An outdoor lounge area offers a dedicated space for relaxation and expands your living space. It provides a flexible spot for family time, social gatherings or somewhere to unwind during the summer months, whether you want to read, meditate or just take a break.
And we all appreciate the benefits of spending more hours in the fresh air, from reduced stress to boosted Vitamin D levels. What’s more, you’ll almost certainly enhance the value of your property at the same time.
If you’re looking to create a comfortable exterior location like this, here are some thoughts to get you started:
- Choosing your furniture well
Modular outdoor sofas, for example, provide flexible seating which fits any size of patio or decking thanks to their customisable shape, plus you can move pieces around with ease, including through tight spaces such as at the side of the house.
In terms of choice of materials, go for something weather-resistant, such as aluminium, wicker or treated teak timber, which can shrug off the rain, sun and anything else the British summer may throw at it. Bear durability and comfort in mind, as well as personal design taste, just as you would when choosing furniture for indoors. Add extras such as cushions as and when you wish.
Also consider whether you’ll be using the space to host guests or to eat al fresco. Or both? Do you want seating with high, straight backs and a dining table, for instance? Equally, you may wish to incorporate a range of pieces. Think about where you’ll store furniture and accessories such as cushions when these are not in use.
Deep-seated chairs bring plushness and comfort and lend your outdoor lounge an indoor living room feel.
Finally, furniture doesn’t have to match. So don’t be afraid to combine, say, rattan chairs with a metal-framed sofa. It can still look cohesive, plus you can keep colours and style similar. Consider repurposing any pieces you may already have.
- Textiles and décor
If you go for outdoor rugs, these define the lounge area clearly while also being comfortable to walk over. You could also add some throw pillows and blankets and incorporate a bit of warmth with bright, earthy colours.
Finally, low-level tables with hardwearing metal or stone tops provide somewhere handy to rest books, drinks or anything else.
- Ambience and lighting
Consider hanging up overhead string lights to create a gentle, cosy glow after the sun has set. Additionally, LED candles or lanterns on tables or the ground create soft, flickering illumination safely.
- Plants and greenery
If you position some potted plants around the edges of your allocated lounge area, you’ll make it feel very intimate. Planters and rugs also help define the lounge area and where it begins and ends. Again, lanterns can do the same if you use them to create an outline.
- Choose the right location
It may be that there is only one potential spot at your property where you could create an outdoor lounge. However, if you’re lucky enough to have choice, think about sun, privacy and accessibility and what you will be using the area for, whether that’s dining or entertaining.
The perfect exterior lounging area with AS Landscapes
Award-winning AS Landscapes has been in business for over 20 years, and so can draw on a huge wealth of experience. Based in Surrey, we also operate across Windsor and Ascot.
We can help you create the perfect lounging space whether you need high-quality garden furniture, a planting scheme, a new patio, decking or a full design service.
And it’s not too late to complete a space like this this summer. Get in touch with the expert team today.