How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Living Room

With advancements in the patio furniture industry the outdoor room continues to grow in popularity. Not quite sure how to create a cozy space? Take a look below for a step-by-step guide to creating the outdoor space of your dreams.

1. Let’s start with the space you have. Do you have a deck, patio, screen porch, pergola or another location to create your outdoor room? If not, you’ll need to create one. Whether you hire someone to build an expansive deck, a small concrete slab, or decide to DIY it you can still have a cozy spot to enjoy the outdoors.

2. Start by framing the room to create “walls". This will help define the space and give it some visual texture. You can do this in many ways such as with hedges, plants, trees, lattice work, railings, curtains, columns, etc. These "walls" can be short or tall, but make sure you can still see the rest of your outdoor space.

3. If your outdoor living room is not covered from the sun you’ll want to create some shade.  This can be done with outdoor curtains, an umbrella, pergola or greenery. Umbrellas are great because they can be closed at night so you can relax under the stars.

4. Next up is to choose seating pieces to create a comfortable spot to relax after a long day.  From sofas and sectionals to chairs and loungers– anything comfortable will do. If your space is large enough you can create a few seating groups. For example, place a sectional, ottoman, and lounge chair in one area of the patio. Create a second seating grouping with a tall pub table and stools or a bistro dining group.

5. After you have the seating pieces decided you’ll need to accent with a couple of tables. End tables, coffee tables, sofa tables, and even ottomans offer the perfect spot to set down a beverage or serve appetizers. They’re also a location to show off your accessories. More on that later.

6. In order to extend your outdoor living room into the colder seasons a heating element comes into consideration.  Heating elements include such items as a fireplace, heater, or a fire pit. Many options are available including gas, electric, and wood burning.

7. Next we need some lighting for evening enjoyment.  If you already have safety lighting, such as on a walking path or next to your door, then typically all you need to add is some accent and mood lighting. Sitting under a flood light isn’t the most pleasing on the eye and doesn’t highlight your outdoor living room.  You can get mood lighting from the following sources:  fire pits, lamps, candles, umbrella lights, and garden lights. Choose 2-3 options and make sure to spread them throughout your space to reduce dark spots.

8. Lastly, you want to add some accessories to pull it all together and finish off the look. Here is where you can really have some fun. Bring in some of your favorite colors in pillows, rugs, and throw blankets. Adding in decorative elements on the ground, on top of tables, and hung on a wall or fence post will help transform your space from simple patio furniture into a beautiful and inviting outdoor living room.

For more design tips and patio furniture ideas please check out the rest of the blog or visit Peters Billiards.

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