Cozy Backyard Sitting Area Ideas for Your Deck or Porch

backyard sitting area ideasAre you looking for new backyard sitting area ideas for your deck or porch? We can transform your backyard from a boring patch of grass with no personality to a cozy oasis where the entire family will love to hang out. Here at Structurally Speaking, we love helping out clients design the perfect outdoor living space. Call us anytime to get started with a no-obligation consultation. Below, check out some of our best deck seating ideas to get you started designing a cozy, comfortable backyard.

Use Fabrics in Warm Colors

One of the easiest ways to make any space cozier is to add fabrics. Warm colors are especially helpful in making a space feel comfortable and homey. We love muted colors that mimic natural fall colors like rust orange, burgundy, deep brown, warm tan/beige, olive green, and golden yellow.

You can add fabric to an outdoor space in any number of ways:

  • Outdoor area rugs
  • Cushions and pillows for deck furniture
  • Place mats and tablecloths for your outdoor table
  • A fabric canopy or umbrella for sun protection
  • Deck or porch curtains
  • Throws (stored inside so you can grab to take outside on a chilly morning or evening)

This article has some great tips about how to mix and match fabrics in your outdoor living space. Don’t be afraid of bold colors and prints!

You can also use warm colors in non-fabric ways, such as with your deck paint or stain. This is a great option if you want your deck to feel cozy long-term and year-round instead of changing the colors for the season. If you’d rather have options to change the colors, stick to neutral options for your decking material instead.

Set up Outdoor Sitting Areas Perfect for Conversation

Many homeowners make the mistake of adding deck furniture along the perimeter of their deck or spreading it out across the deck to add as much seating as possible. Instead, think about your deck in “zones” and create seating areas to give you places for intimate conversations. Here are a few examples and ideas for your backyard layout:

  • Add an outdoor dining table and chairs for a place to enjoy meals as a family together outside.
  • Build a fire pit for a cozy place to relax with a few friends.
  • Set up two or three lounge chairs in the sunniest area of your deck, along with some umbrellas or a pergola to give you enough shade.
  • Create nooks with built-in benches for one-on-one conversations.
  • Install an outdoor television or projector with places to sit to watch a game, movie, etc. under the stars.

Even if you plan to entertain a lot of people or have a big family, it makes sense to have conversation seating set up, the same way you might have in your home. We encourage you to think of your deck like an outdoor living room.

Make Sure Your Deck Feels Private

Think about the coziest places you know. What qualities do they share in common? Many people envision small, quiet places that feel, above all else, private. This gives you a sense of safety and security. So, we recommend making your deck private as well if you want it to feel cozier.

How can you make your deck feel secluded, even if you have close neighbors? Here are a few deck ideas for privacy:

  • Build a privacy fence that matches your deck or porch.
  • Add a pergola with lattice wall for climbing plants.
  • Partially cover your deck with a roof so people can’t look down into your backyard from a second story.
  • Consider a two-story deck so that you can be higher than onlookers.

You can also consider enclosing your deck to create a screened-in porch instead. Not only will this give you privacy, but you can also enjoy your yard during more months of the year since the screens give you a bit of weather protection.

Include an Outdoor Fireplace

Our last tip to making your deck a cozy space is to add an outdoor fireplace. This creates a perfect gathering spot for conversation, and gives you a way to stay toasty even during the cool fall evenings. Of all our backyard sitting area ideas, this is one of our favorites because it makes a huge impact with both the aesthetic and function of your deck or porch.

Outdoor fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes. Many homeowners prefer a built-in fireplace made from stone or brick. However, you can also choose a smaller moveable option such as a chiminea. These kind of fireplaces have the advantage of being safer than fire pits, though it is still important to follow safety guidelines when placing and using a fireplace.

If you want to include an outdoor fireplace in your deck or porch design, let us know. We’d be happy to make sure your new deck or porch includes this cozy feature.

FAQs About Our Backyard Sitting Area Ideas

We’d love to answer any questions you have about designing a deck for your backyard sitting area. Getting started is easy; simply schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Here are a few common questions we get about our deck ideas:

How much will my new deck cost?

You can design a backyard oasis on a budget! Our deck designs come in a wide range of prices. We’ll talk about your budget upfront so you’re completely comfortable with the cost of our design.

Can you incorporate certain features into my new deck?

We love a design challenge! Our goal is always to make your new deck perfect for your family. When we have an initial consultation, we’ll talk about all your backyard sitting area ideas and the features you want to incorporate. If you dream it, we can design it.

How do I get started?

Simply click here to schedule a free no-strings-attached consultation. We’ll set up a time to see your backyard and get to know a little about what you want for your deck or porch. Our team can’t wait to hear from you so we can start planning your perfect outdoor living area.