If 2020's cottagecore obsession is going anywhere, it’s right outside your door. In 2026, the patio has become an unlikely home for ruffles, faded florals, and lace that, until recently, had absolutely no business being outdoors.

LoveShackFancy’s outdoor Pottery Barn collaboration is setting the scene for a garden party gone right with whimsically sun-bleached wicker, aged acrylic goblets, and outdoor pillows echoing every flourish from the brand’s dresses. Business & Pleasure & Co., meanwhile, has turned UV protection into something resembling an antique parasol, pairing an ivory eyelet-inspired shade with its signature fringe. Even Walmart is joining in: Erin Vogelpohl’s My Texas House collection scatters gingham, scallops, and buoyant baby blues, giving stone-cold pavings a welcome softness.

Some trends fade. This one just wandered into the garden. Ahead, 20 ways to bring the cottagecore trend al fresco.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Pendants, pathways, and wall lights – oh my. Even one tiny patio can call for three different categories of outdoor lighting: pathway lights to lead guests to the door, sconces to frame the entryway, and a pendant overhead to cast a warm glow across dinner. If you’d rather buy all of your garden lighting in one place – and skip the month-plus lead times – Amazon has you covered.

It’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but what it does have is an abundance of timeless staples that have this style editor's approval: carriage-style lanterns, playful barn lights, solid brass pathway stakes, and faux rattan pendants you’ll still love by next summer, and the summer after that. Plenty are solar, too.

I fell down a rabbit hole of more than 50,000 Amazon outdoor lighting options. These are the 32 I’d recommend to anyone looking to elevate their patio quick and without spending a fortune.

Best Outdoor Portable Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Wall Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Pendant Lighting on Amazon

Best Outdoor Path Lighting on Amazon

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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The Cannes Film Festival frenzy may be over, but if you’re still lusting after the sparkling turquoise waters, punchily patterned pagodas, or seething with jealousy over your satellite friend’s splashy trip to St. Tropez, you’re not alone. The Côte d’Azur is gorgeous – but there are crowds and a troubling lack of air conditioning. Fortunately, the fantasy is much easier to recreate than the flight itinerary.

Beach clubs like The Carlton prove everything looks better – bolder – punctuated by crisp white. Think citrus orange, butter yellow, and baby blue, brought stateside by brands like Article and Serena & Lily. From there, it’s an effortless mix of Mediterranean-inspired lighting (à la Anthropologie’s outdoor edition of its iconic acanthus-enclosed Eloise) and retro metal umbrella bases, bar carts, and dining tables with the kind of playful confidence only Business & Pleasure Co. could serve.

Speaking of, time for a spritz? Ahead, 24 South of France-inspired outdoor furniture and decor finds fit for the chicest coastline we know.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Flip-flops. Pool toys. Garden tools. We’re at that point in high summer when we’ve all been living outside for several weeks, and you better believe most of us have the… eclectic patio to prove it. It’s a beautiful thing, really – evidence of a summer well spent – but we can probably all agree the clutter has had enough airtime.

Joanna Gaines just dropped the most elegant organizational solution at Target for restoring some order to your patio – and it’s not your usual storage box. It has the look of summer’s trendiest, and arguably most timeless, material: rattan. Except it’s better. Because actual rattan, though lovely in a sunroom, has no business being left to fend for itself outside. Intricately woven from polyethylene in an ultra-convincing rattan-like pattern, this version is totally waterproof.

One reviewer notes that it also solved a less glamorous problem: cable management. If rogue cords are killing your alfresco fantasy, the handle opening can be used to thread a cable through the back of the box, so portable lamps and the like can charge inside, completely out of sight.

‘This woven storage box is so beautiful. I placed it in my she shed to hold my blankets for the cooler evenings outside,’ shares another reviewer, who discovered yet another excellent use case: a small outdoor side table for guests.

Spare cushions and ugly chargers below, Campari spritz above? This is, frankly, the dream.

More Patio Storage Boxes

Shop three more outdoor storage boxes that double (and even triple) as side tables, serving stations, and more.

Joanna Gaines invented a storage box – and a cable-management solution and a side table when it feels like it, potentially all at once. Still, there’s another three-in-one storage solution I haven’t been able to stop thinking about: a party-ready patio accessory from Wayfair that may be the missing link in your small backyard.

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There are a few outdoor features that instantly make a backyard feel more comforting, and a fire pit is one of them. More than just somewhere to gather on cool evenings, the latest designs double as garden sculptures, bringing organic shape, texture, and a sense of permanence to a patio long before they're even lit.

It's a simple addition that can completely change the atmosphere of your outdoor entertaining, turning it into somewhere you and your guests will want to linger long after sunset. My latest obsession came courtesy of a beautifully restored and effortlessly elevated Santa Barbara home by Tessa Platner Studio. Tucked into a walled corner of the Spanish Revival garden sits an antique fountain and low, lounge-worthy seating, with a curved stone fire pit at its center. If you missed the house tour, it's well worth a scroll – and if you're as taken with that sculptural centerpiece as I was, you're in the right place.

While the fire pits of garden design past used to read industrial and a little ugly, the latest iterations are straight out of a Mediterranean garden Pinterest board. From smooth concrete bowls and chunky stone designs to sleek, architectural silhouettes, I've rounded up 16 of the chicest fire pits around. Whether you're creating a European-inspired courtyard, a laid-back California-style patio, or simply want an excuse to spend more evenings al fresco, these are the designs I'd shop to recreate the look.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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California Wine Country is nothing short of a dream destination – the delicious drinks, the sprawling vineyards, the luxurious yet rustic aesthetic. It’s not just a place, but a lifestyle – one that so many of us, from all over the country, want to embrace.

But you don't have to live in that part of the world to create the atmosphere and style of that part of the world. Designing your patio around this timeless, iconic look works wherever you are. Think wrought iron outdoor furniture, reclaimed wood accents, ambient lighting, and grounding, earthy color palettes – anything you’d find at Hallie’s family vineyard in the classic Nancy Meyers film, The Parent Trap.

This past season, Shea McGee captured the elegance of the Napa chic aesthetic with her outdoor collection at McGee & Co. – complete with soft silhouettes, tasteful textures, and patterns that bring just the right amount of pop. Even brands like Lulu and Georgia and Olive Ateliers tap into the look with their rustic, relaxed, and refined outdoor furniture and decor.

You don’t have to physically be in Northern California’s wine region to feel fully immersed in all of its beauty. With just a few small changes, your patio can look like that of a Napa Valley vineyard, and that laid-back, on-vacation feeling will never end. Find everything you need to recreate the look below.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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An effortlessly collected table always features at least one vintage treasure. Whether it's a formal outdoor dining set-up on the patio or a relaxed summer brunch around the breakfast table, adding vintage pieces to your tablescape is the best way to create a memorable spread that feels elegant yet familiar, collected yet cohesive.

From rustic bread boards ideal for charcuterie to quirky ice buckets that bring faded glamor to the table, these five pieces are the best way to try your hand at decorating with vintage tableware; they will bring charm and character to any occasion.

1. Rustic Bread Boards and Wooden Accents

'For summer porch and outdoor dining, there are a number of key pieces that can help create a collected and curated tablescape,' says Debbie Mathews LeRoy, owner and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. 'I like incorporating wood pieces whenever possible because they add warmth and richness to the tablescape.'

Rustic country kitchen pieces make summer tables feel effortlessly lived-in and collected. 'An example of this could be vintage or antique bread boards, which can be very functional for serving bread, fruit, and cheese. They also come in several different shapes and sizes, and they can add visual interest,' adds Debbie.

'I personally have a set of vintage Washington & Forge wood-handled silverware in the Town and Country pattern. The polished wood handles with brass details are very unique and always spark interest at dinner parties.'

2. Handmade Tablecloths

'When layering your summer dining table, a vintage tablecloth can immediately nod to days gone by – of summer lunches that linger into dinners,' says designer Maggie Griffin. 'Additionally, vintage napkins and glassware are a fun way to sprinkle in older items with new ones. Think of layering a table as one does a room. Mixing patterns and color can only make the time spent around the table that much sweeter!'

Summer table decor comes to life with the right base. An embroidered table linen tells a story, as does a handmade lace style. 'I love bright china patterns passed down from generation to generation, and the unexpected, delicate lace tablecloth from your grandmother draped over a perfect outdoor table,' says Jade Joyner, co-founder and designer at Metal & Petal. 'It is the juxtaposition. The soft and the hard. The new and the old. The concept of fine, delicate pieces being placed outside in the wild, open air.'

3. Colorful Glassware

'Vintage items that I like to include in my summer tablescapes are antique and vintage glassware and dishes,' says Debbie. 'I personally own a set of Fostoria glassware in the iconic American pattern. You can purchase almost any tabletop item in this pattern, from any type of drinking glass to cake plates and dessert plates.'

'With the wide variety of pieces available, you can create a truly breathtaking tablescape using this pattern,' continues Debbie. 'And of course, the sky is the limit for using vintage and antique dishes in your tablescape. Antique blue transferware like Asiatic Pheasant or Blue Willow are popular patterns with a huge number of pieces available. Again, drenching the table with one of these historic patterns can create a true wow moment for your guests.'

Kelly Gaudreau, interior stylist and founder of home decor company HOSTED agrees, 'I like to do a smattering of mix and match glassware – some old and some new – but all complementing the overall look of the table in terms of color and style. It's a fun way to mix it up, and it creates a fun moment for guests to compare their glass with other guests.'

4. Matching China Sets

'The vintage pieces that make a summer table look collected are the ones with a history you can see: a silver tea service gone soft with tarnish, my mother's teacups mixed in with plates from other sets, and footed ceramic cake stands that give the table height and let the food do the decorating,' says cookbook author and tablescape designer Jeannie Jacobs.

A matching set of Blue Italian Spode brings color and pattern to your tabletop, the perfect choice to contrast with a white lace tablecloth. Similarly, a slowly collected range of colorful ceramics, each unique in shade or shape, invites vibrancy to the table, too.

'A collected table whispers that these things were gathered over years of living, not ordered in one afternoon, and the imperfections are what do the whispering. My one rule: never polish the silver all the way, because a little tarnish is the difference between an heirloom and a showroom,' adds Jeannie.

5. Unique Ice Buckets

'We love adding vintage ice buckets, especially the vinyl-padded gems we often see in antique stores and markets, to our summer soirees!' says designer Courtney B. Smith. 'These items are nostalgic and stylized, which provide inspiration and help set direction for tablescapes.'

'We adore floral versions for their versatility,' adds Courtney, 'and we’ve recently scored nautical-inspired and lobster-adorned buckets that offer an irresistible summertime seasonal nod. Supper’s served!'

Whether it's a classic pewter bucket that nods to Art Deco style or a more rustic rattan vessel that brings a beachy, relaxed feel to your table, ice buckets are an easy way to make a spread feel considered and instantly more elevated.

The Vintage-Style Tabletop Edit

From matching china to colorful glassware, these are the five biggest vintage table decor trends worth embracing this year, designed to make your table stand out from the rest.

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Outdoor kitchens, once seen as a luxury, have been on the rise in recent years as more homeowners are prioritizing indoor/outdoor living. But because it's such an investment, you might be wondering how you can improve your design so it lasts beyond the summer months.

This year's biggest outdoor kitchen trends have highlighted the benefits, both functionally and aesthetically, of an integrated pergola, and they're easier to add than you might think, especially when you can buy a handy kit like this Backyard Discovery Cedar Wood Pergola from Amazon.

And best of all? It's currently reduced, making it the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor kitchen ideas so you can benefit from more shade, an elegant structure, and shelter when the weather turns.

Pergola ideas aren't a new backyard invention by any means, but integrating them into your outdoor kitchen design is an emerging look designers say is worth considering, for many reasons.

Instead of your outdoor kitchen just sitting in the corner of your space, a pergola gives it a sense of permanence and creates an outdoor room. It also helps to integrate your cooking space into your planting, as you can add climbers to soften your outdoor kitchen.

But perhaps its greatest appeal is how easy it is to add to your backyard. We often see permanent structures surrounding outdoor kitchens, usually made from metal or concrete. A wooden pergola feels at one with the natural surroundings and doesn't require extensive groundwork.

The installation process is one of many reasons the Backyard Discovery Beaumont Pergola Kit receives so many rave reviews. Made entirely from cedar wood for its strength and weather-resistant properties, available in 8 different sizes, and boasting an elegant form, it ticks all the boxes for a stylish outdoor kitchen cover.

With an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 customers, you know exactly what you are getting with this pergola kit. Customers praise it for its smart design and easy-to-follow instructions, although if you don't have DIY experience or extra hands to help, it's worth calling in an expert to put it together.

'I am very happy with this pergola, and for the price, you will not beat the quality. You couldn't even get just the wood alone from HD for this price, let alone the cutting and hardware. I know people who have had pergolas custom built for over $5K! This pergola is an excellent value,' writes a 5-star reviewer.

This pergola is the perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen, especially if you are looking for something that looks timeless and doesn't come with the inconvenience of major backyard work in the heart of summer. With its elegant wood structure and sturdy trellis roof, it adds shade, shelter, and a place to grow more plants.

It's the final piece to complete your outdoor kitchen in style.

Shop More Outdoor Kitchen Pergolas

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It was a hippie thing in the ’60s and ‘70s, then a decidedly festival-chic one in the mid-aughts. An eclectic mix of natural textures, earthy tones, and well-traveled treasures, boho outdoor decor says: you’re already outside, so your backyard might as well exhale.

We can’t talk about free-spirited boho outdoor style without talking Anthropologie, the name that converted many a millennial to boho, now swapping peasant tops and ruffled maxi skirts for perfectly antiqued filigree lanterns and low-rise daybeds flanked by doting rattan flamingos. TOV Furniture’s Rafa Side Table looks like a resortwear clutch for your cocktails, while Quince – giving those $50 Mongolian cashmere sweaters a run for their money – makes a perfectly weathered Persian-style rug to set the scene.

Your Glastonbury-going grandmother knew exactly what she was doing. Shop 20 free-spirited outdoor finds for breezier days ahead.

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The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

Sideboards are the ultimate godsend for concealing life’s ugliest necessities. It’s a fact that TV cords and Wi-Fi routers look infinitely chicer tucked behind burlwood veneer. But they’re not just an indoor luxury – this statement-piece-of-a-storage-solution is just as hardworking when used as outdoor furniture, too.

As if an outdoor bar station, kitchen prep table, and storage cabinet had a baby, Wayfair’s outdoor console has all the farmhouse charm of something you’d probably host inside an indoor living room. An open display shelf is ready for the things you actually want to see – canned cocktails, pretty serving platters, stacks of linen napkins – while the generous work surface makes prepping dinner or pouring drinks a breeze. Below, a chance to stash away the eyesores: roomy double drawers give pool equipment and rogue garden tools somewhere to finally disappear.

This singular sideboard solves three small backyard headaches at once: the lack of an entertaining hub when a spontaneous spritz session with friends is in order, the lack of somewhere to stash all the bulky accessories, and, perhaps most importantly, what plagues me most as a style editor: personality-poor patios. (Nothing invigorates gray stone – or pops against a sea of green grass – quite like a rustic wood finish.)

While most reviewers seem to use it as an outdoor kitchen companion – a serving station for barbecues and the like – it’s handsome enough to earn some airtime on the front porch, too. I can easily picture it styled with a pair of planters on top, while the drawers below discreetly house muddy boots and garden tools.

If you’ve never had room for a shed, an outdoor bar, a kitchen prep station, or simply a storage piece that doesn’t suck the soul out of your patio, this all-in-one find is your new silver bullet.

Additional Outdoor Sideboards

Here are a few more styles taking our favorite sneaky storage solution outside for the summer.

Whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling one, every outdoor space could use a sideboard this summer – or, if you’re firmly in the keep-it-all-concealed cabinet camp, IKEA has plenty of sleek styles that look unbelievably indoor.

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Bistro set devotees, I have some news for you: sometimes they aren’t actually the best option for an itty-bitty patio. Lovely for a morning coffee, but if you want two people to comfortably enjoy breakfast without standing up stiff, you need furniture with a little more substance. Finally, Walmart has restocked its famous 3-in-1 patio set that squeezes big backyard pipe dreams into one tiny footprint.

Complete with a coffee table, two ottomans, and a fitted cover, the Juliet patio set is a clean-lined nested patio set with a clever trick: the seats disappear neatly beneath the table when not in use. Better than a bistro, it's a cozier, more pleasant-to-sit-at alternative for small outdoor spaces. Curious how much room that actually saves? I did the math: each ottoman measures just under 22 inches wide, so tucking them away frees up nearly 44 inches – or almost four feet – of patio space.

You really don’t need anything else. Plush seating, a table properly proportioned for a summer-paced meal, and a layer of insurance to keep everything looking fresh between seasons.

What I especially love about the Juliet is her indoor sensibility, and I’d lean all the way into that for styling. Slip an outdoor rug underneath (I’d stick to a solid or classic bordered design rather than a busy pattern), a pagoda umbrella overhead if your space isn’t already covered, and, unlike anything a bistro set will ever achieve, you've finally fulfilled the outdoor living room fantasy.

On a small patio, where every inch might as well be a mile, the Juliet feels like winning a marathon. As for my old rickety metal setup? Consider it retired.

More Space-Saving Patio Sets

Nesting is the name of the game when outdoor square footage is scarce. Shop additional sets that collapse three (or more) patio pieces into the footprint of one.

If you’re into this understated, contemporary patio look, Walmart also restocked the matching loveseat, corner chair, and sectional.

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At this time of year, my garden is looking at its best, and all the hard work over the winter and spring is really paying off. It's small, but blooming with color – composed of flowers, vegetables, and tall grasses that, together, create the vibrantly whimsical scene I was dreaming of. In the daytime, it's radiant – the main attraction of my patio. But once the sun sets, its beauty disappears into a shadowy abyss.

Of course, traditional outdoor lighting ideas would keep my garden well-lit at night, making sure my plants never lose their stardom. But the lighting I have tried so far doesn't feel quite soft enough to match the aesthetic. I am looking for lighting that will blend beautifully into my garden as well as make it glow.

Lucky for me, Terrain has just the lighting idea I need: this Floral Solar Garden Stake Light.

With several flower heads connecting into one stake, this solar light resembles a bouquet. Each stalk fans out and blooms like a real flower – only the radiance of these flowers doesn't come from their petal color; it comes from their warm, soft, and ambient glow.

I can just picture these flower lights in my garden already – I'll get a few of them, space them out organically amongst my plants, and let their soft yet dazzling glow make my garden look like the focal point it deserves to be, even after the sun sets. Since each flower stalk isn't firmly structured, they'll bow, bend, and flutter in the breeze – just like real flowers.

There's no need to be meticulous about the placement of this solar light in your garden. In fact, its whimsical nature bodes well with spontaneity. Just stake it in any sunny spot and voila – you've created a fantastical, story-book-worthy scene. It'll work wonders in a garden bed, a container garden, a singular plant pot, or even as a makeshift walkway light.

Plus, since it's rather small, it can work its way into an outdoor space of any size, too – from small patios to large backyards. Even if you only have a tiny apartment terrace, consider staking this light in a railing planter to create a charming and enchanting scene.

Shop More Garden Solar Lights

Though Terrain's Floral Solar Garden Stake Light is undeniably beautiful, it's not the only whimiscal solar light that I've been thinking about for my garden. Find a few more styles that can naturally illuminate your outdoor spaces after dark, below.

I'm convinced that Terrain's Floral Solar Garden Stake Light is one of the most unique light choices for an outdoor lighting scheme. For a large backyard, a front yard flower bed, or even a small potted plant on your terrace, its whimsical nature can help your outdoor space come to life with magical charm at night.

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High summer means there’s a good chance your garden hose is working overtime. Gardens hit dry spells, cars attract unfathomable amounts of dust, and children – adults, possibly included – might need the occasional splash to take the edge off. With all that coiling, uncoiling, and coiling again, it’s also high time your hose had somewhere better to live.

Like the storied architectural details you admire on old homes, Ballard Designs’ Beauclaire Hose Pot carries all the stately charm of an antique stone vessel, but all the durability you’d expect from thoroughly 2026 garden storage. Holding up to a 25-foot hose, it protects what might very well be your most prized possession this sweltering time of year – and, finished with a shield-crest relief, looks as though it came with the house.

It’s handsome enough to exist as outdoor decor in its own right, but it also solves one of summer’s least glamorous chores: the frustrating tangle of hose storage. One less thing to sweat over.

'It’s not like other units that have a reel and require you to crank or feed the hose in,’ notes one reviewer. 'You simply place the hose inside, and you don’t need to carefully wind it up to ensure that it fits. The hose, at least for me, seems to do that effortlessly as I place it in. The lid keeps out rain and creatures, and the appearance is picture perfect.’

No wrestling with dozens of feet of rubber. No standing in the sun painstakingly recoiling a hose, only to drape it in a less-than-photogenic loop against the side of the house. If you’ve always wanted a porch that looks expensive without anyone quite being able to pinpoint why, I’d buy one in a heartbeat.

More Stylish Hose Pots

There’s more than one haute way to hide a hose. These are the styles I’d choose for maximum curb appeal envy.

Ballard Designs' antique-style pot gives garden hoses somewhere graceful to go, but it's hardly the only summer porch decor I'm eyeing this season.

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In Tuscany, the architecture is timeless, the living is slow, and the landscape looks exactly as Botticelli promised. So when an outdoor space starts craving a little romance, the answer is usually somewhere along that cypress-lined path.

Most of us aren’t planting olive groves anytime soon, but Lulu and Georgia’s mosaic patio rug recalls the terracotta-clad courtyards tucked among them. Warm travertine side tables echo Italy's honeyed landscape, while Pottery Barn’s forged-iron pendants nod to the region's medieval roots overhead. Sun-faded planters and handsome hose pots (nothing punctures an Italian fantasy faster than 50 feet of unruly rubber) complete the illusion of a well-worn palazzo.

La dolce vita, indeed. Shop 20 villa-worthy outdoor living room finds.

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The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

Since the beginning of the summer, it's been my goal to transform my patio into a picture-perfect, secluded oasis that feels like a 5-star resort in my own backyard. For the most part, I've been successful in choosing the right furniture and decor to nail the look. But there's one aspect of this transformation that I've been struggling with the most, and that's privacy.

Unfortunately, I don't live on a 100-acre plot of land with no neighbors in sight, so I've been tirelessly searching for the best garden privacy ideas to shield my space. While standard privacy screens are a practical solution in this scenario (a choice that would've had my patio finished months ago), I've had my eyes set on something softer that would provide shade and give my patio a relaxed, Mediterranean feel: outdoor curtains.

Effortless in style, free-flowing, tasteful when tied up, and just as chic when let loose, outdoor curtains are one of the most elegant ways to bring shade and privacy to a porch, patio, or any covered outdoor space. And though it's taken me some time to find the right style for my patio (I only want the best), I've finally narrowed my selection down to West Elm's assortment of outdoor curtains.

West Elm offers 15 outdoor curtain styles – some striped, some solid, some with grommets, and others with hidden pull pockets. Differences aside, all of them are made with the same material – Sunbrella's performance outdoor fabric. This durable, long-lasting, stain- and UV-resistant fabric is a top choice for outdoor furniture, so it only makes sense that it's equally as desirable for outdoor curtains, too.

Bring any one of these outdoor curtains into your scheme, and voila – instant privacy and deliciously cool shade in the most stylish way possible. They are also great for keeping bugs away too.

Shop Outdoor Curtains from West Elm

Conveniently, all of the above outdoor curtains from West Elm are made with either grommets or hidden pull pockets at the top – this way, you can decide which look you like better. Plus, each are sold either individually or in a set of two, and in multiple sizes as well, all depending on the needs of your outdoor space.

So, if you're looking to stylize your outdoor space with graceful, effortless elegance while adding privacy to your home at the same time, then consider these outdoor curtains the decor feature you need.

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I'm sure there are mirrors hanging all over the inside of your home – in the bathrooms, the bedrooms, the living room, the entryway. But what about outside? Have you ever thought to include a mirror as part of your outdoor design scheme?

It's interior design 101 that mirrors can make spaces feel instantly bigger and brighter, and the same applies to outside areas. They are a quick and easy way to make your backyard look bigger without taking up any floor space. An outdoor mirror can also make outdoor spaces feel more layered, design-driven, and put-together, too – more like an outdoor living room.

Outdoor mirrors need to withstand the elements, and while designs that are created specifically for outdoors aren't plentiful, you can look out for materials that will withstand the weather. Treated hardwoods will wear nicely over the years, offering a natural, weathered appeal; metals like aluminium, stainless steel, and wrought iron will work outdoors too.

Pooky has really recently released a whimsical outdoor mirror in collaboration with The Novogratz, and Anthropologie has dropped a trellis garden mirror that can add some heritage-inspired charm to your patio scheme. You can also find some surprisingly chic, affordable designs on Amazon, like this arched outdoor mirror – it's large, rustic, and perfect for adding character to plain patios.

So, if your outdoor space feels like it's missing something, perhaps it's time to hang an outdoor mirror. Ahead, shop 12 picks that can enhance your patio no matter what the size.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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Outdoor hosting is one of the best ways to enjoy the summertime. Whether it's brunch on the patio, an afternoon pool party, or a moonlit, al fresco dinner, nothing can ruin the mood of a day spent outdoors – well, except soaring temperatures. So how do you and your guests keep cool when hosting outside in the summer?

We spoke to hosting experts who shared their practical and creative approaches to staying cool and adding shade while spending time outside this season. Below, find their tips so you can enjoy hosting outdoors – no matter the temperature.

Whether you're prepping a small backyard for summer hosting or you're gearing up your large outdoor living room for an evening get-together, these six hosting tips can ensure a summer full of refreshingly cool outdoor parties.

1. Create Spots of Shade

It's always a good idea to have some shaded areas in your backyard. Even if you love soaking up the sun, some guests might prefer to relax in the shade. And on hot days, a shady zone can make your patio feel so much cooler.

Hosting expert Julianna McIntosh says that shaded areas are a must. 'I recommend using large umbrellas or pop-up tents to provide ample cover. Setting up comfortable seating areas under the shade with cozy cushions and fans can help guests stay cool and relaxed,’ she explains.

Things like outdoor umbrellas, small gazebos, and even tall plants can create shade in your outdoor space. And the more shading elements you have, the more outdoor space you'll be able to enjoy on a hot summer day.

2. Encourage a Flow Between Indoors and Out

If a shady space is not enough, you could combine indoor and outdoor hosting by starting the party inside and then transitioning outdoors once it's cool enough, author and entertainment expert Dawna Pitts recommends.

‘I live in very sunny Paradise Valley, Arizona, so oftentimes I hold the 'mingling hour' (the beginning forty-five minutes to an hour) inside, and then, after the sun has set enough, I love taking the party outside for comfortable dining without the sun beating down,’ she shares.

Keep exterior doors open so guests can quickly move from outside back in, and vice versa. Just make sure to use a screen door or a magnetic screen to keep unwanted pests from finding their way inside.

3. Plan a Summer Menu With Intention

A summer party calls for a seasonally appropriate menu and what you serve can make all the difference to keep guests cool. Rather than serving heavy, hot dishes and strong drinks, opt for light meals, seasonal accoutrements, and cold, refreshing cocktails.

According to luxury event planner Cassie LaMere, there are so many creative drinks to serve when hosting outdoors in the summertime. 'Serve beverages in mint julep cups with shaved ice that hold onto their cooling effect even in peak heat, or have glassware in a freezer so it presents frosted,' she suggests. It helps to set up an outdoor drink station, too, or at least a few chic ice buckets – this way, you don't have to run back inside to make another round.

As for the food, you can never go wrong with fish as the main course (grilled halibut is always a winner for an elevated but easy dish). That said, there are so many other summer foods that are worth serving at your party – like sliced fruit, melon and prosciutto platters, or cold pasta salads.

4. Incorporate Cooling Devices

Sometimes, shade is simply not enough to keep you cool while outside – especially when the summer heat surpasses 90 degrees. That's why it's a good idea to incorporate cooling units or devices into your backyard's design scheme.

If you have a covered porch, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan to circulate air, and if you don't have a covered space, opt for a standing fan instead. If you live in a very hot climate, consider installing misters – or wire-like devices that can spray water around your patio to keep you and your guests extra cool and comfortable.

5. Use a Light Color Scheme

Light colors just make sense for outdoor summer hosting. These shades absorb less heat than darker colors do, and they can even trick your brain into feeling cooler, too.

According to our editor Jennifer Ebert, 'a lighter color scheme can completely transform how an outdoor space feels during the summer months.' She recommends utilizing a soft summer color palette of whites, warm neutrals, and pale natural tones to make patio seating areas feel fresh and more comfortable for summer hosting. 'Beyond the practical benefits, these airy hues also create a relaxed, timeless backdrop that enhances the feeling of being outdoors,' Jennifer continues.

Decor aside, you can even recommend that guests dress in light colors to help them feel even cooler as they enjoy time outside at your house.

6. Appeal to All of the Senses

Another way you can make your outdoor space feel cooler in the summer is by tapping into all of the senses. According to hosting expert Cassie LaMere, this is a key element in hosting a successful gathering. Since we've covered sight, taste, and touch, that leaves scent and sound.

'Saltwater or eucalyptus scents are refreshing and soothing,’ Cassie suggests in terms of scent. And while you can definitely buy a candle to emit a refreshing summer scent, consider planting fragrant summer flowers that will immerse your garden in cooling, fresh fragrances.

In terms of sound, Cassie suggests playing peaceful music to set the mood. 'Keep the playlist soothing with ocean waves or yacht rock; both will transport you to on-the-water instant chill vibes,' she says.

Hosting an outdoor event in the summer doesn't have to be a sweltering ordeal. Keeping you and your guests cool is simple when you follow these six tips – no matter what the mercury reads. With thoughtful preparation and creative touches, your outdoor summer party is sure to be a success.

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I love outdoor hosting in the summertime, but what I don't love is all the back and forth that comes with it – running inside to grab a missing component (more napkins, an extra glass, cutlery, the list goes on), hurrying back out, and not even five minutes later, having to do the same thing again for something else.

Inside the home, this kind of problem has long been solved with hosting closets and cabinets, as they keep all hosting essentials right where you need them and in close proximity. However, I've yet to find a suitable alternative for my small patio that sees a lot of use over the summer. That is, until I came across IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit.

Though designed to be a gardening shelf for plants and pots, the LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is coming into my patio as a makeshift outdoor hosting station – in my style editor's opinion. Between its height, its spacious shelves, and its attractive look, I'm convinced that it's the hosting helper you need on your patio this summer.

I cross-checked all the measurements so you don't have to, and as it turns out, the LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit's size is on par with that of a traditional hosting cabinet. Each shelf is spaced far enough apart so that a standard wine bottle can comfortably fit. Plus, each shelf is deep enough to hold a standard dinner plate, too.

Size aside, the stylish appeal of this shelf is bound to enhance your existing outdoor furniture setup. Inspired by traditional wrought iron pieces, it can bring a classic and charming look to your patio scheme, all while providing a designated zone for hosting must-haves.

What I like most about IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is that it can benefit any outdoor area – from small backyards and tiny terraces to sprawling exterior set-ups with fully equipped outdoor kitchens. This shelf will provide a convenient resting place (and even extra outdoor storage space) for all sorts of outdoor hosting necessities.

Consider it the easy and instant outdoor upgrade you didn't know you needed. As long as you have it on your patio, you'll never have to dart back inside to grab something again. And from now on, you'll actually be able to enjoy hosting guests on your patio – all thanks to this handy plant shelf-turned hosting station.

How I'd Style IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit for Summer Hosting

Of course, IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit can only do so much on its own. In order to make it work for you, fill it with the hosting elements you need most frequently. See how I'd style it, below.

Clearly, IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is a versatile outdoor furnishing – fit for holding plants, wine bottles, serveware, and everything in between. I think it makes the most sense for outdoor hosting, but if you think a traditional serving station is a better fit for your patio, then check out our collections of some of the best outdoor bar carts and stationary bars on the market right now.

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Squeezing an oversized parasol into a petite patio or balcony is a bit like squeezing yourself into skinny jeans two sizes too small – there’s no room to breathe, and it doesn’t do either of you any favors. It’s officially too hot not to own an umbrella, so the solution isn’t skipping one altogether; it’s finding one that isn’t the height of a basketball player. Answering the cries of every tiny patio owner, IKEA has one for just $35.

IKEA’s TVETÖ umbrella might not look all that different from a traditional parasol on screen. It has the square UV-protective canopy, the handy hook-and-loop strap, even a tilt function for awkward corners. The difference is its size: at just 71 inches wide, it’s nearly four feet narrower than IKEA’s classic JOGGESÖ parasol, which measures 118 inches across. For a small patio, balcony, or courtyard, that’s the difference between comfortably shaded and visually swallowed whole.

Finally: that little bistro set that’s become unbearable to look at – let alone sit at – by noon is back in business, with up to 96% of UV radiation blocked overhead.

You’ll need a separate umbrella base, but at $35, it’s hardly the hill to die on. The square canopy is really the genius part, sliding neatly against walls, fences, and into corners instead of leaving those little gaps that somehow eat up half your patio. In a small outdoor space, every inch counts – and this shade finally lets you use them all.

More Space-Saving Shade Solutions

Small outdoor spaces don’t leave room for mistakes. Here are a few mindful shade solutions I’d also recommend for petite patios, balconies, and every awkward outdoor space in between.

If you’ve spent the last few summers convinced your outdoor space is simply too awkward for a parasol, IKEA’s smart little shade might finally prove otherwise.

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Finding the perfect seating for your outdoor space will help to draw you outside on a warm afternoon and make hosting outdoors feel as effortless as gathering inside.

But the best outdoor seating isn't one-size-fits-all. The right layout, style, and materials depend on how you actually use the space – casual family lounging, poolside entertaining, long summer dinners. Climate matters too, as does the house's architecture and how much maintenance you're willing to take on.

These 16 designer-approved ideas cover flexible layouts, weather-resistant materials, and arrangements that make both large and small spaces work harder – the kind of details that turn a patio, deck, or lawn into a standout outdoor living room that calls you outside all season long.

1. Choose Furniture Based on How You Use the Space

Before buying anything for your backyard, think through how you'll actually use it. That decision will shape the size and type of seating you need, as well as how you arrange it.

If your outdoor space contains different elements – a pool, a covered patio, a grassy lawn – using a different type of seating in each helps you get the most out of every zone, rather than forcing one setup to do everything.

The outdoor furniture you select and its placement should follow how you move through the space day-to-day. 'Loungers go by the pool for easy access, a dining table stays by the back door so that carrying trash and pitchers out is painless, and comfy seating lives somewhere with a view,' says designer Michelle Morgan Harrison of Morgan Harrison Home.

2. Choose Flexible Furniture to Accommodate Different Occasions

If you entertain crowds of all different sizes, consider seating that can change function depending on the occasion. Rather than locking in one fixed layout, look for pieces that can shift roles as needed, like ottomans and accent tables that can double as both surfaces and seating.

In the space above, designer Kaitlin Smith chose the vintage blue-and-white patio set for the contrast it provided to the shingled home in the background, but she selected the rest of the furniture for its flexibility. 'The rattan benches with cushions are the perfect alternative to a coffee table, providing a nice spot for a tray or a comfortable place to put your feet up,' she says. 'The layout is conducive to outdoor entertaining, as the ottoman can also pull apart for additional seating if needed.'

Functional flexibility means the space adapts to the occasion instead of the other way around.

This white and navy conversation set from Birch Lane achieves a similar high-contrast look without tracking down a vintage set.

3. Arrange Seating Around a Focal Point

Arranging your outdoor seating area around a focal point gives the space a natural sense of order and direction, and somewhere for the eye and furniture to orient itself around.

In the space above, 'the fireplace serves as a natural focal point for this seating area, extending the use of the garden into cooler evenings and creating a sense of occasion well beyond the summer months,' says Nick Woodhouse, creative director of gardens at Woodhouse & Law.

While fireplaces, fire pits, water features, and pools are obvious choices for the center of attention, you can also orient furniture around a beautiful view, a coffee table, or an outdoor TV or projection screen, depending on how the space will be used.

4. Create a Multipurpose Space with Zones

If a single porch or patio needs to serve multiple purposes, say, dining and lounging, or relaxing and entertaining, zoning makes the difference between a space that flows and one that feels crowded.

'Creating different zones in your outdoor space is like creating distinct rooms outside, without the walls,' says designer Michelle Morgan Harrison of Morgan Harrison Home. 'Rather than putting all of your furniture in one place, separating it creates a flow throughout the space and makes the entire outdoor area feel bigger.'

The way furniture is arranged can be enough to differentiate between zones. Angling a seating group inward around a fire pit or coffee table signals a gathering space, while a pair of lounge chairs facing a view creates a natural spot to unwind, for example.

5. Anchor Living Spaces with Flooring Choices

If your outdoor seating area needs more definition, or you want clearer separation between zones, considered flooring can be the simplest fix.

An outdoor rug is one of the most effective ways to both anchor and define a seating zone, and one that works visually and tactilely. In the same manner that an interior rug pulls a living room together, an outdoor rug gives a seating area a clear boundary and a sense of intention. And the physical feeling matters just as much as the look.

'A change in texture underfoot signals a different function,' explains Tracy Parkinson of Nest + Co, who furnished the space above. 'This can also be achieved using different decking materials such as wood and stone, or by laying the same material in a different pattern.'

A thickly woven faux jute rug, like this Dash & Albert version, is a neutral way to ground an outdoor seating area.

6. Choose Practical Materials

Layout and aesthetics are key in a well-functioning outdoor seating area, but perhaps the most important consideration is purely practical.

'The difference [between indoor and outdoor furniture] is that outdoor furniture needs to withstand the elements,' says Sacha Jacq, who designed the open roofdeck, above. 'Wind, rain, snow, and prolonged sun exposure all play a role in the selection process.

That constant exposure means material choice should be as much about performance as it is about preference.

'Materiality is critical, from the durability of outdoor fabrics to the performance of hard surfaces and frame finishes. The best outdoor furnishings strike a balance between comfort, aesthetics, and longevity,' Sacha says.

Durable material choices include powder-coated aluminum, teak, high-density polyethylene furniture like Polywood, available at Wayfair, and all-weather wicker.

7. Get the Spacing Right Around a Fire Pit

Turns out, there's a magic number when it comes to arranging chairs around a fire pit. Too few and the gathering feels sparse; too many and people end up shouting across the flames. The perfect balance keeps everyone close enough to share the warmth and stay in the same conversation, without anyone feeling like they're sitting uncomfortably close to an open fire.

'Four to six chairs is the sweet spot,' says Sarah Cole of Sarah Cole Interiors. 'I generally prefer individual chairs over larger sectionals around a fire pit because they create a more intimate gathering space and make it easier for people to interact with everyone in the group.'

A grouping of these all-weather wicker patio loungers, available at AllModern is the perfect way to bring visual warmth and encourage easy conversation in an outdoor seating area,

8. Extend the Life of Your Space with Shade and Heat

Getting the most out of an outdoor seating area means planning for more than just peak summer afternoons. 'Designing outdoor spaces in New England means we absolutely have to consider seasonal flexibility. We want to create outdoor spaces that give our clients the most use – from day to night, summer to fall,' says Michelle Morgan Harrison.

Shade is the starting point. A slatted pergola or similar structure makes a space usable through the hottest part of the day, while still allowing some light through. From there, heaters, like this ceiling-mounted electric version, like this option from Wayfair, and a fireplace extend the use further. 'We added heaters and a fireplace that can come into play on breezy summer nights, or even during the cooler seasons, allowing for this outdoor space to get use after the sun's gone down and the warm air has faded,' she explains.

9. Consider the View from the House

There's a good chance you'll be able to see your outdoor furniture from inside, so use your furniture as a chance to enhance the view. Chair and sofa backs are often seen from the kitchen window or the living room, so it's worth choosing pieces with a detail that holds up from that angle too.

'This teak seating area provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining in the lush backyard,' says Kaitlin Smith. 'Because the backs of the chairs and sofa can be viewed from the house and yard, I wanted to be sure they had an interesting decorative element to them, and the cross detail seemed to mimic the architectural elements of the house.'

For a similar look, this all-weather Polywood set, available at Wayfair, offers a chinoiserie-inspired fretwork detail on the chair backs.

10. Think of Your Seating Area as an Outdoor Room

Elevating a simple set of lounge furniture into something that feels like a true outdoor room takes more than good chairs – it takes attention to the layout and the details around it. Think beyond seating alone: planting fragrant flowers, adding shade, creating visual interest, and designing a layout that draws people in rather than leaving them to pass through.

'By combining comfortable seating with richly planted borders, we created an outdoor room that feels seamlessly integrated into the garden,' says Nick Woodhouse. 'The generous corner sofa encourages gathering and conversation, while the surrounding lavender and climbing plants soften the hardscape, introducing color and fragrance throughout the season. A large parasol provides welcome shade and extends the usability of the space, making it a comfortable retreat on hotter summer days.'

11. Give Special Consideration to Coastal Settings

Material choice is always important outdoors, but coastal gardens leave even less room for error given elements like gusting winds and salt air.

'In this particular project, we were careful to use materials that will weather well in harsh coastal conditions,' explains Sarah Henley of Henley Design. Teak and metals like powder-coated stainless steel that will not corrode in salt air were utilized in this project, as well as sturdy, color-fast outdoor performance fabrics. After durability, then we consider comfort and aesthetics.'

12. Take Color Cues from the Surroundings

Choosing a color palette for outdoor furniture is easiest when you let the surrounding landscape do the work. Rather than starting from an outdoor trend or a mood board, look at what's already there – the color of the water, the siding on the house, the vegetation along the property line – and build the palette outward from those tones. The result tends to feel more cohesive than a scheme chosen in isolation, since the furniture reads as part of the setting.

'A palette of soft greens, coastal-inspired neutrals, and layered blues echoes the natural beauty of the landscape, drawing inspiration from the nearby water, sky, and kelp vegetation,' says designer Samantha Pappas of the outdoor area above. 'The effect is a space that feels like it grew out of its surroundings rather than one that was simply placed there.'

13. Consider the Impact of Sightlines

If your seating area is one part of a larger, zoned outdoor space, it's worth considering how the sightlines created by your furniture affect not just the flow of the space, but the flow of conversation. Turning a sofa or chair back toward an adjacent outdoor dining area can quietly cut off one group from another, even when there's no physical divider between them.

'We always like to avoid having the back of a sofa or chair to the dining space whenever possible, because it's less conversational and inviting,' explains Sarah Henley. 'We always think about the flow between drinks and apps before and after dinner in conjunction with the dining area, and having a connection between the two areas is important.'

14. For an Intimate Space, Lean on Chairs over Sofas

Chairs tend to win out over sofas when the goal is conversation – which was exactly the brief for the space above, designed by Annsley McAleer of Annsley Interiors and Lily Flatley. The covered porch serves as a seasonal gateway between the home and the pool beyond, meant to draw people in and keep them there.

Chairs are easier to reposition on the fly, which makes a space more adaptable for different group sizes, and they allow people to angle themselves toward each other. A sofa-heavy setup can look polished, but it often comes at the expense of flexibility and warmth. 'Chairs are easier to move around and naturally encourage conversation because people can angle themselves toward one another,' adds Sarah Cole.. 'Too many sofas can make an outdoor space feel rigid.'

15. Immerse Your Seating in the Landscape

Nature is the whole point of spending time outside, so don't underestimate the impact surrounding greenery can have on your outdoor seating area. It's not an afterthought –it's part of the design.

The space above, for example, was designed to feel submerged in the surrounding garden. 'This seating area was conceived as a quiet garden sanctuary, where comfortable furnishings are nestled amongst richly layered planting,' says Nick Woodhouse. 'The surrounding borders create a sense of enclosure and immersion, making the space feel calm and deeply connected to nature.'

16. Or, Add in Plenty of Greenery

If you can't site your seating area directly in a garden bed, try arranging large potted plants arranged around the perimeter, or planting a climbing vine along a trellis or pergola post. Even a single well-placed planter near a seating cluster can go a long way toward softening hard surfaces and connecting the space to the environment.

'Including plants is a must,' says Kristine Irving, Koo de Kir Architectural Interiors. 'Natural plantings soften the space and provide the oasis aspect your outdoor living room needs, so the landscape aspect is highly critical.'

The best outdoor seating areas don't happen by accident. They're the result of a few deliberate decisions made before the shopping starts: Choosing the right materials for the climate, setting a layout that supports how people actually move and talk, and integrating the surroundings through plantings and a color scheme. Get those fundamentals right, and your outdoor space will become every bit as lived in as your indoor ones.

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Outdoor wall lights are the finishing touch every alfresco space needs. Nothing gives a front porch more authority than a set of sconces flanking the entry, or says, ‘I don’t rent, I own,’ quite like a row of decidedly non-big-box-looking fixtures marching along an exterior wall.

It’s often a high-commitment look with an even higher payoff, but thanks to two very welcome shifts in outdoor lighting, only the latter holds true. Design's recent obsession with all things stylishly solar has finally turned the anti-apartment fixture friendly. Charged by the sun – and inherently wire-free – these styles go up (and, importantly, come down) in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, anyone who’s ever fallen for a vintage sconce only to realize it couldn’t survive another season outdoors is getting a worthy alternative. Anthropologie and Rejuvenation are catching kindred curb appeal with swanky scalloped glass, Art Nouveau medallions, and polished brass so reflective it moonlights as a mirror. Auxiliary lighting, they are not.

From front steps and garages to every open-air aperitivo in between, these are the 20 outdoor wall lights we'd use to make any exterior feel a little more permanent – and considerably more expensive.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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This summer, I'm on a mission to make my patio the most desirable place to hang out on my property. I have bought everything from plush furniture and throw pillows to an outdoor rug that makes the scene look extra inviting. Some would say my patio is complete, but in my opinion, it's missing the most important feature: lighting.

Although I've searched long and hard for the perfect lighting idea for my patio, I keep coming up short. Portable table lamps aren't substantial enough, string lights are a bit too casual for my liking, and hard-wiring a light feature is simply not in my wheelhouse. I was beginning to think I'd never find the right light source for my patio, but then I found the perfect piece: this Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp from Amazon.

It's solar-powered but also rechargeable; timelessly designed with a wicker shade and features a sleek metal base. Standing just under 5 ft. tall, it's able to cast a pronounced glow – perfect for lighting up a patio space. And as if it couldn't get any better, it's priced at just under $150 – a steal for outdoor lighting.

Most outdoor lighting takes the form of table lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and string lights, with floor lamps reserved for indoor use. But considering how practical they are in indoor lighting schemes, it's only right that they find a place in outdoor set-ups, too.

And this one – with its solar-powered capabilities, its cordless nature, its wicker shade, its heavy metal base, its clever, detachable table (I can keep going!) – just might give its indoor counterparts a run for their money.

I see this floor lamp becoming an indispensable feature in patio schemes – a detail that's just as important as outdoor furniture pieces like sofas, accent chairs, and dining tables. And if you have a small patio, it's even more beneficial, as it not only provides warm light, but doubles as an outdoor side table, too.

My praise aside, lots of reviewers rave about this outdoor floor lamp for its durability, its design, and even the ambience it creates. 'I absolutely love this solar floor lamp! It has completely transformed my deck into a cozy, inviting space that truly feels like an extension of my home,' one reviewer wrote. 'The wicker shade adds wonderful texture and an organic feel that perfectly complements my outdoor décor and gives my space that warm, modern organic vibe.'

I'm convinced Amazon's Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp can make any patio look and feel like a true outdoor living room.

How I'd Style Amazon's Outdoor Floor Lamp

This outdoor floor lamp from Amazon will make your patio scheme look as good as your interior spaces. Here's how I'd style it to create an inviting atmosphere.

Shop More Outdoor Lighting

Layered lighting isn't only beneficial for indoor schemes – it works wonders to create inviting outdoor environments, too. So, aside from Amazon's Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp, consider adding other light sources to your patio, too, such as the ones below.

Between its clever design, its versatility, and its effortless glow, this chic floor lamp will make for a truly unique feature for your patio – one you didn't know you needed and won't be able to live without.

That said, it's not the only unique lighting feature I've come across recently. If Amazon's Floor Lamp checks off high-level outdoor lighting, then Anthropologie's Solar Pebble Lights check off the low-level lights. These rock-shaped light features can illuminate walkways, patio perimeters, and gardens in the chicest way possible.

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When summer temperatures skyrocket, there's no better feeling than escaping to your patio to cool down. But, if your outdoor seating is caught in suntrap, it doesn't make the most comfortable retreat. That's where plants come in, specifically the ones that instantly make outdoor spaces feel cooler.

It can be as simple as arranging lush foliage of ferns in containers to cool down the air as they transpire, or placing a tree canopy over your patio to cast some shade and make it more comfortable. It's a backyard idea that creates a cooler microclimate in sun-soaked corners, whether on a patio or a balcony.

The best part is many of these plants can be grown in containers, so you can move them around as needed. You could even use a rectangular planter box (like this from Wayfair) to create dense planting as a privacy screen. Here, we talk through our top five plants that cool a seating area.

1. Boston Fern

When I think of plants to make a seating area feel instantly cooler, I automatically think of ferns. More specifically, Boston ferns.

With its lush sword-shaped fronds, you can grow Boston ferns outside to provide some dense coverage.

They work well in hanging baskets, creating some overhead shade, but will likewise provide some coolness in large containers around your seating.

Boston ferns are hardy across USDA zones 9-11, but you can move your houseplant fern (like this Boston fern from Walmart) outdoors during the summer months to take advantage of its coolness.

Just take care to provide it with bright, indirect light that doesn't cause it leaf scorch from direct sun. They also need consistent moisture, so it's worth checking the soil regularly with this soil moisture meter from Amazon and topping it up when the top inch or so dries out.

2. Fatsia Japonica

If you're looking for a plant to create some overhead shade, then Fatsia japonica is a good choice. With large, glossy leaves, it gives any outdoor space a tropical feel and provides garden privacy around seating.

It thrives in shadier environments, so it's perfect for north and east-facing patios, as well as adapting to partial sun conditions. Though, you should keep it out of intense direct afternoon sun, which will burn its leaves.

Its luscious foliage also helps cool humid air through transpiration, transforming your outdoor seating into a cool retreat to escape the summer heat.

Fatsia japonica (which you can find on Amazon) is hardy across USDA zones 8-10, and it should be sheltered from strong winds to keep its foliage in the best shape.

3. Star Jasmine

For a climber to make your seating area feel cooler, consider star jasmine. Not only will it make your patio more comfortable in the summer sun, but its sweetly fragranced blooms can also make your patio smell nice.

The best way to use star jasmine to make an area feel cooler is by growing it up a trellis planter box (like this from Amazon) to place strategically for some coverage.

Likewise, you could grow it over your pergola to provide some shade with its full, lush foliage.

Star jasmine is hardy across USDA zones 8-10 where it will bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer.

You can encourage more blooms by giving it a boost with this star jasmine fertilizer from Amazon.

Find a star jasmine vine at Plant Addicts.

4. Japanese Maple

If you're looking for a tree to grow in a pot and place next to your seating for some light coverage, then a Japanese maple is one to consider.

It will cast dappled light over the area, thanks to its airer foliage. Plus, when a breeze passes through its leaves, it will provide a gentle cooling effect.

There are so many different Japanese maple varieties to choose from, but some of the best to grow in pots include the compact Red Dragon Japanese maple from Fast Growing Trees and Coral Bark Japanese maple from Fast Growing Trees.

Take care to keep it out of direct sun, though too little light will cause your Japanese maple leaves to turn green and lose its red and yellow colors.

These trees are hardy across USDA zones 5-9.

5. Bigleaf Hydrangea

For another blooming shrub to grow around your seating area and make it more temperate, consider bigleaf hydrangea, or hydrangea macrophylla.

As its name suggests, this is a hydrangea variety with large, broad leaves that can help block sunlight. This is especially true if multiple are growing in the ground, where it can reach 2-6ft in height and spread and create a green wall.

Plus, the blue, purple, pink, and white blooms not only look beautiful but create a calming effect, almost with a visual impression of coolness.

This hydrangea does best in dappled light, where direct sun will cause your hydrangea to wilt and turn brown. You should also take care to water hydrangeas consistently so they never sit in dry soil.

Discover the full range of bigleaf hydrangeas available at Nature Hills.

What to Shop

There are plenty of other plants that cool a garden you can incorporate elsewhere in the yard to create a calm, comfortable retreat during the hottest months. Don't forget to also protect your plants in a heatwave to ensure your garden stays looking its best all summer long.

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Palomas. Mojitos. Sangrias. Spicy margaritas. Every cocktail tastes better in summer – and in your own backyard? Even better. While the occasional host can probably get away with sprinting in and out of the house, cocktail shaker in hand, seasoned entertainers might prefer to skip the cardio and invest in a proper outdoor bar instead.

If your ideal getaway lies somewhere between Nantucket and Nice – or your outdoor entertaining wardrobe begins and ends with a Nap Dress – Hill House Home’s fashion-inspired Adelaide Outdoor Bar, from its Williams Sonoma collaboration, brings plenty of alfresco elegance in all-weather wicker. If your taste skews a little more indoor, West Elm’s Portside Outdoor Bar Island and Frontgate’s teak herringbone Westport Console could just as easily pass for living room furniture, cleverly concealing integrated beverage tubs beneath the tabletop. Meanwhile, for first-time bartenders, whimsical inflatable brand Funboy is leaving the pool behind with a stripey pop-up bar that has all the authority of a permanent one, looks fabulous in photographs, and packs away post-soirée.

Writing in envy from a city run by Resy notifications, I'm partial to any hotspot that doesn't require one. Shop 16 outdoor bars to take the party outside.

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The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

It’s officially heatwave o’clock, and when it’s pushing 90 degrees (and humid), outdoor ceiling fans become a necessary evil. We’d probably all rather have some conceptual pendant or sculptural flush mount overhead instead, but preserving your sanity doesn’t have to be an eyesore, either.

Believe it or not, outdoor ceiling fans can actually be chic. This season, we’re seeing a rise of ‘caged’ styles, which come about as close to a proper outdoor light fixture as you can get, pairing breezy but enclosed construction with all the decorative flourishes you’d expect from a fixture first, fan second, such as boho weaves, candlestick-style bulbs, and multi-tier silhouettes that genuinely make a splash on a porch or patio.

But we’re also warming to a newer camp that leans into the reality that they are, in fact, ceiling fans – and executes the classic propeller silhouette remarkably well. Expect understated profiles in natural wood, opal-frosted glass, antique brass, and even old-timey revivals that lend the dog days of summer a little retro romance.

When style is the priority, but the forecast has other ideas, these are the 16 outdoor ceiling fans we’d actually be happy to look at.

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The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

On a summer day, is there anything better than restfully rocking back and forth on an outdoor swing? I certainly don't think so.

Outdoor swings are among the lineup of outdoor furniture that feel so nostalgic – right alongside rocking chairs and hammocks. Their sheer presence invites you to sit, relax, and enjoy life's quieter moments. Plus, many tend to yield a charming, heritage-inspired look – as if they've been passed down through the family for years.

One of the most common outdoor swing styles is the porch swing – like Serena & Lily's Springwood Hanging Daybed, these mount to the ceiling with rope or chains. But, there are many variations of outdoor swings that can exist anywhere around your back yard. Freestanding options like Walmart’s Hanging Porch Swing are ideal for those without covered porches, as they can stand on your patio or in the grass, and rope-tied styles like Terrain’s Droplet Hanging Basket Chair can comfortably hang from a tree. Regardless of the outdoor swing style you choose, they’ll all provide a feeling of nostalgia – a cozy place to curl up, relax, and sway.

If you're eager to take summer relaxation to the next level, then an outdoor swing just might be the feature your porch or yard needs. Ahead, find 16 picks that'll become your new favorite place to sit.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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At the heart of every summer gathering is an outdoor table. Whether it's an intimate brunch setup or a grander evening of entertainment, an elevated tablescape is the secret to every successful soirée during the warmer months.

While the exact way to create an outdoor dining room differs depending on the occasion, there are things you should always add to your table for a memorable spread that feels expensive and high-end.

From beautiful table linens to layered placemats and chargers, designers and hosting experts say these three items should always be present at an outdoor table regardless of the event. Be wary of the one thing to remove, too, as designers say it can cheapen your tabletop in an instant.

Add: Textured Chargers

While there are some new and beautiful table decor trends to inspire your design this summer, the secret to a truly good tabletop lies in one super simple detail: chargers.

'Start with the charger as your foundation, not just a placeholder,' explains Gregory Blake Sams, founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events in Charleston. 'It truly sets the tone for everything that follows. Outdoors, I like to build from there with texture. The goal is that your eye keeps moving before it ever reaches the food.'

'Charger plates are a great way to 'anchor' a table as you continue to build it up,' agrees Jessie-Sierra Ross, author of Seasons around the Table. 'Starting with a placemat, like a dark wicker woven version, add a glass or metal charger on top to bring texture and color to the table. I like to continue adding dimension with pretty vintage dinner plates and mismatched glass goblets, colorful linen napkins, and a pretty cheesecloth runner down the length of the table.'

Rattan table decor is perfect for creating texture. 'I always begin with the foundation of the place setting,' explains JJ Hornig, founder of Roxy Rentals. 'While charger plates are a beautiful way to anchor the table, I often use woven placemats outdoors because they introduce texture while feeling relaxed and natural in the setting.'

Add: Beautiful, Thought Out Linens

'The easiest high-impact move is investing in beautiful linens. They do more work than people expect,' Gregory explains. 'A great tablecloth or runner in an unexpected color or pattern can instantly transform a basic table.'

The best outdoor table linens are layered thoughtfully. Start with a quality tablecloth printed in a summery floral, then bring in some textured placemats and some colorful linen napkins. A mistake that makes an outdoor table look cheap is a lack of layers. 'Layering is what keeps an outdoor table from feeling flat against a backdrop that's already full of natural texture,' says Gregory. 'Without it, the table competes with the landscape instead of working with it.'

'One of the simplest ways to elevate an outdoor table is to introduce an element of refinement that contrasts with the natural surroundings,' says Kate Pechinka of Kate Kelly Interiors. 'Charger plates add structure and dimension, while handcrafted ceramics or crisp linen napkins create an unexpected juxtaposition with the organic elements. That balance between polished and foraged is what makes a tablescape so enchanting.'

Add: Appropriately Seasonal Greenery

Whether it's a vibrant bunch of peonies gracing your bistro table or a more dramatic garland woven with baby's breath, the best summer table centerpieces are made from fresh foliage or florals.

'After that, I'd say lean into what's already growing around you,' says Gregory. 'Clippings from the garden, even simple greenery, ground the table in its setting.'

Kyla Malkani, a floral designer and content creator based in Washington, DC, says her favorite part is the flowers. 'If the weather is cool enough, I’ll set them earlier, but during the summer, I usually wait until just before guests arrive so they stay fresh and out of the sun. Sometimes I’ll create one larger special floral centerpiece; other times I’ll scatter clusters of simple but chic bud vases throughout the table. It all depends on the mood I’m trying to create.'

'Flowers are the fun part, and you can make a whole entertaining experience going to a floral market, taking on the challenge of making grocery store flowers look elevated, or my favorite thing to do is go out to forage some foliage from trees and vines. A simple branch arrangement styled in a beautiful vase makes a special moment.'

Remove: Disposable Decor and Tableware

Unsurprisingly, the one golden rule when it comes to creating an expensive outdoor tablescape (whether it's for a long table setting or a more intimate setup) is leaving out disposable decorations.

Paper tablecloths, plates, and napkins instantly cheapen a table. Hovik Harutyunyan, founder of LA-based Harutyunyan Events, explains, 'One simple way to elevate your table is using linen napkins instead of paper napkins. In general, paper napkins will usually feel cheap and much more casual. Linen napkins instantly make the event feel intentionally designed and thoughtfully curated. They're also a great way to avoid having your guests chase napkins across the lawn.'

Instead of buying tableware you'll dispose of once the event is over, invest in quality pieces you can bring out for any occasion. Vintage silver napkin rings, ceramic platters, hand-embroidered tablecloths, and quality cutlery will always elevate a table. And if you are worried about breakages, there is some beautiful outdoor-friendly tableware available that looks far from plastic.

The Outdoor Dining Edit

The secret to a truly expensive-looking tablescape lies in one simple formula: layered linens, charger plates stacked on top of woven placemats, and a generous floral centerpiece. So don't overthink it for your next summer event, outdoor tablescapes are always meant to feel more relaxed and effortlessly put together.

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Walmart’s outdoor collection is, for our editorial staff, something of a best-kept secret. It might not be the first place you’d think to look for the most stylish outdoor furniture, but hidden among the usual suspects are some surprisingly design-forward finds.

Thanks, in large part, to Drew Barrymore, whose viral interiors collections (the Drew Chair might ring a bell) more than live up to the 'Beautiful' name, there’s a constant influx of high-design pieces for every corner of the patio. She’s the queen of two-in-one furniture – wicker patio chairs that swivel, coffee tables with hidden storage – as well as alfresco accessories that, like her impossibly chic kitchen appliances, outshine their luxury counterparts. (Her planters, for instance, rarely top $20 but routinely read five times the price.)

Elsewhere, the wildly popular My Texas House line by influencer Erin Vogelpohl trades Drew’s breezy California optimism for fanciful farmhouse flair, clad in scalloped trims, ceramic beads, faded florals, and other refreshingly un-outdoor sensibilities. Household names like TOV Furniture and Safavieh also make their rounds, often for less here than just about anywhere else.

Speaking of bargains, many of Walmart’s best new arrivals are already on sale. Ahead, the 24 outdoor finds we can't wait to summer with.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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In the summertime, most of us are so focused on the big picture of our patio schemes that we often forget about the little details that make it look complete – like pool towels.

Unlike outdoor furniture, pool towels aren’t necessarily the most essential features of an exterior set up. But visually, they take up space, so if your poolside is cluttered with dated towels, it will be noticed. Whether draped over a poolside chaise lounge, laid along an outdoor sofa, or placed upon the grass, chic pool towels have the potential to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. And if you're heading to the beach, these towels will make your seaside setup look that much more put together too.

For a simple, summery look, I’d opt for Parachute’s Bayside Beach Towel with its soft, subtle stripe. But for a more vibrant, playful look, try Jonathan Adler’s eye-catching Playa Beach Towel, instead. Regardless of your preference, just having a design-oriented pool towel (or a few of them), will make your backyard look coordinated and considered.

The bottom line is this – if you've put time, money, and energy into making your outdoor space look like a 5-star resort, then the last thing you want to do is ruin the aesthetic with a 0-star pool towel.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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No one can afford to mess around in a small backyard – every square inch is precious. If a piece doesn’t solve at least two problems at once, it’s probably taking up too much space. That’s exactly why one of the easiest ways to give a patio a facelift is to consolidate with hardworking outdoor storage.

Offering 45”w x 20”d x 16”h of storage in the smaller 46” style, and 60”w x 26”d x 22”h in the larger 60”, West Elm’s sleek-lined Portside Outdoor Storage Trunk has enough storage to replace an outdoor cabinet altogether, with the bonus of looking like a genuinely chic coffee table once the lid is closed. A forever piece, if I’ve ever seen one.

It’s contract grade, crafted from moisture-resistant solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus, meaning it’s designed to survive many summers, many storms, many snowfalls, and many seasons without looking tired. Of particular note to me as a style editor, the wire-brushed finish gives this very polished design a lived-in, easy coastal cool we’re all chasing this summer.

Having grown up in Los Angeles – where most backyards are used more than indoor living rooms – and now spending my days writing about outdoor furniture – I can confidently say this is one of the most inconspicuous places I’ve seen to stash the most conspicuous parts of outdoor living: hoses, pool gear, spare cushions, and everything else you’d rather pretend doesn’t exist. If you invited me over for cocktails, I’d just think: wow, that’s one really cool outdoor coffee table.

Simply top the Portside off with an outdoor-friendly melamine serveware, a few acrylic wine glasses, and a floral arrangement to seal the deal, and no one will ever guess what’s hiding inside.

Obviously, it’s an investment: the smaller 46” trunk comes in at $899, while the larger 60” will run you $1,499. But the design is so good, it solves two small-backyard problems at once: a place to hide your various outdoor essentials, and a chic, conversation-starting centerpiece for your patio seating that actually earns every inch of the footprint it occupies.

If you’re not someone who enjoys replacing outdoor furniture every few years, the Portside might be your missing hero piece: the little black dress, perfectly broken-in jeans, or just-right loafer of the backyard. It’s not inexpensive, but as the saying goes: buy it nice, or buy it twice.

Shop Alternative 2-in-1 Outdoor Storage

It’s not always the right time to invest. Here are a few more affordable 2-in-1 small-backyard-friendly storage options that look every bit as stylish stashing garden and pool essentials as they do moonlighting as coffee tables, benches, or console tables.

If you’re buying just one outdoor storage piece, I’d still make it the Portside. But if your budget (or square footage) is a little tighter, IKEA’s new SUNDSÖ cabinet is my runner-up. At roughly half the size, it’s ideal for the smaller bits and bobs you still wish would disappear – all behind an eye-catching cobalt.

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There's no better way to spend a hot summer day than by enjoying the outdoors. But after the sun goes down, it helps to have some source of outdoor lighting that can move with you wherever you go – from your outdoor dining table to the couch and even poolside for an evening dip.

That's why IKEA's SOLVINDEN Lamp is at the top of my wish list this summer. Lightweight and easy to carry, this portable lamp is an instant mood-setter with its soft, ambient glow. Not only that, but its modern design makes it a statement piece in its own right. Wherever you decide to hang out outside, this lamp can come with you, effortlessly lighting up the scene and elevating it with some stylish flair. And at less than $20, you can pick up multiple to dot around the patio or along the dining table.

It's designed to resemble a traditional lantern, with its top handle and elongated shape. Only here, it takes on a totally revamped look – a striped silhouette, a trendy color, and, conveniently, a completely wireless form. I can picture it already – lighting up an evening meal on my small patio's dining table, resting beside me on an outdoor side table while I read at dusk, or even perched on the grass as I enjoy an evening picnic.

Reviewers rave bout this lantern, calling it 'super cute' and 'high quality'. Others mention its unique light output – because of its striped silhouette and down-casting light, this lantern creates a unique glow when turned on. And despite its open-air form, reviewers remark on its stability on windy nights.

So, if you're like me and you always seem to be moving about your outdoor space at night, then I think IKEA's SOLVINDEN Lamp is exactly what you need to keep all of your outdoor activities stylishly lit.

Shop Similar Outdoor Lanterns

The SOLVINDEN Lantern isn't the only outdoor lamp from IKEA that's caught me by surprise. In fact, the brand just dropped the AVHÅLL LED Outdoor Portable Lamp – a chic, restaurant-style portable lamp that brings the well-loved chrome decor trend to outdoor tablescapes.

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For me, the crowning glory of any hotel stay is the pool. By ‘pool,’ I suppose I actually mean the opportunity to shut my eyes on a comfortable chaise beneath a beautiful gazebo, preserving my blowout while curtains billow in the breeze and someone hands me a spicy margarita with extra lime.

I don't have staff, unfortunately, but a clever shade idea is a lot easier to acquire – and probably a lot more necessary given the heat wave we're having. Enter Sunjoy. You may not know the name, but having sold more than 10 million gazebos across North America, you probably should. For the Fourth of July, one of its best-selling styles, clad in breezy mesh for whimsy, airflow, and mosquito protection beneath a ventilated two-tier canopy, is down to just $140. Much less than a resort stay.

What you put underneath it is your prerogative and depends on the sort of backyard you’re working with. If you've got a pool, I'd pair it with two chaise lounges and a side table. If you're working with a lawn or patio instead, I'd use it to shade a seating group – perhaps even an outdoor dining table, anchored by a chic outdoor rug.

This kind of naturally zoning style gives a backyard structure and whatever furniture you’ve got going on newfound authority. It’s not a collection of patio chairs; it’s an intentional little retreat, thanks to the UV protection, inherent privacy, and the bliss that is bug-free bliss that is mesh. Nothing is less relaxing than swatting a mosquito off your arm.

As much as I love a parasol, it can only do so much. If you want shade that creates a real room outdoors – and somewhere you’ll actually want to kick back for an entire afternoon – a gazebo is my shade of choice every single time. The hotels, it seems, are onto something.

More Resort-Style Gazebos

Taking a page out of the book of my favorite resorts, here are a few additional gazebos for more complete shade this summer.

The reason your backyard might be falling flat is that it lacks structure. Add a gazebo, resort-style outdoor furniture, and your summer beverage of choice, and you might very well one-up some of your favorite hotel stays.

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If the cardinal sin indoors is the ‘big light,’ the outdoor equivalent is probably the flood light. I can’t think of a faster way to kill the mood of an alfresco dinner party. String lights, candles, bossa nova… then FLASH. Welcome, Jimmy, whose 20-minute-late entrance just tripped the motion sensor. Philips Hue decided there must be a chicer way.

Its Hue Go Indoor-Outdoor Portable Table Lamp is essentially a second host – Hugo, if you will. You can simply say, ‘Turn on the lights.’ Or, ‘Hey Hue, we’re about to eat – warm it up.’ ‘Actually, let’s do amber. We've switched to Sade.’ Pair it with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or, for the ultimate hands-free unlock – Hue Bridge – and your garden lighting is capable of just about every automation imaginable.

Warm-to-cool white is lovely, of course. But with literally millions of colors tucked inside the Philips Hue app, why stop there? Tonight, the patio light is matching the pink prickly pear margaritas. Tomorrow, who knows.

If you’re not in the mood to chat, you don’t actually have to say a word. Set routines and timers as little favors for your future self, or simply tap the button on top to cycle through preset scenes (one press) or the full color range (two). A smart portable lamp when you want it to be. Analog when you don’t.

And the Hue Go doesn’t tire easily, either: up to 48 hours of battery life. Forty-eight hours. Host a cocktail hour on Friday, dinner on Saturday, and chances are you’ll still have enough charge left for another week’s worth of alfresco evenings.

As a style editor, I’ve spent season after season obsessing over linens, flowers, and glassware when, in reality, it’s the lighting doing most of the heavy lifting. Jimmy can keep showing up 20 minutes late. Hugo can host. The flood light, however, is officially off the guest list.

‘Lights, please...’

Affordable Color-Changing Portable Lamps

Philips Hue remains the name to beat when it comes to smart lighting. But if the Hue Go isn’t in the budget this summer, these portable lamps also know a thing or two about setting the mood outside.

Philips Hue is the gold standard of smart lighting, and should you summer with Hue Go, you’ll soon see why. If you’ve already fallen for its color-changing bulbs indoors, this is the natural next step for the patio.

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Warm summer temperatures call for evenings spent outside, and evenings spent outside call for ample outdoor lighting ideas – to set the mood, to create an inviting atmosphere outdoors, and to keep things illuminated after the sun goes down.

Though traditional outdoor light styles like pendants, string lights, and portable lamps are essential for brightening dark outdoor areas, I've found a portable light that blends so effortlessly into the landscape. It's called the Solar Pebble Light from Anthropologie, and as the name suggests, it looks just like a glowing pebble – an organic shape that would be perfectly disguised on a lawn, patio or poolside.

This pebble light is one of the most unique outdoor lights I've seen this summer with its organic, stone-inspired shape and soft light output. Unassuming during the day, its solar panels will soak up the sun, and at nightfall, its magical glow will subtly illuminate your patio, yard, or garden.

Being portable and solar powered, it can be positioned anywhere you want it to – so long as it has access to the sun to charge. Get a few and use them as chic walkway lights or patio perimeter lights, or scatter some within your flower beds to create a whimsical garden scene. This solar light will look best when it's naturally integrated with your existing plants and backyard decor, as if it were always meant to be there.

This solar pebble lamp reminds me of how important it is to plan outdoor lighting with the same thought and intention as indoor lighting. It's not all about having one big light; in fact, most spaces – inside or out – look better when light is layered with other light features and at varying levels.

Since this light is meant to rest on the ground, it creates a base layer of lighting for your outdoor space. I'd complement it with some mid-level lighting, like an outdoor wall sconce or a table lamp, and complete the scene with overhead lighting. Each of these layers can set the mood for different scenarios – the table lamps and overheads for outdoor events like dinner parties or game nights outside, and the ground-level pebble lights for quiet, cozy evenings outdoors.

If you're looking for more solar light ideas to complete your outdoor lighting scheme, find my favorites below. From hanging lanterns to sparkler-like stake lights, these solar light choices are bound to light up your outdoor space in style.

Shop More Solar Garden Lighting

Though some may not see it as a necessity, I think Anthropologie's Pebble Solar Light is exactly the light source you need to make your outdoor space come to life this summer. It's a whimsical secondary lighting detail that'll bring layers to your garden – making it look and feel much more complete.

But it's not the only outdoor light I have on my wish list. Check out IKEA's chrome portable outdoor lamp – arguably the chicest way to light up any outdoor dinner table after the sun goes down.

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The best outdoor gatherings aren't always about lavish decor in grand settings; some of the most memorable occasions take place in the smallest spaces, which create intimacy, warmth, and conviviality.

However small your outdoor entertaining area – whether a tiny terrace, a bijou balcony or a petite patio – there are plenty of clever styling and hosting tricks that you can try to transform it into a wonderfully inviting and transportive al fresco entertaining space.

We've asked designers to share their best outdoor dining ideas for making small terraces work harder, from clever layouts and foldable furniture to creating ambiance with light and fire, as well as vertical styling tricks with planting and storage.

With just a few cleverly thought-out styling ideas, you can create a space that will emulate lush Mediterranean terraces, chic brownstone patios, and elegant Parisian balconies, which are just perfect for entertaining.

1. Maximize Space with Built-in Seating

When your outdoor space is small, built-in seating can be a practical and stylish option. The dual-level wooden bench seating shown above has been combined with a bistro set, allowing for flexibility depending on the number of guests, and the bench can double as surface space for small plates and glasses. Plus, it makes an excellent outdoor storage solution for spare throw pillows and blankets that you can pull out if the evening gets cooler.

Gardener and landscaper Lilly-Joan Richardson explains, 'Built-in seating can be an excellent solution for small patios, as it maximizes available space while providing valuable storage. The key is getting the proportions right, so the design feels welcoming rather than overly structured or clinical. Timber helps soften the overall aesthetic and, when combined with other materials, creates a more layered and visually interesting scheme. Adding cushions can further enhance the sense of comfort.'

2. Add Statement Furniture for a Boutique Hotel Look

You don't need an outdoor dining table to be able to entertain al fresco stylishly. This balcony features some of the best outdoor furniture, bringing a boutique hotel vibe with statement seating and bold print cushions, and a luxe marble coffee table – a chic alternative to a dining table with a smaller and lower profile. Serving sharing-style platters from a coffee table makes for a more intimate and relaxed evening, and doesn't have to sacrifice on style if you choose the right pieces.

Interior designer and founder of Studio Formichella, Rebecca Formichella explains, 'Instead of dedicating valuable terrace space to a dining setup that’s only used occasionally, we’re increasingly opting for a more intimate, less formal approach to outdoor entertaining. Think oversized seating, sculptural lounge chairs, and substantial outdoor coffee tables that encourage guests to settle in, relax, and connect. This effortless setting creates a more relaxed, hospitality-driven experience where conversation naturally takes center stage.'

3. Opt for Picnic-Style Bench Seating with Tactile Touches

Bench-style seating invites everyone to squeeze in, get cozy, and come together over conversation and good food. Interior designer and founder of Rediger Design, Brittany Rediger, says, 'When you're working with a small terrace, bench seating is one of the smartest moves you can make. It doesn't require the same pull-out clearance as a chair, which immediately gives you more flexibility around the dining table. You can also seat three people on a bench in the same footprint that two chairs would occupy.'

It's not always the most comfortable if you're sitting for a while, though, so providing some cushions (like this long outdoor seat cushion from H&M Home) and blankets will make it feel more welcoming. As Brittany adds, 'The comfort concern is easy to solve. A good cushion changes everything, and layering in outdoor pillows and a throw softens the whole space without adding bulk.'

Other elements like an outdoor rug bring softness underfoot, and a pergola with optional shade or rain cover will mean the gathering can go ahead whatever the weather. 'An outdoor rug grounds the space the same way it would indoors. Overhead lighting, whether pendant fixtures or string lights, creates an anchor point above the table and extends the space well into the evening,' concludes Brittany.

4. Use Natural Texture to Add Interest in Small Spaces

Choosing outdoor furniture in natural materials such as rattan or woven textures ensures that it blends with its al fresco surroundings – so it doesn't feel too big for the space – and brings a welcome tactility. Combined with textural planting and pots, this small terrace has been transformed from a characterless box to an elegant Mediterranean-inspired entertaining space. You can also create an instant natural backdrop with something like this mixed willow privacy fencing from Anthropologie, while you're waiting for the taller plants to grow in.

Aly Morford, co-founder and principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors, says, 'For petite patios, thoughtful furniture makes the greatest impact. While a smaller footprint calls for fewer pieces, a sculptural table and chair set can anchor the space with character and presence. Natural materials and rich textures lend an organic, effortless feel, while layers of greenery soften the design and create a sense of abundance without overwhelming the eye.'

5. Create Defined Zones with Clever Landscaping

Clever landscaping is one way to make a small patio feel expensive. Splitting a square plot over different levels can help you to zone it into defined areas. Above, for example, the barbecue is on the lower level, while the seating area is slightly higher up, allowing the host to serve their guests easily, without everyone feeling on top of each other.

Hay Hwang Kitchin, co-founder of The Gardenists, explains, 'Level changes are one of the most effective tools we have in a small backyard, because they let you define separate areas without building walls that close the space down. This creates a natural sense of journey and gives each zone its own character, meaning that a modest footprint feels considered and generous rather than cramped.'

An effective way to maximize the space is by making the landscaping work harder. 'Steps and raised edges can double as casual seating and concealed storage, so every level earns its keep. Counterintuitively, dividing a small space well is what makes it feel bigger – it reads as a series of rooms rather than one tight square,' adds Hay.

The irregular paving and planting also add interest and a subtle border between the upper and lower levels. 'A shift in the paving material – or simply changing the direction it's laid – signals that you're moving from one space to another, and a band of planting acts as a soft, living threshold. It's a gentler way to zone a garden, and it ages far better than hard divisions,' Hay explains.

6. Choose Furniture That Blends in For the Illusion of Space

Colorful furniture is a big outdoor furniture trend for 2026, and this look both taps into that and serves the additional function of drawing the eye to the natural planting. The streamlined profile of the chairs and table is the perfect choice for this small terrace, while the leafy green hue blends in with the surrounding greenery so that it almost disappears into the background.

This 3-piece bistro set from Target is a great choice as it slots together neatly in a space-saving silhouette when not in use. Metal furniture is also a really practical choice for entertaining as it's wipe-clean and waterproof, so won't be damaged by any spills.

Lilly-Joan Richardson explains, 'Green powder-coated metal furniture has made a comeback in recent years and has become a popular choice. Its appeal lies in its ability to blend effortlessly into a garden setting without overwhelming the space. The design is equally important; many pieces have a light, open structure rather than a solid appearance, helping to create an airy and uncluttered feel. The result is a cohesive look that helps tie the entire garden together.'

7. Make it Warm and Intimate with Mood Lighting

However small your space, knowing how to plan outdoor lighting can be totally transformative. In the above example, the small terrace with its high wall could feel a little oppressive; however the addition of warm lighting behind the artificial living wall feature brings an amber glow and an almost tropical vibe to the space.

'In a small outdoor space, lighting does more than almost any planting choice,' explains Hay Hwang Kitchin. 'It's what turns a daytime terrace into somewhere you actually want to be after dark. We avoid flat overhead light entirely and layer it instead: warm uplighters grazing the trees and living wall to catch texture and throw soft shadow; low glows along the seating and steps, all on dimmable circuits, so the space can shift from a working light to a candlelit mood in seconds.' These rust-colored outdoor uplighters from Home Depot are ideal for highlighting a feature without jarring with the natural aesthetic.

Hay adds, 'Keeping the color temperature warm – around 2700K, and concealing the fittings makes it feel intimate rather than functional.' The artificial wall adds 'depth, texture and greenery at eye level so the high wall recedes and the enclosure starts to feel like a cocoon rather than a constraint,' Hay explains. A good-quality artificial option is low-maintenance, too, and stays green all year round. Comfortable seating in earthy hues and a green velvet cushion add texture and complete this inviting space.

8. Switch to a Round Table and Low-Slung Seating

If you want to elevate your outdoor living room and dining space but don't have the room to create defined zones for each, opt for a furniture setup that works for both. A small-footprint round table should be large enough for a sharing platter and a few glasses, while some relaxed, yet stylish, low-slung seating works equally well for dining and lounging.

Cindy McKay, founder of Cindy McKay Interiors, explains, 'A smaller round table offers an ideal conversation zone vs a longer rectangular table, where you can’t see or chat with everyone. Round tables often fit better in smaller spaces and are much more intimate. I love the flexibility of low-slung seating, as by day it can serve as an outdoor living room or reading zone, and by evening it can be easily transformed for cocktails and dining.'

9. Create a Multifunctional Space With a Fire Pit Table

When space is at a premium, pieces that work twice as hard are essential, which is why a multifunctional item like a fire pit table is a wonderful choice. It's one of the best backyard fire pit ideas as it not only works as an alternative table space by day, but can transform a small terrace into a warm and atmospheric space by night, creating a focal point and a reason for guests to linger.

Ushi Schick and Zoe Pinksa, co-founders of Sidemark Studio explain, 'A fire pit table is especially well suited to a small terrace because it does double duty without taking up extra space. By day, it functions as a useful surface for drinks, small plates, or casual entertaining, and by night, it instantly creates a natural gathering point. It allows a compact outdoor space to feel more layered, inviting, and usable across different times of day and seasons.'

Entertaining Essentials for Your Small Outdoor Space

There's no need to be limited by a small square footage when you love to host outdoors. With thoughtful styling and flexible furniture, you can create a layered ambiance and a multi-functional space for elevated gatherings. To recreate this same intimacy in a bigger space, you'll need our 3-zone outdoor hosting guide for inspiration.

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The porch isn’t just a threshold; it’s the epicenter of the action. Front or back, it’s where we make grand exits and even grander arrivals, where we greet guests just as often as we sit back and do absolutely nothing at all.

And since that’s rather the point, it’s got to be really chic: lantern wall lights that set the mood just right (we’re loving Pooky’s colorful collaboration with Novogratz), geraniums saying hello from a terracotta footed planter, a punchy striped Sunbrella storage ottoman cleverly concealing last week’s patio cushions (we’re firm believers in seasonal outfit changes), and a swivel chair every bit as comfortable as the one in your living room (thank you, Drew Barrymore).

Then, of course, maybe a portable lamp for when you can’t quite decide which spot you like better. The dilemma remains: front or back? A good problem to have. Ahead, the chic, characterful pieces for relaxing, sipping, socializing, and making the porch anything but a pass-through.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Wicker outdoor furniture is having a revival this summer, and if your set is authentically vintage, you are even more on trend. Like with so many things, the best styles are steeped in history and patina. But there's a difference between weatherworn and gracefully aged when it comes to embracing the wicker outdoor furniture trend, and the secret lies in one easily overlooked thing – how you clean it.

'Vintage wicker is often made from natural rattan, rush, or willow rather than the synthetic resin wicker used in modern outdoor furniture nowadays, so cleaning methods should be different as natural wicker is vulnerable to excess moisture,' advises Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, Interior Designer and Founder of House Designer. 'It can warp, crack, loosen joints, and grow mould if it gets too wet.'

Whether you're thrifting rattan furniture or you've been holding on to an old set that needs some love, cleaning vintage patio wicker is all about care and careful consideration.

1. Remove Dirt and Dust

'Both natural and painted wicker can be cleaned in a similar manner. You start by removing any dirt or dust with either a vacuum fitted with a brush attachment (like these Soft Bristle Round Brushes from Amazon) or a dry microfiber cloth,' explains KC Collins of Chair King Backyard Store.

2. Gently Wipe Down with Warm Water

It's all about taking things slowly when caring for your patio wicker, so once the dust has gone, it's time to bring in the soapy water. Dab your cloth (use a finely woven cloth to ensure you don't scratch the surface of your wicker) and wipe.

'Once all the dust has been removed, add a small amount of dish soap to warm water and apply to the furniture with a damp microfiber rag,' continues KC. 'It’s important not to use too much water. The rag should be damp, not soaked.'

3. Steer Clear of the Hose

While it might be tempting to use a hose, it's best to clean your wicker by hand to prevent any cracking, warping, or snapping. 'Using anything with pressure, such as a hose or pressure washer, could be damaging,' says Samantha-Jane. 'It's perhaps the worst thing you could do as it could damage the weave.'

4. Clean Away Soap With a Soft Rag

'If you want to gently clean your wicker furniture, you'll have to do it by hand,' agrees Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. 'Water with a bit of dish soap is strong enough to get most dirt off, but gentle enough not to damage the rattan or strip the paint. For especially tough dirt, try putting some of this solution in a spray bottle (these Amazon Leakproof Spray Bottles are a great example) and spraying down the furniture. Let it sit for several minutes, then wipe it with a soft rag. For especially tough spots, a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush can work well.'

5. Allow to Airdry

Once you've washed away your soap residue with water, pat your furniture with a cloth to soak up excess moisture and proceed to let your furniture air-dry in the fresh air. 'Natural wicker becomes flexible when wet, so be sure to let it completely dry before sitting,' says KC. The beauty of this vintage furniture trend is its age and story, so to ensure your set stands the test of time, it's best to approach cleaning with caution rather than haste.

Shop Chic Patio Wicker

The key to keeping your vintage patio wicker in good condition lies in how you care for it. Ensuring you clean your pieces by hand and with care will prevent damage and keep your outdoor set looking good for years to come.

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In summer 2026, if it’s not chrome, I don’t want it – a tricky proposition when we’re all living outdoors. I’d accepted that my chrome obsession would remain confined to the living room, kitchen, and dining table – seashell caviar servers and whatnot – until IKEA quietly dropped a weatherproof silver portable lamp that’s letting me take what is, in my opinion, the coolest look of the season onto my balcony.

And this new IKEA launch costs just $30. Officially, IKEA calls the finish polished nickel, but outdoors, this is about as close as we’re getting to that mirror-like chrome effect without worrying about the elements. Frankly, I didn’t think it was possible.

One reviewer calls it their (very chic) insurance policy against the near-inevitability of a summer power outage. ‘I already have similar lights that cost so much more, so when I saw this one for the price, I purchased two,’ they write. ‘They are nice and heavy and give great light.’

Another reason I’m paying attention? The designer: Carl Öjerstam, one of IKEA’s most celebrated talents, whose 1990s KARLSKRONA rattan lounge chair regularly resells for thousands on the secondhand market. If history repeats itself, this little lamp might prove to be more than just a good summer buy.

Chrome has largely stopped at the patio door, for obvious reasons. But if IKEA has figured out how to make a mirror-like finish that isn’t afraid of a summer storm, I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

More Outdoor Chrome Portable Lamps

Everything’s cooler in chrome. Here are a few more portable lamps helping the metallic trend mosey outdoors.

It may be sweltering, but at least my outdoor lighting looks cool. If you’d like the temperature to follow suit, I also asked designers to share their favorite heat-beating small balcony tricks.

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There's a huge shift in the way we see and design our outdoor spaces. Instead of being separate from our homes, they are becoming an extension of indoor living spaces, and one of the coveted features is the outdoor kitchen. And as renovation costs continue to increase, modular designs are rising as the ultimate solution.

It's a new way to create a luxurious cooking space for hosting and socialising. While people are entertaining al fresco far more than ever before, outdoor kitchens are being used more frequently as a backyard living space for everyday activities and enjoyment.

And it's clear that built-in designs are no longer the most coveted look. 2026 is the year modular outdoor kitchens get the recognition they deserve, offering flexible luxury that evolves with you at a more affordable price point. And it turns out, designers are totally on board with this emerging approach.

The Appeal of Modular Outdoor Kitchens

Installing an outdoor kitchen is no small endeavour, especially if you choose a custom, built-in design. The costs are high, with the price of an outdoor kitchen ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while the cost of installation can vary from $15,000 to $25,000, not to mention the disruption of groundworks and the ever-growing contractor timelines.

The truth is, few people want to commit to such an expense, nor do they want to wait that long for an outdoor kitchen. We crave instant gratification, and a modular outdoor kitchen is the closest design we can get to that. Plus, modular designs have become just as luxurious and high-end.

'The market has matured enormously,' says Adam Arya, co-founder of Arya Douge. 'A few years ago, the choice was fairly limited, whereas today there are incredibly sophisticated modular systems that can be tailored to the way you actually live and entertain.'

The rise in this outdoor kitchen idea also comes with the changing attitudes to our outdoor spaces and how we use them. Once reserved for the summer months, backyards are now becoming destinations year-round, so kitchen designs need to be flexible to serve a purpose through the seasons.

Perhaps the biggest draw, choosing a modular design gives homeowners the option to change their minds later, giving a luxurious addition to their home greater flexibility. You might want to extend the kitchen later down the line, or rethink the layout. By choosing a modular outdoor kitchen, it's easier to make those changes or upgrades without having to reinvest in a whole new outdoor kitchen.

'The beauty of a modular kitchen is that you don’t have to do everything at once – you can begin with what you need and build your dream outdoor kitchen one piece at a time. A little planning can go a long way. Considering how you want to use your outdoor kitchen, whether for cooking, entertaining, or both, can help guide you to the perfect solution,' adds Karen Haas, IKEA US Home Furnishings Business Leader, Workspaces & Outdoor.

How Ensure a Modular Outdoor Kitchen Looks Elevated

Because so much time is spent here, modular outdoor kitchen designs have had to evolve from basic, function-first aesthetics to feel more in-keeping with the styles and materials we would embrace inside our homes. They feel more reminiscent of a freestanding kitchen, a style proving enduringly popular indoors. But it's also the materials and finishes that make a difference to how luxurious it feels.

Think powder-coated cabinetry that looks sleek but remains durable, paneled wood doors that add a rustic, natural feel, and even beautiful stone outdoor kitchen countertops, sometimes finished in a waterfall design. There's also more creativity when it comes to cooking appliances, with many designers opting for pizza ovens over a traditional grill.

'As with any interior, the materials make all the difference. Natural stone and beautifully detailed joinery help elevate a modular kitchen beyond something purely functional. The most successful schemes feel as though they belong to the architecture and landscape, rather than appearing as a standalone piece of garden equipment,' says Claire Sá, Co-Founder of De Rosee Sa.

Think of it as creating a hospitality-inspired backyard, the sort of landscape and luxury you find at your favorite hotels. The kitchen should feel as beautiful and considered as the plants in your borders, or the outdoor living room you've created beside it. A modular outdoor kitchen gives you added flexibility to create something that perfectly fits your space, but can be altered as your landscaping changes.

Don't stop at the practical details. Introduce beautiful hardware or a faucet with a more elegant silhouette. Think about the ambiance – charming lamps on the countertops, or even integrated lighting that adds a soft glow as the evening grows darker. It's the small details that take a modular outdoor kitchen to the next level.

How to Maximize Function With a Modular Outdoor Kitchen

Function still has to be a key consideration – something designers say won't negatively affect the elevated style of your modular kitchen. 'True functionality is achieved with practical, well-planned elements,' says Mark Latchford, Director of Landscaping at HollandGreen.

'These include durable, weather-resistant work surfaces, integrated refrigeration and storage, and a sink for convenience, all arranged in a logical workflow to make cooking outdoors effortless and enjoyable,' he explains, adding that you need to make key layout considerations, including whether you wish to face guests as you cook, have the sink hidden from view, and if you want to include bar seating as well as a more formal dining set up.

Outdoor kitchens are the hub of cooking, so really think about the materials you are choosing, both aesthetically and in terms of durability. 'For outdoor cooking, materials need to be durable and easy to clean,' says Karen.

'Stainless steel is a great choice for countertops and cooking areas as it’s hygienic and resistant to rust. Powder-coated or galvanized steel also helps create sturdy, weather-ready frames, while pre-treated acacia wood adds warmth and a natural look while protecting against weather, stains, and wear.'

If you desire the flexibility of an outdoor kitchen island that can be moved when you require more floor space, a portable design fits in beautifully with a modular scheme – it also allows you to move the island between outdoor living spaces if you need it to double as an outdoor bar or poolside snack station. It's these subtle versatilities that make modular designs so appealing.

Make sure you consider storage, too. A modular outdoor kitchen feels most successful with a mix of styles, including closed cabinetry to keep ingredients protected, as well as some open shelving for easy access to cooking essentials.

'The best modular outdoor kitchens combine practical materials with small yet smart details, including hooks for utensils, adjustable shelves, closed storage, and enough workspace to prepare, cook, and serve without having to run back inside,' Karen adds.

Don't forget to think about the bigger picture, though, like how your modular outdoor kitchen fits within the wider landscape of your backyard. Location is really important, both in terms of its location and the kitchen's architecture. Just because you are going modular with the design doesn't mean you shouldn't factor in a shade cover.

'One of the biggest mistakes people make is placing a kitchen in full afternoon sun. Whether it's a pergola, canopy, or carefully positioned planting, creating a shaded preparation area while allowing the dining space to enjoy the evening light transforms how comfortable-and how frequently-the space is used,' suggests Adam.

Shop Modular Outdoor Kitchens and Accessories

A modular outdoor kitchen is all about flexibility of design and instant gratification. Every backyard is different, so the kitchen you install should reflect that, allowing you to make changes as you need them.

'The appeal isn't simply that the kitchen is modular; it's that it allows outdoor living to be designed with the same level of thought as the interior of the home,' says Adam. 'The kitchen becomes one element within a much larger outdoor room.'

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No patio is complete without an outdoor rug. It's the grounding feature that ties the scene together – the decor element that makes the space feel just as design-driven as interior set-ups. So when it comes to choosing the right outdoor rug, you only want the best of the best.

Amazon may not be the first place you would head to buy an outdoor rug, but as a Style Editor, with impeccable taste and a sharp eye for a bargain, I am never one to shun a brand until I have done all the research. And Amazon actually has an amazing selection of chic, well-known brands and affordable options. From neutral picks with subtle patterns to bold floral styles that bloom with energy, these rugs tap into some of the chicest summer trends and can make your patio look like a true outdoor living room.

Plus, you'll even find some of our favorite designer outdoor rug collaborations on Amazon, including Loloi's line with Amber Lewis (I'm obsessed with the subtle texture of the Malibu Rug), Safavieh's outdoor rug range with Martha Stewart (this floral terracotta rug is such a playful pick), and even Nicole Miller's collection of outdoor rugs (this geometric rug is my favorite).

Though I'm certain that Amazon has an outdoor rug for every patio, there are simply so many to choose from – and that can make it hard to find the one that's right for your home. That's why I've perused Amazon's offerings to find what I consider the best outdoor rugs that the retailer has to offer – that is, the most timeless, well-made, and highly-rated picks.

So below, shop nine outdoor rugs from Amazon that'll make your patio feel complete this summer.

Shop The Chicest Outdoor Rugs From Amazon

Once you've chosen your outdoor rug, it's time to turn your attention to Amazon's outdoor furniture range which boasts some surprisingly stylish and well-made picks – including this vintage-inspired bistro set and this cozy loveseat. Between the rugs and the outdoor furniture, you won't need to shop anywhere other than Amazon to prep your patio for summertime.

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Forget the complicated outdoor pendants, the messy string lights, and the portable lamps that lose battery too quickly. There's a better and much more efficient way to bring light to your backyard after the summer sun sets, and all it takes is Amazon's Solar Powered Disk Light.

It's unassuming at first glance – built to look like a hockey puck or even a small Frisbee. But in reality, this stylish solar-powered outdoor light is one of the best outdoor lighting ideas I've ever seen. Leave it in the sun to charge, and at night, its intricate, star-like glow will illuminate walkways, front porches, outdoor tables, and even the darkest corners of your yard with far more beauty and way less effort than any other light source out there.

Think of it as the outdoor light you didn't know you needed, and eventually, the light you won't be able to go outside without. And at just $20, I'm convinced it's the sole lighting idea that every patio – big or small – absolutely needs this summer.

One of the things I like most about this disk light is that it doesn't require any effort on your part – no need to stake it into the ground or find a structure to hang it from. Just place it on a table, on a patio retaining wall, or even in the grass, and let its intricate light output shine.

Though very similar to traditional portable lamps in terms of functionality, this disk light is much more unconventional in form. But in my opinion, that makes it all the more desirable. It doesn't need to be the center of attention, and you don't even need to make room for it in your garden scheme. This disk light can fade into the background and save space in outdoor setups, all while casting its effortlessly unique glow – lighting up your outdoor space with little to no effort needed.