14 Outdoor Decor Ideas That Make Your Patio Look Too Crowded
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Everyone dreams of a cozy, personalized patio, but too much decor can turn a lovely space into a cramped, overwhelming one.
Knowing what kind of decor choices might be doing more harm than good is a step to stopping cluttering in your home. If you think these 14 outdoor decor ideas are charming, I promise they’ll make your patio feel too crowded.
Oversized Furniture
Large furniture is luxurious, but it takes over a patio, especially if the space is constrained. Big sofas or sectional seating might be inviting, but they soon become problematic when it comes to movement. More compact seating arrangements help to maintain flow. Versatile pieces are smaller which makes it easier to maneuver and good for an outdoor space.
Too Many Potted Plants
While a touch of greenery is nice, it’s easy to get to the point where you have pots in every corner. Especially for large planters or pots of different sizes and styles. The plants should be curated, but not crowded in the space. Group short plants with short plants and tall with tall, to keep the look cohesive. Less is often more when it comes to plant decor.
An Excess of String Lights
String lights can make a space feel warm, but they can also make it feel tangled and busy if there are too many. When lights overlap, they take away from the ambiance rather than adding to it. Instead of draping a whole bunch of lights around the area, opt for a single well-placed string of lights or a few hanging lanterns to create a magical glow.
Bulky Outdoor Rugs
Rugs define spaces, but too large or bold patterns can draw attention to themselves and detract from the rest of the decor. If you have a smaller patio, consider neutral or smaller rugs that won’t overwhelm the area. Keep colors muted when looking for a seamless look. A simple rug can help but it shouldn’t overpower the space.
Clusters of Throw Pillows
Pillows can be comforting, but there can be too many too quickly on a seating area. Putting pillows on a sofa piles space and makes it seem more crowded. And don’t clutter with a bunch of other colors and patterns, so keep a few complementary colors or patterns. Don’t stack pillows to block seating so guests don’t have to move anything to sit comfortably. This patio looks both stylish and functional with this minimalist approach.
Overly Abundant Lanterns or Candle Holders
However, add just a few lanterns for charm but too many and your table will begin to look jumbled and chaotic. Additionally, lanterns can also make walkway space smaller and create ‘visual noise’. A couple of statement lanterns in the right place will provide soft ambient lighting. It will add a nice warm glow without the bulk. Minimalism will help to keep the area open and inviting.
Overfilled Shelving Units
Overfilled shelves tend to clutter when they are filled. If there are too many knickknacks, plants and decorative items on display it will become a visual mess and spoil the look. Shelf decor should be limited to a few meaningful pieces, or cohesive accents. Open shelving can look stylish, without feeling overwhelming.
Excess Outdoor Wall Art
Personalizing a patio with wall art can be great, but don’t use too many pieces. Many can create a busy, mismatched effect, making walls appear heavy by mixing multiple styles, colors, or sizes. Keep things to a few coordinated pieces and make a focused, artistic vibe. The space feels open and airy using a simple art display.
Multiple Side Tables
Side tables aren’t practical, but having too many can make your patio look like a maze of side tables. Walkways can be cluttered with more than one or two tables and restrict movement. Instead, consider a multifunctional coffee table or one side table with essentials. It’s open, so you can keep the area open while you have drinks or decor there. Cutting down on the number of tables will make your patio feel bigger.
Clustered Garden Statues
According to Illustrarch, personality comes from garden statues, but too many can make your patio look like an art gallery. Statues or sculptures compete with each other for attention. Rather than showing a few here and there, select a few one or two unique pieces to show as focal points. It will feel more harmonious, and each piece will have its own presence.
Over-the-Top Color Schemes
Bright colors can brighten up the space, but too many very bright neon hues make it feel hectic. Various bright cushions, rugs, and decor items create a visual overload. The simplest look is keeping to one or two primary colors with a bit of accent. A palette that is a little bit more neutral allows the natural surroundings to show through.
Heavy Curtains or Drapes
Outdoor curtains can offer privacy and a handsome barrier, but if they’re bulky fabrics, it can feel like the patio is boxed in, and the curtains can dominate the visual space, making the patio feel heavy. Choose lighter, flowy fabrics or natural dividers like plants. Curtains help make the patio feel relaxed and give an open vibe.
Overfilled Outdoor Storage
You need storage, but overfilled cabinets or baskets on a patio can make it feel cluttered. Overloading visible bins and boxes can make a space feel crowded. Go with hidden storage solutions or just keep visible storage minimal with a few small bins. It’s more inviting and relaxing to look at something clean and organized.
Too Many Chairs
Extra seating is a blessing for guests, but if you pack in too much, a patio can feel cramped. Chairs are very wasteful of floor space and do not allow you to move around or decorate much. You can choose multipurpose seating, such as benches or portable chairs, for additional guests. This leaves the space flexible and less crowded from day to day. It creates a streamlined setup, so it is easy and comfortable.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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