No matter how small your patio is, there is no reason to miss out. A stylish patio with comfortable furniture is still within your reach. Still, it is true that you will need to use every inch in a creative way. Here’s how to maximize space on a small patio.

Group Seating

If your patio is long but narrow, try creating two or three small furniture groupings to break up the length. For example, you might have a tiny dining area with a bistro table, a conversation nook with two small chairs, and a reading area with a chaise lounge.

Use Benches

Whether built in or standalone, benches create the most seating in the smallest amount of space. A bench with cushions against the wall or rail could serve as a loveseat, and also pull double duty as a dinette when you bring out a small folding table and a couple of chairs.

Go Green

Plants are an easy way to add color and texture to a small patio. Choose vertical plants in narrow planters or a climbing ivy along the wall. Three different varieties of varying heights can help you define areas and create the illusion of a larger space.

Add Shade

A patio umbrella may overwhelm the space, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on summer weather. Try a triangular sail shade or wooden veneer strips woven in a basket pattern and mounted to the wall or railing to keep the sun away without dominating the patio.

Maximize Odd Spaces

If you have a tight corner or odd-shaped space on the patio, don’t let it go to waste. Pile up some outdoor pillows that can double as floor seating or install a cool chimenea. Take exact measurements, and shop for something visually interesting that just fits.

Multi-Task

Instead of trying to make your small patio do everything at once, choose lightweight, flexible, mix and match furniture that folds or stacks. For a casual dinner party, bring out the folding tables and chairs. For a relaxed evening with the kids, put down throw pillows or blankets and a low floor table. Converting your patio to fit the theme of the night allows you to make the most of the space.

Add Fire

A blazing fire adds a hint of mystery to any outdoor gathering, but a full-size fire pit may not fit on your small patio. Choose a propane tabletop version instead for a bit of ambience that won’t overwhelm the space.

Go Vertical

Take advantage of whatever height you have to make the space appear roomier. Balcony height furniture is taller and narrower than traditional patio furniture. Art, plants, or a shade structure mounted high on the wall also help to draw the eye up and away from the patio footprint. A small patio can be a bit of a challenge, but with some ingenuity, there is no reason it can’t be just as stylish and lush as a larger deck. Think outside the box, take advantage of odd spaces, keep it flexible, and you might just turn your small patio into the outdoor space of your dreams.

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