Thinking of transforming your backyard into an outdoor living oasis? There are a lot of factors to consider when designing your dream outdoor living room—the amount of space you have, the local climate, and how much you’re willing to spend. Below are ideas to help you create a beautiful outdoor space for any budget!
Explore Outdoor Living Space Ideas
There are countless ways to transform your backyard. Check out these outdoor room ideas before you choose a theme and begin making over your space!
Embrace the Classic Outdoor Living Room
Photo via @martinezvirginiaartist
Hoping to create a versatile backyard option? An open and inviting outdoor living room is your best bet! Comfy chairs and sofas, a place to set your drink, and an emphasis on coming together are all it really takes to design an outdoor living room.
Design a Poolside Paradise
Photo via @akash_constructions_
If you live in a city with hot summers or you’re an avid swimmer, you may want to dedicate your outdoor space to a swimming pool or pond. A water feature will naturally become the focal point of your entertaining space, so you should begin planning and decorating here to create a seamless aesthetic.
Be the Game Day Destination
Photo via @patioproductsusa
Want to dedicate your deck or patio to your love of sports? Place a TV at the center of everything! Investing in an outdoor TV will make your backyard the perfect destination for game day!
Belly Up to the Bar
Photo via @inspiredliving365
Ice cold drinks are a staple of any great gathering! So if you know your parties will center around mixed drinks, design your outdoor living area around the bar! Even if you don’t have space for an outdoor living room with a kitchen, you can still keep guests happy with a small outdoor bar.
Become the Neighborhood Grill Master
Photo via @richmondamerican
Looking to become the neighborhood hotspot for brats and burgers? An outdoor kitchen is a classic choice for your outdoor space. Adding a built-in grill and fridge to your backyard will keep the party going!
Bring the Inside Outside
Photo via @cindimc.ivoryhomedesign
A stone or brick fireplace is the perfect way to center your backyard living space around coming together. If you’re dreaming of creating a beautiful space for relaxing or catching up on a good book, a fireplace brings the heat!
Escape to a Secret Garden
Photo via @gretefaxvaag
Imagining a quaint outdoor space to slip away to? Dreaming of a quiet backyard reading nook? Go for a tucked-away garden escape! After all, not every backyard getaway has to be about entertaining.
How to Arrange an Outdoor Space
Regardless of budget or size, there are plenty of ideas that can enhance almost every outdoor area. It’s easy to maximize outside living spaces with these design tips and tricks!
Utilize Deck Space
Photo via @debradolechek
Backyard getaways don’t have to reserved for large grassy lawns. Make the most of your covered outdoor living area, and transform your deck with vibrant colors and comfy furniture.
Build Your Own Patio
Photo via @clearwaterlandscape
Make your outside living space more permanent by adding a stone or brick patio. This quite literally sets the stage for entertaining and lets your guests know that your backyard parties are not a passing fad.
DIY Idea: Create a patio on your own! If you’re not afraid to really put in some elbow grease, try recreating this charming DIY from The Family Handyman.
Construct Decorative Walls
Photo via @surfacetheory
Doors, curtains, furniture, and plants can all be used to give the illusion of an outdoor living room with walls. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space all while having the option of privacy.
Make the Most of Floor Space
Photo via @lil._.bird
No grass? No problem! Use blankets, cushions, footstools, and a comfy chair or two to create a cozy area for friends and family to lounge.
Organize Multiple Seating Areas
Photo via @iddesign_hun
When it comes to patio furniture setup ideas, having multiple areas for people to sit is one of the best. This can make your backyard seem bigger, and it helps create separate areas for entertaining. Plants, columns, and outdoor rugs can also aid in creating more than one designated area, no matter the size of your backyard!
Designate Areas with Tiki Lights
Photo via @daily.dose.of.teen.life
Tiki torches and lamps are backyard staples. Not only do these kerosene lamps keep bugs away, but these decorative lanterns can also be used to designate seating areas outside.
DIY Idea: If you’re trying to decorate outdoor living spaces on a budget, reuse what you have! Empty beer bottles or wine bottles can easily be converted into citronella tiki torches!
Incorporate a Gazebo
Photo via @danalli4
Whether you already have a backyard gazebo or you’re dreaming of adding one to make your space a little more magical, this standout structure is the perfect way to add whimsy to your outdoor area! Especially if you’re searching for decorating ideas for a large yard or patio, an outdoor gazebo is the perfect way to create distinct entertaining areas!
Outdoor Decorating Trends
Now that you’ve chosen a theme for your backyard paradise and determined the layout for your patio furniture, it’s time to liven up your space with some decorating tips!
Embrace a White Color Palette
Photo via @ahrremodeling
You don’t need to be in the Hamptons to give a white color palette a try! Create a timeless and beachy outdoor living space with a white deck, pergola, or furniture.
Don’t Forget String Lights
Photo via @blesserhouse
Tying together an outdoor living room can be as simple as adding fun lights! No matter your budget, twinkle lights are a simple and cheap way to decorate and make the space feel cozier!
Try a Modern Twist on Wicker
Photo via @twojasiesta_pl
Wicker furniture has been long been a staple of outdoor furniture. It’s lightweight and waterproof qualities make it a smart choice for most climates. But just because it’s a tried and true option doesn’t mean you have to stick with the status quo! Wicker patio furniture comes in many different designs and styles.
Invest in Iron Furniture
Photo via @teresajackson_jec
Sturdy outdoor furniture never goes out of style! Especially if you live in a windy city, iron or stone furniture will last longer and be less of a risk for blowing away.
Add a Fan or Two
Photo via @myhuntergatherer
The right fan can make your outdoor living room more comfortable. Fans make the space seem more permanent, and they combat summer heat and pesky bugs. Your guests will thank you for it!
Create Shade with Umbrellas
Photo via @gruth3
Protect your skin and keep your drink cold with a sun umbrella! Not only do umbrellas provide shade so you can enjoy the outdoors on hot days, but they also make great decorations!
Install Garden Lights
Photo via @have2havehome
These tiny lights help create a path for guests to see where they’re going and instantly add charm to your outdoor living space. Opt for timeless solar-powered glass orbs or get funky with lights shaped like mushrooms or birds. Gardeners.com has lots of unique options!
Make Your Space Stand Out
Give your guests something to talk about with an interesting backyard piece! Design the best backyard living space on the block by adding some visually interesting elements.
Include a Fire Pit
Photo via @sheahomesco
Having a fire feature is a staple of any outdoor living area. If you don’t have the space or the budget for a grandiose fireplace, finding a budget-friendly fire pit or building your own are both great options.
DIY Idea: Make S’mores your new family tradition! Try building this simple and inexpensive DIY fire pit from Keeping it Simple.
Add a Chandelier
Photo via @lightsonline
Fancy lighting isn’t just for indoors! Add an element of sophistication to your indoor-outdoor entertaining space with an unique lighting fixture.
Create Fun with a Putting Green
Photo via @scott_dfw_turf
Add fun for the whole family when you incorporate a home putting green! Make the most of extra green space with backyard golf and quickly become the go-to neighborhood hangout.
DIY Idea: Family fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Try this budget-friendly DIY outdoor putting green from Dirty Larry Golf.
Go with a Hanging Chair
Photo via @home_and_abroad
Make the most of your pergola or covered deck! Get the cozy yet fun outdoor seating you’ve always wanted with a hanging egg chair, hammock, or swing. Just be sure the structure is able to bear the weight!
Incorporate a Water Feature
Photo via @supremelending.wc
Looking for an idea to make your space stand out? Try an outdoor water fountain! Not only will this add visual excitement to your backyard, but it will also create a relaxing sound for you to enjoy!
DIY Idea: Want to learn how to build your own backyard fountain? Can’t wait to get your hands dirty? This do-it-yourself tutorial from This Old House is for you!
Show Off an Outdoor Sculpture
Photo via @5_oh_tiki
Adding backyard art will instantly make any outdoor space look more refined! If classy cocktail parties and book clubs are on your agenda, consider adding a sculpture to your yard or patio!
Try a Backyard Canopy
Photo via @sentinelshadesystems
Not only will these deck or patio shades create visual interest, but a canopy will also help block the wind and sun at your next garden party. Stick with traditional design styles with a fabric sail shade or create a canopy with lush vines and leaves for a more natural feel!
DIY Idea: Want to make your own shade? Try this simple DIY outdoor canopy from AllYou!
Whether you’re searching for small patio furniture, fire pit ideas for a spacious backyard, or the perfect focal point to make your yard pop, the outdoor room of your dreams is possible on any budget!
