I have spent the better part of spring trying to turn my patchy backyard into something resembling a chic retreat come summertime. So I've called in the experts to help me create an outdoor living room that looks expensive but doesn't actually cost me the earth.
An outdoor living room is an extension of your home and should feel like a space for ultimate relaxation or entertaining in style. Whether you’ve got a sprawling patio or a small city balcony, a few thoughtful upgrades can completely transform your outdoor space – and you don’t need to splurge on a total makeover to do it. In fact, some of the most impactful changes I made this year have come from surprisingly affordable, small detail finds.
The key is to treat this space as you would a lounge indoors. Comfort, lighting, layers, and personality are all just as important to help you create a luxurious outdoor living room. With ideas from interior designers and my budget-friendly shopping list, here is everything you need to achieve a high-end look.
How to make your outdoor living room look expensive
If you're looking for ways to make your backyard look more expensive, with a few simple additions to your outdoor living room, that will transform it from cheap to chic, these designer-approved ideas will help get you there.
1. Hang some outdoor pendant lights
Just like indoors, garden lighting ideas have the power to set the tone, and pendant lights bring a curated, designed feel that instantly elevates even the most basic patio setup.
'If your living space is under a pergola overhang or even a large tree, add pendants overhead,' suggests Kayleigh Eppinger of Epp Interiors. 'The fixtures will define the space more and make it feel really elevated and cozy. Keep the materials natural so they don't feel out of place and up the scale.'
Lighting helps to create intimacy and define the space, especially when hung above an outdoor seating or outdoor dining area. It tricks the eye into seeing the area as a true 'room' rather than just an outside zone.
'One or two oversized woven pendants are my pick. They don't even need to be wired if you want to save on costs!' adds Kayleigh. 'The look alone will totally change the way the space feels and draw people in like a magnet.'
For a no-electrician-needed pick, this solar-powered rattan pendant from Amazon is a great find. It works via remote control too which allows you to switch it on/off with ease and dim the lights come sundown.
Just dropped in the Jake Arnold outdoor collection at Crate & Barrel is this beautiful, timeless pendant lantern. Made from rustproof aluminum in a bronze finish, it features a twisted rope detail for extra elegance.
A classic option, this wicker pendant needs to be hardwired in but is wet-rated for outdoor use and made from a durable rattan-like cord to bring a pretty, scalloped texture to your outdoor living area.
2. Layer up fabrics with textiles and rugs
The real turning point in making my outdoor space feel truly styled came when I started layering it the same way I would a living room: with cushions, throws, and rugs.
'To make your outdoor living room more luxurious and expensive-looking, focus on fabrics and finishes that have an indoor quality to them,' agrees designer Bethany Adams.
'These days, there are so many luxury indoor-outdoor fabrics and rugs that would look just as fabulous in your real living room as they would on a porch or patio. Textures like boucle, linen, and even velvet are now available in outdoor-friendly versions. And while outdoor rugs were once fairly standard – and obvious – these days, you can choose much more sophisticated patterns and weaves.'
Textiles are the easiest way to inject personality into your outdoor space. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures – just keep the palette cohesive, as Birdie Fortescue has achieved above. That’s what creates that layered, elevated look.
'The best outdoor spaces are comfortable, characterful, and layered,' adds Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'To elevate a more modest set-up, focus on layering: outdoor cushions in good fabric (I love Christopher Farr Cloth), soft throws for cooler evenings, and a few decorative pieces that give the space personality.'
The Lulu and Georgia outdoor collection features a range designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel, which includes the stand-out Lovett rug. A cut above the rest, this deep rust hue is accessorized with abstract sketch designs and made from robust outdoor fibers.
If you're looking to add your pattern in underfoot or with a smattering of throw pillows, a bench seat cushion like this provides a neutral backdrop, while the contrast corded edge brings a fun pop of color. It's made from Sunbrella canvas that is sun- and water-resistant.ase color
Pottery Barn's outdoor offering has loads of lovely mix-and-match pillows, including this Suzani-inspired outdoor-friendly pillow. The neutral background will allow you to layer in plenty of other prints and hues without overwhelming your senses.
3. Invest in beautifully made furniture
If there’s one place I’ve learned not to cut corners in an outdoor space, it’s the furniture. Investing in the best outdoor furniture doesn't just mean it'll last longer – it looks more refined, holds up against the elements, and instantly gives your space that polished, resort-like feel.
'Just as in an indoor living room, adding luxury to your outdoor living room is all about intentional choices and high-quality furniture pieces,' says renowned designer Kathy Kuo.
'Do your research on which outdoor materials will be best for the climate you live in and invest in beautifully designed and expertly crafted anchor furniture pieces that will stand the test of time, both physically and from a design perspective.'
Look for pieces made from durable, weather-resistant materials like teak, powder-coated aluminum, or all-weather wicker. These materials not only perform better over time but also look more elevated from the start.
'I always advise clients to invest in quality where it counts: beautifully made furniture that lasts, rather than disposable pieces that weather badly,' adds Lauren.
Anthropologie has plenty of gorgeous outdoor furniture and decor finds to choose from, but I particularly love the charm of this woven coffee table. Boho and whimsical in style, it will add a beautiful focal point to an outdoor living room.
Designed by Shea McGee for her line at Target, this adorable pouf is small but mighty – boasting UV, water, and fading resistance for lasting use. I love the plaid print in a classic coastal blue.
This plush barrel-style accent chair is made from a durable acacia hardwood that is solid, heavy, and will naturally withstand the elements. The removable cushions provide comfort and are wrapped in water-resistant polyester fabric with a light neutral hue.
4. Finish with final touches
Just like indoors, it’s the little things that make a space feel finished and thoughtfully designed. What really brought my outdoor living room to life wasn’t the big-ticket pieces – it was the final touches like a tray styled with a candle, a pretty lantern or portable lamp, or a pretty retro patio umbrella.
'Add a finishing flourish with decorative items like luxe outdoor pillows, hurricane lanterns, and potted plants in beautiful vessels works wonders,' adds Kathy.
And the good news is that these pieces don't have to be expensive. Don’t underestimate the power of greenery, too. A few oversized potted plants or a row of herbs can bring texture and life to the space, particularly if your garden isn't looking too abundant this time of year.
Lauren agrees, adding: 'Tablescaping is also a lovely way to bring colour and detail outdoors, and portable, rechargeable lamps add instant atmosphere once the sun goes down.'
Another great find from Shea McGee's new outdoor collection at Target is this patio umbrella. It ticks so many trend boxes: fringes, striped, and scalloped! And will allow you to provide welcome shade if your living area is open to the elements.
Amazon is great for outdoor lighting, and I love this pair of rechargeable, portable lamps. Made to be used for approx 30 hours after charge, they're such a convenient way to add color and ambience when placed on your coffee or side tables. Plus, they're dimmable too!
Designed by the founder of The Mediterranean Dish, Suzy Karadsheh, for her collection with Anthro, these handpainted, glazed little mezze plates are great for serving up casual snacks for visitors to your outdoor living room.
I used to think that making my outdoor space look more expensive would require a professional designer or a sky-high budget – but this whole process has shown me it’s all about choosing the right details. These tweaks didn’t just upgrade the look, they completely changed how I use my outdoor living room. And it’s become my favorite place to start the day with coffee, or wind down with friends and a glass of wine after sunset.
If you're also embarking on a patio transformation ahead of summer, I recommend starting with my round-up of the top outdoor decorating trends for 2025 to help you create a stylish, on-trend space.
