25 Relaxing Outdoor Living Spaces for Prime Relaxation

Who needs a vacation when you can have an oasis at home by creating a backyard living room? Host gatherings for family and friends, or enjoy the space on your own and delight in the fresh air. 

Keep in mind your personal style, budget, and the layout of your yard when planning an outdoor living space to give yourself the ultimate relaxation spot.

Browse through these inspiring designs to create an outdoor living room you won’t ever want to leave.

Seating, Tables & Other Furnishings

No living room (indoors or outdoors) is complete without comfy seating and table space.

1. Sleek Wicker Conversation Pieces

A modern wicker patio set provides a cohesive look in your outdoor space. Choose dark pieces with contrasting ivory cushions for the perfect place to enjoy a morning or afternoon cup of coffee.

2. Vintage White Wicker Set

For a more ornate look, opt for an older vintage set to add charm to your porch or patio. Combine white wicker with bright, floral cushions for a place to enjoy company and conversation in an elegant setting.

3. Modern Teak Wood

Create a light and airy feel by choosing a teak sofa and loveseat to adorn your patio with. Combine it with neutral textiles and place the pieces around a concrete gas-based fireplace so you can easily entertain in both the daytime and evening hours.

4. Carefree Swing Chair

Who says swings are just for kids? Bring a playful feel to your outdoor space when you hang a macrame swing for the perfect place to sit back and relax. Mix it with a rattan basket and woven area rug to encourage you to spend even more time on your patio. Complete the look with freshly picked wildflowers from your garden in a tall glass jar.

5. Shady Seating Area

A pergola brings partial shade and a degree of privacy to your space. Place a conversation set and matching coffee table underneath. Then, include a potted plant for extra decoration. Bright blue cushions add a burst of color and pull together the whole landscape design.

6. Vibrant Throw Pillows

When decorating an outdoor space, get creative with the theme. Choose bright-colored cushions and match them to various patterned throw pillows. Continue the color scheme into the flowers and plants for a coordinated look.

7. Laid Back Chaise Lounges

Kick your feet up and promote full relaxation mode by adding chaise lounge chairs to your backyard. Choose an adjustable style so you can sit up and read a book or lay down all the way and take a well-deserved nap.

Outdoor Living Space Features with a Purpose

These practical features will help you stay comfortable outdoors so you can make the most out of your new living space.

8. Breezy Overhead Fans

Spend more time outside by installing overhead fans in your outdoor dining room. Large patio fans can help you stay cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months of the year.

9. Welcoming Patio Heater

Even during colder months or on chilly nights, encourage more time spent outdoors by adding warmth. A gas heater allows you to easily get toasty with the click of a button. Place it next to a chair and table set to maximize the amount of time you spend in your space.

10. Open-Concept Layout

If the space allows, make a multifunctional area for the ultimate outdoor living space. Keep the conversation flowing by creating an open environment between an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor seating area.

11. Functional Window Treatments

Don’t forget about window treatments and light control when planning your outdoor living space. Install pull-down shades around your patio to create a more enclosed environment, control light, and increase privacy.

Outdoor Living Room Decor

Spice up your space with these outdoor decor ideas.

12. Hanging String Lights

Incorporate trendy string lights in your patio design to brighten up the space. Add tabletop lanterns and candles for a place for your guests to congregate after the sun sets.

13. Practical Repurposed Pallets

Take on a DIY project and make your own outdoor furniture. Look for pallets that local establishments may be giving away and use them to create a charming outdoor seating area, including a couch and coffee table. Sand down the wood and whitewash them to repurpose these sturdy frames. Then, add in comfy pastel cushions and coordinating toss pillows for a chic twist on rustic style.

14. Nautical Stripes

Bring the beach to you and look for stripe patterned textiles when selecting accent pieces and furnishings. This look gives off a nautical vibe and can mimic that feeling you get when relaxing under a cabana at your favorite seaside spot.

15. Eye-Catching Planters

Use planters in your garden design to fill in space in a small outdoor living room. Choosing planters of different widths and heights is a visually interesting way to maximize usable areas. Pick bright colored flowers combined with lush greenery to use natural elements as a source of inspiration and decor.

16. Seasonal Decor

Have fun with your patio design by changing up the decor with the seasons. Switching out throw pillows and seasonal potted plants is an easy way to refresh the space during different months of the year. Opt for warm orange and red tones in the fall, then switch to pastels in the spring, and bright jewel tones in the summer.

17. Put-Together Tablescape

Add personality to your living space by keeping your outdoor tableware in mind. Having a cohesive tablescape in your dining area takes alfresco nights to a new level, giving you the inspiration to host more outdoor gatherings.

18. Boho-Chic Mixed Textures

Go for a boho-inspired look when choosing furnishings by mixing textures and patterns. Look for a rattan couch and pick a woven pouf to add another place to sit. A monochromatic color scheme provides a serene setting while you’re outside enjoying the fresh air.

19. Decorative Area Rug

Go barefoot and complete the decor of an outdoor room with a versatile area rug. Choose a monochromatic pattern to match virtually any color scheme to tie everything together. An added bonus of choosing a large rug is the protection it gives from foot traffic and weather conditions.

Outdoor Recreational Activities

Spending time outdoors should be all fun and games.

20. Backyard Games

Add in a layer of fun to your outdoor living room by reserving space for recreational activities. Keep a croquet set or bean bag toss readily available for a spur-of-the-moment game to encourage friendly competition with your guests.

21. Outdoor Entertainment System

Create a designated place to relax while watching your favorite show or the big game. Hang a large screen TV made specifically to withstand outdoor conditions in the center of your patio set so everyone has a good view. Put it above an outdoor fireplace so you can have a source of entertainment, even on chilly nights.

22. Outdoor Movie Screen

Add a large projector or screen to your outdoor space and host a movie night your friends won’t forget. Set up comfy lounge chairs around the screen and keep popcorn buckets and blankets readily available to watch your favorite flick under the stars.

Unique Features for an Outdoor Living Space

Add one of these unique features as the focal point of your new outdoor living space.

23. Tranquil Water Feature

A water feature centrally placed in your backyard, like this concrete fountain, can fill in empty space and serve as a focal point in your landscape design. The calming sound and view of the running water will make you want to stay outside all day.

24. Covered Gazebo

Bring your outdoor living space into a covered gazebo. This permanent structure provides full coverage so you can cozy up outside, even when it’s raining. Install hardware to hang lush plants around the octagon so you can enjoy the fragrance of fresh flowers while you’re passing the time.

25. Inviting Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace provides a warm and welcoming environment that you will look forward to coming back to after a long day. Add ample seating space using sturdy, decorative furniture and a built-in stone bench. Choose a soft shade of yellow for the couch cushions and pastel paisley throw pillows for a tranquil area.