1. Create a Comfortable Outdoor Seating
Bistro Sets
The first look is a town house patio. A bistro set provides comfortable seating and a place to dine outside when the weather is nice. Complementary planters frame the patio set on a blue Moroccan outdoor area rug, while coral pillows add a bright touch that livens up this small space.
Patio Conversation Sets
Natural materials are more popular than ever. You can find rattan and wicker patio furniture for small spaces, and you’ll also see those materials in lighting, planters and more. These oval all-weather wicker chairs with a matching steel end table create a stylish conversation set for your small space.
Balcony Dining
If you live in an apartment, we have small balcony furniture that’ll fit right in. Chairs with gray cushions and colorful, geometric pillows combine with a penny tile table to create a comfortable and cozy space. Add some shade with a half-round umbrella that has a tropical pattern. A blue and green rug anchors the space, and plants add touches of color to make this small balcony a welcoming dining destination.
2. Surround Your Space With Plants
Plants and planters aren’t just attractive accents to an outdoor space. They can be a focal point or even help a small space blend in with the surroundings, as on this balcony. Container plants can be especially useful in an urban setting where there’s not much space for gardens. This mixture of planter and plant types and shapes gives the balcony a variety of living colors. Don’t be afraid to go big with large planters and plants.
With vertical gardening you can incorporate more greenery because of a small footprint. By adding lattice or a trellis and a privacy wall, you can hang potted herbs, plants or even climbing roses.
3. Create a Cozy Retreat With Outdoor Curtains or Screens
Outdoor curtains create much-needed privacy in a small backyard or on a balcony and offer the added benefits of noise reduction and shade. Choose from lighter curtains that filter the sun or a heavier material, such as these dark red panels that block sunlight almost entirely. Nowhere to hang curtains? Create a similar effect with a freestanding outdoor privacy screen.
4. Add Shade With a Patio Umbrella
The easiest way to add shade to your small patio or apartment balcony is with a patio umbrella. It’s also easy to stow it away when not in use. Available in multiple styles, canopy shapes and materials, you can find the perfect one to fit your space and budget. If you already have one, you can pick accessories to update the look.
5. String Lights Create an Inviting Ambience
Don’t forget about outdoor lighting. White, multicolor or color-changing string lights are the perfect solution to keep the mood festive or simply create a warm glow. On a balcony, hang them overhead or wrap them on the railing. On a patio, you can use string lights to decorate sturdier container plants or suspend them over the space. Plus, you can add path lights to outline the patio and guide friends and family to your outdoor space when the sun goes down.
6. Get Your Outdoors Ready for All Seasons
Whether you want to start spring early or like to extend the outdoor season into the fall, you can still enjoy your patio. Combine these deeply cushioned motion chairs with a fire table, fire pit or chiminea to make cool evenings on a small patio warm, cozy and inviting.
Once summer arrives, don’t let the heat drive you indoors. Shade your space with an umbrella and add an indoor/outdoor ceiling fan or a misting system to make the outdoors more pleasant.
7. Complete the Look with Outdoor Décor
Even a small patio or balcony will benefit from some finishing touches. The right outdoor décor dresses up your space and makes it even more enjoyable. A nearby bird feeder or hummingbird feeder can bring life, color and motion to your space. Add a small fountain for soft, relaxing background sounds and hang wind chimes to convert cool breezes into music.