To those who have an abandoned terrace, those who use it to store (pile up) things they rarely (ever) use. To those who promised themselves that this year they would “make the most of this terrace”, those who will start tomorrow, and all those who don’t really know where to start… Here are 7 things not to do when designing your terrace.

Arrange your terrace

We’ve listed the mistakes you shouldn’t make when designing your patio. ©Getty

Choosing the wrong garden furniture

Yes, that armchair and that table were pretty too. But after a few weeks spent outside, they’re already looking quite faded. Yes, it’s essential to choose pieces designed specifically for outdoor use and therefore durable. Instead, choose timeless, more durable models , so you don’t get tired of them next summer.

Choosing the wrong floor covering

Just like the furniture, the floor must be suitable for outdoor use and weatherproof.

Do things in order. First, check the floor’s waterproofing, then choose a floor covering suitable for outdoor use , offering good durability and capable of withstanding freezing temperatures.

Depending on your tastes and budget, the choice is vast:

Finding yourself in the dark

Let’s not kid ourselves, the most pleasant time to enjoy your terrace is during summer evenings with friends  , and to everyone’s delight, they get longer. But finding yourself in the dark at nightfall can quickly hasten the goodbyes.

So get equipped! Spotlights, lanterns, floor lamps…and why not one or more strings of lights for a guinguette atmosphere?

Let yourself be dazzled

It’s often the sun that makes you want to go out onto your terrace,  but it’s also very often this same sun that makes you come inside if it’s too strong.

So how can you protect yourself from it while still maintaining the light?

Pergola, masonry roof, shade sail… there’s no shortage of solutions for covering your patio. If your budget allows, install a retractable cover . And hey presto, it’s up to you to choose between shade and sun.

To put on a show

Terraces mean relaxation, and relaxation means tranquility. So even if you get along well with your neighbors , you may not want to share everything with them?  We understand. So consider installing:

Forget the walls

When we think about designing a terrace , we often forget about the walls. Wrong! Because they are  a real asset to your decor.

Are they faded or a color you don’t like? Hey presto, a lick of bright paint, some pretty ivy foliage, and forget it!

You can also enhance them by hanging baskets, mirrors or plants for a guaranteed warm effect.

Lack of storage

It might not seem like it, but a well-appointed terrace means lots of items to store, and storage is often the big forgotten aspect of terraces.

The best solution is to choose benches and sofas with integrated storage.