Your second living room in the outdoors? Here's why and how.

Since a couple of years or so, a growing amount of people is making their home more comfortable. More time and money are spent into realizing properly designed rooms and buying comfy furniture.

One of the upcoming trends we see, is that more people families are creating a so-called second living room in their home. Some are even bringing this room to the outdoors. What is this trend all about, and what do you need for the best outdoor living room?

Let's tell you about the trend that's here to stay.

What is a second living room and why do we have one?

A second living room is an extra space in your home that resembles the main living room. These rooms are often located close to the kitchen, but not always. More on that later

The major difference between main living rooms and second living rooms is the way we use both rooms. We typically use the main living room for formal occasions but use second living rooms for entertaining activities with friends and family, like watching TV or playing games.

Picture of second living room with television, where blinds are added for the light control.

Why do people have a second living room outdoors?

So back to the location part. Interestingly, the amount of second living rooms in the outdoors is growing. Yes, you've read that right: people spend more money and effort into creating a comfortable garden or patio.

And the Outdoor Living-trend arose: we want to spend more time outside. At the same time, while sitting outside, we want to enjoy the comfort of our indoor living room. That's why more and more families buy high-quality garden furniture, decorate their patios, and make their outdoor space suitable for all kinds of activities during summertime and beyond.

That's why gardens are called second living rooms. Because why would you eat, read, or play games inside when your outdoor living room is just as comfortable?

What you definitely need for a comfortable outdoor living space

So what should you need for comfortable living room in the outdoors? Let's take a look at some tips:

High-quality garden furniture

Picking the right garden furniture is essential. Not only do you want to make your outdoor stay comfy, but you also want high-quality chairs and tables that can withstand both good and bad weather.

Patio heater

Speaking of the weather: especially during autumn, winter, and spring, it can be quite cold on your patio. You might not want to sit in your outdoor living room during colder days. With a patio heater, however, you add additional warmth to your patio.

Sun shading and weather protection

The best outdoor living room is a room that resembles the comfort and climate of an indoor living room. You should be able to have influence on the weather and the temperature on your patio if you want to enjoy your second living room to the fullest.

Now, we know it can get too sunny, too windy, too rainy or too cold outside. And we all know we can't change the weather. But you can protect your patio from these weather influences with a sun shading system or a weather protecting roof. In the table below, we'll shortly mention the value of each product

Depending on what product you choose, you can spend more time outside regardless of the weather, literally making your patio or garden your second living room.

This family chose for outdoor comfort, with a luxurious sofa and a table under their louvered roof.

Additional benefits of a covered outdoor living room

So, say goodbye to the blinding sun glares, the heat on your patio, and the rain and wind! And enjoy some additional benefits of your covered outdoor living room:

Privacy:

When covering your patio, you create a separate little spot that is just for you and your family. It will be more difficult for your neighbours to spy on you, especially when you add patio awnings or sliding walls to your roof.

Fend off insects

When you add patio awnings to your roof or opt for a roof with glass walls, you can better protect your second living room from insects.

Enjoy a lighted patio

You can integrate LED-lighting into many of our sun shading and weather protection products, which allows you to enjoy your second living room at night, too.

Increase your home's value

By turning your garden or patio into a second living room, you increase the value of your home. Not only is a well-designed patio appealing to the eye, but it also becomes way more functional, and you can spend more time outside.

More information

Want to know more about the awnings and roofs for your outdoor living room? Follow us on social media or check out our catalogue. You might also be interested in reading some of our other blogs.