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27 Best Outdoor Living Room Ideas to Elevate Your Al Fresco Gatherings

best outdoor living room ideas for entertaining

As the warmer months approach, there is no better time to transform your outdoor living space into a luxurious oasis where you can relax and entertain in style. From cozy seating areas to chic dining setups, the possibilities for creating an inviting outdoor living room are endless.

Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, we have put together a fabulous collection of outdoor living room ideas to inspire your next alfresco gathering. Whether you prefer a cozy fire pit retreat or a chic urban rooftop escape, below you will find a design that suits every style and space.

Tell Us: Which one of these outdoor living room ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

1. Elegant Fireplace Terrace.

traditional backyard patio with a fireplace and outdoor furniture

Elevate your outdoor living space with a stunning focal point fireplace. Whether it’s a traditional stone hearth or a sleek modern design, a fireplace adds warmth and sophistication to your alfresco gatherings. Surround the fireplace with comfortable seating, plush cushions, and cozy throws to create a cozy ambiance. (via Kenneth Philp Landscape Architects)

2. Install an Outdoor TV.

mediterranean style screened open plan kitchen and media room

This screened, open-concept kitchen and media room provide ample space to gather with family and friends while scrumptious meals are prepared using the Fire Magic Grill and Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grill; drinks are kept chilled in the refrigerator by Perlick. A large sectional sofa by Patio Renaissance offers plenty of space for guests to comfortably relax. The tile backsplash mirrors the fireplaceโ€™s brick face, creating visual continuity across the outdoor spaces. (via Ryan Hughes Design)

3. Garden Oasis.

traditional fireplace with bluestone pavers, and lush landscaping

Transform your garden into a serene oasis with lush foliage, fragrant blooms, and comfortable seating nestled among the greenery for a tranquil retreat. Here, bluestone pathways traverse the property to unify outdoor rooms and direct flow from one space to the next. (via Greenwise Organic Lawn Care and Landscape Design)

4. Mediterranean-Style Outdoor Paradise.

Mediterranean outdoor patio with a fireplace and furniture

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with a patio adorned with flagstone, wicker furniture, and elegant chandeliers (30″ W x 32″ H) from The Agoura Antique Mart. This vacation-like outdoor living paradise features all the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities. This includes stainless-steel appliances, a custom beverage fridge, and an El Dorado stone, wood-burning fireplace. The curtains help to shelter from the elements and offer privacy. The patio cover is 25′ x 15′. (via JRP Design & Remodel)

5. Add a Mirror.

desert contemporary outdoor fireplace with wicker furnishings and a mirror on the wall

Incorporating an outdoor mirror into your al fresco living room can enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. When selecting a mirror for outdoor use, opt for weather-resistant materials designed to withstand the elements. Consider placing the mirror strategically to maximize its impact, such as opposite a focal point like a fireplace or seating area, to create the illusion of additional space and light. (via Urban Design Associates)

6. Bohemian Outdoor Lounge.

bohemian outdoor lounge with sail shades

Embrace a laid-back vibe with a bohemian-inspired outdoor lounge featuring low-slung seating, and colorful textiles. This cozy outdoor seating area is perfect for entertaining and parties. The seating area is painted in Brassica No.271, while the wooden panels behind are Calke Green No.34, both Farrow & Ball. A shade sail shelters this area from the elements. (via Farrow & Ball)

7. Install A Pergola.

outdoor pergola with dining and living space and string lights

Define an outdoor living and dining area with a pergola. This is the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. String lights and a fireplace add ambiance when the sun goes down. (via Outdoor-FX)

8. Elegantly Staged Outdoor Living Space.

pergola covered outdoor living space with a fireplace next to a swimming pool

This beautiful pergola-covered outdoor living space overlooks a sumptuous swimming pool. The pool is a medium grey plaster finish and the tile is an Italian frost-proof called ‘Rodio’. The low-slung, deep seating furniture is teak from Smith and Hawken, found at Target. The Douglas Nance Cayman Collection and the Thos. Baker Veranda Collection furniture is very similar. The pergola is approximately 10×10.

9. Cozy Fireplace Retreat.

cozy fireplace retreat with built-in seating and wicker chairs

 Create a cozy ambiance with a fireplace as the focal point of your outdoor living room. Surround it with comfortable seating, plush cushions, and warm blankets for chilly evenings. The patio is a full-color random rectangular pattern PA bluestone < 6 sqft. This means that you will get various sizes in each pallet with the largest being less than 6 sqft (24″ x 36″). Each of the stones was cut before installation to create straight joint lines which is key to the look that you see. Lastly, the patio was wet-laid with Type S mortar joints. The stone on the fireplace surround is Wissahickon Schist. (via Wallace Landscape Associates)

10. Add A Grilling Station.

outdoor deck with a fireplace and grilling station

A wrap-around deck creates a relaxed and sophisticated living and entertainment space with a fireplace, grilling station, wall-mounted TV, comfortable furnishings, custom metal railings, and exterior light fixtures. The outdoor furniture came from Restoration Hardware, Provence Collection. The custom cabinets have marine paint on them. The fireplace manufacturer is Heat-n-glo and the stone is an adhered veneer from the manufacturer ‘El Dorado Stone‘. (via Shuler Architecture)

11. Add A Cozy Firepit.

mediterranean style patio with an outdoor fire pit and garden stools

This outdoor firepit features a seat wall, garden stools, concrete paver hardscaping, and ambient landscape lighting. The pineapple decoration was sourced from T.J. Maxx. (via Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design)

12. Urban Outdoor Escape.

urban outdoor living with a fireplace and furniture

This patio underwent a full-scale remodel, transforming it into a beautiful colonial-style outdoor living space. It features heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace, and bespoke outdoor furnishings. The space is separated into three distinct zones โ€” cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out. The tree planted to the right of the fireplace is a flowering hydrangea tree. It blooms in the spring. (via Trevor Fulmer Design)

13. Add Privacy.

traditional patio with a pergola, outdoor tv and seating

Create an intimate outdoor living space with wood fencing and plants to soften the look. The pergola with awnings helps to shelter the space. The stone used is called Cameron Stone. They are 2″x 24″x 24″ set on a sand and rock base. The material used to create the shade is ‘Sunbrella’ which was created and installed by Sun Coast Awning in Santa Cruz, CA. The approximate dimensions of the pergola/seating area are 18 x 20. (via West Bay Landscapes)

14. Suburban Hideaway.

suburban outdoor hideaway with a wicker sectional and fire pit

This cozy outdoor living space is accentuated with bright colors. The curtains and pillow cushions were custom for this project and sewn by Prestige Decorating in Mississauga, Ontario. The curtains help to add softness and diffuse direct sunlight to this outdoor living space. The fire pit is from Lowes and the sectional is from Dot Patio in Toronto. The large wicker lantern is from HomeSense. (via Nicholas Rosaci Interiors)

15. Romantic Garden Nook.

traditional patio with a retaining seat wall and outdoor furniture

Design a romantic garden nook with a cozy seating area surrounded by climbing vines, fragrant flowers, and trees for an intimate outdoor retreat. (via Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design)

16. Backyard Oasis.

outdoor living space with a fire pit

This inviting backyard space features a fire pit with outdoor seating. The metal garden stools are from Home Goods. The ground cover is flagstone hardscaping and border stones that are 1/4″ minus gravel charcoal, sourced from Clackamas Landscape Supply. Cedar fencing and trees provide privacy from neighbors. (via Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design)

17. Modern Minimalist Patio.

midcentury patio with a fire pit and built-in bench seating

Keep it sleek and stylish with a modern minimalist patio furnished with clean-lined furniture, a sculptural fire pit, and minimalist decor for a sophisticated outdoor living space. The firepit was built in place with a gas line and a custom ring inside. The concrete patio is a natural color, light sandblasted with la paz pebbles. 3/4″ joint with hidden drainage. (via Arterra Landscape Architects)

18. Outdoor Living In The City.

contemporary patio with a floating bench and cedar fence

This welcoming outdoor living space features a decorative concrete patio with a custom concrete fire pit and Ipe floating bench. The lush landscaping and cedar privacy fence are the perfect finishing touches for a peaceful escape in the city. (via Boyce Design + Build)

19. Coastal Chic Porch.

beach style porch with a fireplace and wicker furniture

Bring the beach to your backyard with a coastal chic porch featuring wicker furniture, nautical accents, and a soothing color palette. A fireplace brings warmth and ambiance to this cozy outdoor oasis. (via Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects)

20. Inviting Outdoor Furniture.

mediterranean style patio with a fireplace and outdoor furniture

The outdoor furniture is Brown Jordan’s Curvilinear sectional. A great contemporary element against the traditional architecture. The pieces can be rearranged in many different serpentine shapes. The homeowners often arrange them as a long banquette along the curved edge of the pool for parties. The electric heaters are made by Infratech. They are infrared heaters, so they heat objects rather than the air. The roof is a translucent corrugated plastic that allows light to come through but keeps the rain out. The pergola is approximately 20’x20′. The fireplace is clad with a regional stacked stone and is 3′ wide and spans the length of the pergola. (via R Johnston Interiors)

21. Urban Chic Patio.

urban patio with a fireplace, grill, and outdoor furniture

Entertaining is a joy with an outdoor fireplace and a built-in BBQ area for a stylish outdoor retreat in the heart of the city. The lights came from Urban Lights in Denver, Colorado. They are called festoon lights. (via Godden Sudik Architects)

22. Add A Tranquil Water Feature.

outdoor living space with iron furnishings and a water fountain

When designing your outdoor living space, consider adding a tranquil water feature as your focal point instead of a traditional fireplace. The soothing sounds of water will provide a marvelous atmosphere for entertaining family and friends. (via Wheat’s Landscape)

23. Vine Covered Pergola.

outdoor living room with a vine covered pergola

This light-filled outdoor sitting area tucks up to a dry-stacked stone wall. This nook helps to shelter from breezes while affording views of a lagoon. A light steel grid covers the space and will eventually fill in with an aromatic jasmine awning. (via Sutton Suzuki Architects)

24. Relaxing Garden Getaway.

Mediterranean style outdoor living room

The Mediterranean-style pergola is comprised of white columns and rustic wood beams, adorned with an Old World chandelier. Teak outdoor furnishings are accented with navy blue cushions lined with white piping, providing a warm and welcoming outdoor sitting area. (via Casa Smith Designs)

25. Backyard Entertaining.

backyard outdoor living room with a pergola

For this inviting backyard living room, a pergola was installed to provide shelter. The mid-century style outdoor furnishings were sourced from JoyBird Furniture. The furnishings are durable, stylish, and family-friendly. The area rug is 8×10, helping to define the space. (via Anita Yokota)

26. Oasis In The Garden.

outdoor living room under an oak tree with vintage lights

An outdoor living space is surrounded by lush, low-water plants and shaded by a large oak tree. Hanging from the tree is a vintage metal lantern that provides a romantic atmosphere when the sun goes down. Pebble gravel is underfoot. (via John De Bastiani Interiors)

27. Al Fresco Dining Space.

alfresco dining room with a massive oak tree

This gorgeous outdoor room in Montecito, California provides the ultimate spot for gathering with family and friends. This outdoor dining oasis is surrounded by verdant gardens and shaded by a massive oak tree. (via Ann Holden Design Firm)

Key components of an outdoor living room:

When designing your outdoor living space, there are several options you should consider. Select comfortable seating such as sofas, chairs, benches, or even built-in seating like stone or concrete benches. Consider weather-resistant materials for durability. Providing shade is essential for comfort, especially during hot summer days โ€” umbrellas, pergolas, and awnings.

Lighting can create ambiance and extend the usability of your outdoor living room into the evening. This can include overhead lighting, string lights, lanterns, or even built-in lighting features. An outdoor rug can define the space and add warmth and comfort underfoot. Choose a rug made from weather-resistant materials that are easy to clean.

Tables are essential for holding drinks, snacks, and other items. Options include coffee tables, side tables, or even built-in tables. A fire pit or fireplace can add warmth and create a cozy atmosphere for gatherings. It also extends the usability of the space into cooler evenings or seasons.

If you enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors, consider adding an outdoor kitchen or bar area. This could include a grill, countertop space, sink, and storage. Incorporating plants and landscaping elements can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor living room and provide privacy and shade. Consider adding potted plants, hanging baskets, or even a vertical garden. A television, speakers for music, or even a projector for outdoor movie nights. Throw pillows, blankets, and cushions to make your outdoor living room inviting and cozy.

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