7 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Outdoor Space
Small spaces, big ideas.
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Many of us wish we had a large backyard, but that often isn’t the reality. However, if all you have is a city balcony, a townhouse patio, or just a smaller backyard, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the space—you just need to know how to make the most of it. Here are a few big ideas for filling out your small outdoor spaces.
Related: 20 Small Backyard Ideas for a Dreamy Outdoor Oasis
Decide on One Way to Use the Space
While it might be nice to have room for a fire pit, dining table, hot tub, and outdoor sofa—you probably don’t have enough space for all of that. So, it’s important to prioritize. Do you want to use the space for cooking, eating, lounging, or planting a garden? Do you like making s'mores, or would you enjoy some solo time with a book and a cocktail? Choose one purpose. Then, figure out how you can make the space more versatile.
Create a Living Room
An outdoor living room will likely give you the most versatility. An outdoor sofa, or even a loveseat, gives you a place to enjoy the weather, read, or potentially take a nap in the sun. If there’s space, add an outdoor coffee table so you can enjoy meals. If there isn’t enough room for a coffee table, you can always use tray tables.
Related: We Spent Months Testing Patio Furniture, and These Are Our Favorites for Every Style
Or Designate a Dining Area
Bistro table sets are fantastic for small spaces. They give you a place to sit and have a meal or cocktail, put your feet up and enjoy a book, or even add a barbecue if you have enough room.
If your outdoor space is a little larger, a square dining table and four chairs can provide room to entertain. You could also use either setup as an outdoor office during the day.
Install a Fire Pit
Fire pits have been one of the biggest outdoor trends in recent years. There are many different choices available in a range of prices and sizes, including small ones under two feet in diameter. If a fire pit and a few chairs are all you can fit, be sure to choose one with a top that converts it to a table.
Related: The 7 Best Smokeless Fire Pits of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Create Your Own Private Movie Theatre
Do you have a wall to project onto? Or enough space for a portable projector screen? Then you can create a private theater. While this sounds like an expensive venture, it’s not—both the projector and the screen can be purchased for under $100 each on Amazon. Then you can host outdoor movie nights all summer long.
Add Plants
Even if you don't have enough room for a whole garden, squeezing in a potted plant or two can make all the difference. Just be sure to go with something that doesn’t grow too large or too quickly so you don't need to re-pot it. If your outdoor area is a balcony or terrace, consider hanging plants so they won’t take up any floor space.
Accessorize
An outdoor rug can define a space and make it feel more spacious. Designed to withstand the elements, these can be purchased fairly inexpensively. From colors and patterns to a minimalist jute, the options are endless.
Then add a few pillows for some extra comfort and pizzazz. Just be sure to go with outdoor or indoor/outdoor pillows that can hold up in inclement weather. Lastly, don’t forget string lights. After all, it’s hard to enjoy a space at night if you can’t see anything.
Related: 16 Brilliant Backyard Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Outdoor Space
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