Looking to create the perfect outdoor lounge space in your backyard?
Designing an outdoor lounge isn’t as simple as buying some furniture and throwing it outside. Creating functional, comfortable outdoor spaces takes careful planning, understanding the key elements involved, and knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.
Here’s a secret.
The majority of people aren’t using their outdoor space to its fullest potential. In fact, per the International Casual Furnishings Association, only 18% of consumers currently utilize their outdoor living space enough. In other words, most backyards are being wasted.
Fortunately, you can use these 7 elements to turn any backyard into an attractive and usable lounge space your family will enjoy all year long.
Table of contents
- Foundation is Key
- Furniture
- Outdoor Area Rugs
- Lighting
- Finishing Touches
Foundation is Key
Before you pick out the furniture, choose your rug.
Ok, before you do anything. If you’re lounging directly on asphalt, concrete, or hardwood decking then… yeah. Not the most comfortable situation. An outdoor area rugs guide can help choose the perfect palette setting rug for your outdoor furniture.
Outdoor area rugs are critical to establishing your foundation. The right rug anchors your space and instantly softens your seating area. Take a look at some stylish outdoor rugs to help inspire your next outdoor living room.
However, there’s more to laying the foundation than just an area rug.
Consider how people will move through your backyard lounge. Where does sunlight fall throughout the day? Do you want your lounge near the house or further away? Once you nail these basics you’ll be ready to start building your lounge.
Furniture
Your furniture has come a long way since those plastic chairs of yesteryear.
We’re not just talking about grandma’s old lawn chairs that tip over in a mild breeze. While outdoor furniture used to be limited to a couple basic style choices and generic colors, modern manufacturing has allowed for incredible advancements.
Tons of options, doesn’t make it easy to choose.
Here’s what you should look for when buying outdoor furniture:
- Types of seating: Full sofas, individual chairs, etc.
- Material: Aluminum framing, all weather wicker, waterproofed fabrics
- Comfort: Thick cushions with dry quick foam make all the difference
- Scale: Don’t overcrowd your space, but make sure furniture isn’t too small
Believe it or not, spending money on your outdoor furniture pays off. Research by Fixr found that 98% of landscaping experts agreed that updating your outdoor living spaces positively affects your home’s value.
Who doesn’t want that?
When investing in furniture for your outdoor lounge, try to envision how you’ll use the space. Do you plan on entertaining guests often? Get some extra seating. Enjoy quiet mornings with coffee? A cute loveseat could be perfect.
Outdoor Area Rugs
We hinted at it above, but they deserve their own section.
Outdoor area rugs do wonders for any backyard transformation. Not only do they tie together furniture and add tons of texture and warmth underfoot, but they also define your space.
Here are some benefits of adding an outdoor rug to your space:
- Makes any space feel more inviting and cozy
- Absorbs sounds for quieter ambiance
- Protects your decking or concrete from stains
- Can easily change the style of your outdoor space
The best part? Today’s outdoor rugs are more durable than ever. Synthetic fibers like polypropylene can repel moisture, resist mildew, and battle UV fading. You can get messy, leave drinks out in the rain, and don’t fret about heavy foot traffic wearing them down.
Just remember, size is everything when it comes to rugs.
An oversized rug? Will look awkward, like it didn’t belong there. An undersized rug will look like you ran out of money when furnishing your backyard.
As a general rule, all furniture legs should rest on your rug. If that isn’t possible, then all front legs should at least be touching your rug.
Need some ideas? Check out our guide to buying the best outdoor rugs.
As for design, that all comes down to personal preference. Do you like bold colors? Look for rugs with strong geometric shapes. Prefer more neutral tones? There are plenty of solid color rugs or subtle textures to match your style.
Outdoor rugs are one of the fastest-growing segments in the home goods industry. Most people recognize they’re no longer just a basic necessity but can act as true statement pieces to anchor your entire outdoor room.
Lighting
Let’s be honest. There’s nothing worse than a dark backyard.
Poor lighting absolutely kills the vibe. Evening is the only time half your backyard lounge will get used. Don’t let improper lighting prevent you from creating a space that’s comfortable after the sun goes down.
Layers are your friend when it comes to lighting.
- Task Lighting: Want somewhere to read or cook outdoors? Add some lights focused where you’ll need them.
- Ambient Lighting: Think string lights, lanterns, or even overhead fixtures.
- Accent Lighting: Uplights against bushes or home architecture can work wonders.
- Fire: Asymmetrical lighting from a fire pit or tabletop flame creates natural mood lighting.
Speaking of fires.
Fire pits are the staple of any backyard lounge. Not only do they provide natural light and keep you warm as the sun sets, but they’ve been romantically comforting us for millennia. Grabbing a fire bowl that sits on your table is enough to transform your entire space.
Don’t have the option for a built-in fire pit? Don’t sweat it.
There are plenty of tabletop options that look just as good. And if you’re worried about needing electrical outlets, give solar-powered fire pits a try. They’ve come a long way and can easily give you plenty of light all evening long.
Finishing Touches
It’s the little things.
Accessories are what can really elevate your backyard space from good to wow. Sure you can stick with the basics and have a functional outdoor room. But it may not be something you spend a lot of time in.
Here’s a few things to consider that can really change your space.
- Outdoor pillows add visual interest and comfort
- Side tables are perfect for setting down drinks
- Indoor/outdoor planters add seasonal life
- Get creative with how you provide shade
- Weatherproof storage to keep extra cushions dry
Including options to cool off or stay warm can make all the difference depending on where you live. Fans and misting systems are a game changer during hot summers. Patio heaters and blankets can extend your lounge into fall and winter months.
Speaking of shade. If you don’t have any plan on providing coverage from the sun, you might as well kick everyone out between the hours of 12PM-3PM. Sun directly overhead is brutal. At least give your guests options with umbrellas.
Don’t have the space? Consider investing in a pergola or shade sail. They not only look fantastic, but they provide permanent sun protection.
Conclusion
There you have it. These 7 elements will set you up for success when building your dream backyard lounge.
Start with the basics by selecting your rug to properly define your outdoor space. Invest in furniture that blends quality and comfort but makes sure it’s scaled to how you intend to use the room. Layer in lighting and add an outdoor rug to really tie everything together.
Last but not least? Have fun adding the finishing touches that will really make your outdoor room pop.
Remember…
- Define your space with a rug.
- Quality furniture is comfortable furniture.
- Don’t forget lighting.
- Add pillows, side tables, and other accessories.
Now get outside and enjoy that backyard you spent so much time working on.
Stop wasting your outdoor living space.