Designing an outdoor space is kind of like planning a great party. It’s about setting the mood, making people feel comfortable and creating the right flow. Whether you’re working with a cozy balcony or a sprawling backyard, a little planning goes a long way when turning your outdoor area into a space you’ll love spending time in. Here’s how to get started.

Size Up Your Space

Big or small, your outdoor area can do a lot if it’s design with intention. For patios and balconies, smartly scaled furniture like swivel chairs or bistro sets help maximize every inch. In larger spaces, consider creating zones. Include a spot for lounging, a place to dine and maybe even an outdoor kitchen. Use planters, patio umbrellas or fire tables to create natural boundaries and for cohesiveness.

Think About How You’ll Use It

Will this be a go-to lounging space? A weekend grilling hub? Once you know what you want your outdoor space to do, the furniture falls into place. For relaxing, try an outdoor sectional or two facing sofas with a coffee table in between. For dining, even a compact table and two chairs on a balcony can make it feel like your own café. If you have a fire table, choose seating that allows everyone to gather comfortably. If you have a pool, consider chaises for reading and reclining by the water.

Choose Materials That Work for Your Climate

Our outdoor furniture is designed for durability no matter where you live. Low-maintenance, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) works well in both damp coastal areas and year-round in snowy climates. Teak and thermally-modified ash are great choices if you live somewhere hot to avoid metal seats. And powder-coated finishes resist fading, even in sunny places.

Pick a Color Palette That Feels Right

An easy starting point is to pull a base color from your home’s exterior or landscape. Keep things soft and neutral for a calm, timeless look. Prefer brighter colors outside? Consider HDPE or powder-coated options, or choose from more than 50 outdoor fabrics to perfectly reflect your style.

Reflect Your Indoor Style

Your outdoor space doesn’t have to feel like a different world. Create a flow from indoors to out by using similar materials, colors and silhouettes. For more traditional homes, think classic curves, mixed textures and a warm, layered look. Go for clean lines, tight palettes and sleek accents with modern living spaces. The good news is that our trend-proof outdoor furniture can work seamlessly with your current space and furnishings you already own.

Mix or Match? Choose Your Favorite

Maybe you love a matching set for a pulled-together feel. Or you prefer a more curated, collected look. If you’re mixing pieces, repeat key materials like teak, metal or HDPE to keep everything visually connected. For contrast, try pairing wood with sleek metal or soft upholstery with stone-top tables for a sophisticated look.

Remember the Finishing Touches

Outdoor decor isn’t just for looks, it adds comfort and functionality, too. Rugs soften the space and define zones. Planters offer greenery; large planters can provide privacy. Outdoor pillows let you show your personality while trays create surfaces for glasses and dishes. Finally, don’t forget outdoor lighting to extend the fun after the sun sets.

Add Entertaining Extras

An outdoor bar cart or counter table makes serving easier. Storage benches or closed cabinets are great for stashing throws, games or grilling tools while keeping your space tidy and ready to enjoy. Outdoor kitchens with integrated refrigerators offer the ultimate in hosting, keeping drinks and snacks cool and nearby.

Use Shade (and Covers) to Your Advantage

Patio umbrellas aren’t just for dining tables. Use them to add comfort over seating areas, grilling stations or poolside. When you’re not using your outdoor space, we recommend using furniture covers to protect your pieces from the elements and to cut down on cleaning time.

Buy With Confidence

We offer free fabric swatches and material samples to see how they look in your space and natural light. See customer photos of our outdoor furniture in the wild. Or learn about what to look for in a quality outdoor sofa.

Need some help getting started? Our design experts are here to help you—for free—in our stores, online or by phone. They can create mood boards, offer product recommendations and more to help design the outdoor space of your dreams.