The fact that you have a small patio doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea of owning patio furniture. You can still create an outdoor haven regardless of the space that you’re working with, it just means that you need to be a little more creative. With that said, let’s look at some of the ways that you can transform your small patio, giving you a place to relax, unwind, and even entertain guests.
Keep it Simple
Your patio doesn’t need to be cluttered. It doesn’t need to look like your neighbor’s patio or one that you saw in a magazine. If you have a much smaller space to work with, then you need to use that space wisely and keep things simple. Don’t have much room? Then a dining table or bar probably isn’t a good idea. A couple of chairs with a small table should suffice, and if you need a little decoration to add color and style, just throw down a rug or buy a couple of plants.
Buy Foldable Furniture
Large furniture gets in the way when you have a small patio. It’s a trip hazard, a nuisance, and it further reduces your already limited space. You can reduce this risk by purchasing smaller and foldable pieces of furniture. There are plenty of options out there, and while they are generally not as strong, stable, and fashionable as some non-folding options, they’re perfect for small patios. As the name suggests, foldable furniture can be folded away when it’s not in use. You can store it inside the house, in a shed or garage, or just up against the house. There are foldable chairs, tables, and umbrellas. Shop carefully to make sure you’re getting some high-quality furniture because manufacturers focusing primarily on convenience often cut corners. You could end up with something that will break as soon as you sit down or something that isn’t strong enough to survive the winter.
Lay Down A Rug
An outdoor rug will add a splash of color to your patio, making it feel cosier and more homely without taking up a lot of space. But don’t just grab any old rug that once adorned your dining room floor. You need an outdoor rug that can withstand the cold, the snow, and the rain. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring it inside every time it’s raining or make do with a rug that gradually absorbs dirty water and turns into a mold factory. Outdoor rugs are very hard-wearing and relatively cheap. They are also easy to clean, so don’t worry about them getting wet or dirty. Your rug can double as a Welcome Mat for family members, ensuring that your kids, your dog, and even yourself are not dragging mud into the house.
Hang a Mirror
A mirror may seem like an odd choice for a patio, but it can make the space feel a little bigger. It will look brighter, as well, and if you add a flashy or rustic frame, you will have a great decorative item!
Use Tables Wisely
If you have your heart set on a table but don’t really have the space for it, then consider a smaller side table or even a half-table. A half-table is exactly what it sounds like. It’s basically a semi-circle table that you can push up against a house or balcony, sitting on one side and ensuring that the other side is blocked off. It’s a great way to get what is basically a large dining table or bar into a very small space. Many furniture manufacturers—including the ones we sell here at Seven Summers Patio—make table attachments that you can fix onto the arms of two different chairs. These attachments serve as a bridge that connects the two chairs and creates a small platform between them. You can use it to rest drinks, snacks, books, and other small items. It’s the perfect way of adding a side table to your patio without needing to find the space or budget for one. Regardless of your patio size, it should be large enough for a couple of chairs and one of these attachments, and if you just want somewhere to relax, drink, read, and enjoy the sunset with a partner or friend, that’s all you need.
Get a Fire Table
If you’re desperate for a full bar or dining table—and have a patio big enough to cater for it—then consider a fire table. Fire tables combine all the benefits of quality dining tables and bars with a built-in firepit. With the SummerSide Fire Table, for instance, a fire rages in the middle of the table and a protective cover ensures that the guests can enjoy the heat without burning their hands or singeing their hair. A firepit is a must for all patios. It’ll keep you warm and provide some light. If you don’t have the space for a dining table or bar but still want a two-in-one, there are smaller options available that can be converted into firepits or tables. You can opt for the latter during those long summer days and switch to the former when winter sets in.
Go with Benches
Benches take up much less room than chairs. You can press them up against the house or balcony and provide room for two or three people. You’re not making room for more people, and you’re probably not saving much cash, either, but two or three chairs will generally take up much more room than a single bench, and that’s the important thing. What’s more, it means that you only have one piece of furniture to move and decorate, and it’s much less likely to blow over or be knocked over by clumsy guests.
Turn Wooden Pallets into Plant Shelves
You don’t want to be stacking plants along the patio or hanging too many of them from the house. It can make the space feel cramped and will create a few trip hazards as well—not ideal when you’ve had a few drinks. You still need to add a splash of greenery to the patio, though, so if you have any wooden pallets around, stack them up against your house and turn them into bookshelves for your plants. You can rest them on the boards, hang them from the top, or stuff them through the gaps. Get creative, and don’t stop with the plants. A few rustic signs and a little spray paint will give the piece more color and turn it into a low-cost, upcycled centrepiece for your patio.
Create a Vertical Garden
When wooden pallets are out of the question, turn to your fence instead. You can hang plant pots from the fence to create a walled garden, adding all the color without taking away any of the space. Choose colorful plant pots or spray paint them yourself to ensure that you’re not just adding brown on brown and hoping that the flowers will do all the way. Climbing plants are a good idea as well, but these will need to be monitored and maintained to ensure they don’t get out of control.
Choose Smart Storage Options
Shelves, buckets, and boxes are easy ways to store tools, bottles, and shoes, but they’re not very space-friendly. Instead, look at ways that you can combine your storage with a table and/or chair. For instance, a fridge may look great on your patio and ensure that you have a steady supply of cold drinks, but it takes up a lot of room without really offering anything else. If you were to buy a cooler or storage crate instead, you could just close the lid and use it as a seat or a table when you’re not reaching for drinks. Ottomans are great for this purpose, as well. They double as benches and storage space, although they tend to be a lot bigger. If you find that you’re storing a lot of tools, toys, and other items on your patio, it may be worth looking at some alternative storage. If you have the lawn space, buy, or build a shed. If not, transport the clutter to your garage or basement. They could be taking up vital space, and when you only have a few feet to work with, you need every inch that you can get.