How to Create an Outdoor Living Space

Love it? Share it!

Outdoor living spaces should focus on three main elements: lounging, dining, and conversation. However, the size of your outdoor space will determine how it is best used. Learn how to create an outdoor living space perfect for entertaining and making family memories with these easy tips.

Post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

How to Create an Outdoor Living Space

For almost 20 years I’ve wanted to create an outdoor living space that could be an extension of our home. In this home, I finally have the time and opportunity to design the space of my dreams.

Today, I’m sharing how to create amazing outdoor spaces several ways. So if you don’t have a large space to work with, not to worry. I have some great opportunities for you to consider in small spaces as well.

Outdoor living spaces are typically categorized into decks, patios, porches, outdoor kitchens, gardens and green space. Let’s break these down into manageable chunks.

What to Consider When Styling a Deck

Let’s start with the different elements to consider when styling a deck.

Large decks are extremely versatile and offer the ability to mimic the inside of your home with traditional “room” elements. Large decks can usually house:

• Conversation sets
• Lounge sets
• Dining sets
• Grill/cooking station
• Storage

We’re going to break down all of these opportunities below.

How to Use a Small Deck

Small decks can be just as enjoyable as large spaces, but with a scaled back purpose. If you have a small deck, assess how it flows from the inside of the house before choosing its purpose.

Decks that are off the kitchen are perfect for an outdoor dining table as its main purpose. If you’d rather relax outside than dine, then use the space for lounge chairs, egg chairs or a conversation set.

Defining the purpose of a smaller deck is your first step. And it will be different for every family, based on your needs and how you like to spend time outdoors.

Here are some options for how to use a small deck, with both a small deck and a mini deck option for each:

• Small Deck: Outdoor dining room
  • Dining set
  • Potted plants
  • Kitchen garden in planters
  • Herb garden in small raised beds
  • Grill
• Mini Deck or Balcony: Bistro dining
  • Small bistro set
  • Small potted herb garden
• Small Deck: Outdoor living room
  • Full conversation set
  • Gas fire pit or Solo stove
  • Coffee table
  • Potted plants
  • Deck box to hold cushions
  • Grill
• Mini Deck or Balcony: Lounge space
  • Egg chairs
  • Lounge chairs
  • Small side table between chairs
  • Deck box to hold cushions

Best Deck Furniture Layout Ideas

If you have an outdoor living space large enough to fulfill more than one purpose, then you have options for your deck furniture layout.

I like to look at larger decks as if it were an open concept layout. In this way, I can create an outdoor living room, dining room, and lounge area based on defined zones.

Typically, I like to create a “zone” with an area rug. This is just a visual cue that gives boundaries for deck furniture to live on.

Now, the configuration of your deck furniture will be entirely dependent on the shape of your deck, the space you have to work with, and the needs of your family. Small families have less need for oversized conversation seating than large families.

Conversely, if you love to entertain then making space for an outdoor sectional would be a great option for you.

However you decide to focus your efforts, keep in mind the flow of the deck. The space between furniture should allow for chairs to slide in and out, work space around a grill, and leg room between conversation pieces.

I suggest mocking up your deck furniture layout in a free program like Canva. That gives you the flexibility to try out different configurations and furniture layouts easily.

In our home, I’ve set up the dining set to be right off the kitchen. Next to it, a little lounge nook. And opposite, a conversation set next to the grill so people can chat while we cook.

Best Deck Furniture for Entertaining

Here are my top recommendations for deck furniture that is perfect for entertaining.

Look for items that are all-weather, durable, fade resistant, and comfortable.

Best Deck Styling Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to styling spaces, then use these quick tips to get you started.

First, create zones within the larger deck that serve a specific purpose.

One zone can be for a conversation set, defined by an outdoor rug.

Another zone can be for the dining table with proximity to the grill or kitchen. Another zone can be for lounging or sunbathing.

Once you’ve defined the purpose for each area of the deck, ensure that you have comfortable seating and coffee, side or accent tables to place drinks, books and other necessities.

Then, incorporate the cozy elements like outdoor pillows, bistro lighting, plants, or umbrellas for shade.

Affordable Deck Styling Ideas

Outdoor decorations bring in the character and personality everyone loves in an outdoor living space. These simple additions can take your deck from bland to beautiful quickly and affordably.

My only caution is that you should consider upkeep of these items.

If you live in a space that is highly dusty, battles pollen, or is a very damp environment, then I’d recommend scaling back on the smaller accents. After all, you want this to be a space to enjoy, not slave over.

Patio Furniture Layout Ideas

Next, let’s chat about patios.

Patios provide an excellent opportunity when focusing on how to create an outdoor living space. Similar to decks, they can also be the landing zone for conversation, dining or lounging.

Typically, patios are ground level and built into the larger yard landscape. This gives you more creative freedom to focus on furnishings over accents because your landscaping brings in the charm.

On a deck, you might need to add lots of planter pots, cushions or rugs to make it feel homey. However, a patio already offers charm if the perimeter is landscaped well.

Consider adding a pergola or gazebo to your patio to provide extra shade and definition for the space. If larger coverings aren’t in budget or don’t work logistically, then a large cantilever umbrella is a great option for shade.

How to Choose Patio Furniture

Choosing patio furniture is similar to choosing deck furniture. However, I like to focus even more on weather-proofing.

There is always an opportunity to mix and match patio furniture with highly weather resistant materials and more cozy materials, like wicker. However, with patios being ground level and often not under-cover, I’d focus on materials like:

• metal (aluminum, cast iron or steel)
• resin
• all weather wicker
• recycled high-density polyethylene
• concrete tables
• rattan/bamboo

There is nothing worse than investing in outdoor furniture that only lasts a season due to fading, mold, or weakened materials due to weather exposure.

If you do choose outdoor furniture that is less weather proof, take precautions with a quality cover. These are affordable additions to your outdoor space that will help your furniture last for years.

How to Style a Front Porch

If you are blessed enough to have a front porch, you have the opportunity to add serious curb appeal and personality to your outdoor living spaces.

A front porch can be a great spot for small bistro sets, porch swings, or a plush conversation chair set.

This space is slightly different in purpose than patios or decks, so I’ve written a whole post about styling a front porch. Browse that article and these additional seasonal decorating articles as well!

How to Create an Outdoor Living Space With Plants

Once you’ve established the furnishings for your patio, deck, or porch, it’s time to incorporate plants.

I may be one of the few home decorators to encourage this, but I am a firm believer that faux plants have a place in your outdoor living spaces.

Yes, I do prefer real plants. However, strategically placed faux plants free you up to enjoy the spaces with little-to-no upkeep.

You can see 50+ of my favorite faux outdoor plants and how I’ve used them in this article.

These faux plants are realistic, perfect in pots, and will keep your outdoor living space looking healthy and vibrant all year long.

I like to add at least two pots on my deck, patio and porch that are faux boxwoods or another evergreen topiary. Then, I intersperse real plants in pots, planters, and in the ground surrounding the patio or front porch.

If you need more ideas for outdoor landscaping, make sure to browse these articles next.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! I hope that these tips and product recommendations for how to create an outdoor living space have been helpful to you!

Make sure to subscribe to access all my free guides. Plus, you can follow along with me daily on Instagram and weekly on YouTube!

~Sarah