Turn your garden into an outdoor living room
An alfresco space for relaxing has become the must-have these days, so take your pick from these inspiring ideas and create your own outdoor room to enjoy from day to night
Comfortable alfresco spaces
Go under cover
With our unpredictable weather, a covered area that’s open to the garden is truly the best of both worlds. It allows you to enjoy your outside space whatever the weather and, if it has a glazed roof, then so much the better, as it will let in light on darker days. This seating has an aluminium frame so it won’t rust, plus with its weatherproof resin rattan weave finish and linen-look showerproof cushions, it can happily sit outside. Add large plants in oversized pots and drape fairy lights or attach lanterns to the ceiling for when the sun goes down.
Create a backdrop
Treat your outdoor space as you would your living room by adding an attractive background, such as this horizontal planked wall, to create a zone. Wall-mounted planters break up the expanse of wood and bring interest, while the tables are made from waterproof steel-framed concrete so they can be left outside in all weather.
Choose a corner sofa
These sofa designs are excellent for outside as you can create a cosy outdoor seating zone instantly and accommodate plenty of people. Just add a coffee table, a rug and a cantilevered umbrella to move with the sun. Choose an all-weather sofa so it can be left outside all year round, and look out for substantial, comfortable cushions.
Channel retro style
String chairs with a cool 1960s look are an ideal choice if you have a small patio. They don’t take up much space and they’re lightweight, so are easy to move around. While some designs are brightly coloured, this set comes in a stylish cream which teams perfectly with the black metal frame – a look that’s echoed in the black and white outdoor rug. Low tables provide a handy perch for drinks, while colourful throws and cushions and a hanging macramé plant holder blend in with the subtle retro vibe.
Linger outside
Create an oh-so-cosy feel in the most petite of patios with wrap-around furniture that visually hugs a firepit table. This creates a welcoming focal point and offers plenty of warmth, meaning you could sit out here chatting until the early hours, and even use it in the winter months. Complement the space with outdoor lighting, then add lanterns and fairy lights, snuggly throws and colourful cushions.
Set the scene
Make the most of a garden building by transforming it into a inviting outdoor room for the summer months. For a gathering, add a bench, a couple of armchairs, and a rug to centre the space. In the evenings, have the chiminea ready to fire up and place lots of lanterns around – choose LED candles for safety (and so that the breeze doesn’t blow them out). Add fairy lights both outside and inside the summer house to create an warm glow when dusk falls.