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Too many patios are underutilized. I’m talking about urban patios, specifically. Out in the suburbs and beyond, with their seemingly endless space, it’s a free for all. But in the city? You’ve got to get real creative.
That’s where I come in. Whether you want to invest in high-quality furniture for the long run or need temporary options for a rental you might leave in a year, there are plenty of ways to enhance your patio (or balcony, deck, terrace or yard, whatever you’ve got).
Creating an outdoor space you love will encourage you to actually spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and making the most of your surroundings. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite products and advice to help you transform your patio into a space worthy of the word “oasis.”
First, Assess Your Space
Every great project starts with some planning. Start by measuring your patio’s dimensions and sketching a rough layout as accurately as you can so that you can experiment with different setups.
Next, prioritize what you think is worth investing in for the long haul, and what isn’t. Specifically for renters, if you get sturdy (but no doubt hefty) furniture, will you want to move with it? Or would you rather get something you can easily part with when you’re ready to move? I personally have decided that I’m not ready for high-end outdoor furniture, but I do have other smaller pieces that I know I’ll have for years to come.
Our Favorite Outdoor Furniture, Accents and Gear
If you’re looking for pieces to hold onto…
Outer’s modular seating stands out for its durability, convenience and sustainability. Starting at $1,300 per seat, you can customize your choice of weather-resistant frames and machine-washable cushions, which help prevent mold, mildew and stains.
A weather-resistant rug is one of the easiest ways to make a patio feel like an actual room. The harlequin pattern is my personal favorite — it’s bold enough to anchor a space without trying too hard. More importantly, it’s built for actual outdoor use: it’s loomed from polypropylene and polyester, so it’s genuinely weather and stain resistant. It’s also thinner than you’d expect, at just 0.2 inches, which makes it easy to lay flat and keep in place. To clean, just hose it down when it gets dirty, let it dry and you’re done. If this pattern isn’t your thing, Rugs USA has a solid range of outdoor rugs worth exploring.
I am obsessed with these chairs. They’re sleek and comfortable, and because they’re made from polyethylene resin, they can withstand sun, rain and snow. Plus, this is truly an investment for the future as they are designed to be used on shallow pool decks (and I see a pool in your future, if you don’t have one already).
I like Room & Board’s outdoor table designs because they use durable materials and come in a plethora of sizes and shapes — including large rectangular tables for big gatherings and smaller round options for intimate settings, allowing you to choose something that fits your space, aesthetic and hosting style.
I’m skipping the grill recommendations today because there are simply too many variables. But what I will do is recommend a smokeless fire pit and pizza oven for just about anyone. I specifically love Breeo’s corten-steel material, which differentiates it from the dozens of other fire pits out there.
Review: Is Breeo’s Smokeless Fire Pit the One to Rule Them All?
The American-made brand’s X Series is rougher, tougher and heavier than the ubiquitous Solo StoveIf you’re looking for some interim options…
This patio set is affordable enough to be considered a temporary solution for renters, but also offers comfort and durability. The water-resistant cushions are easy to clean and the acacia wood frame holds up against outdoor elements. This set isn’t going to last nearly as long as an Outer set would, but it gets the job of setting up a seating area over with quickly and painlessly.
If you’re seeking chairs for casual lounging that might not end up being your forever chairs, I recommend this folding Adirondack chair from SoliWood. It’s designed with larger dimensions and a sturdy build for a more comfortable experience. The seat board comes pre-assembled, but the rest of the assembly could take 30-40 minutes. The folding design also allows for easy storage if needed.
For a sleek shade solution, opt for this lightweight sun shade. Made of high-density polyethylene, it blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays.
Is this prep table sexy? No. But it’s a long-lasting item that can suit everyone’s needs. It’s ideal for food preparation and serving, and a well-made one (like this model) won’t rust easily. Plus, it’s extremely easy to clean and maintain.
Everything else we love for setting up your patio…
Here at InsideHook, we’re big fans of Vego Garden Beds. They’re crafted from eco-friendly metal, as well as customizable, efficient and visually appealing. They offer options for pretty much every use case — from modular raised garden beds and self-watering planter boxes to what I have on my patio, the elevated rolling self-watering garden bed.
Nothing adds ambiance like customizable lighting. These smart outdoor lights from Philips Hue are easy to install and can be controlled with your device of choice. They offer a variety of weather-proof fixtures that are built to last and withstand outdoor conditions. Plus, there are literally million colors to choose from.
The Oyster Tempo Pro is a game changer with its ice-free technology, spacious design and exceptional thermal performance. Plus, its easy-to-clean and durable construction ensures hassle-free use for years to come.
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