Outdoor Lounge Ideas 2023 – How to Make a Garden Living Room

With spring fast approaching and daffodils bursting into colour, we can’t help but long for those long summer days lounging around in the garden. If you love spending time outdoors, what better way to make the most of your outside space than creating an outdoor lounge for relaxing, dining and even working?

Forget mismatched outdoor furniture that has been left out to weather all winter. We’re talking trending garden living rooms with chic, comfortable furniture that will enhance your lifestyle.

Ready to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living? Read on for garden lounge ideas, so you can create an outdoor living space that is a true extension of your home!

In this guide we explore:

• How to design an outdoor lounge – things to consider first.
• Plants and landscaping – trending ideas for 2023.
• Choosing the right garden lounge set – modular, corner, rattan or metal?
• How to add extra wow factor with soft furnishings and accessories.

How to design an outdoor lounge

Designing your new outdoor living room can be a lot of fun! But before you start planning, there’s a few things you need to consider first:

• Space: Got a large or small garden? The amount of space you have to play with will help determine the type of furniture and layout you can use.
• Style: Want a contemporary aesthetic or prefer a traditional feel? Deciding on the ‘look’ you want to aim for before you start shopping is a wise idea.
• Garden Positioning: Do you have a sunny or shady garden? Sun traps will need additional shade in the form of pergolas or parasols, while shady gardens will benefit from windbreakers or screens. Think trellises, fencing panels or glass balustrades.
• Entertaining: Are you looking to design a garden escape just for you and the family or do you want to entertain guests al fresco style?
  If you love entertaining, you’ll need to factor in additional seating and dining tables to make sure you shine as the host with the most!  Dining set bundles with extending tables are a great choice if you want to be ready for a party at the drop of a hat! The goal is to ensure your garden lounge is cosy and inviting.
• Budget: How much do you want to spend? Fixing a budget before you start shopping will help you manage your purchasing decisions. Don’t forget to factor in extra items like plants, hard landscaping materials, garden accessories and soft furnishings.
  If you only have a small budget, don’t worry as you can still create a garden escape without breaking the bank! Check out this beautiful Marbella rattan style lounge set to seat five people for under £450!
• Functionality: Think about the purpose of your new garden design. Do you need space for the kids to play, a place to dine, cook, and an area to lounge and work? Consider breaking your space up into different areas for a variety of activities.
  Planning ahead will help you choose the best garden furniture that offers multiple use. For example, lounge sets with dining tables and a parasol or pergola double up as a work space while blocking out sun glare.

Plants & garden landscaping

Creating the perfect backdrop to your outdoor lounge through careful garden design is the key to achieving a beautiful outside space. In 2023,

less is more. Eco-friendly styling with natural textures and tones is where it’s at.

Trending garden design ideas for this year include sanctuary style gardens for mindfulness, wellbeing and environmental awareness. Flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, paving, decking, gravel and mulch all add natural tones of colour and texture to emphasise the beauty of nature.

Dark shades mixed with bursts of colour and drought friendly plants will be popular this year.

Choosing the best garden lounge set

Modern or traditional, small or large? Choosing the right garden lounge set is essential to ensure your new outdoor living space is a hit with your friends and family.

With so many options from corner sofa sets to striking modern designs, you can tailor an attractive space that works for you.

If you have a large garden, the possibilities are endless. Got a small garden, patio or balcony? Bistro sets are stylish and practical for small spaces.

Rattan furniture

Rattan furniture has been around for years but its timeless style means it will never go out of fashion.

This style of garden lounge set is extremely popular right now and is available in a range of configurations to suit your needs. From balcony sets for two to furniture bundles that seat ten people, no matter the size of your garden, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

We love the Palma Lounge Set because it can seat up to nine people and its understated styling means it will look fabulous in any garden design. Its 65cm high table with a tempered glass top is the ideal height for dining and is easy to wipe clean. Made from high-quality polyrattan, this garden furniture set is maintenance free. It also comes with super comfy cushions so you can relax in style and comfort.

Metal lounge sets

If you want to create a contemporary look or emulate boho Ibiza styling, aluminium lounge sets have a modern flair. Chic design and sleek lines, like the Santorini set make them perfect for creating a sophisticated outdoor space.

Plastic furniture

Plastic sets are also well worth considering as they offer excellent weather resistance, are budget friendly and emulate rattan or wood.

Many designs are made from 100% recycled consumer plastic. So, while you’re enjoying the garden you can also benefit from the feel-good factor of helping the environment!

Wooden garden furniture 

Natural woody tones complement green spaces, paving and decking nicely. Go for a heritage look or find a furniture set that combines traditional charm with a contemporary touch. The  Joanna Teak Corner Lounge Set is the perfect example!

Modular lounge sets

Modular sets are incredibly versatile because you can rearrange your seating into a number of configurations. Arrange your furniture into a lounger, daybed, chaise or sofa, the choice is yours!

Create an inviting space with soft furnishings & accessories

Add a sumptuous feel to your outdoor space with beautiful soft furnishings and garden accessories for that extra wow factor.

• Outdoor rugs are great for adding a warm, soft touch underfoot.
• Throws are perfect for keeping warm when the temperature drops. They introduce additional colour and warmth for a cosy living room feel.
• Scatter cushions in all shapes and sizes help to incorporate patterns and textures. The additional cushioning will elevate your comfort to give you the ultimate lounging experience.
• Plant pots with your favourite flowers add a splash of colour and enhance your outside space. Planters at different heights can add variation or you can use them to divide out areas of the garden. Concrete planters are trending and are perfect for creating an urban edge in your garden landscape.
• Introduce a relaxed atmosphere with sculptures and water features. Mix and match or pick a theme to introduce focal points in your garden.
• Fire pits, chimeneas and patio heaters are a must have if you intend on extending your day lounging into a night under the stars.

Things not to forget!

The British weather can be changeable, so it’s essential that you keep your new garden lounge protected from the elements. Think about investing in stylish cushion boxes and furniture covers to keep your furniture set pristine until the next warm day.

Relax and enjoy!

Once you have designed your perfect garden lounge, all you need to do is kick back and relax, invite some friends over and catch some rays. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the  full range of lounge sets here.

With so many exciting deals on offer right now, it’s the perfect time of year to plan for warmer days and grab a bargain while you can.