17 Ideas for Decorating Outdoor Walls

Treat your outdoor space like another room in your house – decorate its walls!

Whether it’s a sign on the front porch or an accent wall on the patio, exterior decor adds personality.

Before you start, consider the vibe you want. Need more green? Try mounted planters.

Host lots of parties? Use temporary seasonal decor.

Below, find our top ideas to help you customize your outdoor area.

Create a pop art wall mural with spray paints

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This Pop Street Garden designed by John McPherson of Happy Gardens for the Chelsea Flower Show 2021 is a great small garden idea inspired by Pop Art and Street Art.

The colorful mural is offset against a black wall and bold planting in assorted colorful metal plant containers.

The mural was created by artist Robert Littleford and it marries a variety of graffiti and street artists’ styles.

The effect of the mural is to elavate the modest size of the garden which was just 13x10ft. It gives a depth to the space by creating a background which has life and movement.

So if you’re thinking of outdoor wall decor ideas for a bland stone garden wall in a small space, take a leaf out of John’s book and go for a bold feature which spans the length and depth of your wall.

As this design shows, far from detracting from the planting elements it actually enhances them.

Just be sure to select your furniture and planting so that it matches the wall in boldness. Otherwise you might find the whole space overshadowed by the mural.

Go with a Moroccan-themed wall display

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In this garden, the garden decor ideas were inspired by the colors and patterns of Marrakech.

This shade of pink makes a statement but is easy on the eye, too. The recesses in the wall are in bold shapes and work well alongside the Moroccan styling in pink and gray.

Sanel Konyar, a celebrity interior designer and founder of Interior Kollection says: ‘Moroccan carvings and screens added to a wall can turn a drab, plain wall into something eye catching and exotic.

Add ground-level lighting, positioned to highlight these, and you turn it into a piece of art to enjoy whilst alfresco dining and entertaining.’

Create an indoor/outdoor feel with a decorative wall clock

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Adding accessories which would be typically seen in an interior space, creates the feeling of an outdoor living space.

The oversized outdoor clock here ties together this cozy seating area. 

The owner used the statement piece to give the feeling of an extended living room, and chose similar accessories to use outside.

The large garden clock looks impressive in a small space, especially teamed with mirrors and an abundance of cushions.

Sanel Konyar loves it when statement pieces, such as large outdoor clocks and mirrors, are used as an outdoor wall decor idea.

‘Large and vintage antique mirrors in covered, sheltered locations give the illusion of doubling the space,’ she says.

Style up an outdoor fireplace on a blank wall

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For this highly original outdoor wall decor idea, a couple used an unwanted piece from their house renovation on their patio.

Instead of discarding an antique fireplace which didn’t fit with their modern interior, they decided to use it as a statement outdoor fireplace idea.

They used bricks to build a garden wall that replicates the look of a traditional chimney breast in which the fireplace sits.

Now painted a popping emerald green for visual impact, the mantle piece is used as a shelf to display potted plants and the foliage wreath above creates another focal point.

So if you or a neighbor is getting rid of an old fireplace then snap it up for your patio ideas and style up a beautiful and cosy hearth in an outdoor seating area.

Go for a rustic accessories on a brick wall

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For a cohesive look, it can be a good idea to make sure your wall decor complements the materials used in your wall.

For example, a rustic red brick is a strong look in its own right, so any additions need to match it for strength.

Something like a chunky wooden shelf will hold its own against a hard brick background. 

You could buy a ready made one, or why not get creative with some of our favorite pallet garden wall ideas and put your DIY skills to good use?

Add pops of color to your wall decor with lights

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Outdoor lighting has the power to take your space from bland to beautiful. 

And thoughtful placement of your lights is a definite way to boost the aesthetics of your outdoor wall decor. 

Giuliano Ghidini, spokesperson for Philips, told us that contemporary wall lanterns can enhance your home’s exterior and create a calm atmosphere.

‘When lighting an outdoor area, you need to create an ambience and ensure there is enough light so that everyone feels comfortable. Using multiple light sources is the best way to achieve this.’

Smart lights, where the hues can be adjusted, allow you to easily switch up the color and intensity of your outdoor wall decor ideas depending on what mood you want to create. 

Hang some outdoor art on a garden wall

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Who said wall art was just for interiors? This print is suitable for outdoor use and is great for covering up an ugly patch of exterior wall. 

Charlotte Clemence, Co-Founder of YardArt UK says: ‘Decide the exact spot where your art is going up and then work out the ultimate size your artwork can take up on the wall too.

Make sure the artwork you buy is durable – ours are made with outdoor grade acrylic, by printing directly onto it we ensure that it is waterproof and continues to remain fade proof.’

Add interest with a wall of hanging herb pockets

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This is an amazing hack for your outdoor wall decor ideas.

Choose hanging storage that has pouches as compartments which can be turned into planters for a unique herb garden idea. 

Drainage holes will need to be added for when your plants are watered. Fill the pouches with compost and then add your herb plants. 

Attach to a garden wall with hooks in a spot which gets plenty of sun.

String up some bright bunting

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Floral bunting will add instant color to your outdoor wall decor and can be a fun way to change things up for a garden party.

For other pops of color try adding pots of pelargoniums for their stunning choice of shades as well as cut flowers in vases.

The effect in this space is a joyful nook with a festival feel. Finish off with plenty of textiles in bold shades such as colorful cushions and one of the best outdoor rugs.

Pin up straw sun hats for a decorative display

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Outdoor wall decor ideas are a fun way to inject some personality into your garden.

‘For a natural, relaxed holiday vibe, straw hats make great wall décor,’ says David Norman, Director of Furl.

‘Especially when paired with a few plants for garden walls and crisp white, Mediterranean-style furniture.

Of course, it’s also a practical solution for storing your hats to use when the sun comes out!’

Seasonal Patio Decor

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Turn your back porch into a tropical summer oasis with an arrangement of faux palm leaves.

An assortment of plastic leaves will make your outdoor area feel like a vacation getaway, even if you’re in the middle of the suburbs.

Add a few potted plants and cozy seating to complete the look—and don’t forget the spa water!

Front Porch Wall Decor

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Wreaths and seasonal doormats aren’t the only ways to greet guests at the end of your walkway.

This stained wood plaque turns practical front porch elements, like a mailbox and lighting, into statement art.

To make your own, attach a sconce light, mailbox, and planter to a stained board or palette, then hang it on the wall of your porch.

If you don’t keep a mailbox on your front porch, you can swap it out for a chalkboard sign to showcase welcome greetings instead.

Temporary Outdoor Decor

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Outdoor decorations don’t have to be permanent—especially if they aren’t weather-resistant.

Before your next burger bash, decorate your deck or patio wall with a seasonal banner that can easily be hung from small hooks installed on the wall.

If you entertain often, consider hiding permanent hooks behind a pair of light fixtures for easy decorating.

Hang the colors of your favorite football team during tailgate season, or swap out seasonal designs as you host year-round get-togethers.

DIY Plant Wall

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Think outside traditional accessories when it comes to outdoor wall decor.

The fence of this outdoor patio space is decorated with an assortment of live plants to create one large focal piece.

It’s an easy way to add greenery if you don’t have a large yard, and it adds color to what would otherwise be a boring blank wall.

Wood Sign for Front Porch

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Decorate your front porch with a large welcome sign.

It’s an easy way to decorate a large area of plain siding, and you can customize it however you like.

Use paint and stencils to add your family name, house number, or a seasonal greeting to a blank wood palette board that can be hung above a cozy seating area.

Outdoor Mirror

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In the same way you use a mirror to make an indoor space feel larger, you can utilize a mirror to make a small outdoor patio or screened-in porch feel less cramped.

Like any other item meant for indoor use, you’ll want to be sure the mirror is hung in a covered area to avoid damage from the elements.

Or look for a mirror that’s specifically designed for outdoor use.