15 Outdoor TV Ideas So You Can Binge Watch in the Fresh Air

Multipurpose patio — Photo:
Michael Garland

TVs aren’t just for your living room anymore—with the right outdoor TV ideas, you can move your Netflix binges and movie nights outside! A covered area like a porch or pergola is ideal to keep your outdoor TV safe from the elements. Otherwise, you only need an electrical outlet to set up an outdoor TV and living area.

A few other tips can help make your backyard TV experience more enjoyable:

Place the TV in an area that doesn’t receive direct sunlight (this will help prevent a glare across the screen and prevent damage to your TV).
Position the screen so it faces north to help eliminate an irritating glare throughout the day.
If you choose to mount the TV to a wall, be sure to use a kit designed for mounting outdoors to prevent rust and weather-related wear and tear.

Once you have the perfect spot picked out, use these outdoor TV ideas to inspire your entertaining setup!

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Build an Outdoor TV Alcove

Backyard deck fireplace with TV — Ed Gohlich

This outdoor TV idea makes this area look just like an indoor living room moved into the backyard! A brick fireplace provides a cozy central gathering space and a great opportunity to mount a flat-screen TV. A small cutout in the brick, along with the overhang from the roof, provides a little extra protection for the TV. When mounting a TV above a fireplace, make sure to leave enough room between to keep the TV safe from the heat the fireplace generates.

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Use a Portable TV

Porch living space with TV — Tony Giammarino

Your outdoor TV idea doesn’t have to mean permanently mounting it outdoors to create a functional entertaining space. In this porch design, a small TV is placed on an end table, with white cushioned furniture in the center of the room. This layout works especially well since the porch is only protected by an overhang, and the TV can easily be moved inside during cold or rainy weather.

03 of 15

Install a Cabinet

If you don’t want your outdoor TV to always be the focal point of your living area, this design includes a built-in TV cabinet. It provides a protected spot to place the TV and has closing cabinet doors that can help shield the TV (or cover it when it’s time to focus on family). The cabinet reflects the Mediterranean style of the wood beams across the ceiling and dark wood furniture and echoes the arches lining the exterior walls, adding another design element to this elegant, relaxing space.

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Don't Miss a Minute of the Big Game

This outdoor dining area setup is perfect for watching the game while munching on burgers from the grill. The TV is mounted on a stone wall with a fireplace. It's easily viewed from all of the cushioned dining chairs. Its placement next to the grill makes it easy to keep an eye on the screen while grilling dinner.

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Make the Space Comfortable

Covered patio entertaining space — Ed Gohlich

An open-air, covered patio is another great place for an outdoor TV idea. Modern elements such as hanging lantern lights and minimalist furniture create a comfortable and inviting spot where you'll want to spend all summer. Placing the TV above a traditional TV stand at one end of the room provides easy watching from the gray sectional. Because the entire patio is shaded, there's minimal glare to distract from what's on the screen for hours of baseball or reality TV.

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Maximize Seating Options

A large overhang from the roof covers this patio and provides the space for multiple outdoor entertaining areas. The TV is mounted above an outdoor fireplace and surrounded by a plush white couch and chairs, slipcovered for easy washing. Just behind the seating area is a large outdoor table and oversized chairs, which give the option of watching TV from the couch or when seated at the table. The two separate living spaces have ample seating for multiple guests to enjoy luxurious living.

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Protect the TV From the Elements

Because electronics and water don’t mix, if your backyard has a pool, you’ll want to set up an outdoor TV far enough away to prevent any accidental splashing. This backyard design places the TV in a corner under the overhang, protecting it from the elements. Seating in the patio area provides a comfortable spot to watch TV, but since it faces the pool, there’s also the option of watching from a pool float.

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Create a Separate Entertainment Spot

Modern patio with TV — Emily J. Followill

Wide open archways allow plenty of fresh air and cooling breezes to circulate through this outdoor living area. The TV is mounted above a modern outdoor fireplace where it's protected from the rain and sun. A wicker loveseat and chairs arranged around outdoor ottomans have a full view of the TV and provide a comfy spot to relax and enjoy the weather. Loungers under a shady umbrella are far enough away to keep the TV noise from disturbing an afternoon nap or quiet conversation.

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Design a Rustic Look

With just a few tweaks, you can turn an existing outdoor porch into a TV-watching area. Thanks to a fireplace, a stunning wood accent wall is already a focal point in this space, and mounting a TV on the wall makes it even more functional. Continuing the wood look on the ceiling makes the extra-high overhang feel less cavernous. Surrounding the space are neutral cushioned chairs with accents of bright green that make the porch feel modern and relaxed.

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Employ Stone for Elegance

Grand stone arches on this sun porch are sophisticated but still welcoming. Large windows stretching almost from the floor to the ceiling make this room feel open to the outdoors while protecting it from the weather. Placing a TV over the fireplace ensures everyone has a great view. The paneled ceiling and wood mantel coordinate with the wood-framed furnishings to warm up the cool aesthetic of the walls and floor.

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Add an Arbor

At first glance, the stylish wood arbor covering this patio area doesn't look like it provides much protection for this outdoor TV idea. However, the TV is set in an alcove over the fireplace that will shield it from most of the weather. Painted designs on the beams tie into the TV frame's similarly painted frame to subtly connect the two spaces. This courtyard-style entertaining area will work best in warm climates where the plush couches and TV can be used most of the year.

12 of 15

Mount the TV Over a Fireplace

Patio stone fireplace — Emily J Followill

The stone fireplace in the center of this seating area already commands the attention of those seated around it, so adding a TV just over the mantel makes sense. Light gray couches and a chest-style coffee table are positioned to enjoy the warmth of the fire while watching TV. White curtains hung around the edges of this patio can be closed for more privacy on a movie night.

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Fit the TV to the Space

Small patio space with TV — Anthony Masterson

A small TV above this outdoor fireplace is perfect for the more intimate space. Two loveseats offer cozy seating close to the warmth of the fire. Additionally, placing the TV on the same wall as two large windows helps prevent the glare of natural light on the screen. A large area rug keeps feet from getting too cold on the stone floor.

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Hang a TV Near the Dining Table

Patio with brick archway — James Nathan Schroder

This long porch with brick archways is a great opportunity for an outdoor TV idea mounted on the wall. The ample space has room to create both a traditional seating area with comfy chairs and a dining table with extra seats. Two ceiling fans also help keep the area cool on hot summer days. The paneling detail on the wall breaks up the large white expanse for visual interest without distracting from the entertainment.

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Include Indoor-Outdoor Living

Patio with glass dividers — Karyn Millet

Enjoy an outdoor TV without actually putting it outside! This patio design has large glass dividers that can be opened to connect a smaller indoor room with a large TV and fireplace. The open concept allows for outdoor viewing while keeping the TV safely inside. Upholstering the furniture in the same fabrics creates continuity between the two spaces.

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