Whether you want to entertain friends or just hang out with the family, outdoor living rooms provide just the bonus space for it. But how do you create such a space? The ideal cozy outdoor living room is very personal. However, some best practices apply across the board.
Read along to learn how to create a cozy outdoor living room that looks great, feels even better, and works for the way you live outside.
1. Start with the right foundation: your seating
To convert your backyard or patio into a cozy outdoor living room, you will have to go all the way. Just like indoors, your outdoor living room starts with a solid seating setup. Choose pieces that are comfortable and suited to the size of your space.
However, unlike indoors, the selected pieces must be weather-resistant to withstand the elements, even if they will be exposed to direct sunlight.
For comfort, consider an overstuffed sectional sofa such as the Novara Sectional Set. You can further accessorize it with plenty of throw pillows and leather poufs to complete the experience.
Here is a rule of thumb:
If you have plenty of space such as a country backyard, consider going big with an outdoor sectional to utilize the space. It defines the layout and gives you room to stretch out or entertain. Look for modular options that let you customize the shape and rearrange as needed.
However, if you are tight on space, such as for patios and balconies, there are other options suitable for you. The Laurent Loveseat, for example, pairs well with accent chairs to create an intimate, conversational setup.
Add an ottoman such as the Mia Ottoman or a pouf for extra comfort.
Ready to go? Here is a pro tip: Choose deep seating with thick cushions. If it does not feel nap-worthy, it is probably not cozy enough.
2. Pick furniture that handles the weather
You can bring the indoors out, but not directly by transferring your indoor items outside.
When shopping for your patio, balcony, or backyard, weather resistance is a crucial consideration. Outdoor furniture should be built to last, especially if you're investing in a full outdoor living room setup.
Let’s break it down:
- Look for teak or eucalyptus for natural wood that resists weather. Both wood species boast natural oils and tannins that make them resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage.
- For metals, go for aluminum or powder-coated steel to create a modern, rust-free setup. Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor environments. It is also lightweight and gains enhanced protection against corrosion and weather when powder-coated. Steel provides exceptional strength and stability, but it can get pretty hot in hot weather, which is why you must choose a powder-coated option.
- Choose resin wicker for a classic look with more durability than natural wicker. It boasts exceptional durability against weather elements like rain and sun, requires minimal maintenance, and provides a stylish, comfortable aesthetic that can withstand years of outdoor use.
- To accessorize your seats for comfort, ensure you find fade- and water-resistant cushions that stay fresh through spring showers and summer sun.
Even the coziest furniture needs to be tough enough to handle daily exposure, so always check material specs before buying.
3. Ground the space with an outdoor rug
You want the outdoor space to feel like an actual room; that is where an outdoor rug comes in. It is one of the easiest ways to define your outdoor living room. A rug creates a visual "floor" that makes the area feel like a room, not just part of the yard or deck.
Here is a breakdown of what to look for:
- Material: Choose durable, weather-resistant materials like polypropylene or polyester blends. These materials hold up to sun, moisture, and foot traffic while remaining soft and stylish.
- Color and pattern: Rugs are an effortless way to bring in color or tie together neutral tones. Geometric patterns, bold stripes, or subtle earthy tones can all work depending on your aesthetic.
- Size: Ideally, the front legs of all seating pieces should sit on the rug. This anchors the layout and avoids the undesired “floating furniture” look. With the right-sized rug under your outdoor seating area, you will notice that everything feels more connected, intentional, and inviting.
4. Make the place practical with functional tables
Just like your indoor living room, your outdoor setup needs usable surfaces. A solid coffee table, such as the Pompano Coffee Table, and a couple of side tables can go a long way in making the outdoor living room more comfortable and functional.
Coffee tables are perfect for drinks, snacks, books, or even putting your feet up. Side tables, on the other hand, sit next to chairs or loveseats to give guests a place to set down drinks without reaching.
In either case, ensure the material is designed to withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes. A good outdoor table should be as durable as it is stylish. Popular choices of material include resin wicker, powder-coated metal, teak, and composite.
5. Make it bright and inviting with the right lighting
Lighting sets the mood and extends the usability of your outdoor living room well into the evening. For the best experience in your outdoor seating area, we recommend layered lighting which tends to make the difference.
String lights, for starters, add a warm, ambient glow. Consider draping them overhead, wrapping them around posts, or zig-zagging them across open areas.
Lanterns and LED candles are your next best bet. Include them in your layered lighting setup to bring that cozy, flickering vibe to your outdoor living room without real flames.
Finally, introduce solar-powered accent lights to help define borders and create depth, especially in larger spaces.
If you are a tech enthusiast, you could consider app-enabled outdoor lighting that lets you adjust brightness and schedule lighting scenes from the comfort of your smartphone.
Final Take: Make It Cozy, Make It Personal
Creating a cozy outdoor living room is all about finding the right furniture, layering in comfort, and designing with purpose. While how you adorn the space is ultimately a set of personal choices, these outdoor living room ideas should apply across the board, acting as your north star in the process.
It all starts with quality seating, which you then build around with smart surfaces and soft layers, and finish with the right lighting, and perhaps some greenery, to bring it all to life.
Happy lounging.