Every July 1 we celebrate National Patio Day. Getting the chance to use your patio is one of the highlights of summer. It’s the perfect place to host a relaxed summer lunch, or to enjoy the warm summer evenings. Many patios feature comfortable lounge chairs for this very reason. So read on as we share all the ways to celebrate and why we can’t get enough of this holiday.
History of National Patio Day
Originally, patios referred to the inner courtyards of buildings. It’s a Spanish word that means courtyard or little garden, and was a feature of many Spanish buildings, especially medieval buildings. Many regions around the world have their own version of this patio.
The modern version of patios as we know it, didn’t really become a thing until the 1950s, at least in America. It coincides with the rise of suburban America post-WWII. More and more people were able to afford homes during this time as wealth and the size of the middle-class grew. This, in turn, gave rise to the creation of the backyard.
The backyard is the ultimate summer area — perfect for barbecues, pool days, outdoor games, and al fresco dining. That’s where patios come in. The popularity of the backyard meant that people were investing in making it an enjoyable and more thought-out area. Patios were one of these features. They offered an area for homeowners to host outdoor dinners or simply just have an outdoor recreation area. In addition to the building of patios, outdoor furniture also became popular, especially as new materials such as aluminum were invented.
Today, patios are extensions of the home, some are essentially an extra room. There is a wide variety of patio furniture available, so you can decorate it as you want and make it truly yours. It’s the perfect place for you and your family to unwind on a warm summer evening or to host a summer party, the options are endless.
National Patio Day FAQs
What is defined as a patio?
Patios are the outdoor areas attached to a house that is used for dining, lounging, or other leisure activities.
How to decorate your patio?
You can make your patio look more modern by using outdoor rugs and adding new furniture such as an outdoor sofa, hammock, and a dining set. Think about adding some outdoor lighting — keep it soft, don’t use harsh and overly bright outdoor lights. To add some more personality, think about adding a fence, painting the walls, introducing some planters or even a trellis.
What country did the patio originate from?
Patios originated from Spain. They were inspired by Roman architecture like peristyles and atriums.
National Patio Day Activities
Redecorate for the season
You should consider your patio an extra room of your house, which means you can redo and decorate it the same way you would a bedroom. Consider doing an overhaul of your patio furniture by repainting it or changing the cushion covers. If your furniture is looking a little worse for wear, maybe it's time to upgrade to some new pieces.
Host a patio dinner
We've already said it, but we'll say it again — summer is the ultimate season for al fresco dining. Make the most of the longer days and warm evenings and host a dinner out on your patio. There doesn't even have to be a special occasion, you should have a just-because celebration.
Clean your patio
Patios come in all shapes and types, but one thing remains the same — they all get dirty. After the cold months and rain, your patio probably needs a refresh. Sweep your patio out and clean the stones or mop the floor. If you have a wood patio, consider sanding and revarnishing your finishes.
Facts About Ancient Patios
Patios are from Spain
The first patios were central courtyards and originated in Spain.
The world has Latin roots
Patio is believed to come from the Latin word patere which means "to lie open".
Outdoor furniture was invented in Ancient Egypt
The Egyptians are known to have created the first seating but they also created outdoor furniture from materials like rattan.
Patio designs are inspired by Persian gardens
Ancient Persians built beautiful gardens that feature shaded areas, water fountains and other features which can be found in modern gardens.
Roman villas nailed indoor-outdoor living
The Romans had their version of patios called peristyles that were like courtyards that connected the outdoor and indoor parts of their homes.
Why We Love National Patio Day
Helps you celebrate your home
National Patio Day reminds you of the joys that come with having a home. YOur patio is a space dedicated to relaxing and having fun. This day makes you appreciate that.
It's a chance to entertain and host
You never need an excuse to have a party, but we're giving you one. If you're just in the mood to have your family and friends over, use National Patio Day as the reason. It's a great time to make use of your outdoor space.
Encourages us to be outdoors
Having a dedicated outdoor lounging area is the perfect way to get us outside. Fresh air and a little sun is great for your mental health. After the dark and cold winter months stuck indoors, we could all use some sun to perk us up and energize us.
National Patio Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
