Originally posted 8/19/21
Updated 9/1/23
Last week, I posted my best tips to shop Labor Day home decor sales. We talked about a strategy so you knew what to buy and why. I even gave examples of many outdoor items you could buy on sale and use indoors–I’m very passionate about this, by the way. I believe in saving money and being able to enjoy your stuff year round.
Shopping your own home is the latest trend. And when I say trend, I mean that people are just now realizing that they can! Using what you have is not only better for the environment (less waste, hellooooo), but it allows you to have a uniquely curated home full of treasures used in creative ways. It’s rather brilliant.
Let me show you what outdoor furniture and decor you can successfully use indoors.
10 Ways to Use Your Outdoor Furniture INDOORS (Decor too)
When the time comes for you to store your outdoor furniture for the winter, take an extra look and see how it can be repurposed. It’s basically “free” furniture for the taking! Ok, not free, but you get it; you’re giving your stuff a second life and shopping what you already own and love. So let’s see how we can use our outdoor furniture indoors and update our homes without buying anything.
Pro tip: Take advantage of every single seasonal sale. We’re talking Labor Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday, Christmas, etc. Develop a keen eye to help you buy items you can use year round that aren’t just seasonal trends. That way, you’re not left with so much stuff to be stored, only to be enjoyed a few months out of the year.
1. Side tables
You know what I love about outdoor side tables? They feel more natural and organic than a lot of indoor side tables. They are streamlined, not visually heavy, and interesting to look at. I love woven, rattan, and ceramic options as these can look gorgeous indoors. No one would ever know!
Think about your primary bedroom–is there a corner that could use some love? A chair and a side table is all you need to create a quiet space for calm. A place for coffee, for reading, for relaxing. You can create your own oasis.
2. Dining table and chairs
Chairs are the workhorses of the home, and the good news is that outdoor chairs are even more durable! You can swap out your current dining chairs in favor of something bright, patterned, or textured. Most dining tables are wood, steel, or glass, which is perfect for indoor life (as well as aesthetics).
Pro tip: avoid slatted tables as it gets a lil “picnic-y” feeling.
Outdoor dining chairs are so beautiful too. You can shop neutrals for a woven coastal vibe, or go bold with a bright powder coated steel option. Many outdoor dining tables and chairs don’t scream “outdoor”, so promote them to year round use.
Don’t have a dining area or are too in love with your chairs to switch? That’s okay! You can set up a new crafting area or work space. Hello, new home office!
And what about your formal dining or living areas? Barely anybody uses formal dining rooms or formal living rooms anymore, so chances are, you do have an extra space to spare that you’re not using to its full potential. Give that space a new life and a purpose.
3. Accent chairs
Does your living room need additional seating? How about your dining area? Look around your home and see if you can move any outdoor furniture indoors and create an instant conversation area!
Consider any empty space in your home–could you create a reading nook there? Nooks are great because by definition, they are tiny spaces. Nooks are my jam. I think it’s because as a New Yorker, it is so ingrained in me to make use of every square inch of space. So, transforming an unused corner into something delightful makes my heart soar.
4. Sofas and loveseats
Outdoor furniture has come a long way. Now, you have so many stylish selections that don’t even look like outdoor furniture. Most outdoor sofas and chairs have nice cushions and are made of wood or iron, so they are perfect for indoors!
Think of a space that could use some fluffing up. Is there a basement that could use some seating to encourage hangouts? A family room that needs some love? A play room that remains empty? Use those big ticket outdoor items to give your current space a new purpose.
5. Throw pillows
I love outdoor textiles. They are SO durable. In fact, I recommend outdoor pillows to my clients with kids, pets, and bright spaces. Outdoor textiles already have UV protection, and are hard wearing and stain resistant. Almost all are easy care and machine washable. If you have a keen eye and select the right styles, they are indistinguishable from their indoor counterparts.
Many outdoor pillows are oversized. The reason? So they can also act as seating. The fabric is already stain resistant, so throw those babies on the floor and create a meditation area for yourself! You could also plop them on the floor as auxiliary seating if you’re in a small space like us New Yorkers.
Give it a go! But also–give them a good wash before bringing inside.
6. Rugs
Yes, you can use outdoor rugs indoors! Outdoor rugs are super durable, have UV protection, and are quite comfy. Just give them a good hose off before bringing indoors. I had the same outdoor rug in my kitchen for over 5 years and it still looked brand new with zero damage. I would use outdoor rugs in these spaces.
Pro tip: Opt for outdoor rugs that don’t look like outdoor rugs. You know what I mean; I wouldn’t recommend loud prints and patterns (unless that’s your style!). Instead, go for classic patterns (like stripes) and jute rugs for a seamless transition into indoor life. Here’s my roundup of outdoor rugs to use indoors. I also have an area rug guide for you.
7. Planters
I am constantly moving my planters indoors and out. I cannot even describe to you the beauty that is a weathered terracotta planter. It’s just amazing and an instant statement piece. And the best part? Terracotta planters are among the most affordable!
You can take your outdoor planters and replace your summer annuals with a nice indoor plant. A nice way to help yourself through the transition to cooler temps is to bring life to your indoors with plants. They also clean the air so it’s a win-win!
Make sure you clean off all dirt on the outside of the pot and check for bugs before bringing indoors.
Pro tip: Many outdoor planters come with a rubber stopper so you have a built in option for bringing it indoors. If your pot has drainage holes and no stopper, then get a saucer (terracotta or a vintage plate look great).
8. Ambient lighting
I have a song I sing in my apartment (that I made up) called ‘Cozy Time’. It usually comes with some good old fashioned dance moves, because, well, I’m a goof. It is my lot in life.
When the sun starts setting before 8pm, then IT IS COZY TIME. We’re talking candles, hurricanes, fairy lights, etc. Check out your outdoor ambient lighting situation–can any of it be used indoors? Bonus points if you have a delicious Noguchi style rice paper lantern. I’ve long loved Brady Tolbert’s living room version…that could be you!
9. Storage
Do you have a really beautiful wood, rattan, wicker, or powder coated storage piece? Maybe you used it to store extra gardening supplies. Go ahead and bring it indoors! It will be a gorgeous way to give life to a home office. Not convinced? Maybe it’s “too” worn and weathered? Well, check out my wabi sabi post. Worn and weathered is just oh so beautiful.
10. Potting bench
You can use a potting bench as a console, sideboard, or even a kitchen hutch! Fully embracing the wear and the beauty of your pieces and by outdoor furniture indoors gives so much soul to a space. It’s one reason people love to shop vintage! The soul is built right in. Using outdoor furniture indoors can be SO FUN AND FREEING.
Look at this sage green potting bench with the scalloped edges? It’s a DIY and there’s a tutorial!
You can literally redecorate your entire space using only what your currently have! Not only is it eco-friendly to use your outdoor furniture indoors, but it will save you a pretty penny and make your home more interesting.
Mix pattern, pair colors, embrace imperfection, appreciate the warmth and wear of wood, the patina of terracotta and metals. I guarantee you if you use your outdoor furniture indoors, and in a way that’s creative and joyful, you will end up with a home that is like no other, that just screams YOU.
6 Responses
Using outdoor furniture indoors is ideal if you have pets…. Fabric coverings are easy to wash…. You can even break it down and wash it in your driveway and return to your living space good as new. Add throw pillows and plush fleece blankets for more comfort and style touches.
Totally agree! Outdoor fabrics are ideal in homes with kids and pets and I am always recommending them for living room pillows paired with performance fabrics for crazy good longevity:-)
Also the plastic furniture is ideal for outdoor events since the pieces can be moved around easily and come in exciting bright colors. Plastic can also be made to look like other materials (wood, metal, etc.). Plastic pieces are easy to clean and maintain, and can withstand harsh and changing weather.
If you buy plastic, make sure it’s good quality and will last a looooong time so we don’t add to the plastic problems of the world:-) Even better is to buy chairs made of recycled plastic and composites!