February is a tease, flirting with our desire for spring. It blows warm and cold, extending a brief sunshiny welcome that quickly turns chilly again.

The good news is, you don’t need to set a date with spring to begin planning for a prettier patio. While you’re waiting for the return of warm weather, channel your impatience with some creative planning.

Think back a few months. Did your outdoor furniture look shabby by September? Did autumn winds whisk away your patio umbrella? Could your cracked planters and faded garden flags use a refresh?

Now’s the time to assess your needs and start shopping early for outdoor decor that will enhance your yard and harmonize with the season.

Here are some items to consider for a spring patio or porch pick-me-up.  

Outdoor Seating

When it comes to patio furniture, what screams comfort and style to you? Maybe it’s a deep-cushioned patio conversation set for comfortable entertaining. How about a swing for the porch, a lounge chair on the pool deck or a hammock for the yard? From Adirondack chairs to wicker sets, your choice of outdoor patio furniture lets you express your style and create outdoor spaces you’ll enjoy all summer long.

When purchasing patio seating, consider your usual style of entertaining. If you host large gatherings, supplement outdoor sofas with benches, ottomans and other versatile furnishings with multiple uses.  

Outdoor Dining

Similar to seating, there are many choices in outdoor dining tables and dining sets, from space saving bistro tables to wood dining tables that accommodate a crowd. Take care to choose a outdoor dining table that coordinates with your look while meeting your specific needs.

For instance, if you enjoy cocktails with friends, consider placing a few metal bar-height tables for setting down drinks. Are casual gatherings and pool parties on your agenda? Scatter a few side tables around the area to hold snacks. And if backyard barbecues are the epitome of your outdoor entertaining, picnic tables may be more your style.  

Patio Lights

One of the brightest outdoor decor trends is patio lighting. Consider Edison lights strung from poles or tree tops, globe lights on porch eaves and pergolas, lanterns on deck rails, rope lights along stairs and walkways. Add in torches and fire pits and you’ll see there are numerous beautiful ways to light up your outdoor spaces after dark and keep the party going!

The variety of outdoor patio lights means you aren’t limited to one lighting style. Use multiple lighting products to create a beautiful and dramatic effect and layer your yard with light.  

Patio Umbrellas

Even sun-lovers need a little shade sometime. Outdoor umbrellas let you enjoy your yard without being burned to a crisp. Table umbrellas are perfect for dining al fresco, while offset umbrellas can shield an entire seating area.

You can find a patio umbrella in just about any style and size. Most feature weather-resistant canopies in a rainbow of colors so you can easily find just the right “shade” for your space.  

Garden Planters

When planning your patio decor, remember that plants add life and texture to an outdoor space. That’s doubly true when you pot them in stylish planters! Choices include colorful ceramic planters, traditional stone, rustic metal and durable resin and synthetic containers for your greenery.

Whether your style is modern, natural, quirky or traditional, you can find decorative planters that reflect your decor preferences.  

Outdoor Rugs

An outdoor rug can’t be beat for adding style to your patio or deck, yet many homeowners are unaware that there are several practical reasons to use a patio rug. Outdoor rugs help define a conversation area, protect the finish of your deck or patio and provide comfort underfoot.

Not only that, they enhance your outdoor decor with a punch of color or texture.

Most, but not all, types of outdoor patio rugs are made of durable materials that dry quickly and resist mildew and fading. Start your search for outdoor carpeting by determining the conditions under which the rug will be placed. For instance, different materials work better in sunny vs. shady areas, or protected vs. uncovered spaces. Read up a little on outdoor rug fabrication to find the best patio rug for your outdoor space.  

Outdoor Pillows and Cushions

One interior decorating trick works just as well outside: Add color and pizzazz with outdoor throw pillows and chair cushions. Throw pillows make an outdoor space feel cozy and inviting. Outdoor cushions blend comfort with beautiful designs that match your lifestyle.

Choose from natural-tone fabrics to enhance the serenity of your outdoor space and weather-resistant prints that bring a dash of vibrant color to a high-traffic porch or patio.  

Yard Accessories

Once you’ve improved the look and feel of your outdoor retreat, turn your sights to enhancing your view with updated garden art and yard accessories.  

Flags

Colorful house flags and their smaller-sized garden flag counterparts let you express a sentiment, create a mood and add color to your home’s exterior spaces. Flags are fun, whimsical – and affordable enough that you can buy one for every interest, holiday, season and special occasion!  

Statues

From gnomes and wildlife to angels and religious figures, there’s no lack of variety and design in garden statues. Set them on a wall, by a path, in your flower beds and other unexpected spots as charming counterpoints to the natural environment.  

Fountains

Garden fountains are classic decorations that provide a double-duty sensory experience. First, a garden fountain is a visually attractive accessory. In addition, the soothing sound of flowing water offers bonus sensory appeal. From tabletop tricklers to majestic tiered stone water fountain, there is a size and style to add charm to any garden.  

Bird Accessories

Bird watching is one of America’s most popular pastimes. But even if you can’t tell a robin from a wren, the sounds and activity birds bring to the backyard are always entertaining. If local laws keep you from feeding the birds, you can still provide welcome shelter and water for your feathered friends. Hang bird houses on poles or in protected areas. Locate bird baths a short flight from trees and shrubs that provide birds with natural cover from their predators.  

Enticing Spring

Can’t resist the allure of spring? Lean into the enchanting promises of fickle February by planning your rejuvenated outdoor spring spaces.

Pool Central can help, featuring all outdoor furnishings, garden decor and pool accessories your heart desires.  

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