6 Things That Immediately Make Your Patio Look Bad, According to Designers

Interior designers have set their eyes on all kinds of patios in their profession, and they have clear opinions about the features that make these outdoor spaces look less than aesthetically pleasing.

Below, they’re speaking to six design mistakes that you will want to be sure to avoid when putting together your own patio space in order to make it as welcoming and beautiful as possible.

Worn Out Furniture

You should treat the patio with the same care you would an interior space, and that means saying goodbye to any worn-out furniture.

“Nothing dates a patio faster than cracked, splintering wood furniture that’s clearly been through one too many seasons,” Dorothy McGhee, the founder of McGhee Studios, says.

Instead, the designer recommends investing in durable outdoor furnishings made from materials like teak or powder-coated aluminum. These types of pieces will withstand the elements while still looking polished, McGhee says.

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Matching Furniture Sets

On the note of furniture, keep in mind that designers are not fans of matching furniture sets indoors or outdoors.

“Mixing materials and textures gives a more curated, designer look and avoids that ‘big box catalog’ feel,” Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH Designs, says.

Tired Fabrics

Just as you will want to be thoughtful about the type of furniture you’re selecting for your patio, you will also want to pay close attention to the textiles you’re using in the space.

“Outdoor textiles matter more than people think,” McGhee says. “Faded, stained cushions and drapes can instantly make a patio feel neglected.”

For the best look and durability, performance fabrics are going to be your best friend, McGhee explains, noting that Sunbrella is excellent for seating, and washable rugs are great for the ground.

“These are designed to handle sun, rain, and spills while keeping your space guest-ready,” the designer says of the aforementioned materials.

In addition, be sure to properly care for your furniture in the off-season by investing in special covers, Thea Bloch-Neal, the founder of Curated by Thea, says.

“Nothing ruins a beautiful outdoor space faster than worn, dirty cushions,” she says, noting that covers are easy to purchase and will set you up for success in the long run.

Cluttered Accents

While your patio should definitely have some personality, there is such a thing as going overboard with decorative accents, McGhee notes.

“I love a good vintage find, but there’s a fine line between curated and chaotic,” she says. “Seventeen lawn gnomes and a medley of mismatched planters can overwhelm your space.”

The designer instead recommends picking a general theme or aesthetic and intentionally styling your patio space to suit that look, all the while being mindful not to go too far with accessories.

A Lack of Planters

Bloch-Neal notes that planters are a patio essential; without them, a space will look too bare.

“While trees in the yard are great, adding potted jasmine, fig trees, or vibrant flowers instantly makes your patio feel more inviting and lush,” the designer says.

Plants and planters can also work wonders in making a patio feel a bit more cohesive, Hayslett adds.

“If the patio feels disconnected from the rest of the yard or house, like it’s just plopped there, it misses the mark,” she says. “Tying it in with greenery, color, or repeated materials makes it feel intentional.”

Poor Lighting Choices

Last but certainly not least, it is important to consider whether or not your patio is well lit for nighttime use. Hayslett explains how a beautiful patio shouldn’t disappear at night and recommends that people display solar lanterns, string lights, or uplighting on plants.

That said, the designer stresses the importance of also keeping aesthetics top of mind when setting up your lighting.

“String lights that sag too low or look tangled can feel messy instead of magical,” she says. “It’s a small detail, but clean installation goes a long way.”