Setting up a poolside area comes down to making the space practical and comfortable. It doesn’t need to follow trends or come with a high price tag – it just needs to suit how you actually use it. A well-designed poolside setup can pull together practicality and comfort while giving the place a bit of personality.
Whether you’re hosting a casual afternoon barbecue or just want somewhere quiet to stretch out with a book, how you decorate your poolside space shapes the way you use it. And while a few deck chairs and an umbrella might’ve done the job in the past, today there are smarter, more relaxed ways to design your setup – especially when you factor in climate, lifestyle, and the changing needs of your household.
Let’s walk through the elements that help a poolside space feel sorted, considered, and genuinely comfortable.
Start with Comfort First
Treat the poolside area like you would any other part of the home. The same logic that applies to your lounge room can carry over outdoors – if it’s not comfy, you won’t use it.
Start with durable furniture pieces that hold up against strong sun, unexpected downpours, and the wear of regular use. Look for poolside furniture with quick-drying materials, rust-resistant frames, and removable covers. Outdoor furniture cushions should feel good to sit on – firm enough to keep their shape but soft enough for long stretches in the sun.
A shaded nook goes a long way, too. Patio umbrellas, pergolas, or a well-placed sail can help keep the sun off without blocking the breeze.
Add Personality through Decor
Good decor can improve both the appearance of the space and the way it functions. Use metal signs to add a bit of character or humour to the pool area. Decorative pool mats can soften hard surfaces while helping define spaces.
And if you’ve got young kids or visitors often, having a couple of waterproof bean bags or padded loungers makes it easier to accommodate extra bodies comfortably.
Fairy lights wrapped around posts or strung across the yard can take the mood up a notch come evening. They’re also handy if cocktail hour starts before the sun goes down.
And for some solid backyard decorating inspiration, these poolside decor ideas offer a simple starting point. They show how small tweaks can shift the feel of a space, without needing a full redesign.
Design with the Conditions in Mind
The weather can be unpredictable, depending on where you live. Coastal salt spray, dry inland heat, or humid tropical rain can all do damage if your setup isn’t built for it. So, it’s worth looking at how materials will perform long-term, not just how they look at first.
Timber can be lovely, but without the right finish, it’ll be grey or splintered. Plastic might seem practical, but low-grade options can crack and fade. Powder-coated aluminium or quality resin weaves offer a middle ground: they’re light, low-maintenance, and built for outdoor conditions.
Choosing surfaces with texture can also help reduce slipping hazards around the pool deck, especially when things get wet and messy during pool parties.
Style with Intention
Good design doesn’t mean going overboard with styling. Clean lines and well-chosen details are often more effective than trying to pack in too much. You want the space to feel relaxed, not cluttered.
Pick a palette that works with the natural tones already in the space – think warm whites, charcoal, sand, olive green. These hold up well in the sun and feel grounded. Pops of colour can come through in pool accessories like cushions, towels, or even pool toys scattered across the deck.
Textures matter, too. Think woven materials, timber grains, soft throws, and natural fibres. These add interest without relying on bold colours or patterns.
Plan for Storage (and Mess)
Between pool toys, towels, inflatables, and sunscreen, there’s no shortage of clutter in a poolside setting. Without somewhere to put things, it all ends up dumped on the deck.
Built-in bench seats with hidden storage, outdoor chests, or waterproof storage boxes can help keep things tidy without much fuss. These also double as extra seating or side tables when needed.
Having enough storage space also means you can pack things away when the weather turns, extending the life of your poolside essentials.
Think About How the Space Will Be Used
A good setup is one that makes people want to linger. That means creating small zones – a spot for sunbaking, one for snacking, another for chatting over drinks. This helps break up the area and makes it easier to use.
You don’t need much to do this – a few cushions, an umbrella, maybe a table close to the water for drinks or books. Keep it flexible. The aim is to let people use the space however they like, rather than locking it into one specific use.
If you regularly host pool parties, factor in areas where people can gather without feeling crowded. A few large floor cushions, foldable seating, and side tables give you options without taking up permanent space.
Lighting Matters After Dark
Evenings by the pool can be just as good – sometimes better – than daytime swims. So don’t forget the lighting.
Warm, low-level lighting works best. Think lanterns, solar path lights, wall-mounted fixtures, or LED strips under benches. Avoid harsh floodlights that kill the mood. You want enough light to see where you’re going without turning it into a stadium.
Done right, lighting can extend the use of your poolside area well into the night.
Conclusion
The best poolside areas aren’t the flashiest or the most expensive – they’re the ones that make you want to spend time outside. Spaces where comfort, practicality, and style all quietly work together.
It’s not about getting every detail perfect. It’s about creating an outdoor living space that reflects how you like to relax, entertain, and enjoy your time. And once you’ve got it right, don’t be surprised if the pool becomes the best seat in the house.