With warmer weather comes the luxury of spending relaxing days and pleasant evenings on your patio or deck. However, your space has more relaxing potential than you may think. By making a few upgrades, you can create a new level of comfort in your outdoor living space.

Cushions

If you’d like to improve the support of your patio furniture without buying a new set, adding cushions can give your furnishings new life. Make sure any cushion you get is as large or slightly smaller than your seat and cushions, and that cushions with a back are almost as tall as the chair’s backrest. If you regularly entertain guests, keep a few floor cushions handy. These plush seats don’t take up much room and are easily stored away when not in use. A cushion’s fabric will significantly impact what is best for your space. Popular cushion fabrics include:

  • Vinyl: easy to clean and cost-effective, but it becomes hot to the touch in sunlight
  • Cotton: comfortable and budget-friendly, but it’s prone to mildew and fading if not treated
  • Textilene: waterproof and stands up to wear and tear, but it can fade or become hot to the touch when exposed to the sun
  • Solution-dyed acrylic: durable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch

Hammock

If you’re looking to add a new piece of furniture to your space, you can’t get much more comfortable than a hammock. There are a few hammock styles to choose from. Rope hammocks are made of cotton or polyester and designed for warm climates, as airflow isn’t restricted. Due to a tighter weave, fabric hammocks tend to be stronger, more durable, and better suited for cooler climates. There are also hammock chairs and swings that provide the same relaxing experience without lying down. When choosing a hammock, don’t forget to select a hammock stand, which come in wood and metal varieties, to eliminate the guesswork of where to place it. If possible, keep the hammock in a space protected from the elements for additional comfort.

Outdoor rugs

An outdoor rug immediately brings an element of warmth and character, and it will also give a cushioning layer between your feet and the ground. Place your furniture around a rug to create a social seating arrangement. You may even want to add multiple rugs for different areas, such as your cooking, dining, and lounging spaces. Here are a few common rug materials to consider.

  • Polypropylene: stands up to moisture, stains, and foot traffic but is best kept away from firepits or grills as it is sensitive to heat
  • Polyester: durable, long-lasting, and fade-resistant, but some stains will be hard to remove
  • Nylon: easy to clean, stain-resistant, and stands up to foot traffic but becomes hot underfoot when placed in sunlight

Shade

Adding a roof to your patio or deck can shield you from the sun for hours of outdoor enjoyment. You’ll need to decide between a permanent structure  or one that is removable. Pergolas and awnings are more permanent additions that can enhance the appearance of your home or patio. Canopies, sun sails, and umbrellas also provide plenty of shade, but they can be moved or taken down at the end of the season. Patio drapes are another solid choice for additional sun protection and an added level of privacy. Don’t underestimate natural resources—if you have a leafy tree near your deck or patio, it may provide all the shade you need.

Hot tub

Take your yard’s comfort to a new level with a hot tub. Even if the temperatures begin to rise, you can set the hot tub’s temperature lower for a summer soak or use it after the sun goes down. There are styles to fit everyone’s preferences, including in-ground or portable, inflatable or wooden, and circular or square. And there are plenty of accessories to personalize your hot tub, such as bars, drink holders, speakers, and lights. If you’re looking for an entertaining focal point for your outdoor space, a hot tub can be a relaxing addition.

Pest deterrents

If you want to avoid becoming the main course while enjoying your outside space, try these options to help keep pests away.

  • Add marigolds to gardens and containers near your outdoor space to deter mosquitoes.
  • Grow herbs, such as basil, mint, lemongrass, and lavender to ward off various insects.
  • Burn citronella candles to help drive away mosquitoes and flies.

Don’t let your outdoor space’s potential go to waste! Create a relaxing retreat you’ll enjoy for multiple seasons.