{"id":20752,"date":"2024-05-18T16:39:58","date_gmt":"2024-05-18T20:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fromhousetohome.com\/?p=20752"},"modified":"2024-12-03T20:52:10","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T01:52:10","slug":"small-patio-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fromhousetohome.com\/garden\/small-patio-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Patio Decorating Ideas To Transform Your Deck Into An Outdoor Oasis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just because you have a tiny deck doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor living. Use these space-saving tips and small patio decorating ideas to create an outdoor oasis out of whatever space you have.<\/p>\n\n\n

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If you are like me, the best part of summer is relaxing on an outdoor patio with a couple of friends and a cool refreshing drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter where I have lived, even in apartments, I have always wanted to have at least a little bit of outdoor space where I could go to unwind when the weather is nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, most of the places I have lived haven’t had a lot of room for large decks or patios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I always felt like those small and crowded outdoor spaces cramped my outdoor living style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when I moved into my current house (which was brand new and didn’t have anything in the back yard), I decided to build a deck and patio that would be big enough to handle all of my entertaining needs. And it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you know what else I found? A really large open area feels really big and empty when you don’t have a lot of people around (which is most of the time!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I came to the realization that smaller patios and decks are more cozy and inviting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, inside of my big outdoor living area, I now have many small spaces that require the same kind of small patio decorating ideas that my old city ones did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I thought I would share some of my space-saving tips and small patio ideas that help make the most of the space you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 | Place Seating Along Two Sides<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The first step is to carefully choose how you place the seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you already have some chairs, want to build in benches or buy an outdoor sectional sofa, arranging the seating around the edges of a small patio (or deck) will give you more usable space.<\/p>\n\n\n

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I know this totally goes against one my decorating rules of pulling furniture away from the walls…but sometimes you have to break the rules!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the small deck at the back of my yard, I was lucky enough to find an outdoor sectional that fit into the two sides perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding a square table makes it perfect for using as a dining space, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 | Lay Down An Outdoor Rug<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Next you’ll want to get an outdoor area rug for the space. They’re meant to take the weather and usually aren’t that expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just like inside, they help to define a seating area and make it feel like everything belongs together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outdoor rug<\/a>* under the table on my back deck really makes it feel like an outdoor room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding a solar-powered lighted umbrella<\/a>* even makes this deck useful after dark. And you don’t need to have access to an electrical outlet for it to work.<\/p>\n\n\n

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I added another similar outdoor rug<\/a>* on my patio, too (which is a larger space) and the rug definitely pulls the whole look together.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Of course, if you love color like I do, you can always go bold with a colorful outdoor rug like this one<\/a>* from my last deck makeover project.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rug looks and feels like an indoor rug. And I will say that it doesn’t dry as quickly as the lighter outdoor rugs do. So I would recommend using it in a covered outdoor area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 | Create An Outdoor Living Room<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The main problem with small patios and decks is that there is no room to spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seating that has to be pulled out (like dining chairs) requires extra space that you may not have.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Which is why I often use an outdoor sofa and a couple of arm chairs instead of the standard outdoor dining table and chairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are so comfortable, you may never want to come inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 | Put Chairs On The Diagonal<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Having said that, if you do want to have a dining table and chairs on your small deck, there is a way to maximize the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I had my dining table in the gazebo, I was always afraid that people were going to push their chair out and fall off the edge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I turned the chairs on the diagonal…problem solved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 | Get a round dining table<\/h2>\n\n\n
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It also helps to have a round table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The take up a little less space than a square table, don’t have any sharp corners to bump into and you have more flexibility on where to put the chairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On most small patios, a 48″ table is a bit too big to fit comfortably. So try to find one that is a maximum of 42″ wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 | Paint Your Outdoor Furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Speaking of outdoor patio furniture, if you already own some but it’s seen better days (or you just don’t like it that much), a coat of paint may be all it needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s amazing what a difference a new color can make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My outdoor table and chairs look like a brand new set now that I’ve spray painted them white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the tutorial for spray painting outdoor furniture HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 | Use Garden Stools As Tables<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Trying to find outdoor tables that look pretty and fit in a small space can be challenging. Which is why I like to use ceramic garden stools outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are the perfect size to put down a drink or a book and they don’t take up much space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, they look just as good sitting in front of a bench as the do beside it, so you have lots of furniture arranging versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 | Add a Tall Side Table<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you want to have an eating area but don’t have room for a dining table, try using a taller side table between two chairs instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be pulled out to be used as a dining table when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n

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And pushed back out of the way when all you need is a table to put your drinks on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 | Use dual purpose tables<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Bistro set with ice bucket<\/a>*<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Just like when you’re decorating a small room<\/a>, using multi-purpose furniture makes the best use of your small deck or patio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love the idea of having a table with an ice cooler built in<\/a>. That means you don’t have to get up to get a refill and it doesn’t take up any extra floor space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for ones that have a cover for the opening so that you can also use the whole top as a table if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Wicker ice cooler table<\/a>*<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Or get a table (like this one<\/a>*) which has the ice cooler in the base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top can be pushed down so it looks like a solid table when you’re not using the cooler. And pops up when you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 | Or combine a side table with an umbrella stand<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Number 10 on my outdoor decorating ideas list is another type of dual-purpose furniture that works well for small patios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need some protection from the sun, a side table that also acts as an umbrella stand may be just the thing!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Umbrella table<\/a>*<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Or if you already have an umbrella stand, this table that goes around the umbrella pole<\/a>* is a perfect way to make it more functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that whatever table you get is heavy enough to hold up your umbrella if a gust of wind comes along.  Otherwise you may end up with a drink in your lap when the table tips over \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 | Add a Space-Saving Bench<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Benches provide a lot of seating in a small amount of space which makes them one of my favorite space saving ideas for small patios.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of their narrow width you can fit them in almost anywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like this corner beside my grill.<\/p>\n\n\n

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If you’re short on storage space, this bench also stores cushions<\/a>* which makes it the perfect multi-functional piece of furniture for a small area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 | Put Up a Pretty Umbrella<\/h2>\n\n\n
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As with any room, adding a focal point is a great way to make sure your outdoor space attracts attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the easiest way to do this for an outdoor seating area is to put up a show stopping umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n

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This one I got from Pier 1 a few years (unfortunately, not available anymore) is a great example<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to confess that it is still the most expensive umbrella I have ever bought, but I think it was worth the splurge!<\/p>\n\n\n

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If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want to make a statement, you can always add your own embellishments to a standard umbrella. Like the fringe I glued onto this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find the tutorial for making your own DIY Fringe Umbrella HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

13 | Hang A Garden Mirror<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Just like when you’re decorating a small room, hanging an outdoor mirror<\/a>* above a console table<\/a>* helps to open up a small space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think mirrors work even better outdoors, because they’re usually reflecting the sky and some greenery which really expands the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, I do try to keep them in the deck area so that birds are less likely to fly into them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 | Create some privacy<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you’re dealing with a small deck or patio, chances are you’re also dealing with close-by neighbors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So creating some privacy is probably important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounding the area with plants makes the space feel very intimate and romantic. Like you are hidden away in your own secret garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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If you have a patio or very low deck, you can plan a garden bed that provides the plant backdrop and blurs the edges of the deck (like my mother’s deck<\/a> shown here).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or build planters around the edge of the deck. Not only are the plants easy to tend to and water, but it also acts as a barrier that prevents anyone from falling off the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Putting up a fence around part of the deck is another effective way to create that sense of privacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like to use lattice for this purpose since it still allows air flow and doesn’t block the light. But is still dense enough to block your neighbor’s view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related<\/strong>: Backyard privacy ideas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 | Hang Outdoor Curtains<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you don’t have the room for lots of plants, you can also create the cozy secret garden feel by hanging outdoor curtains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They help to define the space and provide some privacy from the neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ones were an easy and inexpensive DIY project (you can find our DIY outdoor curtain tutorial HERE<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16 | Install A Vertical Herb Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you want privacy and functionality, building a vertical herb garden may be the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t take up much space, gives easy access to fresh herbs and provides a privacy screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I made this one a tall pallet and some inexpensive window boxes. So it was really easy to make and didn’t cost very much to build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find the DIY vertical herb garden tutorial HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 | Put up a fountain<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The sound of running water is always a soothing addition to an outdoor space and can help to counteract neighborhood noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not have room for something large but there are smaller options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tiled wall with water running down it (like the picture above) could also act as a privacy screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Store-bought wall fountains come in all shapes and sizes so you should be able to find one to fit your space.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Or if you prefer a DIY project, you can make your own (like this one<\/a> that my brother made for his small patio). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

18 | Set Up An Outdoor Bar<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you like to entertain, then you might want to set up an outdoor bar rather than a traditional dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a great way to provide seating that doesn’t take up much room on a small patio. <\/p>\n\n\n

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And it’s the first place that everyone heads to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I have outdoor parties, these tall bar stools<\/a>* are everyone’s favorite seats, and they don’t take up a lot of room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing a mini fridge and the grill behind the bar works perfectly since I have space to cook while still being a part of the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19 | Expand your patio<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you want to expand your patio without taking on a large scale renovation, these deck tiles<\/a>* are a great solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be installed directly over a concrete slab or any other level surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And they just click together. It only took me a few hours to put this whole patio together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out all the details on these deck tiles and how to install them HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, that’s my tour of the garden rooms in my yard. Hopefully you can use some of these small patio decorating ideas to make the most of the space you have, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other deck ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n