How to Transform any Yard or Porch into Your Own Private Park

With the right seating options, your porch, deck, yard or other swath of outdoor space can function as anything you want it to: Living room, den, even an office. One easy and affordable way to do it? Outdoor pillows. Here's how to use these accessories to expand your living area into the outdoors.

Perfect Perch

Sometimes the difference between a comfy outdoor seat and a backbreaking ergonomic nightmare is whether you can put your feet up. A portable, lightweight footrest is a great option. (And it doubles as seating for kids!) We like that this one is made of a durable, dense textile that can stand up to the weather.

Multipurpose Storage

Outdoor furniture can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. With a little smart searching you can find multi-piece sets that offer seating, table top space and storage all in one.

Good Looks That‚ll Last

Yes, many outdoor textiles say they're weather resistant, but there's a lot more to worry about than moisture including pollen, mold, mud and even animal droppings. That's why it's a good idea to look for outdoor pillows and cushions with removable and machine washable covers. You can keep them clean then easily keep them sanitary and around for many seasons of outdoor weather to come.

So Comfy

Overstuffed for ComfortNew text box: Comfort is just as important outdoors as it is indoors! We're also fans of the fact that they come in more than 40 colors, and the filling is made from recycled fiber.

No Mold or Mildew

One major challenge with outdoor textiles of any kind is that they will get wet‚ whether it's by a rainstorm, morning dew or your garden hose. Since no one wants to have to bring their outdoor stuff indoors at night (or anytime really), it's important to look for products made from anti-mold and water resistant material.

Written by Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal for Better You and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.