How to Decorate Your Lanai for Outdoor Entertaining

Updated on July 12, 2024: This story was originally published on August 18, 2015, and has been updated with new information.

Outdoor living space is a highly sought-after feature among today's homebuyers - and here in Florida, it's on many homebuyers' must-have lists! After all, most Floridians agree that one of the best things about living in the Sunshine State is enjoying the outdoors year-round. 

A lanai, another word for a covered patio, is the perfect outdoor living space for relaxing, dining, and entertaining at your new home in Florida while enjoying some fresh air and balmy weather. Usually found on the back of the home, a lanai serves as an outdoor room connecting your inside living space with your backyard. It's covered by a roof and open to the yard on at least one side, and may either be screened in or left open to the elements - here in Florida, many homeowners choose a screened lanai to add protection from bugs and rain.

Your lanai can seamlessly integrate your indoor living area with your outdoor living space. We chatted with Stacey Perez, Manager of the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio and our lead model decorator, to get some tips for decorating your lanai for outdoor living, entertaining, and enjoyment.

Start at the Bottom

Bare concrete can show dirt and stains, and be difficult to keep clean. There are many options for outfitting your lanai floor such as concrete stains, tile, and sealers. Our favorite product is Flo-Crete, a textured sealer that creates a non-skid finish resistant to cracking, fading, moisture, and staining, and will hold up against many acids and caustic chemicals. It’s a great way to not only protect the surface but also add a finish that is attractive and durable.

Because we love Flo-Crete so much, we include it on the entry and lanai of our new construction homes in Florida! For the best look, it should be coordinated with your exterior paint; we suggest either the body or trim color.

Adding an outdoor rug is another fantastic and functional decor idea for your lania - but first, you should...

Choose Furniture

According to Stacey, there are three things you want to keep in mind while choosing furniture for your lanai.

1. Size and Function

Too much furniture can make the space feel crowded, while too little may not leave you with enough seating. Start by asking yourself, how are you going to use your outdoor living space? Then, find pieces that are sized for the space and fulfill your needs.

• If you're imagining brunches and barbecues, choose an outdoor dining set for dining al fresco.
• For lounging and relaxing, we love a sectional couch or loveseat with a small coffee or accent table.
• If sipping is your style, cocktail hour or afternoon tea is delightful with two to four comfy armchairs centered around a table.
• Just hanging out? Hanging chairs are a whimsical outdoor seating option - kids love them! If you don't want to drill into the ceiling, choose a chair stand.

2. Materials 

Similar to sizing for your needs, choose materials wisely - you want to select outdoor furniture that is durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain.

Furniture made of plastic or PVC wicker is cheap in price but may not stand up to time, or wear and tear. Outdoor furniture made of teak or acacia woods, synthetic resin wicker, and cast aluminum is light enough to move around, low maintenance, and durable - If you specifically want metal, we like aluminum for these reasons. Wrought iron offers unique designs but is extremely heavy and can rust, and stainless steel outdoor furniture is resistant to rust but also heavy, so only choose these metals for furniture pieces that are not often moved.

3. Fabric

If your outdoor furniture has cushions or pillows, you want water-resistant or waterproof fabric and filling to ensure they can weather the weather. Humidity can seep into fabrics and if you’re new to Florida, you may soon discover the phenomena of sideways rain! (Don't worry, it usually only lasts a few minutes.)

Another factor to consider is how well the fabric will handle the sun. A covered lanai offers a lot of sun protection but likely there is a time of day when your patio furniture will see sunlight. Fortunately, many outdoor fabrics are fade-resistant and, if you plan to use the cushions year-round, it’s a good idea to spend a bit more money to have cushions that will last.

Top tip: If you are looking to save some money on your outdoor furniture, wait until the end of the season to purchase; retailers usually clearance patio furniture in July or August.

Add Style

Do you like tropical or rustic, classic or modern, bright or pastel? Likely, your lanai will have a decor style or color palette complimenting your indoor living space - After all, stepping onto your lanai is like stepping from one room into another (warmer, balmier room). But that doesn't mean you can't have vivid colors or quirky patterns that you maybe wouldn't choose for your interior!

Outdoor throw pillows, rugs, and placemats are a great way to add pops of color or patterns. Think eye-catching bright floral designs, sea-inspired stripes, and modern geometric patterns. For colors, Florida invites coastal-inspired blue and aquamarine hues, though you should pick an accent color that speaks to you, whether that's sunny yellow, modern black and white, or earthy green tones. Just keep in mind to keep it cohesive with the same 2-3 accent colors used throughout your decor.

Other outdoor decor pieces to consider adding are:

• Table centerpieces - Whether it's a dining or accent table, dress up the surface with an accent that speaks to you. Keep in mind, that a centerpiece doesn’t have to be one piece; it can be a grouping of objects such as a set of glass vases filled with colorful stones, sand, or seashells. 
• Candles are another popular tabletop accent. Mirrored pillars are great for reflecting the light and providing a welcoming atmosphere, while lanterns evoke rustic charm.
• Wall art - Metal wall art comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, and wood outdoor wall art has become popular as natural materials or in-trend.
• Plants! What better way to celebrate the outdoors than with nature itself? If you have the cursed black thumb, faux greenery is absolutely appropriate - and it's easy since pre-made fake floral arrangements are available at most home decor stores. Plus, you can add plants almost anywhere on your lanai, from table centerpieces, to freestanding planters, to wall planters or hanging pots.

Top tip: Stacey says, "Look for bargains on outdoor pillows and rugs at HomeGoods, Marshalls, and Ross. I like to change my outdoor accents for the seasons and holidays, and these stores are my go-to for fun, affordable decor pieces."

Illuminate with Lighting

Your lanai has plenty of natural light - but if you are grilling, reading, or playing games outside after dark, you'll want proper lighting to illuminate your space. And, accent lighting creates an aesthetic while adding additional style.

• Wired light fixtures such as recessed ceiling lights or a ceiling fan with a light kit provide great ambient and task lighting - and an outdoor ceiling fan can help keep you cool on hot days.
• String lights provide ambient mood lighting, and come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your decor.
• Lanterns and wall sconces add elegant mood lighting, and if you have a table, a hanging pendant is a wonderful decorative lighting option.

These are just a few ideas to get you started with decorating your outdoor living space. With the right colors and details, your lanai will become an extension of your home and your favorite room for relaxing or entertaining.

Highland Homes builds beautiful new homes in desirable communities throughout Central, North Central, Southwest, and Tampa Bay, Florida. Learn more about us and browse Florida homes with outdoor living space on the Highland Homes website.