Colorful Upgrades That'll Brighten Up Your Dull Patio With Minimal Effort

Your patio might be your safe haven. Yet, a dull one will drain the space's character, look drab in your pictures, and feel monotonous and unlively. This could even make it difficult for you to enjoy it or host social gatherings with confidence. Luckily, you can add color to your patio with a few simple upgrades. Better yet, you won't have to put in a lot of effort to transform it. For example, trading your boring planters for vibrant ones can instantly boost the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.

Similarly, changing the covers of your throw pillows and investing in a bright umbrella will make a splash. You can even display different kinds of artificial flowers to bring some texture to the space. Other examples include painting old furniture, laying down a bold rug, installing multicolored lights, and mounting a colorful mirror or crystal sun catcher. Ready to take your patio to the next level? Here are a few colorful ideas to help you brighten up your dull patio with minimal effort.

An easy way to brighten your dull patio is to retire your faded planters and replace them with colorful ones. For a subtle look, go for something simple like YNNICO's 6-Inch Flower Pots. Or for a bold statement, look for unique designs such as GUGUGO's Abstract Rainbow Head Planter. Whatever your preference, confirm that the pots can be used outdoors since indoor ones can't withstand the elements and may break down fairly quickly. If you don't want to spend a lot of money and your old ones are in relatively good shape, use stylish flower pot painting ideas for a personal touch.

Take your throw pillows from boring to playful with new covers. Play around with different styles and designs, or opt for solid cases for a simple look. Just ensure they can withstand UV rays, or their vibrant shades will fade. Bonus points if they're waterproof, like MIULEE's Decorative Linen Covers, so you won't have to worry about spills or rain damaging the inserts. Another way to elongate the life of your pillows and covers is to spritz a little water-repellant spray, like Scotchgard's Fabric Water Shield, on them.

If your outdoor wood furniture looks like it has seen better days, give it a refresh with some paint. This will enhance its appearance and protect it from rain and sunlight. Go monochromatic for an understated finish or experiment with varied shades for a fun look. Just choose a water-resistant formula, like DecoArt's Outdoor Acrylic Paint, to withstand the elements. Don't forget to clean, sand, and prime your furniture first. This way, you can get rid of stains, smooth out imperfections, and fill in small gaps.

Not a big fan of your drab patio floors? Lay down a bold rug that complements your outdoor furniture and décor. It'll liven up the space and hide unsightly scuff marks and scratches. However, there are a few things you should know before adding a rug to your patio. For starters, you should always use ones that are specifically designed for outdoor use since indoor ones can't handle the elements. And, look for flatter options that aren't too difficult to clean, like Fab Habitat's 4 x 6-foot Waterproof and Fade-Resistant Rugs.

Although your patio umbrella's primary job is to protect you from the sun's harsh rays, it can add some color to the space, too. You just need to invest in a piece that's bright and fitting for your outdoor setup. For instance, pick a beachy blue one to complement a coastal vibe, or get a patterned one if you want a preppy look. Tempera's Outdoor Table Umbrella is available in multiple colors and styles, so you can pick one that meets your requirements. You can even go for umbrellas with decorative edges, such as scalloped or tassels, to add texture and interest along with color.

Do you need a side table for your patio? Build a cute one using earthy red bricks. The creator uses four scallop-edged pieces for the legs. However, you can experiment with curved or straight bricks and arrange them per your preference to give your table a personal touch. As for the top, pick a smooth stone like the paver that the DIYer goes for. If the table's rustic look doesn't go with the rest of your décor, give it a couple of coats of masonry paint, such as Behr's Satin Brick Paint in a shade you love.

Lights are essential for entertaining in your outdoor space, but you don't have to stick to the regular white ones. Instead, jazz things up with multicolored solar lights. You just need to decide on the type of fixture you want. For example, you could opt for wall-mounted ones, like Brizled 8-Pack of Solar Wall Lights, for railings or privacy walls. Or, dangle ones like Omika's Color Changing Cafe Lights for a vibrant twist on classic string lights.

A unique way to add a little color to your covered patio is to suspend vibrant lampshades with lights inside. Start by cleaning your lampshades so no stains or spots are visible once you light them up. Also, check their insides to remove all hidden cobwebs or creepy crawlies. Once you're done, wrap a string of battery-operated fairy lights, such as Brightown's 12-Pack of LED ones, around your lampshade's fitter. If you don't want to deal with turning the lights on or off, opt for automatic solar lights. Then, hang up your lampshade with some ribbon or twine.

Displaying flowers around your patio is a fitting way to add color to the space. But if you're tired of caring for them and making sure they have plenty of water, fill your planters with artificial ones instead. For example, Homsunny's Artificial Flowers will brighten up your planters without any maintenance. Just fluff the blooms and use real soil to make your artificial flowers look real. Additionally, opt for seasonally-appropriate ones and hide the bald spots between them using greenery stems for an eye-catching arrangement.

Do you have an old mirror taking up precious real estate in your garage? Use it to add a dash of your favorite color to your patio. Simply paint the frame with outdoor paint, and you're done. For a whimsical look, attach some artificial flowers and greenery to a pool noodle and affix it to the top. You could even add a few strands of LED fairy lights. If you don't have a mirror handy, check out your local thrift store to score one at a decent price. After you're done decorating, position it so it reflects light around your space.

If you're a fan of art but don't want to subject your paintings to moisture and sunlight, add a tapestry from a wall near your patio. To hang it, simply hammer some nails around its edges. If you're a renter or don't want to make holes in the wall, use a product like Command's Outdoor Medium Clear Wall Hooks. Don't forget to spritz it with a weatherproof spray, like Scotchgard's Sun and Water Shield, to prevent its vibrant colors from fading over time.

This idea is perfect for individuals who love firepits but don't have the room or the budget for a large one. Grab a bright-colored terracotta pot or bowl from your nearest home goods retailer. Or, spray paint your old one in a vibrant shade of your choosing. Plug the hole with a small wooden piece, rubber stopper, or cork if it fits. Then, fill the pot with some sand because it doesn't conduct heat well and will reduce the risks of accidents. Nestle a tiki torch fuel canister in the middle and place a few decorative rocks, like Cherry Tree Collection's Polished Stones, around it to hide the sand.

Hang some colorful crystal suncatchers, such as Ilclviz's 6 Piece Set of Pendant Ornaments, from your pergola to appreciate the sun's rays in all their glory. This will add a splash of color to your patio structure and bounce light around. You'll especially enjoy the rainbow-esque reflections if you like watching the sun rise or set from your yard. Once the crystals' shine dims, wipe them gently with a clean microfiber cloth to get rid of any dust or grime. 

Want to add a vibrant water feature to your patio? DIY a fountain in just minutes. Get a large planter (or spray paint your old one), fill it with soil, plant colorful artificial flowers along its diameter, and affix a small pot (or bowl) in the middle. If you don't have space for a larger one, just use a small, vibrantly-colored bowl to fashion a tabletop fountain. Fill the vessel with a small amount of clean water and place a solar fountain pump, like Mademax's 1.4W Free Standing model, inside. Remember, the pump might not function as desired on rainy or cloudy days.

You can't overlook throw blankets while designing your perfect patio. They can lend your furniture some much-needed color and personality for a relatively low investment. Simply drape it over your favorite chair, or place it strategically over unsightly stains. Just change the blanket according to the seasons so you can comfortably enjoy your outdoor space all through the year. Fleece and knit decorative blankets work well against the frigid weather during fall and winter. On the other hand, bamboo, cotton, and linen are ideal for balmy spring and summer months.

Don't like your boring patio table but can't replace it yet? Simply cover it with a tablecloth in a fun pattern. For a custom design, grab some supplies to create the perfect, one-of-a-kind piece. Place a stencil over a solid-colored cloth and get some fabric paint, like Tulip's 5-Pack Multicolor Set, so your masterpiece doesn't fade or peel off when it's washed. Another option is to add a little fabric painting medium, such as Liquitex Professional Effects, to your favorite acrylic shades to create a formula for textiles.