An outdoor space is a covetable thing, whether you live in a city apartment or suburban home. Depending on its size, you might be having trouble figuring out how to maximize it. A small patio can be big on style and function, especially when you design it with your aesthetic and lifestyle in mind. For instance, if you love to entertain, make sure there’s seating. Even a teeny patio can usually fit a bistro table and two chairs for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails—and those are just a few of our favorite small patio ideas.
But before we get into all the decorating possibilities, a few small patio idea essentials: First, you’ll want to consider the placement in relation to the sun. Shade should always be part of patio design. You’ll need either an overhead structure, such as a pergola, or movable shading, like a retractable awning or large umbrella (the more affordable option). Prefer direct sunlight to bask in? Forgo total coverage in favor of a small umbrella or a tree for dappled shade. Next, think about privacy. If you’re squished up against your neighbor in an urban setting, strategically placed containers with vining plants can form a green privacy wall (and flowering plants or herbs to make the space feel warm and welcoming!). You could also try panels of trellis or fencing to ensure you don’t feel like you’re always on display when you’re outside enjoying your small patio.
Keep reading to get even more showstopping small patio ideas straight from designers. Packed with stylish decorating ideas and clever space-saving solutions, they’re small patios you’ll want to recreate before summer arrives.
More backyard inspiration for the best summer ever:
- Backyard Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
- 17 Best Paver Patio Ideas
- Live Outdoors All Summer Long with These 30 Back Porch Ideas
Incorporate a Greenhouse
If a vegetable patch is what you really want, put a small greenhouse on your patio as designer Whitney Leigh Morris did at her Florida home. Not only will you now have ample shelf space for the garden of your dreams, but you’ll also have a cozy space to set a café table and chairs for your morning coffee.
Embrace Your Surroundings
If you live on a body of water, your dock might need to double as your backyard. Rather than chalk it up to wasted space, embrace the flat square footage as Joe Lucas’s clients did here, and place a table out there for a cute place to dine on a sunny day.
Designate Zones
City patios always have to be multifunctional, but if you’re lucky enough to have layers or stories, designate one for each purpose. In this space by the Brownstone Boys, the lower level is for group gatherings, while the upper level is better suited to quiet mornings and relaxing outdoors.
Carve Out Seating
No patio? No problem. Take a note from outdoor space designed by Kemble Interiors, and place your outdoor furniture directly on the grass. When properly accessorized (note the chic throw pillows), this can look just as intentional as a patio space.
Don't Block the View
On this long yet narrow patio, Tom Scheerer opted for dining benches to avoid blocking the view of the great outdoors that lay beyond the covered dining area. The benches take up less visual space while still allowing large groups to gather.
Frame the Seating Area
Embrace the tight square footage of your small patio by framing it with arched trellises. Designer Jeremiah Brent opted to hang lanterns from the vine-covered pieces to enhance the intimate vibe.
Bring the Outdoors to You
On this penthouse apartment’s terrace, a putting green bridges the gap between apartment living and functional outdoor space. Yes, the homeowner does use the green for practice while his children lounge nearby!
Seek Out Streamlined Furniture
In this Jeremiah Brent–designed home in Los Angeles County, a small patio off the guest bedroom is chic and functional thanks to a slim loveseat rather than a larger outdoor sofa. When paired with an equally small drinks table, it’s a cozy place to hang out all year.
Take It Up High
Because this home literally floats on a body of water (Richardson Bay, off the coast of Sausalito, California), there’s no ground-level patio space to be found. That didn’t deter Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni of CDS Interiors. Instead, she simply placed the patio on the roof.
Focus on Scale
While petite, this patio—at a San Francisco home by design teams Regan Baker Design, Medium Plenty, and Terremoto—packs a punch. The seating, table, and fire pit are all properly sized to ensure the area doesn't feel overcrowded. Greenery, including a cherry laurel hedge that will grow over time, amplifies a sense of serenity.
Select Patterned Tiles
If you don't have much wall or ground space for decor, make your patio stand out with patterned tiles. For the patio of a Maui, Hawaii, retreat, designer Breeze Giannasio chose black-and-white ones from Merola Tile. Chairs with bamboo detailing fit right in with the surrounding landscape.
Add Bistro Seating
On a patio with brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern, interior design firm Arent&Pyke placed a small bistro table with a speckled top. Backless green stools and bench seating make the area feel more open.
Mix Pavers and Grass
If you're working with a small backyard and don't have room for both a lawn and patio, combine the two with stone pavers separated by grass (real or faux!). The mixed materials also offer a manicured look as this 1930s cottage by designer Javier Burkle proves.
Make It Nature-Inspired
Incorporate various elements found in nature—from potted plants and large trees to irregularly shaped stone pavers and a stone fireplace. But don't be afraid to add contrast: Romanek Design Studio included black-and-white striped chairs for a modern pop.
Play With Textures
Lots of of textures create a statement. This area by designers Leigh Anne Muse and Lili O'Brien is a prime example. The flooring is made of pavers and pebbles set in concrete for a smooth and textured look. Wicker furniture, patterned pillows, and a plush blanket complete the look.
Keep It Neutral
For the party plaza of a Texas home, designer Linda Hayslett kept the color scheme neutral. The soft colors creates a cozy feeling while the simple furniture makes it feel clean.
Go for a Sophisticated Look
On a sleek, modern patio, designer Robson Rak let chic materials stand out. Seating wrapped in upbeat blue fabric and a nook filled with firewood add flair.
Avoid Bulky Furniture
Designer Summer Jensen of Hawk + Co, outfitted four metal chairs with white plush pillows to offer comfy seating that isn't unwieldy.
Introduce a Bar
Lack of space doesn't mean you can't have an outdoor bar on your patio. Just take it from this dining area by design firm HurleyHafen, which features a built-in wall nook filled with cocktail essentials.
Create a Cobbled Effect
Give any outdoor area European charm by introducing cobblestone-inspired flooring, as designer Wendy Owen did here. Add climbing vines and loungers for a dreamy setup.
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