With the hot days and long evenings of summer, you want your backyard to be an oasis for friends and family — not a scorched yard full of weeds and old furniture.
These days, more and more families are creating a seamless transition from their indoor living space to their outdoor space. Area rugs, couches, side tables, throw pillows, and blankets create a comfortable environment to host a barbecue and share stories around a campfire late into the night. You can even take things to the next level with dramatic and accent lighting, backyard Wi-Fi, and TV installations.
We spoke to our friends at Frontgate and contributor and design expert Max Jones to discuss trends and best practices for backyard entertainment spaces that last.
What are the basics of creating your backyard entertainment space?
Max Jones advises, “From a design perspective, the outdoor space should truly feel like an extension of your interior spaces. My rule of thumb is to use the interior space that most closely connects to your outdoor area for your inspiration jumping-off point. If your outdoor living is visible from the adjacent interior room, the spaces should have cohesion and flow from inside to outside. For instance, at least one color from the interior design should also make its way to your outdoor room. Materials and textiles should feel connected.”
Since you’ll be clocking lots of hours in your backyard entertainment space, it’s only fitting that you make it just as comfortable as your indoor living room. The Frontgate team says, “Whether you’re working with a wide-open space or a small, contained yard, it’s important to replicate the feeling of an indoor space by clearly outlining your ‘room.’ This will make it easier to arrange your furniture and keep an intimate feel for gatherings. If you ask us, an outdoor rug is the quickest way to define your space. Then, choose your outdoor furniture. Make a list of features you’re looking for, and then check out outdoor furniture collections to see which one is right for you.”
Once your furniture is selected, make it your own by mimicking the coziness of the indoors with outdoor pillows and blankets. You might also use a layer of texture to add pops of color. The variety of outdoor textiles available today is amazing. We’ve come a long way from the traditional patio furniture of the past.
Now you’re ready for the finishing touches, like outdoor lighting, tables, and decorative accessories. For a low-key and intimate vibe, add string lights and torches. If you entertain often, you can take it up a notch with lanterns and a fire table.
Max Jones of Jones Walker Home also recommends outdoor drapes. “Outdoor drapes are also a great way to delineate your outdoor living space. Modern advances in outdoor textiles now allow you to add fabrics that really look more like interior fabric. Drape panels offer a bit of privacy and can block the wind. The flexibility of opening and closing the curtain panels will allow you to control your level of exposure, such as blocking some of the cooler winds and incorporating a fire pit for warmth. They will truly extend your outdoor season into the spring and fall months!”
Can you have a backyard entertaining space if you don’t have a covered patio?
A covered space will certainly help protect your furniture and textiles from unwavering elements, but it’s not necessarily needed. That’s where umbrellas become the perfect solution! Whether you need one to shade a dining table or tuck between two pool chairs, an umbrella provides the perfect respite from the heat and UV rays.
If your space is entirely outdoors, though, Frontgate recommends using high-quality outdoor furniture covers when furniture is not in use. This helps protect your furniture against exposure to the elements. And in the “off-season,” make sure to store your furniture.
How do you get the longest life from your selected furnishings?
As stated above, you’ll want to look into outdoor covers to protect your investment. Not only are they effective in “winterizing” your patio, but covers are convenient to use throughout the year during storms or while on vacation. They protect from the elements and keep off dust, dirt, leaves, animals, and other debris.
If you’re looking for longevity, you’ll want to choose fade- and weather-resistant fabrics so they’ll hold up over time. Frontgate’s Sunbrella Rain cushions are 100% waterproof. Not only does this new fabric resist fading, mold, and mildew, but the rain simply beads up and rolls right off.
Make the most of it.
If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate where you can spend a good deal of time outdoors, an outdoor living space can add immeasurably to the pleasure you find in your home. As Max Jones says, “Make your outdoor living area as cozy and comfy as the inside, and you will truly feel like you have increased the size of your home!” Here are our top picks to make your outdoor space a comfortable go-to for those perfect afternoons outside with the girls!
Harbor Breeze Solar-Powered Garden Lights, $24.98
Display this set of 10 black solar-powered lights along your walkway, garden, or patio. Keep the lights in a sunny area every day to charge the panel for nighttime illumination. The LED light shines through the fractal design, creating a beautiful and artistic pattern.
Nuu Garden 7-Piece Metal Outdoor Dining Set, $561 (was $688)
This seven-piece patio dining set creates a cozy space for entertaining outdoors. Six metal sling chairs make it easy to unwind at the end of a long day. The spacious iron table is durable and easy to clean, and the integrated umbrella hole lets you add cooling shade on hot summer days.
Mix and Match 28 in. Metal and Glass Mosaic Patio Bistro Table, $96 (was $129)
Crafted with a steel frame and glass mosaic top to anchor your dining space in a sleek, contemporary style, this 28 in. x 28 in. steel framed table is a must-have to transform your patio into an outdoor/indoor living area. Its durable powder-coated finish ensures it will last for years to come.
Cat Palm Plant in 9.25-inch Grower Pot, $28.57
Grown by United Nursery, the Cat Palm is a clustering palm that can make any sunlit room feel like a tropical haven. Known for its dense green fronds, this slow-growing, easy-care palm enjoys bright spaces and moderate watering to maintain soil moisture. The Cat Palm makes an excellent indoor plant but also does well outdoors, snugged alongside a sun-drenched patio or nearby water feature for a lush tropical feel.
Oakland Frog Bird Bath, $121.50
Make your garden area a delight for the local population of feathered fauna. This bird bath is the perfect way to attract a slew of new winged friends to your yard, plus the frog and lily pad design is just adorable! Made from cast aluminum with an antique bronze finish, it emanates a vintage feeling without the unpleasant rust and must. This piece is perfect for the aspiring birdwatcher.
Brown 3-Piece Steel Patio Bar Set with High Swivel Bistro Chairs, $208.98 (was $348)
The Nuu Garden Outdoors and Patio swivel bar chair set creates the mood for great conversation and cafe-style dining. The ideal choice for outdoor amusement, such as a garden, porch, or yard. This 3-piece bistro set will make a lovely relaxing environment where you can catch up with friends or family over coffee or wine. All materials are treated to resist weather, rust, and fading throughout the year.
Chiara 120” Cantilever Umbrella, $145.18
Designed to keep you cool and comfortable in your outdoor living space, the Chiara option has more space underneath than traditional market patio umbrellas. It allows for more space underneath to ensure maximum protection from the sun.
Breton Wood Burning Fire Pit by Real Flame, $188
Bring the camping experience to the comfort of your own backyard with this easy-to-use wood-burning fire pit.
Polanco Acacia Outdoor Dining Table, $289.99 (was $459.99)
Bring your family together for a summer of outdoor memories. Crafted from rich acacia wood and powder-coated metal legs, our stunning dining table offers your backyard or patio space a stylish place to enjoy an afternoon barbeque or a hearty evening meal. It comes in three colors.
Toject Denali Gray 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Set, $326.40 (was $408)
With a casual vibe and comfortable sloping armrests, the Toject Denali Gray 4-Piece Seating Set promises to be a destination spot in your outdoor space. The all-weather wicker softens the otherwise modern silhouette. The metal frame is durable and rust-resistant. You can choose between five different colors for the cushions.
Sunday Lawn Care, Lawn plans starting at $129
Magma Crossover Double Burner Firebox With Grill and Griddle Top, $383.99
Magma’s Crossover is a revolutionary modular cooking system designed for people on the go. The system’s core is a unique, high-powered stainless steel firebox built to withstand the elements. This double firebox includes grill and griddle cooktops. Unfortunately, their full accessory bundle with plancha and pizza oven is sold out right now! That’s how you know it’s good. RV and trailer hitch mounts are available, along with a tripod stand. With the Magma RV Crossover, you’ll have the best-equipped camp kitchen out there.
Decorative Copper Colored 40oz Watering Can, $25.99
Keep your houseplants happy and hydrated with this display-worthy watering can. Constructed from stainless steel with a warm copper finish, this beautiful vessel holds 40 oz. of water, eliminating the need for frequent refilling.
Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner, $599
The Victory VCT3BSB checks all the boxes: quality, performance, useful features, durability, and affordability. The stainless steel grill and cart offer high-performance burners, an infrared side sear burner, the largest grilling surface in its class, enclosed storage, and heavy-duty locking casters. To top it all off, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty! Isn’t it time you tasted Victory?
Hello Spring Doormat, $16.79
This colorful doormat features various kinds of flowers to add a touch of whimsy to your front step. Spring-inspired, this welcome rug is perfect for creating a vibrant, revitalizing atmosphere.
Duck Covers Essential Patio Sofa Cover, $47.49
Protect your outdoor loveseat in style with this durable, water-resistant cover from Duck Covers. Multi-layer, breathable fabric with ultrasonically welded seams wards off condensation to prevent furniture damage while resisting the harmful effects of sun, snow, rain, dust, and dirt. Reinforced tie-down straps keep the cover firmly placed on blustery days.
Boho Globe Solar Indoor/Outdoor Lantern, $59-79
The delicate filigree pattern of the Boho Globe Solar Lantern creates a charming play of light and shadow when lit from within. Ideal for summertime festivities, this lantern adds a fun, casual touch to your space.
Malta Glass & Metal Indoor/Outdoor Lantern Collection, $39-139
Create a candlelight display with our handsome steel Malta Lantern year-round. Each lantern can rest on a flat surface or hang.
Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Grommet Solid Cast Curtain – Citrus, $199-398
These curtains are crafted from durable fabric that’s water-repellent and resistant to fading, mildew, and chlorine. This style’s stainless steel grommets add a modern touch whether you use them inside or outdoors.
Tumbling Tower Game, $159.95
To play this fun game of suspense, stack the wooden blocks into a tower and then take turns pulling out blocks without tumbling the tower. The oversized blocks come in a zippered canvas carrying bag so that you can take this fun-filled game to outdoor parties and picnics.
Solar Hanging Lantern, $37.99
This Outdoor Tea Light Chandelier is perfect for a warm summer’s night in the garden. Hang it from a tree or inside a bell tent.
Extend your living area to the outdoors by creating a beautiful backyard entertaining space. The options we’ve included are just a jumping-off point. Create an area where you’ll love to entertain, read, or even get a little work done.
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