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Decorating around pool area


Top 18 Poolside Decorating Ideas for a Backyard Oasis

With summer on the horizon, we like to make sure that you can take full advantage of sunny days in your backyard. And a poolside is not exception to having beautiful furniture and décor. Whether your pool is on the smaller side or calls for swimming laps, our poolside decorating ideas can help turn your outdoor area into a tranquil oasis! 

Swimming Pool Decor Ideas

Tropical poolside decorating by Decorilla designer, Amelia R.

Let nature guide your outdoor design decisions. You’ll find inspiration for color, shape, and light in your environment when collecting outdoor pool decor ideas. It’ll form a good base to work from as well as ensure the design and decor are in harmony with the setting. 

1. Warming Fire Feature

Poolside decor with fireplace seating area by Decorilla designer, Ana C.

A fire feature not only heats up the cool night air and extends the day, but it also encourages a sociable mood. It’s as suitable for entertaining guests as it is for an evening of solitude. Nowadays, these can be highly decorative and come in many shapes and sizes. You can also choose a type that suits your needs best, from gas-powered to electric to traditional wood burning. The most popular fire features include fire pits, tables, bowls, columns, and chimeneas.   

WHAT WE LOVE: How the warm glow of fire provides soft lighting. When the fire feature is close to the pool, it will also reflect in the water, adding even more of an inviting glow.

Want to get your poolside décor summer ready, but not sure where to start? Then, schedule your Free Interior Design Consultation to learn more about your design options today!

2. Teeny-Tiny Tiles

Although a decidedly stylized choice, mosaic adds timeless charm to any outdoor space. But mosaicking is not your only choice. In fact, there is a sea of choice when it comes to pool tiles. You can tile the entire space or opt for a neat little border to round the swimming area off nicely.  

WHAT WE LOVE: How the teal mosaic mirrors the sky in this desert pool decor. Mosaic and other tiling options are versatile, which means you can personalize and create as much of a feature as you want.

3. Exterior with Interior Swag

Combined kitchen and patio with pool decor by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

By blurring the lines between your indoor and outdoor spaces, you encourage a laidback atmosphere like that of a relaxing seaside retreat. Let your interior flow into your pool area by adding a luxurious sitting area  and outdoor essentials – complete with coffee table, soft furnishings, rug, décor, and lighting. Just ensure whatever you place outside is weather-proof or stow items inside after the day is done. If you have a bigger budget, you can also replace the dividing wall with sliding glass doors or add a well-kitted kitchenette to your patio.

WHAT WE LOVE: The spaciousness of an indoor-outdoor exterior brings. For more of an oomph-effect, pair open concept design with mid-century modern pool decor and symmetry.

Poolside Furniture Decorating

Poolside furniture for a cozy outdoor living area by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.

Although it won’t take much encouragement to lounge by the pool, you can make your outdoor area extra inviting with poolside furniture. With your favorite poolside decorating ideas you can showcase your style and set the mood for the design. It’s more than practical, it’s essential for a good summer vibe. 

4. Built-In Loungers

Luxury pool house decor by Decorilla interior designer, Amelia R.

Take advantage of structural design to add a minimalist seating arrangement. Not only does it appeal to the contemporary eye, but it also happens to be less maintenance and clutter. Soften the look of hard materials with soft textiles and plush pillows.

WHAT WE LOVE: The illusion of seating inches away from the water creates an idyllic and dreamy atmosphere, which is perfect when complemented by a muted and neutral color scheme.

5. Tropical Woven Furniture

The variety in wicker, rattan, and cane furniture design leaves plenty of room for choice. Keep an open mind with your poolside decor – include a statement peacock chair, a hanging sofa or keep it minimal with some well-placed ottomans.

WHAT WE LOVE: These pieces are often well suited to both muted and bold color schemes, and they fit right in with leafy greens too – perfect as pool patio decor!

6. Poolside Dining

Outdoor dining room as poolside furniture by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.

Poolside dining is a practical luxury. Not only is it a pleasure to dine under the sun with a swaying breeze, but you can rest assured guests won’t be tracking water into your home. Just be sure to opt for waterproof cushioning.

WHAT WE LOVE: The ability to host the entire party outside while keeping your family and friends entertained and fed. 

Poolside Decorating Tips & Tricks

Poolside decorating by Decorilla interior designer, Amelia R.

Updating your outdoor area might require a big-scale renovation, but minor tweaks can transform the look and mood completely. Whichever the case, a few poolside decorating ideas can make all the difference, especially when paired with an outdoor oasis design. Here are three easy tricks to get started.  

7. Poolside Decor Mirroring the Pool

Pergola and patio with poolside decorating ideas by Decorilla designer, Picharat A.

As with any design, poolside decorating starts with assessing the features available to you. And, in having a pool, you already have an excellent and soothing water feature. Now, all you need to do is highlight its pretty traits. Mirror the tranquil rippling of water in curved furniture or emphasize its color with a nature-inspired color scheme – think whites, teal, or dark sea green. Keep in mind that the pool floor is part of your design. You can go dark, light, or even boho! Whatever you choose, be sure to use the color to your advantage as it will also change how you perceive the water’s hue.

DESIGN TIP: Need help with your poolside décor? Consider using technology to your advantage with these top 5 patio design apps. 

8. Layer Textures and Soft Furnishings

Nothing says lounge like an array of scatter cushions. Adding a selection of textured throws and pillows to your poolside patio is an easy way to introduce color. Plus, they can easily be adjusted according to your tastes.

DESIGN TIP: Pick colors that echo the inside of your home or, better yet, reuse and recycle!

9. Light Up a Summer Glow

With days getting longer and nights getting warmer, nothing says summer more than staying out after dusk. Keep the night young by adding festoon lights or a large focal light to your pool decor. For something with a little less legwork, dot a few floor lanterns of various sizes around for ambiance. Be mindful of safety and pick solar-powered lights whenever you have the option.

DESIGN TIP: Always opt for warm white-colored globes for a cozy, sociable ambiance, and choose LED or solar-powered products to save on your electricity bill. 

Creative Pool Privacy Solutions

Pool patio design by Decorilla interior designer, Wanda P.

We can hardly call our backyard an oasis without some measure of privacy and solitude. Consider these notes while researching your pool decor ideas to optimize your peace of mind.

10. Hedges

Lush poolside decor with hedges for privacy by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

Fortunately, you don’t need a 5-foot hedge to create a sense of privacy around your pool area and decorating ideas. Short alternatives are also instrumental in blocking off seating and social areas. 

11. Pool Pergola

Contemporary pergola with poolside furniture by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

For both shade and privacy, a pergola will also protect your pool house decor from the elements. Keep the structure simple for optimal breeze access.

12. Screens and Dividers 

Free-standing decorative screens are excellent, non-committal options that add instant privacy and elevates pool area décor as well. With an array of options to choose from, you can style your oasis just the way you like it. Just as chic, but more permanent, are glass and wood panels – they can instantly uplift an exterior. 

Plants for Around the Pool

Lush plants for around the pool by Decorilla designer, Amelia R.

For your finishing touches, add some life with pool deck decorations. But first, do your research to find exactly which plants will thrive in your climate, and what maintenance they require before planting.

13. Hanging Poolside Plants

Maximizing your outdoor area with greenery happens to be among our favorite small pool area decorating ideas. Immerse yourself in nature with a hanging plant curtain.

Do choose a variety of cascading succulents that don’t require deep soil or frequent watering.

Don’t choose greens that shed a lot, like deciduous plants.

14. Colorful Fruit Trees

Potted fruit trees not only add color and a sense of paradise, but they also provide healthy poolside decorating snacks!

Do pot your fruit trees in spring when they are dormant and be sure to use a good quality fertilizer.

Don’t move the pots around too much after planting.

15. Shading Bamboo 

Even when planted in containers, bamboo can grow up to 20 feet – enough to cast a gentle shade around your pool.

Do source a bamboo variant that will do well in your climate.

Don’t plant without sufficient drainage.

Floating Pool Decorations

For functions or family fun, floating pool decorations introduce crafts and an air of magic to your backyard. Go beyond the traditional and try your hand at DIY this summer.

16. Floating Floral Poolside Decorating

Spruce up your soiree with a floating flower wreath or bouquet. It’s simple enough to make yourself and truly adds to a sense of occasion. And if you’re not feeling crafty, you can place a few flowers on a floating board instead. 

17. Candle Floating Pool Decorations 

For an extra twinkle in the evening, add tealight candles to floating pool decorations.  

18. Message in the Water

Hosting a special event this summer? Then, consider using your pool as signage for a creative way to announce the event or congratulate the honoree.

Put Your Poolside Decorating Ideas to Action 

Neutral poolside furniture for ample lounging and seating by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.

With a bunch of effortless poolside decorating ideas, you can build your summer oasis in no time! Still not sure where to start? Then schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation for expert assistance today! 

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17 Poolside Decorating Ideas

Chelius House of Design

Perhaps the best part about having a pool is that you’re always planning your dream staycation. Drinks at the cabana? S'mores by the fire pit? Shopping trips to source cushions, fairy lights, pool toys, and everything else to build your summer fantasy?  

Whether your pool layout evokes a Slim Aarons photo or could pass for a tropical lagoon, there’s inspiration and instructions to help you dive in to a design refresh. Below, browse through these poolside décor ideas to help you create your personal outdoor oasis. 

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Pure Salt Interiors

A soft and airy color palette lets statement moments shine. From the painted tile backsplash to the modern organic touches—including the rattan hanging chair, black stone flooring, and whitewashed rock sculptures—this outdoor space displays a quiet grandeur.

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Blanco Bungalow

It's wonderful raising a greenhouse of plants, but the only thing more tiresome than repotting plants is paying for those ultra-trendy pots—especially when they don’t even come with proper drainage holes. 

For form and function, why not get outside and do-it-yourself? With your trusty terracotta pots, a few stencils or freehand, if you have flair, and a bit of patio paint, the pool deck can become your canvas.

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LeeAnn Baker Interiors

Indoor pools can look chilly even during the dog days of summer. For a warmer design, start with the lights. Soft yellow at varying heights will evoke a spa, not a gymnasium, and will cast a romantic glow for late-night swims.

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TYLER KARU DESIGN + INTERIORS

When surrounded by mighty evergreens and rolling hills of greenery, feel free to let nature's beauty take center stage. Wooden slats and a matching dining set will look clean and calm while not competing with the main event.

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Black and Blooms

A Persian rug? By the pool? It’s not as impractical as one might think. Full refurbishing will eat into your barbecue budget, and if you don’t want to spring for tile or wood outdoor flooring, you can transform a pool deck with some smart rug layering.

Start with natural fibers, like this basket weave jute rug, underneath an outdoor rug. The rugs will add texture, contrast, and stability—because nothing ruins cocktail hour like a wonky table. 

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Dazey Den

When you think of poolside décor ideas, water tones and airy shades might splash to mind first.  But if you’re more of a “be seen” than serene decorator, lean into that energeticness.

A bubblegum-pink, monochromatic scene turns your poolside décor into an instant Instagram moment, and the cheery pink pairs perfectly with outdoor plants—real or fake, if your thumbs are more black than they are green.

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White Sands Design/Build

If you want to refresh your poolside décor without dipping too deep into your savings, go monochromatic. A suite of décor accents—side tables, pillows, planters—all in the same bold color adds visual interest and energy to a space. Keep it minimal with clean lines and bright whites to help the eye travel naturally.

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Pure Salt Interiors

Wet towels can damage furniture, and mess isn’t part of your design plan. Place a woven basket by the doors, the chairs, or anywhere else toys and pool accessories seem to pile up. The baskets will add texture while saving you cleaning time. 

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Dazey Den

Looking to create a bit of cool shade? Take the opportunity to think outside of the umbrella. A gazebo with an adjustable roof awning and curtains looks sophisticated and feels like it was plucked from your favorite resort.

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Michelle Berwick Design

With a big pool in a big space, it can be best to just focus on the main event. Keep it streamlined and simple with sleek furniture and little to no accents. The cleanliness of the design will bring a sense of calm. 

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Katherine Carter Design


If your idea of a dream pool would fit right in at home in Palm Springs, Old Miami, or Gatsby's Hamptons, go vintage and go nautical to a sense of playfulness. Red and white life preservers, sun-bleached oars, and blue tack and fishing nets are all easy to source, add splashes of color, and make for timeless pool décor.

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Chelius House of Design

Pull inspiration from the luxe grottos and cave pools of classic Italian films. Ledge stone makes for a rustic but refined look that can withstand the elements, plus it brings in texture and helps merge contemporary design with natural touches, especially if your oasis is backdropped by woods.

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Will Brown Interiors

You can never have too much of a good thing—at least, when it comes to matching poolside décor. To get the most out of your outdoor space without it looking cluttered or crowded, repeat the formula with a row of matching chaise lounges, side tables, and accent towels. 

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Bespoke Only

Low-slung chairs and a minimalistic fire pit make for a cozy and streamline space to make memories all year long. The metal fire pit also adds a sculptural element, and the logs of the fire play off of the natural frames of the chair.

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Reena Sotropa

You can say "no running by the pool" until your face turns as blue as the water, but kids are still going to take off sprinting at some point. Keep the heat—and the adults—out of their path by tucking the grill alongside the edge. The chef will appreciate it.

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Leclair Decor

Here is proof you can do a sophisticated pool deck without giving up greenery. The large stepping stones add a geometric layer to make the pool look even larger, and the moody navy tiles on the hot tub and pool walls compliment the home's dark palette.

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Maite Granda

Putting up a border to protect your little ones—furry or crawling—doesn't have to be an eyesore. Play off the angular lines of your space and choose cool materials, like barely-there glass. 

12 Impressive Pool Deck Ideas to Inspire Your Backyard Retreat

90,000 street pool finishes (78 photos) - photo

Terracial board around the pool


Frost -resistant Azuro Azuro 402DL, 4.6x1.2 m ECO 2500

Basin -jacuzzi INTEX Purespa Bubble Theel fun Exklusiv round


Pool tiles


Podium for outdoor pool


Unipool Baden


Pool gre kit350eco



Brick pool


DOWNT OF THE FARTS BASAS


BASSIC AZURO 402DL MUUNTFIELD 4.6 x 1.2


Polypropylene basin ATIIN BASSENT BASSEN Pool


Polypropylene pools 2000x4000


Pool gre kitpr458wo


Atlantic Pool round Contempra size 4. 6x1.35 m


AZURO basin 4.6


Frame basin in a private house


Frame basin in the landscape


Terrans around the pool


Decoration around the pool

Basin 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 Atlantic Pool


Azuro Pool


Pool gre kitpr358wo


Wooden pool


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AZURO 402DL


Mosaic tile for the pool


GREA KITPROV6188

Rubber Pool Coating for

Landscape Design around the pool: Photo of the recreation zone with a basin in the Garden 9,0001 Editor's note:

This is one of the archived articles in the "most popular" category.

Installing the pool bowl and putting it into operation is not the end of construction. To spend time near the pool was pleasant, safe and comfortable, you need to pay attention to the landscape design of the surrounding area.

House + House Architects

Pool Cover
Whether you're planning to frolic in the water with your kids, take a steady swim, or engage in sports activities, the pleasure of swimming can be spoiled by a slippery cold surface (tiles, for example) waiting for a swimmer at the exit of the pool. pool. In addition, you must constantly monitor your every step so as not to slip and fall.

What criteria? Materials must be durable, non-slip and at the same time decorative. So, sand dries for a long time after rain, gravel gets very hot in the sun, and walking on it is not very comfortable.

1. Tiles Most often, paving slabs are used to decorate the area around the pool - they will decoratively complement the composition near the pool, since a huge number of patterns can be created from it. In addition, paving stones do not require special care.

Architectural studio Chado

2. Mosaic. Special collections with non-slip surfaces are available for swimming pools. Their only drawback is the limited color range (usually these are variations of blue)

Wettling Architects

3. Concrete casting. Such a side will not heat up even under the scorching sun. The second step is already comfortably done on soft grass. Such a decision can only be made at the time of laying the pool (not suitable for already functioning pools). And one more thing - it is unlikely that the concrete strip will be wider than 1 meter

DANIEL HUNTER AIA Hunter architecture ltd.

4. Natural stone - Pay attention to the rough surface of the plates (do not slip, this is important for covering around the pool). But it's quite expensive0003

Franck Minieri, Photographer

5. Pebbles or gravel - this option is recommended for partially shaded areas: the stone gets quite hot in the sun

Pauchard Paysages

6. Wood decking

The most suitable option for our climate wooden podium. A beautiful podium will help fit the pool into the landscape of the site, visually connect with the environment.

If you choose a board made of moisture-resistant and durable wood (teak or oak) and additionally treat the material with an antiseptic agent, the beach in the country house will take on a decorative look.

TaC studios, architects

The area around the outdoor pool can also be decorated with decking (terrace board) or modular (garden) wood-polymer composite (WPC) parquet. Its only drawback is that the material is expensive, but it is extremely easy to install, very convenient to use and has a long service life.

Andrea Calo

Pool liner (when the bowl is up)
The bowl liner must be beautiful and visually striking, as it is the face of the pool. For these purposes, mosaic, ceramic tile or coping stone is used. Most often, preference is given to coping - an artificial decorative stone created specifically for facing the sides of the pool, so it is also called a side stone (look at the photo).

Lost West

The outside sides of the pool can be equipped with planed board edges covered with waterproof varnish. The advantage is that such a pool is very beautiful, original and organic. Outwardly attractive, it immediately arouses interest. At the same time, it fits perfectly into the buildings made of wood and looks very harmonious against the backdrop of nature. The second advantage is environmental friendliness, which is extremely valuable these days.

TimberTech

Spa instead of pool
Why not add a touch of luxury to your garden by installing a Jacuzzi pool amid lush greenery and enjoy all the benefits of hydrorelaxation and hydrotherapy without leaving your favorite garden. Jacuzzi models specially designed for the Russian climate perform flawlessly outdoors all year round.

AquaBluePools

Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect

Build an underwater stone partition between the swimming area and the hot tub. To give the overall ensemble a dynamic effect, build two small fountains into the wall: let one flow into the pool, and the other into the jacuzzi.

Use natural materials to create your spa area. This will harmoniously integrate the jacuzzi into the landscape. The pergola covered with greenery, the wood of the terrace, the natural stone of the retaining wall and the pool of the mini-pool in sand or graphite shade together form an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and relaxation. For more exotic, build a stone fountain in a secluded corner of the garden.

Plants around the pool
Before landscaping around the pool, decide what kind of landscape you prefer: tropical, natural, calm, etc. There are some practical considerations to keep in mind when planning and selecting plants.

Studio William Hefner

  • It is strictly forbidden to plant ornamental plants in the pool or on the shore, as the chlorine water will kill them, and the attractive pool will look like a pond, and the convenience of swimming is out of the question.
  • Must be container planted. In this case, the plants will not directly interact with water, and they can always be brought into the room (in bad weather or in winter), as well as swapped, changing the type of recreation area.
  • Do not plant lush vegetation around the pool, as leaves and plant debris clog the water, as well as the bottom and walls of the pool.
  • The most hardy species should be selected and, if possible, the flower beds should be placed above the water level. The most practical, as I noted above, are potted plants. Southern cordilina (Cordyline australis), Chinese rose (Hibiscus), glorious yucca (Yucca gloriosa) and oleander will do well in pots, juniper in boxes, and agapanthus in small wide clay bowls. Plants should be placed as far from the shore as possible. Using pots with a narrow top reduces the chance of soil getting into the water if the pot is accidentally dropped. It is best to grow plants with leathery leaves on the shore.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Apex Landscapes & Pools

Falling Water Custom Pools, Inc.

Relaxation area by the water
After swimming and feeling the magic of water to the full, you will definitely want to sunbathe or drink a soft drink. Therefore, the main element of the country pool is the recreation area. It can be: a small gazebo, sun loungers, garden furniture under a beach umbrella and even a rocking chair. It is also recommended to equip a playground near the pool so that the children can relax next to you.

To create a functional beach in your country house, mount the pool lighting and recreation area lighting to be able to enjoy swimming and relaxing by the pool even at night.

A fireplace or an outdoor fireplace will look very impressive near the pool.

Terra Rubina

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Outdoor shower
Garden shower has become an essential element of any suburban area. With it, it is easy to remain "civilized" even in a very "wild" dacha. More recently, a shower for a summer residence was identified exclusively with a modest, unsightly structure in the yard, built from building remains. Today in stores you can find a wide variety of ready-made summer showers for summer cottages. But the most interesting and cheaper thing is to create shower cabins in a “construction” design.

The place must be protected from the wind, because even at high air temperatures, a draft can provoke a cold. If a container (water tank) is expected, the shower room should be located on the sunny side of the site. For a shower without a tank, proximity to a water source is important, for example, near the wall of the house.

Surround the building with exotic flowers, trees and shrubs (or place them inside). Taking a shower in such a cabin is a real pleasure: one feels unity with nature; water procedures, fresh air and the beauty of forms give rise to harmony and contribute to the normalization of the psychological state.

It is absolutely not necessary to pack a shower stall in the manner of an interior, plastic one - take a wooden changing cabin as a basis, which leaves the head of the person inside visible.

Wood always looks harmonious in the landscape. In addition, if the exterior decoration of the house is made of wood or imitates it, such an outdoor shower will fit perfectly into the design of the territory.

Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes

Garden bathroom
Hedonists can install a bathroom with hot water in the patio. An open-air spa treatment with an infusion of herbs and flowers and fragrant rose petals from your own garden will give you a wonderful rest and rejuvenate at the end of the day. In addition to pleasant sensations, as a result of the appropriate procedure, you can get a huge dose of vitamin D and, of course, a powerful charge of positive emotions.

Michael Glassman & Associates

The main thing is to create a relaxing atmosphere with low tables, chairs and couches near the bath; romance will add candles and crystal vases. Do not forget that nature and proximity to it play an important role in the design of this corner.

Platinum Poolcare

Get your sled ready in the summer
If you plan to use your pool during the cold season, it's time to think about pool heating systems in the summer so you can install them in the summer. Starting construction in the winter will be much more difficult.

Learn more