest styles, materials, or technology to make your yard or patio look good. Take in your space as a whole. What do you have room for? What will you actually use and enjoy having outside?

Keep things to designated areas, and don’t be afraid to make a mockup of your dream layout before putting it together. Careful planning will help you improve your outdoor living and patio, and make things feel even more unique to you and your home. Take each change one small step at a time and enjoy what you have now. The key is to make the most of what you can.