Can I Keep Fake Plants Outside? (And 15 More Outdoor Decor Questions Answered)

If you love the calming presence of plants – but you’re not known for your green thumb – you likely have a few artificial plants scattered around your living room. But what about your outdoor space? Fake plants can be kept outside, as long as they’re designed to be sturdy. Keep soft, fabric plants indoors and instead look for artificial plants that are durable enough to handle weather conditions (plants made with UV-protected materials are your best bet).

Related: Garden Decor Ideas to Create Your Own Slice of Paradise

Fresh air is good for us – and our plants. With that in mind, if you want to bring some of your indoor houseplants outside for the summer season, it’s totally possible – if you’re careful. Before making your decision, weigh the positives of being outside (like the fresh air) against the added hazards (like pests and weather). If you bring plants outside, also be sure to check on them regularly, as they’ll likely need more water and attention.

Related: Now’s the Time to Get That Firepit (and 16 Other Outdoor Things We Deserve Right Now)

Want to grow a beautiful garden without leaving the comfort of your own home? You can absolutely buy plants online and have them delivered to your house. If you want to shop local, but stay online, here are some online plant stores in Canada to consider.

Related: 15 Raised Garden Bed Ideas to Bring Your Backyard to the Next Level

If you’re looking to invest in new patio furniture but you’re on a budget, you might want to factor in when you buy it. Typically, stores start discounting outdoor furniture in August to make room for fall inventory. Start shopping early for the best selection: by October, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a patio set to purchase – let alone a deal! Can’t wait? Here are some fun outdoor furnishing ideas (for less than $100).

Related: 15 Balcony and Front Porch Design Ideas We Want to Steal

You can (and should!) clean your outdoor furniture regularly – but, at minimum, give it all a good cleaning at the beginning and end of summer. What’s the best method of cleaning? It all depends on the material your furniture is made of. Wicker, for example, does well when cleaned with a mild oil-based soap, while plastic furniture responds a mixture of vinegar and water. You can learn how to clean all kinds of outdoor furniture like a professional here.

Related: 15 Outdoor Living Rooms You’ll Never Want to Leave

Want to update your deck, without the hassle of a major renovation? If your deck is in good structural condition, but needs a refresh, adding outdoor deck tiles is a quick and cost-effective way to change up the look. If you love a DIY, you can also try painting your wooden deck tiles for a fun, custom feel.

Related: 10 Things to Consider Before Building Your Own Deck

Because indoor rugs aren’t made to deal with the moisture and dirt that’s common outside, it’s not a good idea to use them on your patio or deck. Instead, opt for an outdoor rug that’s specifically designed for the elements.

Eventually, metal furniture will likely rust – but it depends. Metal, by its nature, is prone to rust – but higher quality metal patio furniture made from wrought iron or steel is less likely to quickly rust than cheaper metal pieces. You can also prolong the life of rust-prone outdoor furniture by keeping it dry and covering or bringing it in during the winter.

Related: Mike Holmes on How to Prolong the Life of Your Deck, Shed and Other Costly Outdoor Structures

You don’t necessarily have to drag all your outdoor furniture inside when the weather turns – most outdoor furniture can stay outside, with the right care. For example, it’s a good idea to cover outdoor furniture and bring in any cushions or outdoor rugs in for the season to prevent damage and prolong their life. Here are some other ways to enjoy your backyard space during the winter.

Related: 8 Expert Tips to Maintain Curb Appeal Once Winter Hits

If you’re lucky enough to have a sunny backyard, you know how scorching sun can burn up an otherwise pleasant afternoon outside. If you want a more elegant, durable shade solution than your old beach umbrella, consider adding a pergola to your space. Whether you go for a basic design or a more high-tech version – like this pergola with a retractable awning that Scott McGillivray used on Scott’s Vacation House Rules – a pergola adds a touch of comfort and shade, while still letting you feel like you’re really outside.

Related: 12 Stunning Pergola Designs You’ll Want to Steal

Plants are one of the best ways to decorate – indoors and out. If you don’t have a big outdoor space, but want some greenery, there are actually lots of options. Grow vertical with a living wall or vertical garden (here are some DIY ideas) or create a small container garden with the help of this guide.

Just as you use lighting as part of your interior decor, lighting up your outdoor space is a great way to add style and function to your home. The simplest, most energy efficient solution is to look for outdoor solar lights or lanterns, but outdoor string lights or hanging light fixtures create more ambiance. Another way to bring light (and heat) to outdoor evenings? A firepit adds elemental charm and soft light to outdoor spaces.

Related: We Share the Outdoor Spaces That Are Keeping Us Sane Right Now

Yes, but it’s not easy. Hanging lightweight decorations to conventional exterior stucco adds personality to your space – but it can be difficult, due to the textured nature of the material. If you’re adding something lightweight or temporary (like a seasonal decoration), consider using a high-quality, outdoor-appropriate, double-sided mounting tape. If you are hanging something more permanent, you’ll need to use a masonry drill with a hammer bit to drill a hole and a cement wall anchor – because you don’t want to risk damaging your home’s exterior. This might a project worth consulting a professional.

Hanging decorations on vinyl siding is a bit more straightforward, if you have the right materials. To make adding decor to siding easier, try using an S-shaped vinyl siding hook. One caveat? Watch the weight of your decoration – siding hooks can usually only support up to around 12 pounds.

Related: Vinyl, Brick or Wood Siding? Scott McGillivray Weighs in on the House Exterior Debate

Outdoor appliances, from an outdoor mini fridge to a bells-and-whistles barbecue, are a great way to enhance your outdoor living experience – turning your patio into a custom outdoor kitchen. You can find outdoor appliances at larger hardware stores, your local appliance store or even online. One thing to keep in mind, however, is to think of your outdoor appliances as a team: Just as you would with your indoor kitchen, you’ll get a more cohesive design look if you choose outdoor appliances in the same style and made from the same material (like stainless steel).

Related: 10 Outdoor Kitchens That Will Blow You Away

If you’re building or renovating a deck, consider your overall decor and view and go for a glass railing. Glass railings – like the one used here for Backyard Builds – deliver a modern design, while letting you enjoy your view (even if it’s just your own backyard).

Related: How to Stain Your Deck in a Single Day