Relaxing rooftop terrace: Oasis of tranquility outdoors

A rooftop terrace can be more than just an additional outdoor area. It offers the opportunity to create a personal oasis of peace and relaxation, high above the hustle and bustle of the city. With the right design, your rooftop terrace can become a retreat where you can unwind and enjoy nature. In this article, you'll learn how to transform your rooftop terrace into a relaxing oasis, which furniture and decorations are best suited, and how to create a green, feel-good atmosphere with plants.
Furniture for perfect relaxation

Choosing the right furniture is crucial to creating a relaxing atmosphere on your rooftop terrace. Start with comfortable seating that invites you to linger. Lounge furniture made from weather-resistant materials like rattan or aluminum is ideal, as it is both stylish and durable. Complement these with soft cushions and blankets to provide extra comfort. A large parasol or pergola can provide shade and also serve as a decorative element.
Another important aspect is the flexibility of the furniture. Foldable or stackable chairs and tables are practical if you want to rearrange the space as needed. An extendable table can be used for social evenings with friends or family. Make sure the furniture is easy to clean, as it is exposed to the elements.
For an especially relaxing atmosphere, you can also integrate a hammock or rocking chair into your setup. These not only offer a comfortable place to relax but also give the rooftop terrace a touch of vacation feeling. If space allows, an outdoor rug could make the area even cozier and visually separate the different zones.
Don't forget to think about lighting as well. Solar lights or LED string lights create an atmospheric ambiance that invites you to linger, even after the sun has set. With the right lighting, you can transform the rooftop terrace into a magical oasis that can be used both during the day and in the evening.
Decoration for a personal touch

Decoration plays an essential role in giving your rooftop terrace a personal touch and transforming it into a true oasis of well-being. Start by choosing colors and materials that match your style. Natural tones and materials like wood, stone, and cotton create a harmonious connection to nature and have a calming effect.
Lanterns and candles are excellent decorative elements that are not only visually appealing but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Place them strategically on tables or along the terrace edges to produce a gentle light. Wind lights are particularly practical as they do not go out even in a light breeze.
Textiles such as cushions, blankets, and outdoor rugs can add color accents and increase comfort. Choose patterns and colors that reflect your personality and enhance the mood of the terrace. A mix of different textures can also be interesting and add depth to the space.
Artworks or sculptures can also serve as decorative elements. Make sure they are weatherproof so they can withstand outdoor conditions. A small water feature, like a fountain or water play, can additionally provide a soothing soundscape and promote relaxation.
Don't forget to think about the small details as well. Personal items like photos or mementos can be displayed in weatherproof frames or boxes to give the terrace an individual touch. With the right decoration, your rooftop terrace will become a unique retreat that reflects your personality.
Plants for a green oasis of well-being

Plants are an indispensable element for transforming a rooftop terrace into a green oasis of well-being. They not only bring color and life to the space but also improve air quality and create a connection to nature. When selecting plants, you should consider the climatic conditions and sunlight exposure on your terrace.
Start with easy-care plants that can cope well with the conditions on a rooftop terrace. Succulents and grasses are ideal as they require little water and thrive even in direct sunlight. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme are not only decorative but can also be used in the kitchen.
For more color and floral splendor, you can choose flowers like geraniums, petunias, or hydrangeas. These are available in various colors and can be arranged in pots or planters. Hanging plants like ivy or nasturtium can be attached to railings or walls, adding a vertical dimension to the terrace.
If you want to create more privacy, larger plants or shrubs like bamboo or oleander are a good choice. They can serve as a natural screen and provide shade at the same time. Make sure that the plant containers are stable and weather-resistant to withstand the wind conditions on a rooftop terrace.
An irrigation system can be helpful in making plant care easier, especially during the hot summer months. Drip irrigation systems are efficient and ensure that the plants are evenly supplied with water. With the right selection and care of plants, your rooftop terrace will become a green paradise inviting you to relax and linger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing a Rooftop Terrace
For a rooftop terrace, furniture that is both comfortable and weather-resistant is suitable. Lounge furniture made from materials like rattan, aluminum, or teak wood is ideal because it is sturdy and durable. These materials are resistant to moisture and UV radiation, making them perfect for outdoor use. Enhance the furniture with soft cushions and blankets to increase comfort. Foldable or stackable furniture is also practical as it can be easily stored when needed. An extendable table offers flexibility for social evenings. Make sure the furniture is easy to clean, as it is exposed to weather conditions. With the right selection of furniture, you can create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere on your rooftop terrace.
To give your rooftop terrace a personal touch, you can work with various decorative elements. Start by choosing colors and materials that match your style. Natural tones and materials like wood, stone, and cotton create a harmonious connection to nature. Lanterns and candles are excellent decorative elements that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Textiles such as cushions, blankets, and outdoor rugs can add color accents and increase comfort. Artworks or sculptures can also serve as decorative elements, but make sure they are weatherproof. A small water feature, like a fountain or water play, can additionally provide a soothing soundscape. Personal items like photos or mementos can be displayed in weatherproof frames to give the terrace an individual touch. With the right decoration, your rooftop terrace will become a unique retreat.
When choosing plants for a rooftop terrace, you should consider the climatic conditions and sunlight exposure. Low-maintenance plants like succulents and grasses are ideal, as they require little water and thrive even in direct sunlight. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme are not only decorative but can also be used in the kitchen. For more color and blooms, you can choose flowers like geraniums, petunias, or hydrangeas. Hanging plants like ivy or nasturtiums can be attached to railings or walls. Larger plants or shrubs like bamboo or oleander can serve as natural privacy screens and provide shade at the same time. Make sure that the plant containers are stable and weatherproof to withstand the wind conditions on a rooftop terrace. With the right selection and care of plants, your rooftop terrace will become a green paradise.
To create enough shade on your rooftop terrace, there are various options. A large parasol is a simple and flexible solution that can be set up and removed as needed. Make sure the parasol is stable and weatherproof to withstand wind conditions. A pergola or a sun sail can also provide shade while serving as a decorative element. These permanent installations offer the advantage of providing constant shade and protection even in light rain. Plants can also serve as natural shade providers. Larger plants or shrubs like bamboo or oleander can be strategically placed to provide shade. Another advantage of plants is that they also create a green and relaxing atmosphere. With the right combination of shade providers, you can enjoy your rooftop terrace even on hot summer days.
To protect your rooftop terrace from prying eyes, there are various options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the simplest solutions is the use of privacy screens or partitions. These can be made of wood, bamboo, or plastic and provide immediate protection from view. They are available in various designs and can be easily adapted to the style of your terrace.
Plants are another excellent way to create privacy. Larger plants or shrubs like bamboo, oleander, or thuja can serve as a natural privacy screen. They not only offer protection from view but also create a green and relaxing atmosphere. Hanging plants or climbing plants like ivy or nasturtium can be attached to railings or walls and provide additional privacy.
A sun sail or pergola can also serve as a privacy screen, especially when combined with climbing plants. These permanent installations offer the advantage of providing continuous protection while also offering shade. With the right combination of privacy solutions, you can transform your rooftop terrace into a private retreat.
The right lighting is crucial to create an atmospheric ambiance on your rooftop terrace. Solar lights are an eco-friendly and practical solution, as they charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk. They are available in various designs and can be placed along the terrace edges or in planters.
LED string lights are another popular option to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They can be attached to railings, pergolas, or umbrellas and provide a soft, warm light. Lanterns and candles are also excellent decorative elements that are not only visually appealing but also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Wind lights are particularly practical as they do not go out even in a light breeze.
For functional lighting that provides enough light for activities such as reading or dining, wall lights or floor lamps can be used. Make sure all lights are weatherproof to withstand outdoor conditions. With the right lighting, you can transform your rooftop terrace into a magical oasis that can be enjoyed both during the day and in the evening.
Dividing your rooftop terrace into different zones can help you make the most of the space and create a functional as well as aesthetically pleasing environment. Start by planning the various areas you want on your terrace, such as a lounge corner, a dining area, or a space for plants.
Furniture can serve as natural room dividers. A sofa or a seating group can define a lounge corner, while a dining table and chairs can create a separate dining area. An outdoor rug can also help visually separate different zones and make the space cozier.
Plants are another way to separate different areas. Larger plants or planters can serve as natural barriers while providing a green and relaxing atmosphere. Hanging plants or climbing plants can be attached to railings or walls and offer additional privacy.
Decorative elements like screens or privacy walls can also be used to create different zones. These can be made of wood, bamboo, or plastic and offer not only protection from prying eyes but also an aesthetic separation of areas. With the right planning and design, you can transform your rooftop terrace into a versatile and inviting space.
To make your rooftop terrace weatherproof, it's important to choose materials and furniture that can withstand outdoor conditions. Start by selecting weather-resistant furniture made from materials like rattan, aluminum, or teak wood. These are resistant to moisture and UV radiation, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Make sure that textiles like cushions and blankets are made from water-repellent materials or are easily removable and washable. Outdoor rugs should also be weatherproof to withstand the elements.
Planters should be stable and weatherproof to withstand the wind conditions on a rooftop terrace. An irrigation system can be helpful to ease the care of plants, especially during the hot summer months.
For protection from rain and sun, permanent installations like a pergola or a sun sail can be used. These offer the advantage of providing permanent protection while also serving as a decorative element. A large parasol is a flexible solution that can be set up and removed as needed.
With the right choice of materials and protective measures, you can make your rooftop terrace weatherproof and enjoy it all year round.

by Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford blends aesthetics with craftsmanship – not only is she a passionate interiors writer, she’s also a trained specialist in textiles and materials. For Amelia, room design begins with touch: How does a fabric feel? How does a surface reflect light?Her articles explore the sensory impact of materials – from the soft elegance of velvet to the cool clarity of glass and the grounded texture of natural stone. By pairing these elements with different interior styles – from classic British to Scandi-inspired – she creates concepts that are both functional and emotionally engaging. For Amelia, decoration is never just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of a well-balanced space.
Off-duty: Amelia lives in a lovingly restored Victorian terrace in Manchester. Her walls are adorned with carefully selected artwork, and her shelves are filled with fabric swatches, design books and handmade decorative pieces. She loves travelling to Scotland to discover new materials and connect with local craftspeople.
Transparency note: Amelia Ford writes her articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.