Accessories & Accents – What finishing touches are important?
Outdoor living is more than just arranging patio furniture. It’s about the subtle and not-so-subtle functional and decorative items that allow you to enjoy relaxing, entertaining and dining al fresco to the max. There are plenty of things that you can add to enhance your outdoor experience. This section of our guide reviews the most popular additions to improve the look and feel of your outdoor setting.
Outdoor Umbrellas & Shades
If you have plenty of direct sunlight or plan to spend hours outside, consider sun protection. Ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, and the glare can hurt your eyes. A little shade goes a long way when doing light reading on a bright day. Our Patio Umbrella Buying Guide is a good reference for more information. It takes a deep dive into the ins and outs of market and offset umbrellas. If you’re willing to make a more substantial investment think about permanent structures. Cabanas, pavilions, gazebos, pergolas and other architectural additions create elegant safe havens for lounging or dining out of the sun.
Fire Pits & Fire Tables
Sunny days may be warm, but the evenings can get a little chilly even in the Summer. Consider adding a fire pit, chimenea, portable fire table or a fireplace insert. They give off heat, provide light and create a welcoming ambiance that attracts a crowd. Traditional fires burn wood or propane, but more modern options use natural gas or bioethanol. The latter is smokeless. This is key if you have poor ventilation or don’t want to install a flue or chimney. EcoSmart Fire is a premium brand of these ventless outdoor fireplaces.
Patio Heaters
If floor space is limited, consider mounting a few natural gas or electric patio heaters. These modern infrared radiant heaters warm objects within a certain area without losing heat in the air like fires. They’re relatively easy to install although you may need a certified technician to connect to plumbed gas lines. Larger outdoor settings and commercial spaces can add portable propane heaters. They’re available in familiar mushroom or tower designs and can be rolled to where heating is needed. Heatscope and Bromic are among the top high-end brands of outdoor heaters.
Helpful Article
Get additional insight on gas and electric heaters in our Patio Heater Buying Guide before temperatures cool.
Lamps & Lighting
On clear nights, starlight creates a magical ambiance. But, it might not provide enough light for eating or interacting with friends. If you host outdoor dinners, add overhead lighting or at least some tall floor lamps that can illuminate table tops. Pathways can be a little tricky if you can’t clearly see where you’re going. Tiki torches or ground-level lamps are good options. Or, you can repurpose holiday-style string lights along eaves or in tree branches along the way. If you’re adventurous, try DIY lighting using mason jars to create hanging lights or charming candles.
Rugs
With all of the interesting shapes, textures and colors of patio furniture it’s easy to forget about what’s right under your feet. Weather-proof outdoor rugs serve a variety of purposes. They prevent chairs and tables from scooting around on smooth surfaces. Additionally, they provide cushioning for bare feet and add a splash of color or design. They’re often made from woven polypropylene fibers or other contemporary textiles in a myriad of shapes, sizes and thicknesses.
Pillows
Another quick and easy way to give some visual “pop” to your deck or patio is with accent pillows. Throw a bunch on a cozy daybed or create symmetry by bookending the sides of a plush outdoor loveseat. These decorative items come in countless colors, patterns, sizes and styles. So, you can change things up for each season or whenever the mood strikes without breaking the bank. Look for pillows with quick-drying foam and covers that are fade-resistant. Sunbrella® is a premium brand that makes soft outdoor fabrics and durable in most conditions.
Planters
You’re already outside, so why not celebrate the flora even more? Wall planters or ones sitting on the ground are a great way to introduce color with flowers or create different levels of visual appeal. Greenery also brings natural curves to what might otherwise be a space of straight lines and perpendicular angles. They soften the profile, provide texture and create depth in your setting.
Sculptures
Not everything has to have functional utility. Some things can be purely aesthetic, enhancing the ambiance and subtle feel of an outdoor setting. Strategically placed sculptures are perfect accents that complement various decor styles. Foo Dogs and other Asian figures reinforce feng shui and a Zen-like atmosphere. Likewise, minimalist abstract art pieces highlight modern outdoor settings and small creatures (real and mythical) bring charm to lush garden pathways.
Completing your holistic outdoor vision
Now that you’ve given some thought to the final touches to your new outdoor living space, you’re ready to go shopping. Hopefully, you live near high-end retailers carrying luxury patio furniture, accessories and accents. If not, you must peruse e-commerce stores to find the right furnishings. The final section of our guide gives you insightful tips for online shopping. It’s a different experience than being in a brick-and-mortar store in person and you need to understand important nuances.
