5 Things That Always Make Your Patio Look Empty, According to Designers

If you’re fortunate enough to have a patio to call your own, you’re going to want to be sure to make the most of this outdoor oasis so that you can enjoy it to the fullest all spring and summer long. In doing so, you will want to be mindful not to skimp on furniture and decor, among other things.

Below, three interior designers share five specific mistakes that people make when it comes to their patios that end up looking too empty.

Limited Furniture

If you’re looking to really make the most out of your patio space, be sure to think of an area similar to how you would an interior room during the design process. Lindsay Olson, the founder of Lulu Designs, explains how treating the outdoors as a room prevents a space from looking sparse.

As a result, be sure to go beyond the bare minimum when selecting furniture for your patio.

“If your patio only has a dining table and chairs, it’s basically screaming ‘eat and leave,'” Lauren Lerner, the founder of Living with Lolo, says. “A great patio should feel like an extension of your home and somewhere you actually want to hang out.”

What are the best ways to encourage guests to stay and relax a bit longer? The designer recommends adding a seating area meant for lounging, a hanging chair, or a built-in bench. Doing so will make the space more inviting and livable, and you’ll quickly find yourself using the patio as a spot to read, send emails, and catch up with friends over drinks.

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Not Enough of Good Lighting

The best patio spaces are ones that you can enjoy during the daytime and at night. Lerner explains how a patio without good lighting is just wasted square footage at night.

That said, the designer notes that there are so many different routes one can take when it comes to selecting lighting for your patio space. Lerner cites string lights, lanterns, sconces, and fire pits as viable options—it’s up to you to determine which best suits your lifestyle.

Just be sure not to skip this important step or you’ll be severely limiting your patio’s potential. Lerner explains how your patio can become a dark, forgotten corner without good lighting. Consider layering different types of lighting to create a cozy and curated space.

No Decorative Accessories

Take a cue from your interior spaces when designing your outdoor gathering spot. No patio is complete without some decorative accessories, according to Kerith Flynn, the founder of Margali & Flynn Designs. She recommends bringing in outdoor rugs, pillows, planters, lighting, and more to really style your patio and make it more home-like.

“These items add texture, color, and a sense of warmth, making the space feel more curated and lived-in,” Flynn says. “Without them, the patio may look like an open, empty area, rather than a comfortable, inviting outdoor room.”

Missing Plants in Planters

Bring on the greenery in order to ensure your patio looks properly designed and not too sparse. If there is

“A lack of plants in planters contributes to a patio looking empty,” Olson says. “Too much open space and a large area of hardscape contributes to a space looking stark.”

While brand new planters can often run on the pricier side, keep in mind that it’s possible to source beautiful vessels affordably by purchasing them secondhand.

Lack of Right Sized Plants

It’s clear that no patio is complete without at least a touch of greenery. On that note, though, you don’t want to grab the first plants you see and call it a day.

“My rule of thumb is to plant large enough plants to limit seeing the dirt in gardening beds, and then covering with a pebble or mulch,” Olson says. “This gives the illusion of filled-in space.”