Top 6 Outdoor Accessories to Elevate Your Outdoor Space

Whether you’re enjoying your private balcony with views of the Rideau River or spending time in your backyard, your outdoor space at The Docks has the potential to become a peaceful retreat, a stylish social hub, or even a seamless extension of your indoor living area. The key?

Choosing the right outdoor accessories that combine comfort, functionality, and modern style.

From ambient lighting to cozy seating, here’s our curated list of top outdoor accessories that will help you transform your outdoor space into an elevated retreat.

‍

1. String Lights & Summer Glow

Long summer evenings are made for unwinding outdoors — and the right lighting keeps the atmosphere glowing well into the night. Warm-toned bulbs cast a golden glow that feels cozy and festive - perfect for summer celebration.  

Top Picks:

• Solar-powered string lights: An eco-friendly and energy-saving option that charges during the day and lights up automatically at dusk. Ideal for hassle-free setups, they’re perfect for fences, railings, and trees
• LED lanterns or Rattan lamps: For those who love a coastal or bohemian vibe, LED lanterns wrapped in natural materials like rattan or bamboo add a soft, diffused light that feels like a vacation in your own backyard
• Tiki torches: Create a tropical touch and keep bugs away

‍

2. Outdoor Rugs for Barefoot Bliss

When it comes to creating a welcoming outdoor oasis, nothing adds instant comfort and polish quite like an outdoor rug. It might seem like a small detail, but a well-chosen rug grounds your space, adds visual interest, and brings everything together.  At The Docks, we’re all about blurring the line between indoors and out — and an outdoor rug is the perfect way to extend your interior style onto your balcony or backyard. During the summer months, it adds softness underfoot and invites barefoot lounging, making your outdoor space feel just as cozy and curated as the rooms inside.

Top Picks:

• Bold tropical prints or Moroccan-inspired patterns: Tropical motifs (like palm leaves, flamingos) are perfect for energizing patios, while Moroccan trellis or medallion patterns bring an elegant, boho-chic vibe
• UV- and fade-resistant materials
• Lightweight designs that can be easily rolled up for cleaning

‍

3. Cool Fire Features (Yes, Even in Summer!)

Fire pits aren’t just for autumn — they’re perfect for summer evenings too. At The Docks, there’s nothing better than ending a day by the water with a cozy seat around the fire. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sharing late-night stories, or simply enjoying the soft flicker of a flame, a fire feature adds instant warmth and atmosphere.

Top Picks:

• Tabletop fire bowls: Perfect for balconies, small patios, or intimate settings, tabletop fire bowls are compact and stylish. They bring the ambiance of a larger fire pit without taking up precious floor space
• Sleek propane fire tables: For those who love to entertain, propane fire tables offer both heat and elegance. Many designs double as coffee or dining tables during the day, with the flick of a switch transforming them into a glowing centerpiece at night  
• Citronella fire bowls: These stylish hybrid features combine the cozy flicker of flames with the practical benefits of insect control. Infused with citronella or eucalyptus oils, they help keep mosquitoes at bay while adding atmosphere

‍

4. Cushions, Pillows & Throws in fun Prints

At The Docks, where many homes feature private outdoor spaces, layering your furniture with weather-resistant textiles is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your setup. Bold colours and breezy fabrics bring comfort, personality, and a sense of laid-back luxury to every square foot. This season think soft textures, and vibrant patterns that transform your balcony, terrace, or garden nook into a stylish retreat made for relaxing, entertaining, and soaking up the riverside lifestyle.

Top Picks:

• Water-resistant cushions: Embrace tropical, striped, or floral prints to bring that “vacation-at-home” feeling to your outdoor setup
• Light cotton throws: Even summer nights can bring a breeze. Lightweight throws made from breathable materials like cotton, Turkish towel fabric, or linen are perfect for cozying up as the sun sets
• Mix of floor pillows: Excellent for laid-back, picnic-style lounging

‍

5. Planters & Vertical Gardens Bursting with Life

Nothing says “summer paradise” like lush greenery, blooming flowers, and fresh herbs right at your fingertips. The joy of being surrounded by thriving plants is unmatched.

Top Picks:

• Terracotta pots with petunias, marigolds, or lavender: Their earthy colour complements any aesthetic - from Mediterranean patios to boho balconies.  
• Hanging herb gardens: Why just admire your plants when you can taste them too? Hanging herb gardens offer function and fragrance, and they’re perfect for smaller spaces - (think basil, mint, and rosemary for summer cocktails)
• Vertical planters to save space and add privacy.  

‍

6. Loungers, Hammocks & Summer Naps

Whether you're sunbathing with a good book, listening to the rustle of leaves, or slipping into a quick afternoon snooze, give yourself a comfy place to unwind.

Top Picks:

• Foldable chaise loungers
• Free-standing hammocks with sun canopies
• Hammock chairs for balcony nooks

Your Summer Oasis Starts Here

Summer at The Docks is all about embracing life by the water — and with the right accessories, your balcony, terrace, or backyard can become a vibrant extension of your home. Whether you're sipping sangria after a walk along the Rideau River, enjoying dinner under the stars, or simply soaking up the sun on a quiet afternoon, your outdoor space is meant to be lived in and loved. Start small or go bold, but most importantly — make it yours. Because the best summer moments are made just steps from your front door at The Docks.