How to Maximize Small Outdoor Patios

I lived in an apartment for the first few years of my adult life. And while it gave me the footing I needed to head out into the “real” world, it didn’t have the biggest patio space! But maybe my standards were just too high! Over the years, I became a master of making my tiny balcony a place to be in the summertime. This is my guide to maximizing a small outdoor patio (or balcony, or deck!). Your outdoor space is about to get a serious face lift!

Space Saving Benches

This outdoor space is instantly maximized with a space-saving outdoor bench. The bench is really the back wall of the patio space, but with a fast update it makes a comfortable bench!

Small Furniture

This seems pretty obvious, but I loved this patio so much that I had to share! A small cafe table and some whicker chairs will have even the smallest patio looking reminiscent of a French cafe!

Bring the Indoors Outside

When designing around a small space, consider bringing some elements from the inside and bring them out! Plush pillows, fabric dividers, and a soft rug do wonders in making the space look more inviting and appealing. Of course, this probably isn’t weatherproof, so plan ahead with the weather when decorating.

Decorate With Bright Colors

It may be counter intuitive to decorate a small space with loud and bright colors. Work with a variety of colors, and patterns but make sure you have a consistent color throughout your pieces. Everything pictured here was purchased at World Market!

Use Built-Ins

Just like you would inside the home; use built in storage to maximize a small outdoor space. Here, a coffee table is given a second use with a built-in cooler. The wood tile can be placed over your drinks if you needed more tabletop space. Aren’t options great?

Use Movable Furniture Pieces

This is the exact same size of one of my balconies when I lived in an apartment! My number-one tip is to invest in a really nice pair of folding (or easily movable) chairs. These chairs can be easily stored if you need more standing room. A small shelf around the edge of your balcony is a great place to house a small garden!

Work With Nature

Naturally, tons of busy and bulky furniture can make any space look even smaller than it is! If your space is really small, depend on greenery as one of your decorations! Work with lush vines that grow fast, they make any space look resort-worthy!

Work With Your Space

Work with the space you are given! If you have a long and skinny patio, decorate with long and skinny furniture. There’s plenty of space to mill around with a built-in bench and an easily movable glass patio table. See how they used bright colors and greenery like I previously mentioned!