20 Great Small Balcony Decorating Ideas

Patios are a great addition to your home, no matter how big or small, they’re a space that you can gather to enjoy a little outdoor time, have a cup of coffee, a meal, or relax and watch the sunrise or sunset. Knowing exactly how to create a comfortable space so that you can utilize it in all the ways you imagine, can be a bit more challenging if the patio is small. Although this may be true, there are still plenty of things you can do to get the most out of your small patio, from purchasing patio furniture scaled to size, and arranging what you have in a way that the space is not only optimally functional, but it’s a beautiful space, too. Here are some ideas on how to create a beautiful, functional patio you can enjoy.

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Create a sitting area

Obviously one of the things you want to be able to do on your patio is to sit, or lounge. Depending on the size you’re working with, you might opt to have a small patio table with a couple of chairs to set around it. A small outdoor bistro table may be just the size you need, and adding a couple bistro style chairs can be a quaint little setting for that morning coffee with the sunrise. Have an uncovered patio? A colorful table umbrella adds charm and can come in handy when the weather calls for a little cover. If space allows, a comfortable lounge chair gives you additional seating, or the option to relax in a different way on your patio. For longer patios, built-in bench seats give you both, optimum seating areas plus lounging options when you want to catch some rays, nap, or lounge with a good book. Good SGN suggests measuring your space ahead of purchasing patio furniture so yo know exactly what you’re dealing with and don’t overcrowd your space with patio furniture that’s too large and space consuming.

Fire pits are awesome

Today, all the rave is about spending time around a cozy bonfire with family and friends. It’s a great way to be able to continue using your patio all year long. There are so many types of fire pits to choose from and you can choose the one that fits your style, the size of your patio, and your budget. Depending on the layout of your patio, you may opt to set a brick or stone wood-burning fire pit in the center of the patio and set up your sitting area around the fire pit, using it as the patio focal point. Fire pits come in square shapes, round, tabletop fire pits, among others.

Add color with potted plants and other outdoor decor

Nothing says, “welcome to nature,” like surrounding yourself with beautiful flowers and greenery. Make your patio a beautiful oasis by adding potted plants and flowers. Your space may not be big enough to place large pots that take up usable space, so get creative with the types of containers you use and your available space. If you don’t have a lot of patio square footage, take advantage of vertical space, hanging plants from a pergola, off a beam, or a wall. You can tier your plants in a number of ways, and Home Stratosphere suggests creating a tier of flowering plants on your patio for a beautiful cascading color effect. A small, painted step ladder leaning against a wall or gate is a great way to arrange potted plants in a unique way without utilizing ground space. Mix colors and species of flowers and plants to give your patio a beautiful display and bursts of color. For small patios that meet the yard, a border of flowers and plants that runs along the patio’s edge helps the patio to look and feel larger, and gives the impression it seamlessly melds right into the yard.

Lighting creates ambiance and size

Lighting is one of those cool elements that creates so much atmosphere for your outdoor spaces. It warms up patios and porches, while being functional at the same time. With so many different ways to use lighting, even small patios can have added light to create the perfect ambiance. String a strand of lights on the eave of your house, or along a trellis, or pergola. Add rustic style lanterns to beams, or stick a few tiki torches at the corners of your patio. For a soft, romantic feel, a pair of large candles in a set of beautiful votives in the center of your table really sets the mood. You can get creative with your lighting for your small patio and create a warm and welcoming space that’s simply beautiful, both night, and day.

For more great ideas for a small patio, look at these 20 great small patio decorating ideas and create one of your own.