10 Easy Summer Decorating Ideas

Summer activities can take you inside and out this season, and that means you’ll have plenty of spaces to decorate. The key to a summer makeover is light fabrics, bright colors, and even a touch of beach-inspired decor. You can update your home for the season with just a few accessories or go big and add a stunning outdoor dining set. Most summer-inspired decor can be stored away when it’s time for autumn decorating. Here are 10 of our favorite ideas for making the most of your summer at home:

1. Summer decorating means colorful outdoor entertaining

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We love summer entertaining, especially when the party moves outside. Choose a comfortable outdoor seating set that encourages conversation and lounging. Bright outdoor pillows and throws for chilly summer nights are a must. If you’re creating a space that ties your indoor decor to the outdoors, choose accessories that fit into the color palette you already have in your home.

2. Switch to a summer duvet cover

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A new duvet cover can makeover your bedroom in an instant. Look for light fabrics like linen and cotton for comfortable bedding even when the weather heats up. Beach-inspired patterns and colors (like blue and aqua) are perfect for summer decorating. Even if you aren’t embracing a full coastal theme in your home, you can add touches of beach style in any room when you work within your color palette.

3. Get fresh style with macramé and crafty summer accessories

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Maybe we’re just reminiscing about summer crafts, but macrame and handmade accessories feel like a perfect fit for the season. Mixing handcrafted decor in natural colors and materials with boho or contemporary furnishings creates a relaxed summer style. Add softness to your bedroom or living room by replacing framed art with macrame and woven wall hangings.

4. Turn your porch into a summer gathering space

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When the weather warms up, we’ll look for any reason to be outdoors. If your home is short on space, turn an unused porch into a spot for entertaining or just relaxing. Consider adding outdoor furniture with rounded corners, natural fibers, and tropical hues to add some curb appeal to your porch. Giving your front door a color makeover adds extra style to your porch and a decorating focal point for your new outdoor decor.

5. Brighten up your patio with an indoor/outdoor rug

We love indoor/outdoor rugs for bringing color and pattern outside. Look for rugs with lots of summer color, as they are the best focal point for your outdoor decorating plan. Your outdoor seating and cushions may be pretty neutral, so you can be creative when choosing your rug, pillows, and accessories. An easy and fun tip for choosing the best indoor/outdoor rug is to match a few colors from your summer-blooming flowers in the rug’s pattern.

6. Add outdoor lights for entertaining evenings

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What fun is summer decorating without string lights? Look to outdoor restaurant and winery spaces for inspiration on lighting your deck or patio. Think of string lights as ambience, instead of task lighting, so that you can add just the right amount to create a magical space. There is a big selection of outdoor string lights available, including colorful and themed options, but classic white bulbs can fit into any decorating style.

7. Brighten your bathroom with a cheerful new shower curtain for summer

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Replacing your shower curtain seasonally is such an easy and inexpensive way to update your bathroom for the summer. Consider a new shower curtain with a tropical or nautical theme, or just one with some bright summer colors. Properly cleaned, dried, and stored, you can rotate shower curtains in and out every season. For an extra bit of summer decorating magic, have one set of seasonal towels to match with your new shower curtain — this lets you change the mood of your bathroom almost effortlessly.

8. Add a summery hanging light

Is there a dark corner in your home that could use a little extra light? Plug-in hanging lamps — also called “swag lighting” — is a no-commitment way to add a little illumination and a lot of style to any room. Hanging lights are an easy way to create a reading corner or define an eating space in a small home. Choose an airy design that allows natural light to shine through even when it’s not on.

9. Try summer scents in your home

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Summer decorating is about more than just the visuals. Tropical and citrusy scents can set the mood for summer in your home. The secret to getting that perfect mix of scents is to choose only a few scents for your home, all in the same product line or brand. Match your candle holders and diffusers to each room for a customized look, even with only one or two scents through your home.

10. Create a casual seating area

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Floor cushions are an essential (and super fun) element of casual summer decorating. Whether you choose colorful floor pillows or a large couch-style cushion, be sure to pair new seating with low-profile tables for entertaining and lounging.