I recently shared my back garden makeover and while it’s mostly done, there is one thing missing — a comfy lounging area. The reason I don’t have a comfy space to sit and relax is simply due to budget. But this year I’m hoping to create a lounging area and before I rush out to buy furniture, I need to plan the space.
Decorating any space, indoors or out, needs a plan so that you don’t have regrets later. Since I’m planning my outdoor lounging area, I thought I’d share tips on what I’m keeping in mind in case you’re decorating an outdoor space too. Most importantly I want to make sure that the space is not only inviting, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing but also practical and useable.
How to create a comfy and practical outdoor lounge area
1. Choose the right spot
Depending on the size of your garden and the existing layout, there may only be one possible spot where you can create an outdoor lounge. But if not, when choosing your spot consider things like how much sun it gets, how private it feels and how accessible it is, especially if you want to host gatherings and eat out there all summer.
2. Define the space
Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, define the space. This is particularly important if it’s a large space but even if it’s small, you want to decide where the lounging space begins and ends. You can do this by laying out an outdoor rug or using planters to create definition or even using lanterns to create an outline.
3. Consider your storage space
Some garden furniture can be left outside all year with covers while others need to be stored inside. This is key to consider before you even start looking for furniture. Most of us don’t have extra space to store a whole load of seating and tables inside so if thats you then you need furniture that can be left outside.
Besides furniture, consider cushion storage too. Nearly all cushions that come with garden sofas or seats need to be stored inside or in a closed space like a garden storage box or shed. If you don’t have enough storage space for this then you might need to consider getting cushion-less furniture and using your indoor cushions when you want extra comfort.
3. Choose your furniture
One important design lesson that applies to outdoor spaces as much as indoor spaces is staying true to your personal design style. My style leans Scandi-minimal and so I want my outdoor space to reflect this just as much as my indoor space. This will help guide my furniture choice so that the outdoor space looks and feels like a seamless extension of my home.
Aside from design, consider things like comfort and durability. How are you going to use the space – if mostly for lounging and relaxing then make sure you get the comfiest pieces you can. But if you’re planning to have lots of meals outside you might need higher / straighter backed seating and a higher table or a mix of the two if you want to do a bit of both.
Another point to remember is that there is no rule that says you have to buy a matching furniture set. As long as it looks cohesive and colours are similar, you can go for anything and you can even repurpose furniture you already have or DIY some outdoor furniture. The key is to stick to the same design style but vary the materials.
4. Add extras as and when needed
Once you’ve bought your furniture and used it for a while, you might realise you need a side table or you need some sort of covering like a parasol or a shade sail. You might even feel you need an extra seat or two. But it’s worth using your space first before you rush in to buying any extras — this will avoid you overbuying or having regrets.
5. Add lighting
This is such an important part of creating an inviting outdoor lounging area but is often overlooked. Lighting not only creates a cosy atmosphere but its practical too. When it comes to outdoor lighting, there are so many choices like candles, string lights, lanterns or a combination of the two. My favourite though is a portable light or two because they are so convenient. You can place them wherever and whenever you need more light. I also love lighting a few candles as that creates such a cosy mood.
image credits: 1 & 2 – source unknown | 3 & 4 entrance makleri | 5 pma studio
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