Tips & Tricks To Maximize Your Small Patio Space

Patios can be a great alfresco place to entertain guests or simply relax and unwind. Those with limited space, however, may be frustrating to work with. If your patio feels too tiny to use, don't give up on it just yet. With a few space-saving tricks and the right décor, you can make the most of your petite retreat. The first tip: strategic furniture selection. When working with a tiny space, multipurpose furniture is your best friend. An outdoor ottoman, like this one from Amazon, can serve as a side table, footrest, an extra seat, and even storage — a great space-saving hack.

The right amount of furniture and the right scale are also key, according to interior design consultant and blogger Kate Watson-Smyth, as she explained to The Washington Post: "If you have a small space and a small sofa, tiny table and bitty chair, it'll look like a dollhouse." Instead, find a balance between one large furniture piece and a smaller one. This could be that aforementioned ottoman with a matching loveseat. You don't want too much furniture, as Watson-Smyth advises, "The more you stuff into a room, the more it'll seem to close in on you." The idea is to add décor and visual elements that can enhance the look without cluttering it, which leads to this next design trick.

As an extension of the home, you'll want your small patio to be both stylish and functional. While it may lack in floor space, interior design director Jessica Shaw tells Living Cozy that "finding a way to bring some originality and tidy up the space through vertical decor is a great option." Use wall shelves to display creative outdoor décor, like DIY garden ornaments and candles. If your patio is contained by a fence, consider hanging planters or grow climbing plants to create a living wall. These will add a pop of greenery as well as make the space feel more intimate.

For a small patio design, not all lighting is created equal, according to Shaw. She explains that adding small yet ambient lighting, like string lights and lanterns, creates a more enjoyable glow for the space. If you don't have a ceiling to hang them, they work just as well on railings and tables. Additionally, a small tabletop fire pit can bring warmth and ambiance without sacrificing too much space. This portable tabletop fire pit from Amazon, for example, can be an easy outdoor accessory to make your patio feel cozy and inviting. Last but not least, make it comfortable by using your interior living area as inspiration. Simple home décor elements like an outdoor area rug and throw pillows can add texture and color to your tiny outdoor living space without reducing square footage.