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45 Outdoor Living Room Ideas for Al Fresco Entertaining

Outdoor living room decorated with brown wicker and gray couch, throw pillows and houseplants

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Interior designers and architects are always looking for clever ways to bring the outdoors inside. But bringing the comforts of the indoors to the outside has become a trend in recent years. Designers and manufacturers have developed innovative materials and products that make it easier than ever to make your outside space as stylish and comfortable as your interior. Check out these well dressed outdoor living rooms that provide bonus space for entertaining or just hanging out with the family in style.

Don't Sacrifice Comfort or Style

Styling a visually appealing outdoor space is possible at any price point these days with the availability of indoor outdoor furniture such as upholstered sofas and stylish decor such as rugs, throw pillows, and solar or LED lighting that are designed to withstand the elements and blur the lines between indoors and out.

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    Build a Custom Banquette

    outdoor living room

    Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima

    This Manhattan rooftop living room from NYC-based Manscapers has a wood banquette fitted with padded seating and a ton of throw pillows, a pair of organic coffee tables, and a Moroccan-style rug that makes it feel as comfortable as an indoor space. A large umbrella provides shade, and a row of plantings behind the sectional provides greenery and a sense of intimacy beneath a majestic water tower and the imposing skyline of NYC.

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    Add a Mirror

    outdoor living room

    Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer

    While adding a mirror to an outdoor space might not be your first instinct, it's just the kind of accessory that can make an outdoor space feel decorated and complete. In this comfortable outdoor living room from Marie Flanigan Interiors, a framed mirror leans casually on the chunky wood mantel, giving some relief to the stone fireplace wall, and reflecting light. Well cushioned furniture that looks formal enough to be located indoors, and a wood-clad ceiling add contrast to the stone floors and walls. Potted plants and vases of flowers look perfectly at home in the semi-open outdoor setting.

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    Keep It Cozy

    outdoor living room

    Fantastic Frank

    You don't need a huge outdoor space to create a cozy outdoor living room fit for afternoon reading or cocktails under the stars. This Mallorca apartment from Fantastic Frank has an ultra-private terrace thanks to high walls and some inexpensive bamboo fencing. A leafy potted plant, rattan furniture with vintage vibes, pale blue and white textiles, and LED string lights turn the space into an urban oasis.

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    Include an Outdoor Bar

    outdoor living room

    Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors / Photo by Meghan bob Photography

    This outdoor living space from Breeze Giannasio Interiors is set up in the shadow of an outdoor bar. Wood-frame armchairs with thick padding offer a comfortable place to sip a drink, an outdoor fireplace provides a focal point whether or not there is a fire burning, and a framed painting over the mantel makes it feel like an indoor room. A pair of pendant lights define the bar area, and a covered vaulted ceiling with exposed painted white beams keeps the entertainment area sheltered from too much sun or rain.

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    Add Shade

    outdoor living room

    Design by Mark Langos Interior Design / Photo by Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

    This modern pool house living room from Mark Langos Interior Design is part of a spacious outdoor entertaining space. The open living room is covered by a roof to provide shade and shelter from the elements and outfitted with comfortable furnishings, a fireplace, and a wide-screen TV.

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    Use Black and White

    outdoor living room

    Design by Eggshell Home / Photo by Helynn Ospina

    This outdoor patio living room from Eggshell Home is anchored by an area rug, with a contemporary concrete finish fire pit, comfortable seating, and a black-and-white palette that gives it graphic punch and a bit of backyard edge.

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    Add a Green Wall

    outdoor living room

    Design by BASE Landscape Architecture

    Tall hedges lend this Portland, Oregon outdoor living room from BASE Landscape Architecture a sense of privacy. The architects used a range of stones to build a neutral, chic outdoor living room with a mix of seating, sculptural side tables, and a custom banquette that houses firewood beneath the seating for the stainless steel fire pit that adds a warm counterpoint to all the mineral elements.

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    Incorporate Scandi Style

    outdoor living room

    Fantastic Frank

    For urban apartment dwellers lucky enough to have a balcony, an outdoor living room can truly function like an additional room. This sleek Copenhagen apartment from Fantastic Frank has a neutral palette on the inside that's carried out onto the balcony, erasing the line between indoors and out.

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  • 09 of 45

    Hang Some Curtains

    outdoor living room

    Design by Kara Mann

    This Napa Valley, California vineyard outdoor living and dining room from interior designer Kara Mann has a vaulted roof and open sides that provide a view to the surroundings. Sheer white curtains soften the space and frame the views. The ceilings and walls are painted in a warm shade of beige and hardwood floors are kept natural, contrasted with a pair of modern slipcovered sofas, sculptural stools and end tables to create a timeless look.

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    Deck It Out

    outdoor living room

    Design by Anita Yokota

    This outdoor living room from Anita Yokota is located on a slightly raised back deck. A comfortable sectional with plenty of throw pillows in outdoor-safe fabrics gives it a cozy feel, and a round coffee table adds polish. The warm color of the home siding makes the open space feel cozy, while bright green and orange accents add vibrancy.

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    Accentuate the View

    outdoor living room

    Design by New Eco Landscapes / Photo by Anthony Crisafulli

    This sleek NYC rooftop living room from New Eco Landscapes is polished and ready to host cocktail hour with its comfortable seating, black tarp for shading, and festively lit brick wall lined with a row of chic black planters. A pair of trees frames the priceless view of the Chrysler Building.

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    Accessorize With Textiles

    outdoor living room

    Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors / Photo by Meghan bob Photography

    This outdoor living room from Breeze Giannasio Interiors is located just outside the main living space and is decorated to look like an extension of the house, with a large overstuffed sectional sofa, plenty of throw pillows, Moroccan leather poufs, and a lush canopy of green that provides a refreshing backdrop.

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    Infuse It With Boho Style

    outdoor living room

    Blanco Bungalow

    This outdoor living room from Blanco Bungalow has modern boho style vibes, with a mix of textiles, natural tones, and abundance of accessories. Painted white brick and a few black accents adds a graphic touch.

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    Use Moody Colors

    outdoor living room

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    This woodsy outdoor living room from Emily Henderson Design is located on a back deck and surrounded by trees, providing plenty of natural shade and dappled light.

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    Add Multiple Seating Areas

    outdoor living room

    Design by Maite Granda

    This outdoor space from interior designer Maite Granda includes a covered outdoor sitting area with open sides, a cozy seating arrangement in shades of gray and white, an overhead ceiling fan, and a pair of curtains that give it a VIP room vibe.

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  • 16 of 45

    Accent With Orange

    outdoor living room

    Design by Breeze Giannasio Interiors / Photo by Meghan bob Photography

    This breezy outdoor living room Breeze Giannasio Interiors has stylish seating, pops of cheerful orange, and a quintessential LA city view of palm trees and electrical wires.

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    Paint the Fence Black

    outdoor living room

    Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima

    This Brooklyn backyard outdoor living room from Manscapers has chic black painted fencing to provide a calming backdrop that makes all the greenery pop, plus low-slung, deep wood pallet seating that invites lounging and afternoon naps.

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    Lay Graphic Floor Tiles

    outdoor living room

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography

    This minimalist Palo Alto patio living room from Cathie Hong Interiors has graphic floor tile, a midcentury-inspired sofa, and sculptural planters and throw pillows.

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    Try Wicker Furniture

    outdoor living room

    Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    This Newport Beach, CA outdoor living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. has wicker-style furniture outfitted with overstuffed white upholstery that softens the outdoor space.

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    Install a Pergola

    outdoor living room

    Design by New Eco Landscapes / Photo by Costas Picadas

    A weathered wood pergola outfitted with ample seating in shades of soft white and gray and plenty of planted greenery makes this outdoor living room from New Eco Landscapes feel like an oasis on an open city rooftop that can withstand the elements and the test of time.

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    Make It Contemporary

    outdoor living room

    Design by Maite Granda

    Interior designer Maite Granda used contemporary furniture with an airy open weave and neutral colors in this outdoor living room that has a sophisticated, grown up feel.

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    Add Bold Blues

    outdoor living room

    Design by New Eco Landscapes

    This long and narrow NYC balcony from New Eco Landscapes is transformed into a sophisticated outdoor living room with a fire pit and plush sofa seating in vibrant shades of blue. Tall planters add areas of privacy while the glass walls provide views.

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  • 23 of 45

    Add a Cabana

    outdoor living room

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

    This poolside cabana from Cathie Hong Interiors is just big enough for an oversized sectional that offers a shady place to dry off after a swim.

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    Zone It Out

    outdoor living room

    Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    This outdoor living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. is located on a paved stone patch of the lawn, centered around a fire pit, and set up to facilitate conversation and togetherness.

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    Keep It Simple

    outdoor living room

    Design by Maite Granda

    This simple outdoor living room from interior designer Maite Granda is located on a balcony off the primary bedroom, turning it into a luxury suite for morning coffee or decompressing at the end of a long day.

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    Mix Blues and Greens

    outdoor living room

    Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima

    This cozy outdoor living room from Manscapers uses tones of wood and blue and green accents that blend harmoniously with the lush green backdrop, while the large chunky sectional fills the space.

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    Install an Outdoor TV

    outdoor living room

    Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer

    This covered patio outdoor living room from Marie Flanigan Interiors has quietly elegant upholstered wood-frame furnishings, an outdoor fireplace, and a wall-mounted outdoor TV for hot summer movie nights.

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    Add an Outdoor Rug

    outdoor living room

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria

    This easygoing back porch living room from Emily Henderson Design is decorated with a matching pair of sofas, a large coffee table, and anchored by a simple outdoor rug.

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  • 29 of 45

    Hang String Lighting

    outdoor living room

    Inspired by Charm

    This homey outdoor living room from Inspired by Charm is accessorized with decorative objects, vintage touches, hanging plants, and string bulb lighting that give it a festive feel.

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    Slipcover the Sofa

    outdoor living room

    Design by Jenn Pablo Studio

    Earthy neutrals, comfortable upholstery, and an organic wood side table make this outdoor living room from Jenn Pablo Studio a great place to relax by the pool.

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    Decorate the Lawn

    outdoor living room

    Design and Photo by Mallory Wackerman Design for Emily Henderson Design

    If your backyard is covered in artificial grass, you can set up an outdoor living room right on top of your faux lawn without worrying about killing it. In this outdoor living room designed by Mallory Wackerman Design for Emily Henderson Design, a patterned outdoor rug anchors a comfortable seating area to create the feeling of a room within the open space.

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    Make It Homey

    outdoor living room

    My 100 Year Old Home

    This modern farmhouse outdoor living room from My 100 Year Old Home was made for entertaining and family reunions, flanked by another outdoor seating area as well as an equipped outdoor kitchen and bar.

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    Use Modern Furniture

    outdoor living room

    Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Contemporary furniture and a neutral palette gives this raised back patio living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. a clean modern look.

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    Mix and Match Textiles

    outdoor living room

    Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima

    While many people choose matching furniture sets to decorate an outdoor space, this living room from Manscapers chose a more current approach, with a mix of mismatched furnishings and patterned textiles that give the space an effortless, indoor appeal. Generous plantings provide privacy from neighbors and create an urban garden setting.

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    Make Room for a Crowd

    outdoor living room

    Design by Design Lines Signature

    This contemporary rooftop living room from Design Lines Signature was designed for a crowd, in shades of gray with a glass-walled fire pit and ambient lighting that make it a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

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    Keep It Eclectic

    outdoor living room

    Design by Manscapers / Photo by Dane Tashima

    This small outdoor living room from Manscapers has oversized poufs that double as seating and coffee tables and an eclectic mix of patterns and colors.

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    Landscape the Rooftop

    outdoor living room

    Design by New Eco Landscapes / Photo by Anthony Crisafulli

    The living room area in this landscaped rooftop deck space from New Eco Landscapes is defined by a corner sectional located under a large pergola that provides shade and a sense of intimacy while remaining part of the open plan rooftop.

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  • 38 of 45

    Bring the Bling

    outdoor living room

    Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona

    Blogger Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona incorporated bright gold sculptural side tables that add an unexpected touch of bling in this outdoor living room.

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    Add a Grilling Station

    outdoor living room

    Design by Mary Patton Design / Photo by Molly Culver

    This outdoor living room from Mary Patton Design is set up for all kinds of recreation, with a grilling station, fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and a seating area with comfortable furnishing anchored by a geometric patterned area rug.

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  • 40 of 45

    Add a Conversation Area

    outdoor living room

    Design by Anita Yokota

    Interior designer and blogger Anita Yokota defined her outdoor living room in a large backyard by installing a pergola and adding a conversation area with a U-shaped layout anchored with an area rug.

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  • 41 of 45

    Use Floral Accents

    outdoor living room

    Design by Design Lines Signature / Photo by Betsy Hood

    Upholstered armchairs arranged around a round coffee table and decorated with throw pillows with a bright floral motif bring the comforts of the indoors to this outdoor living room from Design Lines Signature.

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    Shade With a Floor Umbrella

    outdoor living room

    Design by Leclair Decor / Photo by Chad Mellon

    This spacious outdoor living room from Leclair Decor has wrap-around seating, a central fire pit, a large area rug, and an adjustable umbrella to provide shade.

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    Accent With Bold Color

    outdoor living room

    Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona

    Acid green accents, upholstered teak seating, and industrial bulb lights make this outdoor living space from blogger Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona feel inviting.

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    Mix Wood Finishes

    outdoor living room

    Design by Michelle Berwick Design

    This semi-open outdoor living room from Michelle Berwick Design uses a mixture of wood finishes on the floor, walls, and ceiling to create interest and dimension. Black wrought iron furniture adds graphic lines.

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    Screen It In

    outdoor living room

    Design by Kate Marker Interiors

    Depending on where you live, the idea of an outdoor living room might be marred by mosquitoes or too-harsh sunlight. This outdoor living room from Kate Marker Interiors is built from the bones of an old gazebo to provide a cozy and intimate space that provides shade and can be screened in.

What are the key components of an outdoor living room?

The key components of an outdoor living room include weather-resistant furniture such as lounge seating or dining, lighting, and decor such as outdoor rugs and plants. You can set up an outdoor living room on a patio, deck, or other backyard space, either on its own or as part of a multipurpose space that includes a bar, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen.