Whether small or large, decorating the terrace in the right way can help enhance and make this outdoor space more functional.
In addition, a well-designed and equipped terrace can be an asset to the whole house and add value to the property.
Below we will see some steps and tips to follow, in order to avoid the most common mistakes, in choosing the right furniture items and their arrangement in the outdoor area.
How to decorate the terrace
As a first step, we need to evaluate the space: size, development, exposure, etc. Let us then ask ourselves the following questions:
- Is it actually a small balcony? Based on the size, it is necessary to rationalize the spaces and dedicate a compatible function to them. For example, it is difficult to organize a family lunch in 5 square meters, so to furnish a small balcony we might opt for a small table with a few slim chairs.
- Is it an open terrace? Ad hoc coverings to create areas sheltered from the sun or rain should be considered here. For example, with a pergola, sun awning, or large umbrella.
- Do we have a view to enhance? It is important for the placement of furniture elements, such as planters with grating. If we can enjoy a beautiful view (sea view, valley view, or other), this must always be usable, day and evening.
- Is there a corner present that needs to be hidden? A storage room, an air conditioning or boiler motor area, etc.? In this case, a useful solution can be considered to cover certain areas from view. We can opt for a wooden outdoor partition, planters with grating, etc. These are solutions that can also be adopted to preserve our privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors.
- What is the incidence of the sun? In order to take full advantage of outdoor space, it is a good idea to have sunscreen systems in place during the hottest hours of the day.
As you can see, even from an initial observation it is clear that every outdoor space has its own nature, to which we have to give it a soul. That is, we must make it functional to our needs and beautiful to our eyes.
Therefore, having done the due analysis seen so far, let us move on to assess the elements we need and cannot do without.
The indispensable elements in a terrace
Regardless of the size and use of our outdoor space, there are still some elements that cannot be missed.
THE SEATS
Even if the space is small, an outdoor terrace should be experienced first and foremost in moments of relaxation. Therefore, it is necessary to equip a cozy corner to be devoted to moments of rest.
Of course, the size and number of elements to be placed are closely related to the space we have available.
In fact, if the width of our balcony is modest, we can opt for a sitting room: with a 2-seater sofa, two small armchairs and a tabletop.
Or, if the size of the terrace allows, we can opt for a more comfortable and cozy relaxation area. Perhaps consisting of large, comfortable sofas, one or more tabletops, a few ottomans and a few additional design elements, such as a hanging chair.
Remember that during the daytime, it is appropriate to think about a shading system so that relaxation is enjoyable even during the hours when the sun is at its hottest.
Click here to see our selection of outdoor seating.
THE LUNCH AREA
On fine days, there is nothing more pleasant than gathering outdoors with friends and family, perhaps sitting around a laid table.
And so, if size permits, we can also dedicate an area of our terrace to convivial moments at the table.
In addition, a not very bulky table and related chairs can be useful at different times of the day. Such as an outdoor breakfast, but also as a desk for work or study.
THE LIGHTING
Indispensable element if you want to enjoy beautiful evenings in the open air.
First of all, to give a certain personality as well as make our terrace spaces functional, we can opt for two lighting systems.
- Functional lighting. That is, the lighting points that will illuminate our outdoor activities. We can make it with direct light fixtures: such as spotlights, standing lamps or hanging lamps. Of course, they must be placed at the specific points dedicated to outdoor activities (table, barbecue area, etc.).
- Relaxation lighting. This is soft lighting, needed only to be able to move around the terrace. It can be created with lamps with soft light, but also with candles placed in certain places, perhaps on the floor or along the parapet. The result is a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Agreed that it is a decorative element, but how can we make a room comfortable and cozy without plants and flowers? So let’s look at some simple rules to follow to find the right green component for our terrace.
Generally speaking, before our tastes, the choice of plants and flowers should take into account the location and incidence of sunlight.
- Strong exposure to sunlight for several hours during the day. The shrubs that are most suitable are typical Mediterranean ones: bougainvillea, geraniums, petunias, lavender, surfinias, etc.
- Northern exposure and little sun. Shrubs that do not like sunlight are: violets, primroses, begonias, tulips, cyclamen, and many others.
THE SHAPES OF THE FURNITURE ELEMENTS
Another aspect that should not be underestimated when we go to choose furniture items is the shapes. First of all, we also try to aim for practical items.
- Not too bulky. So that the space is usable by people and not by furniture.
- Lightweight. So that they can be moved easily. For example, if we want to shelter them from sudden rain.
- Easy to clean. From the dust that the wind inevitably carries and settles on furniture and fabrics.
Ideas for terrace decoration
Now that we have seen what are the basic aspects to evaluate before designing a terrace furniture, we can give it a well-defined personality.
We do this based first and foremost on our tastes, but also by looking at current trends.
THE MATERIALS FOR DECORATING A TERRACE
Considering that we are talking about outdoor spaces, we must focus on materials specially designed for outdoor spaces. So durable, resistant (to sun, water, saltiness, etc.) and easy to clean.
There are multiple solutions on the market made of wood, wrought iron, wicker, and rattan (including faux); these are materials that are well suited for furnishing a terrace, garden, or balcony.
So that we do not end up with ruined furniture after only a few months, it is good to choose quality products with some guarantee of durability in the weather.
THE OUTDOOR DESIGN
As we have said, an outdoor space has its own nature, and for this reason we cannot make random choices, but consistent and functional choices for its practical use.
Whereas, to give our terrace a personality, we need to give it an aesthetic style. Which must marry with the surrounding environment (sea, city, mountain), enhancing the landscape, without detracting from it.
So room for minimalist style and elegant lines that are perfectly in harmony with its surroundings.
The additional elements in a terrace
In addition to the strictly essential elements, we can also add other components that make the terrace even more functional.
- Barbecue. For preparing healthy dishes to be eaten with friends. In addition to masonry barbecues, there are several models that are practical and easy to use. Among them, gas-powered barbecues with lava stone heat diffusion are the type that is most popular.
- Outdoor shower. If space permits, this can be useful for cooling off after a few hours of sunbathing. To be placed near the sunbathing area.
- Swimming pool. Several models can be found on the market that are easy to install, inexpensive and require very little maintenance. The same is true for a patio hot tub.
- Greenhouse. Where you can grow some vegetables, medicinal plants, and perhaps some ornamental plants that do not like the cold temperatures of winter.
Four mistakes to avoid in decorating the terrace
Let’s see what are the most common mistakes that can be made in decorating a terrace.
- Extend the style of the interior. According to some schools of thought, using the same aesthetic style as the interior gives the perception of larger spaces and a more extended home. However, as we have seen so far, an outdoor space has a nature of its own, and the furnishings must also adapt to it. The fact that they can remain exposed to the sun and the elements already imposes limitations on you that force you to make certain choices. Also, on a subconscious level it is more relaxing to move from one environment to another and immerse yourself in a different atmosphere to enjoy maximum relaxation. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
- Lighting a terrace openly. Not only because it is totally unnecessary (even if we want to hold a party), but especially because it can be annoying to the neighborhood. In addition, a terrace that is too brightly lit restricts the view of the night view.
- Overfilling spaces. And thus take away breathing space from an environment that should provide the opportunity for freedom of movement.
- Covering panoramic views. Indeed, we have seen that these should be enhanced and, at the limit, framed, but not precluded from those viewing from inside the terrace.
Conclusions
As you can see, the aspects to be evaluated are diverse and all of some importance.
A good terrace decoration requires some preliminary steps, which consist of studying the space, assessing our needs and the aesthetic style we would like to give it.
