12 Small Patio Ideas That are Perfect for Your Next Staycay
Make your home a holiday.
We know you want a relaxing space to chill out and enjoy the outdoors, but we also know it can be hard to optimise your patio or balcony when you live in a smaller apartment or house. To help you get inspired, we've created a list of the top 12 small patio ideas that'll maximise your space, as well as a few bonus patio decorating ideas to bring your dream staycay to you.
12 Small Patio Ideas
1. Treat Yourself to an Morning Coffee Spot
Although we'd all love to own a huge outdoor patio, sometimes a small space is all we have to work with. Start building your ideal space by creating a nook with a lounge chair to enjoy your morning coffee and catch up on that to-read pile of books.
For a low-key chair with a boho vibe, opt for a swing. It should be your go-to choice if meditation is part of your daily routine since the gentle sway gives it a Zen-like feeling. The circular chair also creates a distraction-free space to relax. For an added bonus, incorporate a side table or garden stool for beverages.
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. If you rent your space and don't want a real fire, recreate the look by wrapping string lights around a little bundle of decorative firewood.
An outdoor sofa set screams summer evenings. Whether you want to catch up with a few friends or play outside with your little ones, a sofa 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 put-away. Try out simple furniture like a coffee table or bistro table that includes wheels. Folding chairs are 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, chopped fruit and mixers) so that you don't have to make multiple trips to the kitchen.
Metal and plastic dining chairs are your small patio's best friend. They're easy to stack and can quickly be brought inside to create more outdoor floor space.
A large outdoor patio is the dream for most of us, but you can still recreate the spacious feeling by maximising your seating area. A sectional sofa gives you the most options for kicking back and piling on the cushions and pillows. 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? Pouffes. These comfy ottomans double as seating for any extra guests. But if you're relaxing alone, you can prop your feet up to unwind with a good 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.
Our number one choice for patio decorating ideas? A artificial plants or a herb garden. It's easy to build out and requires minimum 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.
