If you are wanting a perfect space to relax and enjoy during the warm summer days, I’ve got your covered! Inside is EVERYTHING you need to make your backyard and patio your most favorite place the entire summer!
It really felt like this day would never come: weather warm enough to lounge in the backyard. My husband and I were sitting under the gazebo while the boys were playing in the yard, and after the winter we had, I seriously felt like someone had just given us a new lease on life. We are definitely outdoor people so when we are cooped up all winter, it is not good for any of us! Knowing how crazy life is, it’s super-important to us to have a relaxing, serene spot for us to hang out with the kids and unwind.
Backyards are the perfect place for that to happen. Whether your yard is big or small, manicured or a little more natural, it can be the perfect spot for you to relax or entertain this summer. There are some elements that you can include, regardless of the shape or layout, that will make your backyard your most favorite spot to be in all summer. And it doesn’t have to included waterfalls, an inground pool or pristine landscaping. Whatever you have to work with, you can create your perfect summer backyard.
Below are 13 things you can include that will totally set you up to have a relaxing space that you will adore. I guarantee, this is where you will want to spend most of your free time. So much summer relaxation, without even leaving your house.
There’s a little description for each item. Then, under the main picture, there’s a widget with some inspiration ideas. Most of the items are from Target, Joss and Main, and Wayfair. I’ve found that they have the best selection for the best prices. There might be a JC Penney, Overstock, and Bed, Bath and Beyond thrown in there, too. Just hover over the picture and it will tell you which store it’s from; click on it and it will take you right to the site. You can use the arrows to scroll through. Many items are also free 2-3 day shipping!
And be sure to check out the original site below each main picture. There are usually more beautiful pictures with other summer inspirations!
Everything You Need for Your Perfect Summer Backyard
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1| Outdoor Deck Rug
This instantly adds some coziness to any outside space. There are so many colors and patterns, and it is really great if you have little ones who still crawl. It definitely gives your outside an inside homey feeling! And, a rug works great to use an anchor for an open space that you are adding furniture to – it will tie the whole area together.
From Mohawk Homescapes
2| Firepit
There is nothing better on a summer night than sitting around the fire. It’s perfect for roasting marshmallows or just spending quality time. My husband and I love doing that after the boys go the bed. It’s almost like being on a real date!
From HGTV
3| Mix and Match Furniture
There’s so many ways you can mix up furniture- chairs, tables, flower pots, accessories. A mix of styles and materials always adds interest, and because outside space is so big, it’s never overwhelming.
From Hunt and Host
4| Pops of Color
I tend to like a lot of neutrals, but when I’m outside, I love colors thrown in. You can do this with a painted bench or table, chairs, colored flower pots, pillows and cushions, umbrellas, or even just fresh flowers and table decor. Color looks great everywhere! It’s so refreshing after a bleak winter!
5| Cozy Seating
Backyards almost look like living rooms these days, and I’m totally OK with that! There should be a place where friends and family can kick back and relax apart from the eating area! This could just be lounges, chaises, sectionals – any place for you and your people to relax.
From Honeybear Lane
6| Bench
A bench – whether it is weather-beaten and rustic or a more polished for brightly colored one – is such a great statement piece in a backyard. It can be used for seating, or it’s great just as an accessory for decor. I use mine to put flower pots on! But it adds just a bit of extra style.
From Pixabay – Evionnaz
7| Lounge Area
After a nice, big meal, there’s nothing better than being lazy and lounging around, maybe even taking a nice summer nap. Hammocks, swings and even outdoor day beds are perfect for this. I don’t know if there’s anything in the world that can beat an outside nap in the summer.
From The Merry Thought
8| Lighting
So many great ways to do lighting in the backyard. White lights on a string are my personal favorites, but I also love using lanterns and tiki torches. Because it’s so fun to be outside at night during the summer, definitely consider which kind of lighting will suit your needs!
From Brooklyn Limestone
9| Tables
In addition to the eating area table, other accent tables are a must! You can have a coffee table in the relaxing area or other accent tables for decorations or cold drinks. Even stacked crates are great and totally fulfill that purpose!
From Twelve on Main
10| Flowers and Plants
You might not have a backyard that is conducive to a garden, but flowers are a must! They can easily be incorporated in potted flowers, fresh flowers in a vase or hanging flowers as well. It is an instant and easy way to pretty up a backyard space. Potted plants and trees work super-well, too!
From Morning Chores
11| Sun Protection
There’s nothing worse than having a backyard that’s so hot that it is not even functional to be in. A shaded area is a must if you are to entertain or spend time out there. This can be easily done with umbrellas of all sizes and shapes – or you can go more elaborate with pergolas, gazebos and even awnings.
From Home Goods
12| Curtains
If you really want to add an extra touch, curtains are a great option! I love breezy, sheer curtains – and even mosquito nets are awesome to add an extra something to your backyard. They also can help block some sun and keep an area cool, as well as add some privacy if your neighbors are a little close! With a little creativity, those can be added fairly easily! (The one pictured below is a DIY!)
From Thrifty and Chic
13| Eating Areas
OK, I know this goes without saying that you need a place to eat, but this list would feel incomplete without it. There are so many great options from little bistros to picnic tables to full-on outdoor meals family style at a large dining table. Some of my best memories when I was younger was when we used to have dinner outside. Even if there wasn’t a party, it felt like such a big deal to eat outside. Your kids will love doing it.
I’ve found that with getting our backyard summer ready, it’s actually taken us a few years to get it just how we want it. It can seem overwhelming to try to incorporate all these things at once, but if you do it a little at a time, add a little something each season, in no time, you will have your perfect backyard space. It’s sort of an evolving process, but that’s how most things are anyway, right?!? Here’s to your best summer yet – without even leaving your house!
I’d love to see what you come up with! Please tag me on Instagram if you take pictures!
If you know someone else who would enjoy this, I’ve love it if you shared! 🙂
More Summer Fun:
35 of the Best and Most Refreshing Summer Salads
Easy No Bake Patriotic Desserts
Farmhouse Spring Porches You’ll Fall in Love With
Thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!