12 Small Patio Ideas for a Year-Round Vacay
Nothing says summer like spending every moment outside.
We know you want a relaxing space to chill out and enjoy the longer summer days. But we also know it can be hard to optimize your patio or balcony when you live in a smaller apartment or condo. To inspire you, we created a list of our favorite small patio ideas to maximize your space, and we have a few bonus patio decorating ideas to bring your dream vacay to you. Check out our tips below.
1. Treat Yourself to an AM Coffee Spot
Real talk: We'd love to have the huge outdoor patio of our dreams, but sometimes a small space is all we have to work with. Create a nook with a lounge chair to enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up on that to-be-read pile of books. Staycation? Yes, please.
For a low-key chair with a boho vibe, choose a swing. It should be your go-to choice if meditation is your thing because the gentle sway gives it a Zen-like feeling. The circular chair also creates a distraction-free space to chill. For a cute little bonus, add a side table or garden stool for your sparkling water and book.
A fire pit is one of the best ways to make sure you can use your patio year-round. For the easiest option, opt for a propane-fueled fire pit so you just have to add s'mores. If you rent your space and can't have a real fire, recreate the look by wrapping string lights around a little bundle of decorative firewood.
An outdoor patio set screams summer Fridays. Whether you want to catch up with a few friends over rosé or play outside with your little ones, a patio set ensures there's enough room for everyone to hang out.
An outdoor bistro table is what comes to mind when we think about small patio ideas. These smaller table and chair sets give you just enough space for yourself and one to three other friends. Since the tables are a bit smaller, you'll still have plenty of space to move around and pass your famous guacamole.
The key to a relaxing outdoor patio? Easy setup and teardown. Try out simple furniture like a coffee table or bistro table that's on wheels. We love folding chairs because they're easy to wipe down and put away at the end of the night. You can even roll out a bar cart with party essentials (ice, cups, fruit, and mixers) so that you don't have to take multiple trips into your kitchen.
Pro Tip:
For the easiest steps to taking care of teak outdoor furniture, check out our guide Oiling Teak Furniture + Teak Care Tips.
7. Opt for Easy, Stackable Chairs
Metal and plastic dining chairs are a small patio's best friend. They're easy to stack and can quickly be brought inside to create more outdoor floor space, making them ideal for those impromptu dance parties after the margaritas kick in.
A large outdoor patio is #goals for most of us, but you can still recreate the spacious feeling by maximizing your seating area. A sectional sofa gives you the most options for kicking back and piling on the throw pillows. Not sure if a sectional sofa will fit in your space? Check out our guide How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa in 3 Steps. If you're into modern patio ideas, choose a sectional sofa with tapered legs or a streamlined aluminum frame for a contemporary look.
The ultimate small patio decorating hack? Poufs. These comfy ottomans double as seating for last-minute Saturday afternoon Aperol spritzes with friends. If you're flying solo, you can prop your feet up to relax with a book. To quickly tidy up, just tuck them under chairs when they're not in use.
If your patio doesn't have overhead lighting or wall sconces, hang string lights instead. They're better than using candles because they won't blow out in the summer breeze and they last longer. Bonus: String lights make an amazing backdrop for all of your summer Instagram pix. Best. Lighting. Ever.
Pro Tip:
If you're looking for string lights on our site, check under "Product Details" to make sure they are compatible with wet locations.
11. Bring the Jungle to Your Urban Oasis
Our number one choice for patio decorating ideas? A few faux plants or an herb garden. It's easy to build out and requires very little upkeep. To create a private retreat in a busy neighborhood, simply place faux tall grass or potted trees along the edge of your balcony.
Want to turn your small patio into an oasis? Opt for lounge chairs. They're great for recreating that poolside feeling. If your patio gets a lot of sun, don't forget an umbrella.
Ready to make these small patio ideas a reality?
