You don’t need to be a designer to create a great-looking outdoor space. Whether it’s a balcony, patio, decking, or full garden, a few simple touches can transform it into somewhere you actually want to spend time.
Here’s a quick guide to pulling it all together - and it starts with one of the easiest upgrades you can make: adding an outdoor rug.
1. Choose a Rug
An outdoor rug helps define your space. It creates a clear zone in your garden – whether you're making room for seating, dining, or just somewhere to relax. Rugs also make hard surfaces feel softer and more inviting underfoot.
Look for a rug made from recycled PET yarn. It’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, but still feels surprisingly soft. Style-wise, go with something that complements your furniture or brings in a bit of colour or pattern.
Need some inspiration? Here's our Top 10 Outdoor Rugs to Transform Your Garden or Patio in 2025.
2. Add Seating
You don’t need a full outdoor furniture set to make the space work. Even a couple of fold-out chairs and a small bistro table can turn a bare corner into a useful spot for coffee or evening drinks.
Make sure to position your furniture so it sits partly or fully on the rug, this helps connect the elements and gives the space a more finished look. If you're working with a larger space, add extra seating like a bench or floor cushions.
3. Bring in Cushions
Soft furnishings make a big difference. They’re not just for comfort, they help your space feel more like an extension of your home. Outdoor cushions are a safe bet, but even regular ones are fine as long as you bring them inside after use.
This is also a chance to add colour. Choose cushions that match your rug or use them to contrast and add personality. Don’t worry about making it perfect – a mix of tones and textures often looks more natural outdoors.
4. Add Some Light
Lighting brings your space to life in the evening. You don’t need anything complicated – just a few solar lights, string lights, or lanterns can create a cosy, relaxed mood.
Wrap fairy lights around railings, drape them along fences, or pop a few lanterns around your outdoor rug or seating area. If you’re entertaining, it makes the whole space feel much more inviting.
5. Finish with Plants and Décor
Even if your garden is already full of plants, adding a few potted ones at different heights can give structure and colour. Group them in corners or around your rug to soften the edges and help everything blend into the garden.
Then add a few finishing touches – a small tray for drinks, candles, or some stylish coasters. These little details help your space feel considered, without needing a big budget or loads of effort.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse our Outdoor Rug Collection – from fun, vibrant patterns to textured neutrals, we have it all. Plus, with many made from recycled materials, you can be as eco-friendly as you are stylish.
Create a space you'll actually use this season.
