45 Outdoor Living Rooms That Will Make Your Indoor Living Room Jealous (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor Rooms

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Kristin Hohenadel

45 Outdoor Living Rooms That Will Make Your Indoor Living Room Jealous (1)

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

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Updated on 07/26/23

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45 Outdoor Living Rooms That Will Make Your Indoor Living Room Jealous (2)

Interior designers and architects are always looking for clever ways to bring the outdoors inside. But bringing the comforts of the indoors to the outside has become a trend in recent years. Designers and manufacturers have developed innovative materials and products that make it easier than ever to make your outside space as stylish and comfortable as your interior. Check out these well dressed outdoor living rooms that provide bonus space for entertaining or just hanging out with the family in style.

Don't Sacrifice Comfort or Style

Styling a visually appealing outdoor space is possible at any price point these days with the availability of indoor outdoor furniture such as upholstered sofas and stylish decor such as rugs, throw pillows, and solar or LED lighting that are designed to withstand the elements and blur the lines between indoors and out.

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    Build a Custom Banquette

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    This Manhattan rooftop living room from NYC-based Manscapers has a wood banquette fitted with padded seating and a ton of throw pillows, a pair of organic coffee tables, and a Moroccan-style rug that makes it feel as comfortable as an indoor space. A large umbrella provides shade, and a row of plantings behind the sectional provides greenery and a sense of intimacy beneath a majestic water tower and the imposing skyline of NYC.

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    Add a Mirror

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    While adding a mirror to an outdoor space might not be your first instinct, it's just the kind of accessory that can make an outdoor space feel decorated and complete. In this comfortable outdoor living room from Marie Flanigan Interiors, a framed mirror leans casually on the chunky wood mantel, giving some relief to the stone fireplace wall, and reflecting light. Well cushioned furniture that looks formal enough to be located indoors, and a wood-clad ceiling add contrast to the stone floors and walls. Potted plants and vases of flowers look perfectly at home in the semi-open outdoor setting.

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    Keep It Cozy

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    You don't need a huge outdoor space to create a cozy outdoor living room fit for afternoon reading or co*cktails under the stars. This Mallorca apartment from Fantastic Frank has an ultra-private terrace thanks to high walls and some inexpensive bamboo fencing. A leafy potted plant, rattan furniture with vintage vibes, pale blue and white textiles, and LED string lights turn the space into an urban oasis.

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    Include an Outdoor Bar

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    This outdoor living space from Breeze Giannasio Interiors is set up in the shadow of an outdoor bar. Wood-frame armchairs with thick padding offer a comfortable place to sip a drink, an outdoor fireplace provides a focal point whether or not there is a fire burning, and a framed painting over the mantel makes it feel like an indoor room. A pair of pendant lights define the bar area, and a covered vaulted ceiling with exposed painted white beams keeps the entertainment area sheltered from too much sun or rain.

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    Add Shade

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    This modern pool house living room from Mark Langos Interior Design is part of a spacious outdoor entertaining space. The open living room is covered by a roof to provide shade and shelter from the elements and outfitted with comfortable furnishings, a fireplace, and a wide-screen TV.

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    Use Black and White

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    This outdoor patio living room from Eggshell Home is anchored by an area rug, with a contemporary concrete finish fire pit, comfortable seating, and a black-and-white palette that gives it graphic punch and a bit of backyard edge.

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    Add a Green Wall

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    Tall hedges lend this Portland, Oregon outdoor living room from BASE Landscape Architecture a sense of privacy. The architects used a range of stones to build a neutral, chic outdoor living room with a mix of seating, sculptural side tables, and a custom banquette that houses firewood beneath the seating for the stainless steel fire pit that adds a warm counterpoint to all the mineral elements.

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    Incorporate Scandi Style

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    For urban apartment dwellers lucky enough to have a balcony, an outdoor living room can truly function like an additional room. This sleek Copenhagen apartment from Fantastic Frank has a neutral palette on the inside that's carried out onto the balcony, erasing the line between indoors and out.

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    Hang Some Curtains

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    This Napa Valley, California vineyard outdoor living and dining room from interior designer Kara Mann has a vaulted roof and open sides that provide a view to the surroundings. Sheer white curtains soften the space and frame the views. The ceilings and walls are painted in a warm shade of beige and hardwood floors are kept natural, contrasted with a pair of modern slipcovered sofas, sculptural stools and end tables to create a timeless look.

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  • Deck It Out

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    This outdoor living room from Anita Yokota is located on a slightly raised back deck. A comfortable sectional with plenty of throw pillows in outdoor-safe fabrics gives it a cozy feel, and a round coffee table adds polish. The warm color of the home siding makes the open space feel cozy, while bright green and orange accents add vibrancy.

    The 13 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture in 2024

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    Accentuate the View

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    This sleek NYC rooftop living room from New Eco Landscapes is polished and ready to host co*cktail hour with its comfortable seating, black tarp for shading, and festively lit brick wall lined with a row of chic black planters. A pair of trees frames the priceless view of the Chrysler Building.

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    Accessorize With Textiles

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    This outdoor living room from Breeze Giannasio Interiors is located just outside the main living space and is decorated to look like an extension of the house, with a large overstuffed sectional sofa, plenty of throw pillows, Moroccan leather poufs, and a lush canopy of green that provides a refreshing backdrop.

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    Infuse It With Boho Style

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    This outdoor living room from Blanco Bungalow has modern boho style vibes, with a mix of textiles, natural tones, and abundance of accessories. Painted white brick and a few black accents adds a graphic touch.

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    Use Moody Colors

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    This woodsy outdoor living room from Emily Henderson Design is located on a back deck and surrounded by trees, providing plenty of natural shade and dappled light.

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    Add Multiple Seating Areas

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    This outdoor space from interior designer Maite Granda includes a covered outdoor sitting area with open sides, a cozy seating arrangement in shades of gray and white, an overhead ceiling fan, and a pair of curtains that give it a VIP room vibe.

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    Accent With Orange

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    This breezy outdoor living room Breeze Giannasio Interiors has stylish seating, pops of cheerful orange, and a quintessential LA city view of palm trees and electrical wires.

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    Paint the Fence Black

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    This Brooklyn backyard outdoor living room from Manscapers has chic black painted fencing to provide a calming backdrop that makes all the greenery pop, plus low-slung, deep wood pallet seating that invites lounging and afternoon naps.

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    Lay Graphic Floor Tiles

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    This minimalist Palo Alto patio living room from Cathie Hong Interiors has graphic floor tile, a midcentury-inspired sofa, and sculptural planters and throw pillows.

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    Try Wicker Furniture

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    This Newport Beach, CA outdoor living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. has wicker-style furniture outfitted with overstuffed white upholstery that softens the outdoor space.

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    Install a Pergola

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    A weathered wood pergola outfitted with ample seating in shades of soft white and gray and plenty of planted greenery makes this outdoor living room from New Eco Landscapes feel like an oasis on an open city rooftop that can withstand the elements and the test of time.

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    Make It Contemporary

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    Interior designer Maite Granda used contemporary furniture with an airy open weave and neutral colors in this outdoor living room that has a sophisticated, grown up feel.

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    Add Bold Blues

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    This long and narrow NYC balcony from New Eco Landscapes is transformed into a sophisticated outdoor living room with a fire pit and plush sofa seating in vibrant shades of blue. Tall planters add areas of privacy while the glass walls provide views.

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    Add a Cabana

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    This poolside cabana from Cathie Hong Interiors is just big enough for an oversized sectional that offers a shady place to dry off after a swim.

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    Zone It Out

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    This outdoor living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. is located on a paved stone patch of the lawn, centered around a fire pit, and set up to facilitate conversation and togetherness.

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    Keep It Simple

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    This simple outdoor living room from interior designer Maite Granda is located on a balcony off the primary bedroom, turning it into a luxury suite for morning coffee or decompressing at the end of a long day.

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    Mix Blues and Greens

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    This cozy outdoor living room from Manscapers uses tones of wood and blue and green accents that blend harmoniously with the lush green backdrop, while the large chunky sectional fills the space.

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    Install an Outdoor TV

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    This covered patio outdoor living room from Marie Flanigan Interiors has quietly elegant upholstered wood-frame furnishings, an outdoor fireplace, and a wall-mounted outdoor TV for hot summer movie nights.

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    Add an Outdoor Rug

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    This easygoing back porch living room from Emily Henderson Design is decorated with a matching pair of sofas, a large coffee table, and anchored by a simple outdoor rug.

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    Hang String Lighting

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    This homey outdoor living room from Inspired by Charm is accessorized with decorative objects, vintage touches, hanging plants, and string bulb lighting that give it a festive feel.

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    Slipcover the Sofa

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    Earthy neutrals, comfortable upholstery, and an organic wood side table make this outdoor living room from Jenn Pablo Studio a great place to relax by the pool.

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    Decorate the Lawn

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    If your backyard is covered in artificial grass, you can set up an outdoor living room right on top of your faux lawn without worrying about killing it. In this outdoor living room designed by Mallory Wackerman Design for Emily Henderson Design, a patterned outdoor rug anchors a comfortable seating area to create the feeling of a room within the open space.

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    Make It Homey

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    This modern farmhouse outdoor living room from My 100 Year Old Home was made for entertaining and family reunions, flanked by another outdoor seating area as well as an equipped outdoor kitchen and bar.

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    Use Modern Furniture

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    Contemporary furniture and a neutral palette gives this raised back patio living room from Mindy Gayer Design Co. a clean modern look.

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    Mix and Match Textiles

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    While many people choose matching furniture sets to decorate an outdoor space, this living room from Manscapers chose a more current approach, with a mix of mismatched furnishings and patterned textiles that give the space an effortless, indoor appeal. Generous plantings provide privacy from neighbors and create an urban garden setting.

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    Make Room for a Crowd

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    This contemporary rooftop living room from Design Lines Signature was designed for a crowd, in shades of gray with a glass-walled fire pit and ambient lighting that make it a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

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    Keep It Eclectic

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    This small outdoor living room from Manscapers has oversized poufs that double as seating and coffee tables and an eclectic mix of patterns and colors.

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    Landscape the Rooftop

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    The living room area in this landscaped rooftop deck space from New Eco Landscapes is defined by a corner sectional located under a large pergola that provides shade and a sense of intimacy while remaining part of the open plan rooftop.

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    Bring the Bling

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    Blogger Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona incorporated bright gold sculptural side tables that add an unexpected touch of bling in this outdoor living room.

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    Add a Grilling Station

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    This outdoor living room from Mary Patton Design is set up for all kinds of recreation, with a grilling station, fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and a seating area with comfortable furnishing anchored by a geometric patterned area rug.

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    Add a Conversation Area

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    Interior designer and blogger Anita Yokota defined her outdoor living room in a large backyard by installing a pergola and adding a conversation area with a U-shaped layout anchored with an area rug.

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    Use Floral Accents

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    Upholstered armchairs arranged around a round coffee table and decorated with throw pillows with a bright floral motif bring the comforts of the indoors to this outdoor living room from Design Lines Signature.

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    Shade With a Floor Umbrella

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    This spacious outdoor living room from Leclair Decor has wrap-around seating, a central fire pit, a large area rug, and an adjustable umbrella to provide shade.

    The 8 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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    Accent With Bold Color

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    Acid green accents, upholstered teak seating, and industrial bulb lights make this outdoor living space from blogger Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona feel inviting.

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    Mix Wood Finishes

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    This semi-open outdoor living room from Michelle Berwick Design uses a mixture of wood finishes on the floor, walls, and ceiling to create interest and dimension. Black wrought iron furniture adds graphic lines.

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    Screen It In

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    Depending on where you live, the idea of an outdoor living room might be marred by mosquitoes or too-harsh sunlight. This outdoor living room from Kate Marker Interiors is built from the bones of an old gazebo to provide a cozy and intimate space that provides shade and can be screened in.

What are the key components of an outdoor living room?

The key components of an outdoor living room include weather-resistant furniture such as lounge seating or dining, lighting, and decor such as outdoor rugs and plants. You can set up an outdoor living room on a patio, deck, or other backyard space, either on its own or as part of a multipurpose space that includes a bar, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen.

45 Outdoor Living Rooms That Will Make Your Indoor Living Room Jealous (2024)

FAQs

How to build an outdoor living room? ›

Doors, curtains, and plants can all be used to give the illusion of an outdoor living room with walls. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space all while having the option of privacy. Texturize your space by adding brick, stone, or a wood-patterned wall, or go for an oasis vibe and use linen or thin cotton curtains.

How to make outdoor space feel cozy? ›

Bring on the cozy feeling with your favorite soft accents. Pillows, blankets, and rugs are all an easy way to transform your outdoor space into a snuggly oasis. Using these soft materials in juxtaposition with your furniture and the outdoors mimics your inside living spaces and adds so much to the coziness of it all.

What is an outdoor living space? ›

Outdoor living is the design concept where you create an outdoor space that is meant for entertaining and spending considerable amounts of time. Essentially, you want your outdoor space to have the feel of a traditional living room — just outdoors.

How much does outdoor living space add to home value? ›

That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%. A better option for most homeowners, however, would be to refinish or repair an existing patio, as repair estimates average around $1,400. This can provide an ROI of nearly 500%.

Does adding outdoor living space increase home value? ›

The Short Answer: Yes!

But it's a bit more complicated than that. In order to ensure you're getting the maximum resale value out of your outdoor additions, you should choose the most desirable type of outdoor space and use the highest-quality building materials that are still cost-effective.

How can I make my living room look warm and cozy? ›

Whether through accent walls, furniture, or accessories, incorporating warm colors helps to transform a living room into a haven of comfort. Opt for warm hues like soft neutrals, warm grays, creamy whites, and earthy tones. These colors evoke a sense of warmth and coziness, making your living room feel inviting.

Why create an outdoor living space? ›

When you create an outdoor living space, you create an extension of your home. Your family will love the extra space to relax, have meals, or just enjoy each other's company in the sun. And since you control the size and design of your deck or patio space, you can customize it in a way that best suits your needs.

How do you make a cheap patio fast? ›

PAVERS are the best option

For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.

How to make a porch cozy? ›

Use Pillows & Throws

One of my favorite things to do to cozy up our porch & patio is to add soft furnishings…specifically pillows and throw blankets. Our front porch is covered, so I use pillows year round. For our patio, which is not covered, I keep pillows in our family room, and bring them out when needed.

What is the cheapest way to create a patio? ›

What is the most budget-friendly DIY patio material? Packed gravel is the lowest-cost option. Gravel is inexpensive, and installation involves digging, tamping, spreading, and adding borders. It's a fast way to add usable backyard space.

Can you build a room on a patio? ›

For instance, if you have a concrete patio, you have the perfect foundation to build insulated flooring, walls, and glass panels. However, if you have a wood deck, you'll need an inspection to determine if there's any rot or other hidden problems before the project can commence.

How do you enclose an outdoor room? ›

An enclosed or semi-enclosed patio space can include anything from an attached patio with walls on three sides; a pergola installed on an open patio with privacy screens on three sides; a greenhouse, pop-up canopy, or gazebo on top of a patio; or a screened-in patio.

How do you set up a small outdoor space? ›

Use Glass Furniture

Maximizing your small outdoor living space can be as simple as choosing glass patio furniture. Thick patio sets visually stop the eye and make the space feel cluttered. Open up even the tiniest of backyards with clear furniture like coffee tables, side tables, or dining tables!

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