Small spaces can be smothering, we get it. But they don’t necessarily need to be so, it’s just a matter of planning things right. Whether it’s an issue with furniture, lighting, or painting, we have the solution for you among these six ideas. Get ready to create a dreamy small patio!

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou

Smart Furniture

Plan the layout ahead, before purchasing the furniture.
Plan the layout ahead, before purchasing the furniture. Image source: Inspiration for Moms

Both size and shape matter when dealing with small furniture. For example, if you have a round patio, you’ll want to stick to round tables, but if you have a square patio, a square table will be the best pick. You get the idea here, right?

Having that covered,

Let’s talk about size! Of course you already know there’s no way to have big chairs if you’re adding a table, or to have a big table that won’t fit any chairs around.

The tip here is:

Plan ahead! You need to know whether your outdoor space will be a place to have dinner gatherings or just to sit comfortably with a glass of wine while catching up with a couple of friends. Once you have that decided, that’s when you can decide on which furniture to get and their size.

Built-in Bench

Built-in benches can maximize the patio.
Built-in benches can maximize the patio. Image source: House & Home

Keep in mind that you don’t actually need to get new furniture. You can work with built-ins and save even more space. A built-in bench on the wall can make your small patio look unique and you can even plan it in a way where you can use the space under it for storage. The only thing to remember here is that built-ins are a commitment – you can’t rearrange them easily.

Built-in Center Table

This built-in center table will make your life a lot easier.
This built-in center table will make your life a lot easier. Image source: Better Homes & Gardens

Still on the built-in label, a center table will also be a great addition to your small backyard. The idea is to build it in a way that you can use the inside of the table as storage too. If you follow the idea as shown above, you can use the center as a drink cooler during summer or even as a fire pit during colder months. Plus, it features a moveable wood top to serve snacks!

Keep the Color Palette Simple

Use bright colors, but stick to that color scheme.
Use bright colors, but stick to that color scheme. Image source: Themsfly

So, one more thing that matters when it comes to furnishing a small patio: keep the palette simple! That is, don’t make it too colorful. The idea is to use bright colors to bring up the mood, but stick to that palette.

For instance,

If you pick a bright blue tablecloth to decor, the rest of the space needs to be worked around the color blue. Mix in some pastel hues, with brighter and darker tones. That can create a special and dreamy backyard!

More than that:

Try to stick to a maximum of three types of plants, preferably just one or two. If you go with too many distinct types, your patio will stop looking dreamy and start looking cluttered.

Invest in Lighting

Lights will make your patio special for hanging out at night.
Lights will make your patio special for hanging out at night. Image source: HOMEFULIES

One thing that always catches the eye in a small space is the lighting – it can also make a huge difference in setting the mood! I personally love the idea of creating a string light ceiling, however, these ideas are also pretty cool and on a budget:

  • Candles
  • Torches
  • Solar lights
  • Lanterns
  • Etc

Bushes for Depth

Green will make a nice contrast with a simple color scheme.
Green will make a nice contrast with a simple color scheme. Image source: Better Homes & Gardens

I mentioned earlier that it’s best to stick to just one or two types of plants in a small space, but there’s also the option of using bushes. That’s because the green around the perimeter will help create depth and make the space look slightly bigger than it is. Layer taller bushes behind smaller ones and it’s guaranteed success.

Want some help designing the patio of your dreams? Get a free estimate here!

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