Are you lucky enough to have an outdoor space but don't know how to make the most of it? We've got a guide on how to furnish a terrace, a collection of practical tips and inspiration for carefully designing your outdoor space! To make the most of a terrace and enhance it, there are no strict rules to follow to the letter: it's important to unleash your creativity while following a basic idea.
Just as your garden or entrance are a small "calling card" for newcomers, terraces and balconies can also add value to your entire home.
Remember: functionality and style must go hand in hand when it comes to decorating your terrace! We're talking about a space that needs to be organized optimally, without overcrowding.
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How to furnish a terrace intelligently? Let's quickly look at three aspects to keep in mind before starting to plan the actual layout:
1) Stylistic continuity with the home and interiors. Before you start thinking about how to decorate a balcony, try to imagine your outdoor space as an "extension" of the home and create stylistic continuity (in lines and colors) between the interior and exterior spaces. Even a furnished terrace should reflect your interior design taste!
2) Always add a touch of greenery! Plants should never be missing from your terrace decorating ideas! Choose those best suited to your local climate and (above all) opt for shrubs and plants that best adapt to outdoor environments.
3) Optimize space. This is also an essential point: the surface area of the terrace will inevitably influence your choices of furnishings or decorative accessories. Carefully plan your terrace furniture selection to create a balanced layout that doesn't look too "cluttered" and doesn't obstruct people's passage.
These are the most important and general aspects to consider before thinking about decorating your space. Let's now look at all our tips for furnishing your terrace while keeping the style of your outdoor space in mind!
How to best furnish a small terrace
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If you have a small terrace, you'll already know that furnishing it carefully is quite a challenge: maximum attention is required to arrange the furniture, decorations, and decorative accessories so as not to overly reduce the usable surface area.
How to make the most of your small terrace without sacrificing style? Here are some tips!
- Choose compact furniture: Optimize space by using space-saving furniture such as folding tables or stackable chairs. These items can be easily stored away when not in use, allowing you to free up valuable space and better organize your terrace.
- Create visual depth: Transparent walls are useful for giving the illusion of a larger space. Looking for an intriguing solution for your small terrace? Install a mirror to reflect natural light and create a sense of depth, further enhancing your outdoor space!
- Choose light colors: Light tones on the walls (and furnishings) also allow you to visually enlarge the space. Decorating a terrace wall with colors like white, beige, or pastel shades will help make the space feel more airy. An even smarter idea? Pair details with brighter colors to create contrasts and eye-catching focal points!
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- Make the most of the railing! A super smart idea for maximizing every surface area of your small outdoor space. Hang hanging planters, decorations, or a wall-mounted table to economically enhance your terrace.
These are just some quick inspirations for organizing a small outdoor space, but you can read our complete guide to small terrace decor for many more useful tips!
How to thoughtfully arrange a large terrace
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Now let's look at a situation opposite to the one in the previous section: how to furnish a large terrace? Having a lot of space can be a double-edged sword: in this case, it's crucial to divide the spaces well to avoid an overly "full" effect or a lack of coherence.
Here are some tips for organizing a large terrace in the best possible way!
- Create functional zones: The beauty of having a large terrace is that you can furnish it by dividing it into different "areas"! Some examples? You could set up an outdoor dining area with a large table and comfortable chairs, a relaxation area with cozy sofas and armchairs, and a barbecue area with a grill. This type of solution allows you to organize and optimize the use of the terrace in a very thoughtful way.
- Choose comfortable furnishings: Upholstered sofas and armchairs are essential for comfort and relaxation, while a table allows you to host guests or create an area for outdoor dining. Arrange comfortable seating on your large terrace to transform it into an inviting space and enjoy the warmer months!
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- Add focal points: Want to create a striking visual impact? Use large decorative elements like a fountain, sculpture, or outdoor fireplace. A perfect solution to capture your guests' attention and give your terrace a touch of personality.
- Use large plants: To fill the space and create a lush atmosphere, place large ornamental plants on your terrace! Not only will they add a touch of greenery, but they will also create pleasant and relaxing shade.
Furnishing a large terrace following these simple guidelines is much easier than you think! But what if your outdoor space doesn't have a cover?
What furniture should you choose for an open terrace?
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Do you live on the top floor of a building and have an open terrace to enhance? Technically, we're talking about a "flat roof," a large outdoor space that can also be enclosed by a railing (or a wall).
If you have an open terrace of this type and are looking for ways to furnish it optimally, here are some tips!
- Create a shaded area: The first thing to do if you want to fully enjoy an open terrace! Add a suitably sized umbrella or a pergola to create a shaded area where you can take shelter on the hottest days. Sail awnings are also an excellent visual solution for furnishing an open terrace.
- Choose weather-resistant materials: Furnishing your open terrace with solid and durable materials is of fundamental importance. Choose outdoor sets made of treated wood, aluminum, or synthetic rattan that can withstand exposure to sun, rain, and other elements without deteriorating. This small extra measure will also save you significant money in the long run.
- Add a fireplace or barbecue: An idea to furnish your outdoor terrace with a touch of functionality and style! These elements not only offer warmth and comfort, but also create an inviting atmosphere even during the cooler summer evenings.
These are the main tips to follow for furnishing an outdoor terrace and enhancing it effectively! Of course, you can make your outdoor space even more beautiful with the right decorations or (why not?) decorate it according to your taste, while always keeping in mind the decor style of the rest of your home.
Green is beautiful! How to decorate a terrace with plants
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A terrace without a refreshing touch of greenery would be decidedly bare, don't you think? Decorating a terrace with plants is always a great way to add color creatively and economically.
What plants should you use to decorate your terrace? The possibilities are endless, and much depends on your taste, but always try to choose flowers and shrubs that best suit the climate of your area. And don't forget to care for and water them regularly!
Here's a series of tips on the most suitable plants for decorating your terrace!
1) Potted plants - Succulents: Cacti and succulents require little water and can survive even in bright light. - Ferns: They love humidity, add a touch of lush greenery to your terrace, and adapt well to shaded areas. - Aromatic herbs: They're easy to grow even in small pots and will create an intoxicating Mediterranean atmosphere on your terrace!
2) Climbing plants - Bougainvillea: A climbing plant known for its vibrant flowers and ability to cover vertical spaces. It's perfect for creating a flower wall effect on your terrace. - Wisteria: Thanks to its beautiful clusters of colorful flowers, it will add a romantic touch to your terrace. You can grow it along a support or pergola. - Potted kiwi: A plant to embellish your terrace with a lush green cover with an exotic charm!
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3) Aromatic Plants - Basil: Requires good sunlight and well-drained soil. Basil adds a delicious aroma to your dishes. - Mint: An easy-to-grow aromatic plant with an unmistakable scent. You can use it to make cool drinks like mojitos or add it to salads and meat dishes. - Rosemary: A hardy aromatic herb suited to warm climates. Its aromatic leaves are perfect for marinating meats or adding a Mediterranean touch to dishes like roast potatoes.
If you're short on space, you don't have to give up on plants: you can create a splendid DIY vertical garden to add a touch of greenery to your terrace! Have fun decorating your terrace with plants, and your outdoor space will become even more welcoming thanks to the colors and scents of these plants.
Charming evening atmospheres: how to illuminate a terrace with style
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Furnishing your terrace also means choosing the right lighting to make it truly charming and welcoming! Not being able to enjoy a beautifully landscaped outdoor space even during long summer evenings would be a real shame.
How to light a terrace to create the right atmosphere? Here are three simple ideas to implement and perfect for any budget!
- Decorative lights: Ideal for adding a touch of magic to your terrace! Lanterns with charming designs, scented candles, or LED lights in various shapes and colors are all clever ways to stylishly illuminate your outdoor space. Place them strategically on the terrace to create a welcoming and romantic atmosphere during evenings spent outdoors.
- Floor lighting: Recessed floor lights are extremely useful for creating a charming and safe effect. This type of lighting outlines the contours of your terrace and provides a soft, relaxing glow during summer evenings. You can install in-ground lights along the perimeter or along the path to define spaces and ensure good visibility.
- Directional spotlights: Have you created focal points on your terrace and want to enhance them in the evening? Place spotlights strategically to create interesting lighting effects, drawing attention to design elements or creating plays of light and shadow. Your terrace will transform into a true masterpiece of style!
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With the right lighting, you can complete your terrace's decor and enhance it even more. A masterpiece of style that you can enjoy even in the evening, relaxing in a truly magical atmosphere!
Unleash your creativity! 4 DIY ideas for decorating your terrace
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Finally, how can you beautify your outdoor space without spending a fortune? Well, if you love creative recycling, you can always decorate your terrace with DIY!
Unleash your creativity and create decorations and accessories at practically no cost. Here are some DIY ideas for your terrace!
- Custom cushions! A touch of color and comfort for your terrace furniture! You can choose fabrics that suit your style and sew custom cushions, adding details like buttons or decorative trim.
- DIY Table: You can use materials like recycled wood or an old pallet to create a sturdy base and then customize it with colors and finishes that match your style.
- Wall Decorations: Paint a wall or use stencils to create geometric or floral patterns. Let your imagination run wild and make your terrace unique and captivating!
- DIY Relaxation Corner: Create a relaxing oasis by building a cozy corner with pallets or wooden platforms! Add pillows and soft blankets for an inviting atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your time outdoors.
DIY terrace decoration allows you to express your creativity and personalize your outdoor space in a unique way! Experiment with decoupage to complete your outdoor decor with a touch of extra vivacity.
With the tips in this guide, you can start decorating your terrace and enjoy the warmer months in a perfectly organized and beautiful outdoor space. Have fun!
