73 Outdoor Seating Ideas and Designs for Backyards and Rooftops
With warmer weather comes the urge to soak up the sun, dine alfresco, and lounge poolside. If you’re eager to create your own backyard oasis, these stunning outdoor seating ideas will provide plenty of inspiration. Discover 63 gorgeous backyard designs from the AD archive, including inventive patios that are as practical as they are arresting, a daybed repurposed as a chaise, a banquette strewn with colorful pillows and cushions, and a lounge suspended from the ceiling. These inviting displays are more than just seating options—they create intimacy, make clever use of space, and are conversation starters in their own right. Get inspired and manifest your own savvy interpretation to fit your space (even if it’s just a fire escape or balcony).
Photo: Darren Bradley1/73Slim and Trim
For a small outdoor space, like this Soheil Nakhshab–designed San Diego home’s deck, employ slim furniture, rather than bulky cushiony furniture, to best utilize your square footage.
Photo: Björn Wallander2/73A Colorful Escape
At her Hamptons home, interior designer Muriel Brandolini fashioned a colorful sitting area using a long custom-made teak sofa topped with vibrant accent pillows.
Photo: Matthieu Salvaing3/73Full Scale Dining
For a proper outdoor dining experience, a serving station stands at one side of this oceanside France home’s table for platters of food and refreshments.
Photo: Tim Beddow4/73A Breezy Lounge in Ibiza
Painter Olivier Mourao devised a dreamy seating area at his Ibiza oasis using a white sofa and adding flowing curtains for a touch of privacy.
Photo: Christopher Sturman; Styling: Lisa Rowe5/73A Whiff of Whimsy
Emma Chamberlain’s Los Angeles home, which she designed with Proem Studio, features multiple separate outdoor lounge spaces, but this one definitely takes the cake. Sandwiched between the hill and the home, the scale feels almost wonderland-esque, and those concrete mushrooms that dot the area certainly amp that feeling up.
Photo: Simon Watson6/73A Moroccan Oasis
Bright white cushions line the built-in benches of a Morocco home’s sun-splashed terrace.
Photo: Björn Wallander; Styling: Michael Reynolds7/73Sleek and Simple
Architect and designer Niels Schoenfelder went for simplicity and comfort at this upstate New York modern farmhouse that opens directly to the breakfast nook inside.
Photo: Joshua McHugh8/73A Midcentury-Inspired Retreat
Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan achieve contemporary cool at their Shelter Island pool pavilion with a mod sectional sofa and array of colorful pillows.
Photo: Thomas Loof9/73A Wood-Lined Outdoor Living Room
The Manhattan triplex of entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein boasts an ultra-sleek outdoor living room of solid mahogany. The rounded seating area wraps around the custom-made firepit.
10/73Metropolitan and Earthy
Despite the city views and prime Hollywood Hills location, author Elaine Welteroth’s Night Palm–designed outdoor space feels earthy thanks to the minimalist wooden furniture and plantings.
Photo: Simon Upton11/73A Whimsical Seating Area
Actor Jane Fonda created majestic outdoor seating for the terrace of her New Mexico ranch with a brass bed and mesmerizing Pakistani fabrics.
Photo: Roger Davies12/73Lush Courtyard
Another great patio idea is turning the space into a lush courtyard, like the one shown here in Sig Bergamin’s São Paulo home.
Photo: Pieter Estersohn13/73A Vine-Covered Veranda
Even a narrow space can be completely transformed into a dreamy patio. Vine-covered columns, a lush lawn, and Ralph Lauren Home chairs turn this outdoor patio in San José del Cabo, Mexico into the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation.
Photo: Simon Watson14/73An Elegant Courtyard
For her Madrid home, decorator Isabel López-Quesada fashioned a romantic courtyard with an antique-inspired daybed and matching chairs.
Photo: William Waldron15/73A Modern Outdoor Living Room
At an Aspen, Colorado, home by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Shelton, Mindel & Associates, a sunken outdoor seating area is furnished with an armchair, an ottoman, a modular sofa, and a side table, all by Kettal.
Photo: Robert McLeod16/73A Shaded Terrace
The fourth-floor terrace of a Kengo Kuma–designed residence in Japan is shaded by a fabric canopy. The geometric lines of the outdoor furniture echo the vertical louvers on the exterior wall, which allow light into the home while ensuring privacy.
Photo: Roger Davies17/73A Colorful Rooftop Retreat
At Richard Mishaan’s Cartagena, Colombia, retreat, bougainvillea and an ocean vista enliven the rooftop terrace; the seating is by RH, and Mishaan designed the red pillow fabrics for Stark.
Photo: Pieter Estersohn18/73A Refined Rooftop
Edward Siegel created the trellis and fireplace for the rooftop terrace of a Manhattan apartment. The slate paving is from Stone Source, the daybeds and glass-top tables are by Dedon, and the pillows are made of Sunbrella and Janus et Cie fabrics. The plantings are by Miguel Pons Landscaping and Matthias Kirwald Landscaping.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna19/73An Urban Oasis
Adding a dining table is one of the best patio ideas. Your table will be the seat of magical midsummer dinners, warm-weather brunches, and sunrise coffee sips. The stunning zinc-top dining table on this Manhattan terrace is by Lucca Antiques.
Photo: Roger Davies20/73An Open-Air Dining Area
The outdoor dining area of a Los Angeles bachelor pad by design firm Commune features a picnic table and benches by Piet Hein Eek from Frozen Fountain and a Franz West chain light from Kimcherova.
21/73A Rustic Dining Area
The terrace of Ellen Pompeo's home in Sag Harbor is a relaxed spot for family dinners.
22/73A Romantic Terrace
Kiwi vines shade a terrace at the Maine home of Martha Stewart. The dining area is furnished with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh–style teak table and chairs by R. L. White and Son.
Mint Images23/73Serene Seattle Outdoor Patio
This gorgeous patio in Seattle, Washington, blends bright colors and breezy patio furniture with abundant greenery.
COPYRIGHT ©2003 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.24/73A Traditional Terrace
The rear terrace at Ralph Lauren’s home in Bedford, New York, is used for dining and entertaining. Large umbrellas shade the stylish spot.
Photo: Derry Moore25/73A Verdant Hideaway
Potted plants not only dot the patio, but they are also placed on a large table to create a lush garden on a city patio.
Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer26/73A Perfectly Peaceful Poolside Terrace
This terrace at James and Jennifer Belushi’s Los Angeles home overlooks the pool and the rear garden, which was landscaped by Mia Lehrer. The wrought-iron furniture gives the space a polished yet casual feel.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna27/73A Rooftop Oasis
Ralph Lauren chief retail creative officer Alfredo Paredes and writer Brad Goldfarb divided the expansive terrace of their Manhattan apartment into several entertaining areas, including one with a cluster of teak furnishings and another with a zinc dining table surrounded by vintage chairs.
Photo: Giancarlo Gardin28/73Tuscan Outdoor Living Area
At Sting and Trudie Styler’s farm in Tuscany, landscape designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd conceived a mix of intimate and grand outdoor spaces. An oak tree shades a gravel dining area, where lunch is often served.
Photo: Simon Upton29/73Terra-Cotta Terrace
At Anderson Cooper’s Brazillian retreat, the main cottage’s covered patio is furnished with a mix of terra-cotta pendant lights, a custom-made table, and a pair of antique farm benches.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn30/73A Rustic Retreat
Flowering vines adorn the rustic log arbor surrounding the outdoor dining area of designer Ellen Denisevich-Grickis’s Rhode Island retreat. Unmilled oak trees were used to create the structure, which spans almost the entire rear façade of the 18th-century barn.
Photo: Laurie Black31/73An Idyllic Seattle Patio
Earthy neutrals and plenty of plants give this patio a relaxing yet relatable vibe.
KatarzynaBialasiewicz32/73Bright and Breezy Patio
The fun mix of colors and textures gives this outdoor patio design a fresh and modern feel. We love how they layered multiple outdoor rugs together to create a unique look.
Photo: Durston Saylor33/73Ralph Lauren’s Stylish Patio
The rear terrace of Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s ivy-covered home in Bedford, New York, features relaxed seating for entertaining and offers views of the 250-acre property’s sprawling lawn.
Photo: Douglas Friedman34/73Perfectly Framed
At Instagram founder Kevin Systrom’s Lake Tahoe home, fashioned by AD100 designer Ken Fulk, one of the outdoor living spaces is perfectly framed by one floor-to-ceiling window.
Photo: Mary E. Nichols35/73A Refreshing Space
The pool and terrace serve as the focal point of designer Greg Jordan’s V-shaped Hollywood Hills residence. The exterior space even informs the interiors—a pair of sofas in the living room are aligned with the cypress trees.
Photo: Roger Davies36/73Dreamy Patio With a Firepit
On the rear terrace of a Los Angeles home designed by Silvia Kuhle and Jeffrey Allsbrook of the architecture firm Standard, Summit Furniture armchairs are upholstered in a Perennials outdoor fabric.
Photo: Dominique Vorillon37/73Vintage Vibes
Antique stone tables and vintage Italian chairs occupy the outdoor breakfast area of a Laguna Beach, California, home constructed in collaboration with Teale Architecture.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna; Styling: Carolina Irving38/73Textile Touches
Regardless on your seating arrangement or which furniture ideas you’ve settled on, paying attention to your textiles can help set your outdoor space apart. Need convincing? Just check out the eye-catching cushions, pillows, and tablecloths at textile designer Carolina Irving’s home.
COPYRIGHT ©2015 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.39/73Santa Barbara Backyard Patio
The terrace of designer Madeline Stuart’s Santa Barbara, California, getaway serves as an alfresco dining room, featuring a teak table by Janus et Cie and Palecek chairs; the star pendant light is by Reborn Antiques.
Photo: Pieter Estersohn40/73Las Vegas Loggia
The loggia of a Las Vegas home by Atelier AM overlooks boxwood parterres designed by Robert E. Truskowski and a reflecting pool that culminates with John McCracken’s sculpture White Light.
Photo: William Waldron41/73Manhattan Rooftop Patio
This is another one of those rooftop patio ideas we can all get behind. This patio is off the master suite in a Lee Mindel–designed Manhattan penthouse and furnished with outdoor furniture by Kettal.
Photo: Roger Davies42/73Bel Air Beauty
Trip Haenisch decorated the Bel Air, California, home of actor Hank Azaria, his partner, Katie Wright, and their son, Hal. Honeysuckle climbs the trellis of the outdoor living room, which is furnished with Haenisch-designed seating upholstered in Perennials outdoor fabrics; the cocktail table is by Holly Hunt.
Photo: Simon Watson43/73Colorful Outdoor Living in Mexico
The roof terrace of the guest casita of a San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, home provides stunning views of the town and its surroundings. The sofa and chairs are teak.
Photo: David Matheson44/73Roof Deck With Ample Seating
Off the meditation room of a California house by Dirk Denison, a roof deck doubles as a dining area. The built-in teak daybed has cushions and pillows of Perennials outdoor fabric.
Photo: Roger Davies45/73A Modern Sanctuary
Designer Brad Dunning updated this 1957 home in the Beverly Hills Trousdale enclave for Eric Kranzler. Case Study outdoor furniture by Modernica surrounds a custom-made firepit on the terrace.
Photo: Francesco Lagnese46/73Connecticut Terrace Hedged in Ivy
The pool terrace at Victoria Hagan’s Connecticut house is outfitted with a cocktail table by Janus et Cie; the chair cushions are covered in a Ralph Lauren Home canvas and the ceramic taborets are from Bungalow.
Photo: by Laure Joliet; Styling: Amy Chin47/73Unmatched Umbrellas
A pair of unique-looking umbrellas add a sense of attitude and draw the eye up from this lovely outdoor seating area, designed by AD100 Firm Charlap Hyman & Herrero.
Photo: Simon Upton48/73London Backyard Patio
A Ben Jones dog sculpture is displayed on the slate-paved terrace of a London home.
KatarzynaBialasiewicz49/73Peaceful Outdoor Oasis
This patio makes excellent use of a neutral palette. The natural colors and textures, plus ample outdoor seating, create another one of our favorite outdoor patio ideas.
Björn Wallander50/73Outdoor Living in Southampton
On the rear porch of a Juan-Montoya-designed home in Southampton, New York, wicker seating surrounds a teak table by Andrianna Shamaris.
Tim Street-Porter51/73Tiled Patio
A Piranesi-inspired mural by Miguel Rivero and Eduardo Cortes overlooks the pool at dealers David Serrano and Robert Willson’s Mérida, Mexico, home, which was renovated by Bohl Architects. The griffin statues and terra-cotta chair are from the couple’s Los Angeles shop, Downtown, while the mosaic-tile panel leaning against the wall is 1940s Italian.
Roger Davies52/73Refreshing Outdoor Patio in Sonoma Valley
A terrace with furnishings by Janus et Cie at Joan and Sandy Weill’s Sonoma Valley home.
Photo: Stephen Johnson53/73The Circle of Life
In lieu of typical backyard seating, AD100 firm Studio Shamshiri opted for a trio of curved couches that combine into a circle. Instead of regular old pavers, pebble flooring was placed in a circular pattern too.
COPYRIGHT ©2014 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.54/73Patio with a Center Stage Fireplace
Arranged near the outdoor fireplace of a Southampton home by Carrier and Company Interiors and architect John David Rose are Country Casual sofas and chairs cushioned in a Sunbrella fabric.
COPYRIGHT ©2014 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.55/73Brazilian Backyard Patio
A vine-covered trellis tops a dining terrace at the Brazil retreat of Valentino brand ambassador Carlos Souza; the artwork visible through the doors is a Fernando Botero drawing of a woman in a Valentino dress.
Photo: Anthony Cotsifas56/73Stone-Paved Terrace in Manhattan
At a Manhattan duplex designed by John Pawson, the stone-paved terrace, off the living-dining area, overlooks the Hudson River and New Jersey.
Photo: Richard Powers57/73Greek Retreat
At a family's retreat on the Greek island of Spetses, park-style chairs surround a pair of hearty antique refectory tables on a terrace; decorator Isabel López-Quesada and architect Nikos Moustroufis designed the property, which includes a main dwelling and two smaller adjoining residences.
Jakub Mazur58/73Petite, Cozy Patio
A string of lights can transform any outdoor space into a romantic wonder. Even if you have a small patio or balcony, hanging up some string lights makes a big impact.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna59/73Blue Bliss
A mix of hickory furniture and blue accents create a blissful sense of cohesion on this Emma Burns–designed porch.
Photo: Simon Upton60/73Tile Time
At a floral-print-lined London townhouse designed by Veere Grenney, a tiled floor brings pattern mania to the outdoor space.
Photo: Simon Watson61/73A Rustic Seating Area
A rustic daybed furnishes the open-air garden room of a house in Umbria, Italy.
Photo: Matthieu Salvaing62/73Vivid Views
The sharp green vegetation at Margherita Missoni’s Italian home isn’t the only vibrant hue on view. A Marni rocking chair and lounger are a delicious sight to see, just like the property you can view while sitting in them.
Photo: Jenna Peffley63/73Indoor/Outdoor Flow
The outdoor seating area at Justina Blakeney’s own Pasadena, CA, home flows naturally from the living space inside, with the roof extended overtop for shaded lounging.
Photo: William Jess Laird64/73A Desert Dream
Garden designer Madison Cox, architect Annabelle Selldorf, and decorator Jeffrey Bilhuber, all AD100, collaborated on this historic Marfa property that embodies the artsy desert vibe of its locale. A covered terrace allows a space to enjoy the beauty of the property without basking under the sun for too long.
Photo: Jenna Peffley65/73A Breath of Fresh Air
Actor Poorna Jagannathan worked with Hema Persad on her family home. Its U-shaped plan makes it easy to get a quick break outside.
Photo: Stephen Johnson66/73Monochrome in LA
Interior designer Jamie Bush and architect William Hefner designed this eccentric Los Angeles house for homeowner Mary Kitchen. This outdoor seating area is bold in its own way, with only stark white furniture against the oversized plantings.
Photo: Trevor Tondro; Styling: Carlos Mota67/73An Outdoor Room With a View
At Laure Heriard Dubreuil and Aaron Young’s midcentury-modern LA home, designed with help from Stéphane Parmentier, the view does all the talking in the outdoor space.
Photo: Salva López68/73Pergola Paradise
At the Mallorca home of Terra Coll Clayworks founders Tyson Strang and Tatiana Baibabaeva, trees that were dug up to make room for the pool were put to use to form a pergola.
Photo: Pernille Loof; Styling: Martin Bourne69/73Right Under The Sun
Designed by architect Studio Zung and interior designer Alexis Brown, fashion designer Ulla Johnson’s home features a rooftop outdoor space that allows the sky to take center stage. In place of dining chairs, benches are used to keep things lowkey.
Photo: Douglas Friedman; Styling: Anita Sarsidi; Hair and makeup/grooming by Alexa Rodulfo using La Mer for Estée Lauder & Gama Italy70/73Fireside Fun
Rattan furniture was used for the interior courtyard of Tommy and Dee Hilfiger’s Palm Beach home.
Photo: Fernando Marraquin71/73Planned Out Pavilion
The pavilion at this Studio Antoine–designed Punta Mita estate features three distinct seating areas, allowing for a progression through the night or a big ol’ party.
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson72/73Places to Perch
A mix of seating options—including a daybed, lounge chairs, and an extra long outdoor sofa—make sure this Santa Cruz outdoor space by Feldman Architecture and Commune Design is extra comfortable.
Photo: Melanie Acevedo73/73Go Loggia
As seen here at this Nashville property by interior designer Suzanne Kasler and architect Bill Ingram, adding a loggia to the side or back of your home allows for a covered outdoor space that can be used year-round. Also, a loggia allows you to hang a pendant light or ceiling fan.
