Deck the Halls: Bringing Outdoor Furniture Inside for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think creatively about how to transform your home into a cozy, festive space. One often overlooked yet brilliant way to refresh your interior is by bringing your outdoor furniture inside. With their durability, versatility, and charm, outdoor pieces can complement holiday décor beautifully, giving your home a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting large family gatherings or creating an intimate winter wonderland, this guide will show you how to incorporate outdoor furniture into your holiday celebrations for a functional, stylish, and unexpected twist.
1. Why Bring Outdoor Furniture Indoors?
Outdoor furniture isn’t just for patios and porches. Many pieces are designed with comfort, durability, and style in mind, making them a perfect fit for indoor use—especially during the holiday season.
a. Durability and Functionality
Outdoor furniture is built to withstand the elements, which means it’s often more durable than indoor furnishings. Bringing these robust pieces inside during the holiday season can offer practical benefits, especially if you’re hosting large gatherings or entertaining children and pets.
- Sturdiness: Outdoor furniture, often made from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, or rattan, can handle the increased traffic and activity that come with holiday events.
- Easy to Clean: Many outdoor pieces are designed to be easy to clean, making them perfect for holiday parties where spills and messes are more likely to occur.
b. Versatility and Style
Outdoor furniture is increasingly stylish, with many designs that easily blend with indoor décor. These pieces can add texture, warmth, and a fresh aesthetic to your holiday decorating scheme.
- Rustic Charm: Wicker, wood, and metal outdoor pieces can enhance a rustic or cozy cabin theme, perfect for the holiday season.
- Unique Look: Incorporating outdoor furniture indoors can add an unexpected and creative element to your space, making your home feel fresh and inviting for guests.
2. Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture for Indoor Use
Not all outdoor furniture will translate seamlessly indoors, but many pieces can be repurposed in ways that make them feel right at home. Here’s how to choose the best pieces for your holiday décor.
a. Seating Solutions
Outdoor seating can be the perfect solution for accommodating extra guests during holiday gatherings, offering stylish and functional options for living rooms, dining areas, or even entryways.
- Wicker and Rattan Chairs: These natural materials bring a warm, textured look that complements holiday décor, particularly in rustic or farmhouse-style homes. Add plush cushions or throws in festive colors to make them feel cozier indoors.
- Metal Bistro Sets: If you have a small bistro set for your outdoor space, bring it inside for additional seating around the fireplace or as a stylish spot for holiday drinks and appetizers.
- Outdoor Benches: A sturdy wooden or metal bench can be repurposed as extra seating at the dining table or in the entryway, where guests can sit to remove shoes or simply enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
b. Outdoor Dining Tables and Side Tables
Outdoor dining tables and side tables are often designed with a minimalist aesthetic that pairs well with holiday décor. By bringing them indoors, you can create functional yet stylish spaces for holiday entertaining.
- Extendable Outdoor Dining Tables: If you’re hosting a large holiday meal and need extra table space, consider using your outdoor dining table indoors. Many outdoor tables are large and extendable, making them perfect for accommodating big holiday feasts.
- Outdoor Side Tables: Use compact outdoor side tables in your living room or next to armchairs as places for holiday cocktails, snacks, or decorations. Their weather-resistant finishes make them durable yet stylish enough for indoor use.
3. Styling Outdoor Furniture for the Holidays
To make your outdoor furniture feel at home indoors during the holidays, it’s all about adding seasonal touches and cozy accessories. Here’s how to transform outdoor pieces into holiday showstoppers.
a. Layer with Soft Textiles
The key to making outdoor furniture feel warm and inviting indoors is to add plenty of soft, cozy textiles. Blankets, throws, and pillows can turn any piece into a holiday haven.
- Festive Cushions: Swap out your outdoor cushions for ones in holiday colors and patterns—think red, green, plaid, or velvet. Cushions with textures like faux fur, knits, or embroidery can instantly elevate outdoor chairs and benches.
- Warm Throws: Drape soft, chunky knit blankets or faux fur throws over outdoor benches and chairs to add warmth and comfort. These not only enhance the holiday ambiance but also invite guests to relax and get cozy.
b. Add Holiday Décor
Incorporating holiday decorations into your outdoor furniture setup can seamlessly blend the two styles and make your home feel festive and inviting.
- String Lights and Garlands: Add string lights or garlands to outdoor benches, chairs, or tables to create a magical holiday atmosphere. Use evergreen garlands for a natural look, or opt for metallic accents to bring a modern touch.
- Festive Centerpieces: If you’re using an outdoor dining table inside, dress it up with a festive centerpiece featuring candles, greenery, ornaments, or pinecones. This can turn an otherwise simple piece into a holiday focal point.
- Seasonal Lanterns: Place decorative lanterns with LED candles on outdoor side tables or dining tables to create a warm and inviting glow. These lanterns evoke a rustic holiday feel and are perfect for indoor settings.
c. Mix and Match with Indoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to stand alone. Mixing it with your existing indoor furniture can create a cohesive and balanced look that feels natural and welcoming.
- Pair Outdoor Chairs with a Cozy Sofa: Mix outdoor wicker or rattan chairs with your indoor sofa to create an eclectic seating arrangement that feels both comfortable and stylish.
- Layer Rugs for a Cozy Look: Place a soft indoor rug underneath outdoor tables or chairs to ground the pieces and make them feel more at home indoors. Layering rugs, especially with textures like wool or jute, adds warmth and depth to the space.
4. Perfect Spaces to Incorporate Outdoor Furniture Indoors
Certain areas of your home lend themselves perfectly to incorporating outdoor furniture, especially during the holidays when you may need extra seating, tables, or display surfaces.
a. Living Room
Your living room is the heart of holiday gatherings, and adding outdoor furniture here can provide extra seating while contributing to the festive atmosphere.
- Outdoor Armchairs: Position outdoor armchairs around the fireplace or in conversation areas. They provide durable seating while giving the room a fresh, relaxed feel.
- Outdoor Coffee Tables: Use an outdoor coffee table in the living room to display holiday decorations, serve snacks, or set out drinks for guests.
b. Dining Room
If you’re hosting a holiday meal, outdoor furniture can be a lifesaver, especially when accommodating large groups.
- Outdoor Benches at the Dining Table: Swap out some of your dining chairs for an outdoor bench to create a casual, communal seating option. This not only maximizes space but also adds a rustic, farmhouse feel to the dining area.
- Outdoor Dining Tables: If you have a larger outdoor table, bring it inside to expand your seating capacity for holiday dinners. Add a festive tablecloth, centerpiece, and candles to make it feel more intimate and inviting.
c. Entryway
The entryway is the first impression your guests will have of your holiday décor, and outdoor furniture can help create a welcoming space.
- Outdoor Bench for Shoes and Coats: Place an outdoor bench near the entryway for guests to sit while removing shoes or putting on coats. Decorate it with holiday pillows and blankets for a warm and festive touch.
- Side Tables for Holiday Displays: Use outdoor side tables in your entryway to hold holiday décor such as poinsettias, candles, or even a small holiday tree.
5. The Benefits of Repurposing Outdoor Furniture for the Holidays
In addition to adding charm and style to your home, repurposing outdoor furniture indoors during the holidays offers several practical benefits.
a. Space-Saving and Versatility
Outdoor furniture is often designed with smaller spaces in mind, making it perfect for homes that need flexible, multifunctional furniture during the holidays.
- Folding Outdoor Chairs: Folding chairs can be easily stored and brought out when extra seating is needed. After the holidays, they can be folded away without taking up much space.
- Stackable Furniture: Many outdoor chairs and tables are stackable, allowing you to maximize space when they’re not in use, making them perfect for smaller living areas during the holidays.
b. Cost-Effective Decorating
Instead of buying new furniture just for the holidays, bringing outdoor furniture inside is a cost-effective way to refresh your space and make it more functional for guests.
- Reuse and Repurpose: By repurposing your outdoor furniture, you save money and give your home a stylish update without purchasing additional indoor pieces.
- Long-Lasting Investment: Outdoor furniture is built to last, meaning your investment in these pieces pays off not just during the holidays but for years to come.
Conclusion
Bringing outdoor furniture inside for the holidays is a clever and stylish way to maximize space, accommodate guests, and create a unique, festive atmosphere. With the right accessories, outdoor furniture can easily be transformed into cozy, functional pieces that fit seamlessly into your indoor holiday décor. From comfortable seating solutions to stylish tables and benches, your outdoor furniture has the potential to enhance your home’s holiday charm and ensure your gatherings are as comfortable as they are memorable.
References: Artisans Collections, Integrity
