How To Create an Outdoor Living Space You Love
Use these patio decorating ideas to transform a lackluster outdoor living space into an inviting, comfortable area for relaxing or entertaining. Our tips for choosing patio furniture, porch cushions, solar-powered lighting, and decorative accessories will help you design an inspired outdoor retreat. Whether you want to entertain guests, spend time outside alone, or create an area for family fun, get ready for the season with our practical, easy-to-follow ideas for how to decorate your backyard living spaces.
Choose Patio Furniture That Works for You
Comfortable, durable furniture is a central element in an outdoor living area you want to spend time in, whether you’re heading to the porch alone or entertaining the entire family. When choosing patio furniture, think about the size of your space and how you’re most likely to use it. Let these ideas serve as inspiration for selecting outdoor furniture that suits your needs:
- If family time is a priority, choose spacious sectionals, patio sofas, and weather-resistant coffee tables to create a cozy, comfortable outdoor living room that can accommodate the entire family or a large group of friends.
- Just because your outdoor space is small doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it to the fullest. Many apartment balconies and small front porches can accommodate furniture designed for one or two: A single Adirondack chair or hanging hammock-style swing can be perfectly cozy, and a pair of seats creates a comfortable spot for conversation.
- If entertaining tops your to-do list, outfit your porch, deck, or patio space with a dining table or bar set designed to withstand exposure to the elements. Situate outdoor dining areas near the grill, pizza oven, or flat-top griddle to make serving meals simple.
- Multi-functional pieces help you make the most of every inch of outdoor space. A storage bench creates extra seating while concealing sports equipment, pool supplies, or spare pillows. An ottoman or pouf can also function as a coffee table, footstool, or chair.
- Accent furniture enhances the utility of your space. Outdoor side tables and garden stools provide a place to set drinks, books, or sunglasses, and can even serve as seating in a pinch.
Think beyond the porch or patio when choosing backyard furniture. With the addition of a bench, a shaded garden bed becomes a charming spot for a brief chat or early morning cup of coffee. Arrange classic, comfy Adirondack chairs around an in-ground fire pit or place a pair or a threesome of chaise lounges on the pool deck for soaking up rays after your swim.
