- An outdoor living room can mirror your indoor living room in lots of ways.
- Choose patio furniture that’s built for the outdoors and offers comfort to guests through weatherproof cushions.
- Skip decor that’s intended for the indoors and go with pieces that are intended to be used outside. Layer lighting, weave in textured outdoor throw pillows, and even include a fire pit.
in many homes, the living room serves as the hub of all-things social, whether you’re hanging with your family on a Friday night or having your pals over for a movie marathon. You likely have made it cozy and welcoming—but as soon as the warm weather arrives, you might feel a pull toward your backyard for entertaining.
That’s when an “outdoor living room” can come in handy. It’s a place that you can set up similarly to your living room, but it lives in your backyard (on a patio, or on a porch) and can withstand the elements while serving as a social haven.
“What better way to enjoy sunshine and fresh air than in a comfortable outdoor environment that feels like a natural extension of your home,” says Pattie Kelly, a certified interior decorator at Inspired Home Interiors.
Maggie Griffin, founder and lead designer at Maggie Griffin Design, says that in the South, with their mild springs and warm summers, an outdoor space where they can enjoy all seasons is a must. “It’s particularly important for my family, and is for most of my clients, too,” she says.
Kelly points out that while you’re entertaining, your kids and pets can run around in the yard while the adults have a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the scenery. If the idea of an outdoor living room sounds appealing, discover the perfect way to pull it all together.
Choose the Right Patio Furniture
Start by picking out your patio furniture. Kelly says that while cast iron and wood outdoor furniture is certainly beautiful, it might not convey the breezy, comfortable feel you’re aiming for.
“If you want folks to sit, lounge, and stay a while, I recommend cushioned seating,” she says. “If your chairs are wood or metal, try adding simple seat cushions for more comfort.”
For those cushions and other fabrics, like outdoor curtains, choose carefully. Griffin says that these days, “it’s incredible the types of fabrics that can withstand the elements now, ones that feel like interior fabrics, including velvets, wovens, pretty prints, and even sheers for privacy.”
In addition, think of the maintenance involved when choosing your patio furniture. For instance, teak may look lovely in your outdoor living space, but Griffin points out that it naturally grays and is a nuisance to clean.
Also, since your outdoor living room will likely double as an al-fresco dining room, Kelly recommends designing with “flexible and multi-functional outdoor items.” For example, you might buy a patio table that can extend to seat more people as needed. Or bring in swivel chairs that can be placed at the table for eating and then turn around for conversation.
A table is a must-have where you can all gather around, have a meal or do fun activities. “A small dining table can double as a game table when the opportunity arises,” Griffin says.
Create an Inviting Seating Arrangement
“Seating shouldn't be shoved against a wall, facing into the house,” Kelly says. “It's important to consider the view when arranging furniture for an outdoor space. This is what sets the space apart from an indoor living room.”
Also, arranging the chairs in a circle (around a fire pit, perhaps) encourages conversation.
Decorate with Items That Can Withstand Weather
It makes sense to pretty up your outdoor space, but you can’t just go with indoor decor. “Even if your porch is screened-in and covered, the furniture and decor are still exposed to the elements,” Kelly cautions. “Don't try to use indoor items outside—they just aren't built to withstand the weather and will get ruined in short order. Be sure to select pieces designed for outdoor use. They will hold up much better and will be easier to clean.”
With this in mind, you can seek out decorative items that emulate the inside of your home—luckily, lots of brands these days have jumped on this bandwagon and have created decor that’s equal parts stylish and weatherproof.
Griffin says that for your outdoor living room, you can think of lighting options, create layers of wood tones for visual interest, and include tactile pieces, like woven, outdoor-friendly throw pillows.
“Outdoor lamps always add a nice layer to the area,” Griffin says, “and potted plants pull in natural elements. A strategically-placed bar cart is fun, too.”
If you really want to create a cozy vibe outside, Griffin says that a real, wood-burning fire is a must for those late fall nights and into the winter months.
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
