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Adding Accents & Accessories to Your Outdoor Dining & Lounge Sets

by Bill Ferris Leave a Comment

Minimalist modern lounge set and pillows under a pergola with hanging lights around a rectangular fire table

Table of Contents

  • Accessories & Accents – What finishing touches are important?
  • Outdoor Umbrellas & Shades
  • Fire Pits & Fire Tables
  • Patio Heaters
  • Lamps & Lighting
  • Rugs
  • Pillows
  • Planters
  • Sculptures
  • Completing your holistic outdoor vision

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.

Three market umbrellas with light green canopies shade off white sun loungers on a hardwood deck under a clear blue sky

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 shade 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.

Modern outdoor sectional with thick white seat cushions around a round grey concrete fire table on large urban terrace

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.

Black modern freestanding patio heater next to a dining table at dusk

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.

Two woven light brown outdoor pendant lights at night

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.

Round beige outdoor rug under two green accent tables near laid-back brown lounge chair and green pouf on a patio

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.

Outdoor sectional sofa with thick grey cushions littered with rust and light brown accent pillows

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.

Three black square planter with greenery on a light grey brick patio in front of an orangish brown stone wall

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.

Statue of a seated Buddha in a small pool on a stone-lined garden pathway

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.

Guide Sections

Square outdoor dining table with teak slat top and black metal frame with coordinating benches and armchair on a lake pier

Patio Furniture Buying Guide

Man in taupe t-shirt reading on a modern grey upholstered sofa with an adjustable black coffee table on a patio

Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture – Product Attributes to Consider

Man is sitting on a countertop near a white loveseat that is tilting in a space too small for it to set down normally

Planning Your Deck Furniture Set-Up – Avoiding the Biggest Mistakes

Young bearded man in blue shirt working on a laptop computer while sitting in a sunroom

Ordering Online vs In-Store – What to Know Before You Buy

Filed Under: Guide - Patio Furniture

Avatar for Bill Ferris

About Bill Ferris

Bill Ferris is the president of Decor Outdoor and founded the company in 2007. He's been quoted on patio furniture by Living Cozy and on home improvement by Realtor.com. When not writing posts for the website, he's a frequent guest contributor on the subject of online marketing and an interior design enthusiast.

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Patio Umbrella Quiz – What’s right for your space?

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Guide Sections

  • Patio Furniture Buying Guide
  • Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture – Product Attributes to Consider
  • Planning Your Deck Furniture Set-Up – Avoiding the Biggest Mistakes
  • Ordering Online vs In-Store – What to Know Before You Buy

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