Garden Decor Ideas to Update and Accent Your Space

A garden is just the first step to creating a beautiful backyard. Once you have chosen the layout and the plants you want to grow, you need to add the final decorative elements. Think of these touches as the backyard equivalent of hanging pictures on the wall or placing decorative pieces and candles on a table.

Decorating your garden is all about adding character and individuality to your garden. Some garden decor ideas are cute, some are artistic, and others are elegant and modern. What you choose for your garden depends on your personality and what you want your garden to say about you and your home.

1. Practical garden decoration ideas

Your garden decoration doesn’t just have to be pretty. It can also serve a functional purpose. If you have a fire pit in your garden, why not turn your wood storage into something decorative? Choose a metal shelf that will allow you to store multiple logs. This means you always have wood on hand for a spontaneous campfire.

A common outdoor decorating idea is a bird bath. It can be more than just a shallow bowl containing water. It can stand on a decorative base or have cute bird figurines on the side. If you grow herbs, you can even add decorative signs identifying each plant. However, these are more than just simple signs as they can be handmade or ceramic signs with a unique character.

Birdhouse in the shape of a house on a green pole
Ideas/Instagram
small garden shed in the shape of a house, large garden
Ideas/Instagram
Blue bird feeds on a brick wall
cozy_garden_features/Instagram
small garden shed that is reminiscent of a house
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Unique birdhouse garden decor ideas with a forest view
ouryarravalleyhome/Instagram
Metal fire pit, wood storage, marble table, broom
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2. Stylish planters and pots

You don’t have to put all your plants in the ground. You can add visual interest to your garden by placing some plants in decorative pots. Using terracotta pots gives your garden a traditional look. The rich color of the terracotta is beautiful, rustic and warm.

If you don’t have much space, you can create a small garden using mason jars as pots. Or you can have a ceramic or clay bowl that has several succulents growing in it.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your plant stands. You can use halved wine, bourbon, or whiskey barrels. Or how about an old clawfoot bathtub that you filled with dirt? You can even find metal stands that look like everyday items and have built-in holders for your pots. No matter what planter or pot you choose, look for ones that will help you increase the height of your garden to create different levels.

Terracotta vases and potted plants in the backyard
Ideas/Instagram
Terracotta pots that resemble people in the backyard
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Terracotta face statue, small child statue, ferns
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Blue Bathtub Planter Stone Wall in Backyard
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gray painted tree trunk planter with colorful flowers
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old red car planter with yellow flowers
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Green painted bicycle with pink wicker baskets with flowers
Ideas/Instagram

3. Fence and wall solutions

If your garden is surrounded by a fence, this is the perfect opportunity to add a little more decoration. You can have decorative wrought iron panels mounted on the wood or alternate metal and wood panels to create a sleek and modern looking garden fence.

Consider DIY garden decor ideas for a personal touch. Try painting a colorful mural on the wall or installing decorative lighting to create a unique effect at sunset. There is also the option to turn your fence into a living wall. You can grow mosses and succulents on one plate. However, be careful with this idea – succulents can be surprisingly heavy and you will need to reinforce the wall to support the extra weight.

Wood panel wall planters with hanging egg chair with flowers
mikepyledesign/Instagram
Modern backyard path made of gray slate, white partitions with lights
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Idea for a white mesh fence with a bush gray deck
bookcoverbydesign/Instagram
Rope fence wooden posts backyard
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green wooden fence with black base, black potted plant, white stone water feature
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Fence and wall decor garden silhouette
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Wooden fence, hanging garden fireplace, wooden deck
mikepyledesign/Instagram
painted design wall sunset beach backyard wall
Muralsbysarah/Instagram
Stone path, bamboo fence, railings, wooden posts, public garden
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Large terrace with slate tiles, garden furniture, wooden fence, green garden
mvklandscapedesign/Instagram

4. Create a welcoming atmosphere

Adding a fire pit to your yard gives you a focal point and the perfect gathering spot. Choose a modern design that creates atmosphere. You won’t feel much heat, but they create an interesting visual effect.

Another option is to use your fire pit to create an outdoor living space. Purchase a portable, prefabricated metal pit or custom-build your fire pit out of stone or pavers. You can build a fire pit exactly the size that fits your yard. Place benches or sofas outside to relax outside and enjoy the weather.

Large metal wire fence for the copper fire pit
heedigger/Instagram
Backyard fire pit with unique design
ironbarkmetaldesign_/Instagram
Copper fire pit, backyard, gravel, patio, paved bathroom, red outdoor chairs
Landscapes_wa/Instagram
abstract fire pit, backyard, patio, brown wicker furniture
raw_metal_furniture/Instagram

5. Charming garden structures

If you have a covered outdoor area, you have the perfect setting for growing vining plants. If you don’t have a covered area, consider building some sort of shelter. You can have a gazebo, pergola or arch. Which option you choose depends on the coverage you want and the amount of square footage available.

Once you have your structure, look through garden design ideas to select one or two flowering plants that will snake upwards. Colorful flowers and blossoms will surround you. If you live in the right climate, you can even grow grapes or lemons. However, keep in mind that both are heavier vines and require a sturdier structure for support.

Garden arch with pink flowers, wooden garden bench
White pavilion with pink flowers, white stone statue
Vintage backyard bench wooden gazebo with vine plants and pink flowers
fiachras.glebe_/Instagram
Wooden Arch Backyard String Lights Mulch Path
gardengablesdoorcounty/Instagram
Wooden gazebo with vine plants in the backyard
ingridleenegardendesign/Instagram
small wooden pavilion, hanging swing seat, large lawn
Sittingspiritually/Instagram

6. Add artistic touches

Look for ways to give your garden a unique look. There are local artists everywhere who use a variety of materials to create custom garden art. You can enrich your garden design by placing a few works of art that look like animals. Many garden ideas suggest placing this art hidden among your plants. They will be a nice surprise when you stroll through your garden.

If you have an empty garden area, consider placing a huge piece of art. It will serve as a crowning statement piece and focal point in your garden. Look for artwork that will remain outdoors permanently. Metal, glass, cork and hardwood are beautiful and durable materials.

half a main garden element
Ideas/Instagram
Sleeping woman garden feature
Ideas/Instagram
Carriage wheel garden with white and red flower stones
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Copper plant leaves backyard decoration
metal_garden/Instagram
abstract copper art backyard garden purple flowers
paleter/Instagram
Rock garden art textured white wall in backyard
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7. Upgrade your outdoor space

Furniture is a common element of outdoor garden decorating ideas. You need a place to sit and relax in your garden. Even if you only have a small balcony, you should have a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening drink.

If you have enough space, you can create an outdoor living room. Place a sofa or sectional with one or two accent chairs. However, they don’t require a lot of space. A small café table and a pair of chairs are enough.

Stone bench, wooden lattice gazebo, backyard
beckwith_ourlittlehome/Instagram
Small wooden pavilion in the backyard with bench and terracotta potted plants
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Stone seat with stone planters, textured wall with circular window
hawthorne_cottage/Instagram
Wooden lacquered garden bench for the backyard
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Thatched roof wooden bench in the backyard
thorntonhallgardens/Instagram

8. Incorporating garden statues

Statues are an easy way to add decorative elements to your garden. They are durable and beautiful. Look for sculptures that match the style of garden you want to create. A garden gnome is a popular choice, but some people find them creepy. Modern gardens look good with abstract ornaments.

Garden statues come in different materials. Try adding multiple species to your garden to make it more visually interesting and varied. You can have glass figurines, metal sculptures or stone creations of all kinds.

If you have a lot of flowers and other plants that need pollination, consider installing a bird bath and bird feeder. This will encourage birds to make your garden their home and promote stronger growth.

White garden water with pink flowers
Ideas/Instagram
White stone garden statue plants
Ideas/Instagram
small white wooden shed, blue woman, garden statue, lavender
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Garden statue with blue face and flowers on head
anthonypaulgardendesign/Instagram
Asian style backyard, small wooden bridge, garden statue, green lawns
ilija2001r/Instagram
Deer garden statues, white fence, pink flowers
Sculpture_supplier/Instagram
Rabbit with telescopic garden statue
thekildaregallery/Instagram

9. Light up your garden

Illuminating your garden will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the space even after the sun sets. You can do this with fairy lights that you hang throughout the garden. They create a warm, soft light throughout the room and illuminate your outdoor area.

For a more decorative approach, try incorporating string lights into your garden. These are small LEDs that sparkle and glow. Typically they are not bright enough to provide bright light, but are more of a decorative element to highlight certain areas of your garden. If you have a pergola or gazebo, you can attach the lights to it to create a fairy garden effect. Choose the ones that sparkle for a starry night look.

LED lighting, tiered wooden deck for backyard
a_wolds_lifestyle/Instagram
Large red shed in the backyard, gravel path, garden lighting
madiganridgefarm/Instagram
Large Garden Greenhouse Water Fountain String Lights
ourclapboardhomebythesea/Instagram
Gravel outdoor area with fire pit, green plastic chairs and fairy lights
silvermerecoastalretreat/Instagram
Beautiful wooden gazebo pendant lights for garden furniture
the_graveyard_witch/Instagram
Copper Square Abstract Pattern Lighting Garden Decor Ideas
thecortenfactory/Instagram

10. Enjoy contemporary charm

Potted plants are a great way to create a modern garden design. Try using large pavers or flat stones to create a smooth and well-groomed lawn. Then create a green space by placing large pots with several plants in each. Choose pots in modern colors like black or white. They should have long straight lines and smooth curves with minimal decoration.

Modern gardens use a combination of different materials. You can add large stepping stones through your pond or a wooden deck overlooking your water feature. Create boundaries and limit them with a ditch made of river stones. Skip the messy-looking flowering plants and stick with simple greenery that you can keep neat and tidy.

modern garden paving stones, white stones, round ornaments
boland_garden_solutions/Instagram
modern garden bench with white tiles, patio, wood, artificial grass, vertical wall planters
ashley_james_gardens/Instagram
Modern water feature made from garden and patio paving stones
boland_garden_solutions/Instagram

11. Lead the way

You must have paths through your garden. This makes it easier for you to enjoy your work and care for your plants. Paving stones, concrete or wood are used for a modern garden. For a rustic garden look, you can use pea gravel for a natural-looking path. If you want to create a vintage garden, use salvaged bricks or flat stones.

If you have a large garden, your flower bed may not take up the entire backyard. Then your path connects your flower bed to the other areas of the garden. Maybe it leads from the terrace into the garden and then around to the fireplace.

large backyard pool, slate pavers, grass, red brick partitions
costachristmedia/Instagram
Large paved path in the backyard through grass to the wooden deck of the pool terrace
greenjaylandscaping/Instagram
Rock garden path with words
ladyleeshome/Instagram
gray stone paving garden path succulents
mikepyledesign/Instagram
Paving stone path loose stones grass
smartchoicelandscapesandpools/Instagram
Paved path in the backyard
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12. Peace and beauty

Water features can be a lot of work depending on the type and size you want to add. Even a small fountain will add natural noise and soothing sound effects to your garden. The only other way to add sound to your garden is with a wind chime, and these can be more distracting than the gentle sound of running water.

If you’re ready to get into some serious water play, consider building a fish pond with a fountain. You have to take care of the fish and maintain the well equipment. However, it is worth it because of the calming effect it will have on you and the entire room. For fish, you should consider koi, but be warned; they are expensive. Goldfish are a much cheaper alternative.

Garden water features yellow and white flowers
Ideas/Instagram
Wooden barrel water feature in the backyard
Ideas/Instagram
White stone walls with water and green bushes
carlyshomeideas/Instagram

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