Get Inspired by 4 Popular Patio Styles

Whether you've just added an enclosed porch to your home, or you want a fresh look for your bland patio, we have some inspiring ideas for you! Once you've learned the basics of these five patio styles, you can run to your favorite big box store, garden center, thrift store, or even better - search local and independent artists' shops for the perfect décor to upgrade your patio this weekend.

1. French Country Patio Ideas

Inspired by the old-world charm of the French countryside, this patio style is a mix of rustic, feminine, formal garden, and airy designs. To create the look, start with simply designed furniture such as a bistro set made of a metal table and chairs or wooden or wicker furniture with a weathered look. Choose lighter colors such as white or blush to add the airy feel. 

Next, choose cushions, pillows, and maybe a tablecloth in fabrics with a feminine flair. Whether you go for frilly and ruffled or just simple floral patterns, select colors like rose, light blue, pastel shades, or cream. Then, add potted plants reminiscent of formal European gardens. Think vertically inclined greenery in classic terra cotta pots, glazed pottery, or wooden planters. 

Let your finishing touches add a little romance. Use antique vases for fresh-cut flowers. Find lantern-style candleholders or electric lights for timeless lighting, and consider using real glassware and dishes (as opposed to plastic or melamine) to keep your outdoor dining on the classier side. 

2. Farmhouse Patio

Like French country, farmhouse style starts with a rustic appeal. Imagine exposed wood, stained to bring out its beauty, dark metal accents, and simple designs. Depending on your location, your seating may include Adirondack chairs or open-slat wooden seats with a handmade look. You might even consider a cozy wooden swing if you have something sturdy to hang it from. 

Small fire pits or the increasingly popular tables with small gas-lit fires in the center are quite complementary to farmhouse patio style. 

While you'll still want to choose lighter-colored cushions and pillows, farmhouse doesn't include the frilly femininity of French country. So, the men in your home will feel at ease relaxing here. 

Hit up a flea market or thrift store for some vintage planters to add some greenery to your space. While you're there you may find some unique accents for your table dressing, too, including interesting containers that can double as vases because there are always fresh-cut flowers down on the farm. 

3. Boho Patio

If you're a free spirit with Bohemian tendencies, the Boho patio is the look for you. This design is a mix of world cultures and hippie vibes, and it's a fun one to create! 

Start building your Boho porch with an eclectic mix of furniture. Wicker, bamboo, rattan, and other more natural-looking materials are the way to go with this style. But when it comes to fabrics, the choice is yours. Some Boho patios feature neutral colors like creams, tans, darker browns, and navy while others are a wild mix of bright colors that would make a peacock proud. Fringe is just a bonus!

One key idea behind Boho is to be less traditionally structured. Choose softer materials for accent décor, too. Instead of a hard wooden ottoman, select a jute pouf. Or maybe bypass traditional seating for a hanging chair or a Papasan. Work in living greenery with air plants instead of the same old potted plants. Whatever unique focal point your heart desires will work on a Boho patio.

4. Modern Patio Ideas

Last, but not least, we offer inspiration for a modern patio. This style features clean lines and a crisp feeling but doesn't lack artistic elements. There's a more formal feel to modern design, and yet you can still relax in this world. 

The look of modern furniture is very squared-off and can be modular. Whether you choose a wooden, metal, or even concrete base, the cushions tend to be rectangular and without fancy patterns. Benches, straight-backed chairs, or built-in seating are common on a modern patio. 

Lighting can range from wired ambient lighting along pathways or hanging from above to long stone and concrete gas-powered fire pits. However, if you're on a budget, metal tiki torches or hanging strands of outdoor bulbs will work, too. 

While modern may sound less exciting to some people than the other styles, you can add sculptural interest or water features to keep the design a mix of organic and linear.

Now that you've learned about four of the most popular patio styles, you may want to consider adding a windbreak to your existing patio, or you may want to create a new porch space altogether. Check out our SunWall and SunLounge products for ways to create the outdoor space of your dreams!