Extend Your Living Space Outdoors with an Entertainment Wall

Extend living space to the outdoors by installing a custom entertainment wall. If you haven't heard of the trend, it's exactly what it sounds like: An outdoor wall filled with all the entertaining features you need for any kind of gathering. “It's a feature on the deck used to activate a variety of outdoor living activities; think TVs, sound systems, fireplaces, or greenery," says Michelle Hendricks, category marketing manager for Deckorators.

An entertainment wall provides an opportunity to get creative and add personal touches that make the space feel like your own. It's also an excellent way to maximize outdoor square footage, since you don't need much floor space. Additionally, it's an investment that adds value to your property and can help boost the resale price if you're thinking about selling.

To inspire your next outdoor refresh, we chatted with outdoor living experts to get their insight on the entertainment wall trend, including what you need to know before you incorporate this structure into your own home.

What Is an Entertainment Wall?

An entertainment wall is a decorative and functional built-in feature on an outdoor deck or patio. The trend partially gained popularity in response to people investing in their backyards as they've spent more time at home in recent years. It's also part of the growing trend of extending a living space beyond the four walls of your home and maximizing the square footage you have, especially as home prices soar.

Entertainment walls come in various styles, sizes, and price ranges, some holding a TV, and others displaying a vertical garden or a modern mounted outdoor fireplace. "Single-use spaces are a thing of the past—it’s all about maximizing an outdoor room’s livability," Hendricks says. An entertainment wall is a great way to create a multi-functional space, as it utilizes vertical surfaces and brings activities that were previously considered as solely indoor, outside. Turn your deck into a gathering hub for the whole family with an outdoor kitchen, plenty of comfortable seating, and an entertainment wall that features a TV to stream the big game or a fireplace to chat around.

Practical Considerations

As with any outdoor design project, you'll need to consider factors like weather and electrical sources before you get started. Think about how you will use your outdoor space once the entertainment wall is installed and evaluate any additional practical considerations, such as electrical work. Does the wall feature a TV or a sound system that require additional outlets?

"Opting to have some extra power bandwidth built in will make it easy to plug in evening lighting or hook up the karaoke machine when friends stop by," Hendricks says. Having enough outlets available is key, as it avoids the need for multiple extension cords that add clutter and pose a potential tripping hazard.

The use of outdoor-safe materials is another important factor to consider. When creating an entertaining space, look for outdoor-safe furniture that will hold up against rain, snow, or other seasonal weather. "Utilize texture and dimension by incorporating design elements like chevron patterns from mineral-based composite decking that can stand the test of the outdoor elements," Hendricks suggests.

Entertainment Wall Design Ideas

In addition to its practical benefits, an entertainment wall presents an opportunity to get creative and elevate your outdoor space to feel like an extension of the home. Use these design ideas to create an entertaining hub that matches your personal design style.

Create a Cohesive Aesthetic

When selecting materials and putting together a color palette for your entertainment wall, choose finishes that match or complement the exterior of the house to tie everything together. To make the outdoor space feel like an extension of your home, use colors and styles that match your interior elements.

Alternately, create contrast by treating the entertainment wall as an accent that stands out and makes a colorful statement. Hendricks notes that the wall's function extends far beyond holding a TV. "It’s a chance for the homeowner to express themselves design-wise," she says.

Add Privacy

If you're building an entertainment wall in a raised, open area like a deck, consider installing additional privacy. Choose uniquely textured privacy screens, built-in planters to hold seasonal greenery, or outdoor curtains to make your space feel more enclosed and cohesive. Plus, your neighbors will appreciate you hiding the bright TV screen during late game night watch parties.

Consider a Double-Sided Wall

When it comes to designing your entertainment wall and how it will fit within the outdoor space, consider that it's not a one-dimensional feature. "It serves a purpose on both sides, which really opens up the functionality of an outdoor space," says Catherine Lippincott, director of global expansion for Premier Outdoor Living. "One side of an entertainment wall can be used to give an element of privacy, while the other could feature a fireplace, TV, a grilling area, and even provide atmosphere with lighting," she adds.

Consider Ideal Placement

The placement of an entertainment wall is key as it affects the flow of the space, furniture layout, and the overall experience. Since it is located outside, Lippincott stresses the importance of prioritizing views when you are selecting a spot for your entertainment wall. "You essentially have two options: Fit it within your design so as not to block any desirable views, or strategically place it to get some privacy from your neighbors," she says.

Add Additional Storage

Anytime you have the opportunity to add extra storage space, go for it. Whether you use it for outdoor throw pillows, fragile lanterns, or sports and games equipment, hidden storage helps maintain a tidy deck and protects items from potential weather damage. Add built-in storage into an entertainment wall by crafting it from the same materials as the wall and the deck. "This helps maintain design continuity and the flow of the space, so that the entertainment wall doesn’t feel separate from the rest of the outdoor room," Hendricks says.