Get Inspired by These 15 Cool (and Cozy!) Lounge Areas

Trust us: You'll want to rest your feet in these pretty set-ups

by Anna Price Olson
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Anna Price is a senior editor at Brides. She manages the brand's real weddings and covers planning and decor content.
Updated 12/17/17

Photo by Melissa Marshall

In the past few years, we've seen a growing trend in styled lounge areas at the reception. And it makes total sense. After all, this part of the party is all about your guests mixing and mingling and chatting away. And, according to the pros, that's something the right furniture set-up can help facilitate. You'll see a trend start to form below, but we're going to go ahead and give you a spoiler: The best lounges almost always involve a comfy couch, a couple of unique side chairs, and some personalized wedding decor.

But beyond the couch and chairs, which you can customize to your style at any rental company, you can also put your stamp on this area with additional decor. We love the idea of sprucing up the space by adding a rug (like a mid century shag or boho Persian version), table arrangements like low flowers and votive candles, and additional seating like colorful Moroccan poufs. And speaking of tables, let's chat about that. When creating a lounge, you want to think about tables in regards to where your guests will be placing their drinks. So if you're putting them on a sofa or chair, choose a coffee table and/or side table that is at the appropriate height. And for cocktail hour, throw in a few at a height that's perfect if you're standing up as well.

Now for the inspo! Keep scrolling for that—and know that you can keep going no matter your wedding style. And once you do spot a set-up that's totally you, pin what you like and take the pics (or screenshots!) to a rental company in your area. We seriously can't wait to see what you dream up!

01 of 15

Consider a Fireplace

Photo by Rachel Solomon Photography

Rule number one: Set up the lounge in front a blazing fireplace (if you have one)! After all, there's something about a fire that makes you comfortable, especially when you're sitting eye-level on comfy floor pillows.

02 of 15

Lounge Among Nature

Photo by Chasewild

We love the proximity of this lounge area to the dinner tables! It's a fun idea to put them this close so you can mingle right over after the dessert course is served. Also, notice how the red rugs and cushions blend in perfectly with the natural landscape.

03 of 15

Incorporate Statement Pillows

Photo by Jose Villa; Design by Firefly Events

This blue space is cool because everything (the cushions, the ottoman, and the side tables) are all the same level. Copy this set-up by the dance floor so guests can take a seat and rest their feet. Also, we must call out these terra cotta pots as they make a statement of their own!

04 of 15

Consider a Cabana

Photo by Jillian Mitchell

Every beach party needs a lounge complete with a cabana! And another point of note: these colorful, embroidered pillows, which were perfect for a destination wedding in Mexico.

05 of 15

Experiment with Lighting

lounge

Photo by Greer Gattuso

Pillar candles on the floor and hanging orbs up above added warmth to the space at this winter wedding in New Orleans. Also, notice how these different chairs work together because they're all in the same color family and general design aesthetic.

06 of 15

Go Modern

Lounge Area

Photo by Jose Villa

At this outdoor wedding in South Carolina, the bride added modern, glass-and-metal tables as a nod to the couple's life in Los Angeles. They're unexpected in this setting—which makes them so fun!

07 of 15

Keep it Trendy

Photo by Kyle John

This couple created the look of a trendy hotel lobby by pairing a grouping of black lights with black striped ottomans and tables. We also love how the votive candles and low-lying flower arrangements create the feel of a coffee table you'd have at home.

08 of 15

Add a Rug

Lounge Seating Area

Photo by Shannon Von Eschen

This lounge area is every boho bride's dream! To recreate this particular set-up, find a rental company that carries Persian rugs, white upholstered equipale chairs, and wicker poufs.

09 of 15

Create Romantic Lighting

Lounge Area with String Lights

Photo by Angela Pham

We're totally into the idea of lounging under this tree! Here, navy blankets and pillows set the scene while string lights and lanterns add a romantic glow.

10 of 15

Go For Rustic Elegance

Lounge at Cocktail Hour

Photo by Ashley Sawtelle

Hello, rustic ladies: Your lounge area def needs a chest-turned-coffee table and a worn leather couch. This one feels particularly elevated thanks to the tufted design on the sofa and the elegant shape of the arm chair.

11 of 15

Play with Color

Boho Lounge Area

Photo by Shannon Von Eschen

How cool are these woven acapulco chairs?! We love the pink and purple design—and the fact that they perfectly match the boho rug and square poufs.

12 of 15

Let Nature Do the Talking

Photo by Birds of a Feather

Bamboo furniture for the win! We like that this lounge area is design-oriented and comfortable but we love that its neutral color doesn't take away from the gorgeous setting.

13 of 15

Stay Functional

Photo by Jose Villa

When you're throwing a party in Southern California, it's smart to think about shading your guests as well. This white umbrella has a retro vibe and perfectly matches the white stucco and arm chairs!

14 of 15

Compliment the Backdrop

Cowley Manor

Photo by Kate Headley

At this wedding in the English countryside, the bride and groom set up a lounge area at the ceremony for the 40-plus children in attendance.

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Be Cozy in the City

Photo by For The Love Of It

You must not forget about tables in your lounge area—and especially so at cocktail hour. How cool is this acrylic one filled with cotton?!

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