68 Outdoor Patio Ideas and Designs for Backyards and Rooftops

With warm weather comes the urge to soak up the sun, dine al fresco, and lounge poolside. If you’re looking to create a backyard oasis, these outdoor patio ideas will give you plenty of stunning inspiration. Discover 68 gorgeous patio designs, including inventive patios that are as practical as they are arresting. A daybed repurposed as a chaise, a banquette strewn with colorful pillows and cushions, a lounge suspended from the ceiling: These inviting displays are more than just seating options—they create intimacy, make clever use of space, and are conversation starters in their own right. Get inspired and create your own savvy interpretation to fit your space (even if it’s just a fire escape or balcony!).

A Colorful Escape

At her Hamptons home, interior designer Muriel Brandolini fashioned a colorful sitting area using a long custom-made teak sofa topped with vibrant accent pillows.

A Breezy Lounge in Ibiza

Painter Olivier Mourao devised a dreamy seating area at his Ibiza oasis using a white sofa and adding flowing curtains for a touch of privacy.

A Moroccan Oasis

Bright white cushions line the built-in benches of a Morocco home’s sun-splashed terrace.

A Midcentury-Inspired Retreat

Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan achieve contemporary cool at their Shelter Island pool pavilion with a mod sectional sofa and array of colorful pillows.

A Seaside Sanctuary

In Mexico, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber constructed their outdoor living room entirely from Niwala limestone, topping off the seating with cushions in matching neutral hues.

A Wood-Lined Outdoor Living Room

The Manhattan triplex of entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein boasts an ultra-sleek outdoor living room of solid mahogany. The rounded seating area wraps around the custom-made firepit.

A Tucked-Away Dining Area

An inviting dining area is set against the back wall of a New York City home’s lush garden.

A Whimsical Seating Area

Actor Jane Fonda created majestic outdoor seating for the terrace of her New Mexico ranch with a brass bed and mesmerizing Pakistani fabrics.

A Minimalist Rooftop

On a rooftop lounge in Mexico, concrete benches topped with plush cushions are joined by a trio of wicker chairs in front of the blazing fireplace.

Lush Courtyard

Another great patio idea is turning the space into a lush courtyard, like the one shown here in Sig Bergamin’s São Paulo home.

A Soaring Courtyard

At his vacation home in Mexico, George Clooney devised a dapper courtyard ready for entertaining using a spacious L-shaped sofa and handsome striped armchairs.

A Vine-Covered Veranda

Even a narrow space can be completely transformed into a dreamy patio. Vine-covered columns, a lush lawn, and Ralph Lauren Home chairs turn this outdoor patio in San José del Cabo, Mexico into the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation.

An Elegant Courtyard

For her Madrid home, decorator Isabel López-Quesada fashioned a romantic courtyard with an antique-inspired daybed and matching chairs.

Related: See More Home Remodeling & Renovation ideas

An Outdoor Room With a View

Partly shaded by a steel pergola, the ipe-wood terrace at an Austin, Texas, home is furnished with a selection of Sutherland tables and seating; the pillows and cushions are all covered in Perennials fabrics.

A Casual Outdoor Lounge

A courtyard at the Malibu, California, retreat of film producer Avi Arad is furnished with Dedon side chairs, a Kenneth Cobonpue chair and sofa with cushions clad in a Donghia fabric, and a Sutherland cocktail table; the sconces are from Michael Haskell Antiques.

A Modern Outdoor Living Room

At an Aspen, Colorado, home by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Shelton, Mindel & Associates, a sunken outdoor seating area is furnished with an armchair, an ottoman, a modular sofa, and a side table, all by Kettal.

A Shaded Terrace

The fourth-floor terrace of a Kengo Kuma–designed residence in Japan is shaded by a fabric canopy. The geometric lines of the outdoor furniture echo the vertical louvers on the exterior wall, which allow light into the home while ensuring privacy.

A Colorful Rooftop Retreat

At Richard Mishaan’s Cartagena, Colombia, retreat, bougainvillea and an ocean vista enliven the rooftop terrace; the seating is by Restoration Hardware, and Mishaan designed the red pillow fabrics for Stark.

A Shady Dining Area

London plane trees shade this poolside dining area at a home in Northern California by April Powers and Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects with landscaping by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture; the director’s chairs are by Janus et Cie, and the tables were custom-made by Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products.

A Refined Rooftop

Edward Siegel created the trellis and fireplace for the rooftop terrace of a Manhattan apartment. The slate paving is from Stone Source, the daybeds and glass-top tables are by Dedon, and the pillows are made of Sunbrella and Janus et Cie fabrics. The plantings are by Miguel Pons Landscaping and Matthias Kirwald Landscaping.

An Urban Oasis

Adding a dining table is one of the best patio ideas. Your table will be the seat of magical midsummer dinners, warm-weather brunches, and sunrise coffee sips. The stunning zinc-top dining table on this Manhattan terrace is by Lucca Antiques.

An Open-Air Dining Area

The outdoor dining area of a Los Angeles bachelor pad by design firm Commune features a picnic table and benches by Piet Hein Eek from Frozen Fountain and a Franz West chain light from Kimcherova.

A Rustic Dining Area

The terrace of Ellen Pompeo's home in Sag Harbor is a relaxed spot for family dinners.

A Romantic Terrace

Kiwi vines shade a terrace at the Maine home of Martha Stewart. The dining area is furnished with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh–style teak table and chairs by R. L. White and Son.

Serene Seattle Outdoor Patio

This gorgeous patio in Seattle, Washington, blends bright colors and breezy patio furniture with abundant greenery.

A Traditional Terrace

The rear terrace at Ralph Lauren’s home in Bedford, New York, is used for dining and entertaining. Large umbrellas shade the stylish spot.

A Comfy and Cozy Firepit

A cushioned concrete seating area with a firepit offers a cozy spot for relaxing outdoors at the home of Patrick Dempsey.

A Seating Area Surrounded by Greenery

The sunken outdoor seating area at a Palos Verdes, California, home provides a warm refuge with or without a fire, as even a small amount of sunlight is enough to warm the concrete. The Japanese blood grass’s red tips become fiery blades at sunset.

A Verdant Hideaway

Potted plants not only dot the patio, but they are also placed on a large table to create a lush garden on a city patio.

A Perfectly Peaceful Poolside Terrace

This terrace at James and Jennifer Belushi’s Los Angeles home overlooks the pool and the rear garden, which was landscaped by Mia Lehrer. The wrought-iron furniture gives the space a polished yet casual feel.

A Rooftop Oasis

Ralph Lauren chief retail creative officer Alfredo Paredes and writer Brad Goldfarb divided the expansive terrace of their Manhattan apartment into several entertaining areas, including one with a cluster of teak furnishings and another with a zinc dining table surrounded by vintage chairs.

A Caribbean Veranda

At an estate on the Caribbean island of Mustique designed by architect Luboš Kráčmar with decorator Grant White, the airy veranda includes furniture from Bali and an assortment of printed throw pillows. The doorway and quoins are made of concrete treated to resemble coral.

Tuscan Outdoor Living Area

At Sting and Trudie Styler’s farm in Tuscany , landscape designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd conceived a mix of intimate and grand outdoor spaces. An oak tree shades a gravel dining area, where lunch is often served.

A Serene Sleeping Porch

Hanging loungers are suspended on the sleeping porch of a charming Northern California home, allowing plenty of room for rest and play.

Terra-Cotta Terrace

At Anderson Cooper’s Brazillian retreat , the main cottage’s covered patio is furnished with a mix of terra-cotta pendant lights, a custom-made table, and a pair of antique farm benches.

A Striking Loggia

Ken Tate created this classically inspired loggia during the renovation of a home he had originally designed. French doors in the living and dining rooms open onto the gracious space and echo the arches of the colonnade.

A Rustic Retreat

Flowering vines adorn the rustic log arbor surrounding the outdoor dining area of designer Ellen Denisevich-Grickis’s Rhode Island retreat . Unmilled oak trees were used to create the structure, which spans almost the entire rear façade of the 18th-century barn.

An Idyllic Seattle Patio

Earthy neutrals and plenty of plants give this patio a relaxing yet relatable vibe.

A Terrace with a View

An outdoor fireplace warms this stone terrace at the Malibu home of designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro, who furnished the space with rattan and wicker chairs and striped fabrics.

Bright and Breezy Patio

The fun mix of colors and textures gives this outdoor patio design a fresh and modern feel. We love how they layered multiple outdoor rugs together to create a unique look.

A Modern Marvel in Cabo San Lucas

The architecture firm Ike Kligerman Barkley used outdoor rooms to extend a house in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, into the surrounding landscape. This veranda offers panoramic views over the infinity pool to the ocean beyond.

Ralph Lauren’s Stylish Patio

The rear terrace of Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s ivy-covered home in Bedford, New York , features relaxed seating for entertaining and offers views of the 250-acre property’s sprawling lawn.

A Refreshing Space

The pool and terrace serve as the focal point of designer Greg Jordan’s V-shaped Hollywood Hills residence . The exterior space even informs the interiors—a pair of sofas in the living room are aligned with the cypress trees.

Dreamy Patio With a Firepit

On the rear terrace of a Los Angeles home designed by Silvia Kuhle and Jeffrey Allsbrook of the architecture firm Standard, Summit Furniture armchairs are upholstered in a Perennials outdoor fabric.

Vintage Vibes

Antique stone tables and vintage Italian chairs occupy the outdoor breakfast area of a Laguna Beach, California, home constructed in collaboration with Teale Architecture.

Las Vegas Loggia

The loggia of a Las Vegas home by Atelier AM overlooks boxwood parterres designed by Robert E. Truskowski and a reflecting pool that culminates with John McCracken’s sculpture White Light.

Manhattan Rooftop Patio

This is another one of those rooftop patio ideas we can all get behind. This patio is off the master suite in a Lee Mindel–designed Manhattan penthouse and furnished with outdoor furniture by Kettal.

Bel Air Beauty

Trip Haenisch decorated the Bel Air, California, home of actor Hank Azaria, his partner, Katie Wright, and their son, Hal. Honeysuckle climbs the trellis of the outdoor living room, which is furnished with Haenisch-designed seating upholstered in Perennials outdoor fabrics; the cocktail table is by Holly Hunt.

Colorful Outdoor Living in Mexico

The roof terrace of the guest casita of a San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, home provides stunning views of the town and its surroundings. The sofa and chairs are teak.

Roof Deck With Ample Seating

Off the meditation room of a California house by Dirk Denison, a roof deck doubles as a dining area. The built-in teak daybed has cushions and pillows of Perennials outdoor fabric.

A Modern Sanctuary

Designer Brad Dunning updated this 1957 home in the Beverly Hills Trousdale enclave for Eric Kranzler. Case Study outdoor furniture by Modernica surrounds a custom-made firepit on the terrace.

Fresh, Clean Outdoor Living

A poolside lounge at a Nashville, Tennessee, home features a pendant lantern by Ames Ingham and a barrel-back chair from Dennis Miller Associates; the Robert Bristow dining table and benches are from Ralph Pucci International, and the cushions on the sofa, lounge chairs, and dining chairs are covered in a Perennials fabric.

Connecticut Terrace Hedged in Ivy

The pool terrace at Victoria Hagan’s Connecticut house is outfitted with a cocktail table by Janus et Cie; the chair cushions are covered in a Ralph Lauren Home canvas and the ceramic taborets are from Bungalow.

London Backyard Patio

A Ben Jones dog sculpture is displayed on the slate-paved terrace of a London home.

Peaceful Outdoor Oasis

This patio makes excellent use of a neutral palette. The natural colors and textures, plus ample outdoor seating, create another one of our favorite outdoor patio ideas.

Outdoor Living in Southampton

On the rear porch of a Juan-Montoya-designed home in Southampton, New York, wicker seating surrounds a teak table by Andrianna Shamaris.

Tiled Patio

A Piranesi-inspired mural by Miguel Rivero and Eduardo Cortes overlooks the pool at dealers David Serrano and Robert Willson’s Mérida, Mexico, home, which was renovated by Bohl Architects. The griffin statues and terra-cotta chair are from the couple’s Los Angeles shop, Downtown, while the mosaic-tile panel leaning against the wall is 1940s Italian.

Refreshing Outdoor Patio in Sonoma Valley

A terrace with furnishings by Janus et Cie at Joan and Sandy Weill’s Sonoma Valley home.

Patio with a Center Stage Fireplace

Arranged near the outdoor fireplace of a Southampton home by Carrier and Company Interiors and architect John David Rose are Country Casual sofas and chairs cushioned in a Sunbrella fabric.

Brazilian Backyard Patio

A vine-covered trellis tops a dining terrace at the Brazil retreat of Valentino brand ambassador Carlos Souza; the artwork visible through the doors is a Fernando Botero drawing of a woman in a Valentino dress.

Stone-Paved Terrace in Manhattan

At a Manhattan duplex designed by John Pawson, the stone-paved terrace, off the living-dining area, overlooks the Hudson River and New Jersey.

Santa Barbara Backyard Patio

The terrace of designer Madeline Stuart’s Santa Barbara, California, getaway serves as an alfresco dining room, featuring a teak table by Janus et Cie and Palecek chairs; the star pendant light is by Reborn Antiques.

Greek Retreat

At a family's retreat on the Greek island of Spetses, park-style chairs surround a pair of hearty antique refectory tables on a terrace; decorator Isabel López-Quesada and architect Nikos Moustroufis designed the property, which includes a main dwelling and two smaller adjoining residences.

Outdoor Patio Off a Manhattan Penthouse

The terrace of Jay McInerney and Anne Hearst’s New York penthouse, shaded by an awning made of a Sunbrella fabric, was landscaped by Stuart Schechter of Interior Design Foliage. The tables are by Richard Schultz, and the sofa is by Carlos Motta for Espasso, as is the armchair, whose seat cushions are clad in a Perennials fabric.

A Contemporary and Cozy Seating Area

At decorator Sara Story’s family compound in Texas, a sleek sectional sofa provides ample seating around the firepit.

Petite, Cozy Patio

A string of lights can transform any outdoor space into a romantic wonder. Even if you have a small patio or balcony, hanging up some string lights makes a big impact.

A Rustic Seating Area

A rustic daybed furnishes the open-air garden room of a house in Umbria, Italy.

A Dining Spot for a Crowd

On the verdant grounds of a Long Island home, a series of teak tables and benches provide room for a grand gathering.