What do you think of using patio furniture in a living room? Like a cushioned outdoor sofa set? sort of cottage style.

Susan T
by Susan T
  38 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Apr 09, 2012
    I have seen this in sunrooms and it looks good. Do you have photos?
  • Susan T Susan T on Apr 10, 2012
    Thanks for the reply :) I was thinking the same thing, it's done in sun rooms...I'm really tired of the big puffy sofas with the big print. But Patio furniture may not be cozy enough, I was thinking that it would be durable though since I can't keep the dogs or kids feet off them anyway....I need to do the living room and dining room both, it's naked pretty much and I want some color and personality in there. I do love a garden and cottage feel. A sectional would fit the best in that corner. Sorry, rambling on...
  • Susan T Susan T on Apr 10, 2012
    More pics..
  • Beth H Beth H on Apr 10, 2012
    I think it is a great idea! You really could get a vacation feel all the time if you wanted, or a cottage feel, depending on the style of furniture. And it could add a lot of color.
  • Laura S Laura S on Apr 10, 2012
    I live in a very small house in the mountains. It's not a cabin, but I've seen some pretty cool patio furniture, wicker type, that I think would look really nice in my living room. I've told my husband that when it's time to replace the couch (soon) that that is what I would like to try. If we do it, I'll post some pics. But I would love to see pics of others if they have done it.
  • Kari L Kari L on Apr 10, 2012
    been thinking of that anyway, I have 2 boys and thier teenage friends. Not to mention a single mom, I cant afford to buy new furniture but thought hey I can get some pretty cool looking stuff but its patio furniture. Glad I am not the only one thinking that way.
  • Janice S Janice S on Apr 10, 2012
    Exactly what we are using at our new lake house. Won't have to worry about wet bathing suits or mildew. Plus it looks lighter in small spaces - not so bulky. I think it's the best of both worlds - and usually cheaper.
  • Linda J Linda J on Apr 10, 2012
    The question is not should you, but does it fit your lifestyle? I did this kind of thin in about 1977... it can work very easily!
  • Sara E Sara E on Apr 10, 2012
    I think that's beautiful! It's a nice bright sunny room with bright, light weight furniture that probably costs a heap less than regular furniture. I love that look and actually, I need to change what I have, I think I might go that way when I get new stuff. Thanks for the idea!
  • Karen S Karen S on Apr 10, 2012
    I live in Florida. Most of us have casual and patio style in the house. Outside it would be mildewed in a heartbeat! I for one am all for the casual style and find these pieces almost formal! :)
  • Pam R Pam R on Apr 10, 2012
    If it's a room that is used a lot, I would make sure that the furniture is comfortable. Most "outdoor" furniture is not as comfy as a big cushy sofa. And it's not intended to be used daily...
  • Carolyn M Carolyn M on Apr 10, 2012
    I think this is a great idea for those that want the beautiful outdoors inside! It's also budget friendly for those just starting out, or those with pets! It can be fresh and happy and a huge "uplift" after a long day at work :)
    • KAT KAT on Nov 25, 2013
      @Carolyn M I cannot contact you, because you are not following me... Was going to chat about the 'fire hazard" over on that other candle post. KAT
  • 'Raven E 'Raven E on Apr 10, 2012
    have you considered wicker with puffy pillows :D
  • Marg C Marg C on Apr 10, 2012
    I think it's a good idea :) My MIL did this in her TV room and it was very impressive. Wicker with gorgeous pillows.
  • Joyce G Joyce G on Apr 10, 2012
    One of the living room sets I purchased years ago was the IKEA ILBO 3 piece set, wood frame with cushions. I loved it, and the bonus was it was very easy to keep clean.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Apr 10, 2012
    Susan, it looks like you got plenty of great advice since I weighed in with my two cents. Some of the big furniture stores around here seem to carry nothing but big oversized sofas for indoors. But there are some cool pieces that are smaller for outdoors that would look really nice indoors. I know in Asia, rattan and other materials are often used indoors, and look very nice.
  • Ruth K Ruth K on Apr 11, 2012
    I'm all for this great for summer homes but even greater in northern homes . Lighten up life is short enjoy !!!
  • Dorothea B Dorothea B on Apr 11, 2012
    I love it; there are beautiful outdoor furniture pieces that look great inside~
  • Susan T Susan T on Apr 11, 2012
    Thanks everyone for helping me out! You all are great :-) I like the wicker ideas. Now just to find something I can afford, that's the real challenge! ~ Post some pics Janice!
  • Susan T Susan T on Apr 11, 2012
    Other side of the dining area. This wall was solid before. Opening it and adding the bar made it feel much more open... (Note to self, don't forget to take BEFORE pics!)
  • Debi M Debi M on Apr 11, 2012
    I've seen patio furniture used in a casual living room. Looks really nice in a beach theme, or in soft pastels. Are you planning on using wicker patio furniture, pvc furniture?
  • Sara E Sara E on Apr 11, 2012
    Now that I said that I think it was LLBean or Eddie Bauer who had some lightweight, beautiful, non-poofy living room furniture. Not expensive either.
  • Guin R Guin R on Apr 21, 2012
    i am glad i happened upon this page, i was just thinking of that the other day for my apartment I just moved into and some type of chairs to go with the tan/brown chenelle couch I already have.
  • Marg C Marg C on Apr 22, 2012
    Susan...also if you go with wicker, you'll want to dust it weekly with a brand new DRY 4" paintbrush. Amazing what a dry paintbrush will do with small spaces and crevices.
  • Melissa K Melissa K on May 29, 2012
    In the early 80's, I owned a home that had all hardwood flooring, 12 foot ceilings and was so hard todecorate on a budget. My neighbor sold me his rattan furnture from his patio, and with the proper cushions, ithe LR became a hit. The chairs were all high-back rattan. Miss the house but not the neighborhood.
  • Suzy Myers Suzy Myers on May 26, 2013
    I had a porch swing with soft seating in my country living room. It was wonderful and everybody loved sitting and swinging when they come to visit.
  • KAT KAT on Nov 25, 2013
    Hey Carolyn... I started following you in an attempt to contact you concerning the "homemade candle danger" and wanted to private message you, but can't because you are not following me.... I'd like to keep this private since this post is not about candles.... THANKS!
  • Karen Colton Karen Colton on Feb 17, 2015
    Do you have pets ? Cats scratch the outdoor furniture is my point I have a hide a bed because people visit instant bedroom The outdoor furniture would be easier to keep clean Do you have children? This would be great because if they have allergies the outdoor furniture would be less likely to be dust magnets
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Mar 30, 2015
    Sounds good to me. it would give you more space and a lighter feel, since patio pieces are usually not as heavy and overstuffed like regular pieces. You could also change out the cushions for a more seasonal feel as you like. BWT- my daughter lives in Denton, (actual address is Corinth)
  • Pivoines Pivoines on May 13, 2015
    If you use the new composite furniture with comfy cushions , they will definitely be very appropriate and look just right, if you use wicker more delicate style, it will look like a sunroom, which is also fine if that is the look you want. I say go for it !
  • Betty Sides Betty Sides on May 13, 2015
    I think that is a great idea. At this time, we can use just about anything we would like. If it is outdoor furniture, dress it up. If you would like to use indoor pieces outside, cover it in weather proof fabric. I'd love to see it when you have finished. Thanks for sharing!
  • B. Enne B. Enne on May 26, 2015
    This is an old post but if someone else wants to do the same thing: I have had this for over 8 years in a sunroom, which gets used daily for about 4 months a year 3 tips: 1-Buy the best you can afford. 2-The cushions need to be thick and firm. 3-If you buy a metal set, avoid the type with the plastic/vinyl straps you can't easily change, with a metal round bar in the middle. Our cushions are getting flat, and would cost more to replace than I paid for the set. The metal bar is uncomfortable, due to the flattened cushions. I have been looking for a replacement set. At Costco (I think), I saw a composite set with flat metal slats under the cushions. The cushions are really thick and firm. I would not buy a composite set with the plastic/resin/vinyl wicker on the seat because they sag after a while. On the positive side, there is no sunbleaching (if you have old windows), it is easy to clean, it is often cheaper than an interior set, and you can use it outside when you are ready to buy new interior furniture.
  • Lulu Lulu on Mar 06, 2016
    I love rattan indoors.Its sooo outside fresh
  • Gloria tulip Gloria tulip on Mar 09, 2016
    Usually outdoor furniture is not as comfortable as furniture actually made to use inside. But this might be a good way to keep one from spending too much time on the sofa.
  • Sylvia Albert Sylvia Albert on Nov 11, 2016
    No thanks! Not comfy enough.
  • Saiqa Amari Saiqa Amari on Mar 11, 2020

    We can use patio furniture in a living room without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of our home. We can have it in the kitchen, lounge or even use it as bedroom furniture! Besides that, patio furniture will outlast our entire house's furniture. Recently I had ordered elegant furniture set from a shop Oriental Creativity at a very good range. That set gives a unique look to my sweet home.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Apr 08, 2021

    I love that cottage style!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 13, 2021

    Why not, As long as it fits well into the room!