7 Stunning Lanai Design Ideas

Many people dream of having an outdoor living space. But so often those who are lucky enough to have one don’t know what to do with it.

We’ll give you a hint. Decorate it!

Lanais are especially good for decorating since they’re almost like another room in your home.

But how do you know if you have a lanai or some other type of outdoor space? It’s pretty simple. Here are some of the defining characteristics of lanais:

• open to the outside on at least one wall
• covered by your house’s roof
• located at the back of your house
• often have cement or concrete floors
• often at ground level, but can be elevated

Ready to get started? Keep reading to discover our best lanai ideas to get you in a decorating mood!

1. Add an Accent Wall

Make your lanai pop by adding an accent wall. This is your chance to get creative and make a statement.

Paint a bold color or a fun pattern on your wall. Stripes and chevrons are easy to add with the help of a little painter’s tape. For something more challenging, try painting a mural.

If you want a more sophisticated look, try adding some texture to your accent wall. Reclaimed wood and exposed brick walls are great ways to add subtle personality to your space.

2. Let There Be Light

Any well-designed space needs proper lighting, and that includes your lanai. Try a combination of both overhead and accent lighting to create the perfect mood.

Hang a chandelier to make the space feel luxurious. Or try paper lanterns to add a sense of whimsy. If you live in a hot climate, consider a ceiling fan with an overhead light to help you cool off.

String lights are a popular choice for lanai decor and for good reason they look great. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. To create a totally unique feel, try experimenting with different colored lightbulbs.

3. Mix and Match

When buying home decorations, you want to make sure they fit your style and personality. After all, you don’t want your home to look like it came straight out of a catalog. The same goes for your lanai decor.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles when decorating your lanai.

Combine an antique coffee table with modern chairs. Or throw some rustic and industrial elements in there. Decorate with things you love to make the space feel comfortable and personal.

4. Dine Al Fresco

If you have enough space, consider adding a dining area to your lanai. Who doesn’t love eating outside? It’ll make your lanai the perfect place for both intimate family meals and lavish dinner parties.

When choosing a dining table for your lanai, make sure to take plenty of measurements so you know everything will fit. The last thing you want is for your guests to be bumping into each other or having to squeeze between chairs.

Go for lightweight furniture so your lanai doesn’t feel cramped. Pieces with clean lines and a slim profile will make the space feel visually lighter. For a smaller lanai, try a bistro table instead of a full-size dining table.

5. Crazy for Color

If you really want to make a statement, go beyond the accent wall and add color to the whole space. A lanai is a perfect place to be daring and experiment with color.

Is there a color you’ve always wanted to try inside your home, but thought it was too bold? Try it out on your lanai and see how it feels.

Shades of green, blue, and coral are all great choices for lanais. If you don’t want to paint the walls, try introducing these bold colors to the space through furniture and decor.

6. Go Green

Want to know another great way to add color to your lanai? Plants!

Like with other areas in your home, plants will help liven up the space. Try a mix of hanging plants, wall gardens, and containers. Make sure to include plenty of flowering plants for delightful pops of color.

Decorating your lanai with plants gives you the opportunity to try out ones that don’t thrive indoors. Since lanais are covered, plants that need full sun aren’t ideal. Try to find plants that thrive in partial sun.

If you have a lot of houseplants, you might be able to bring some of them outside. Before choosing any plants, check the hardiness zone for where you live. This will ensure that any plant you choose will be able to thrive in your home’s climate.

7. Get Comfy and Cozy

A lanai is the perfect place to relax, so you want to make sure that it’s comfortable. Choose furniture with plush cushions to lounge on. Don’t forget the throw pillows for an extra pop of color and comfort.

Aside from comfortable furniture, there are plenty of ways to make your lanai feel cozy and welcoming. Add a soft rug to make the space feel more inviting. Throw blankets are perfect for staying cozy on chilly evenings.

Get More Lanai Ideas for Your Home

As you can see, there are so many different ways you can decorate your lanai and make it feel like you. Keep these lanai ideas in mind for inspiration, but don’t let them limit you. Let your imagination run wild!

If you need help with more lanai ideas, especially those concerning the roof, we’re here for you. Get in touch today with any lanai or roofing questions you might have!