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By Marissa Miller, CNN Underscored
Published 9:50 AM EDT, Tue June 11, 2024
What's in this guide
- What to look for in patio furniture for small spaces
- Small patio chairs
- Small patio sofas
- Small patio tables
- Small patio sets
- Small outdoor rugs
Small patio furniture quick picks
Folding chair: Stylewell Mix and Match Folding Steel Sling Outdoor Dining Chair
Sofa with built-in side tables: Idzo Lucille Acacia Patio Loveseat
2-in-1 table: Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side Table
Bistro set: Hashtag Home Gunner 2-Person Oval Outdoor Dining Set
Conversation set: Nathan James Freya Bohemian 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
Whether you have a balcony overlooking the city or a deck that opens into a yard, decorating a small patio can be tricky, especially when so many outdoor furniture pieces are big and bulky. Luckily, you can maximize your space with these small patio ideas, including space-saving furniture and decor that will turn your cramped outdoor quarters into a miniature oasis.
What to look for in patio furniture for small spaces
Size and shape
When searching for the perfect patio furniture to suit your limited space, keep this one phrase in mind: “Scale, scale, scale,” says Tobi Kraus, an interior and exterior designer. She says it’s crucial your furniture fits proportionately within your space — and that means looking for compact items or those billed as apartment-friendly. “If it’s a small balcony, consider smaller furniture and some that are easier to store, like foldable chairs compared to ones that are stationary,” Kraus says.
Luckily, Brooklyn Burdon, chief design officer at Nathan James, says we’re seeing a “trend toward space-saving designs as opposed to clunky boxlike furniture, [which] is becoming increasingly popular. These slim designs offer versatility and can be stored easily.”
In terms of the shape of your small patio furniture, Kraus recommends a round bistro table over a square or rectangular one. That’s because you’ll be able to move around it with ease and maximize the number of chairs that can surround it. When opting for end tables for small spaces, “choose square and small enough to put a drink down but nothing more than that,” Kraus says.
Color and material
Outfitting your small patio is as much about maximizing space as it is about keeping up with appearances. For a dining set, Kraus says “color-wise, if you stick with a white metal material, it will keep things lighter and won’t look as heavy.”
If you’re getting multiple pieces, Burdon suggests “sticking to a neutral color palette to create a cohesive look and make the space feel larger.” Similarly, Kraus says a translucent glass or plastic top allows you to see the base of the balcony, creating the illusion of a larger space.
Of course, because you want to be able to enjoy these investment pieces for years to come, “ensure the furniture material is weather-resistant, especially if it will be exposed to the elements,” Burdon says.
For the perfect finishing touch, Kraus recommends bringing in some lush plants either surrounding your patio or hanging from your ceiling or veranda to “make it feel homey and tie in the nature of the backyard so it all feels like one.” For lighting, Burdon recommends going the wall-mounted route in order to save coveted floor space.
Small patio chairs
Whether purchased in pairs as part of a conversation set or styled separately for extra seating, this practical folding chair makes for a solid small-space patio chair. It has comfortable armrests and a durable steel frame that folds for easy storage.
Looking for comfort and style all in one? This egg chair has a slightly more elongated narrow frame to accommodate small spaces and comes with water-resistant cushions for extra back support. Unlike a hanging egg chair that’s at the mercy of high winds, this one’s anchored on four durable legs spanning just over 2 feet wide at the base so you can curl up with a good book for hours.
Poof! Just like that, you’ve secured extra space on your small outdoor patio by opting for a pouf in place of a standard chair. This plush indoor/outdoor option measures under 2 feet on each side and comes in a versatile neutral striped print, allowing for endless styling opportunities. The water- and UV-resistant woven polyester fabric makes it durable enough to withstand the outdoors while bringing the welcoming aesthetic of a living room to your patio.
We often associate chaises with vast and expansive outdoor living areas, but the compact silhouette of this model makes it suitable for a small patio. Its adjustable backrest and included pillow allow for effortless reclining, while its lightweight and foldable build makes it easy to store or transport. A side pocket sweetens the deal even more, so you can keep your phone, sunscreen or snacks close by without the need for a side table.
Small patio sofas
You’ll love this loveseat that comes with two built-in end tables on each side for ultimate convenience when lounging outdoors. It's made of elegant and sustainable FSC-certified acacia wood, and the included weather-resistant cushions feature Velcro backings to keep them secure (they’re removable for easy maintenance too!).
Yes, you can sneak a sectional into your small outdoor space, especially when it’s this compact. This one from Burrow is just 5 feet wide, and it even has an ottoman for kicking up your feet. It’s made of marine-grade galvanized steel that won’t rust in the face of rain or snow. Plus, its modular take-apart design makes it both easy to store and rejig as your tastes evolve.
With this compact two-seater sofa, you can bring a designer-approved midcentury modern look to your patio space. It's available in two neutral hues, and the water-resistant wicker and removable all-weather cushions make it a practical yet stylish addition to your outdoor entertaining setup. With only around 15 minutes of assembly required, you’ll be sitting pretty in no time.
This eye-catching loveseat is bound to be the focal point of any small patio space. It sits low on the ground (great for pets!) and has a reclined back to encourage lounging. The loveseat is made with an acacia wood frame and water-resistant cushions.
Small patio tables
You’re going to need a cooler for all those canned co*cktails anyway, so you may as well build that function into the design of your side table to save space. This one is double-wall insulated and made of a combination of stone and plastic with an on-trend fluted texture. It's designed to keep drinks ice cold for up to 12 hours (it can fit up to 55 cans!), and it even has drainage holes to prevent mildew buildup.
Requiring just a foot and a half of floor space, this practical Adirondack side table is the perfect place to put a small snack or your outdoor essentials (like sunscreen, of course). Its weatherproof and sustainable materials resist warping, chipping, peeling and rotting, so it’ll serve you well for many summers to come.
Got clutter you need to clear up before the guests arrive? Stash it all in this clever coffee table that doubles as a storage unit with a generous 30-gallon capacity. Made of sturdy resin, it’ll withstand all kinds of inclement weather and can be used as an impromptu bench for extra seating.
When styling any outdoor space, you want your pieces to withstand the test of time and the elements. This timeless and versatile coffee table will do just that. We love its low-profile design, and the self-draining tabletop promotes the longevity of its powder-coated aluminum frame.
Small patio sets
Ready, (patio) set, go: This space-saving bistro set is ideal for cramped spaces with its elongated oval table and minimalist armchairs. It comes in the cutest matte pastel colors to brighten up a dreary deck, and it has slats to prevent pooling on its weather-resistant frame.
Take your couch potato tendencies to the great outdoors in this compact three-piece conversation set. It comes with two armchairs and a loveseat, all set on a durable acacia wood frame with contrasting black hardware accents for drama. The included foam cushions are fade-resistant for extra longevity, and they're even removable and washable!
Make your outdoor nook even cozier with this genius modular seating arrangement from Cozey. The two seats are conjoined on a sturdy aluminum frame that also acts as an end table for serious convenience and space-saving properties. The set is complete with an ottoman you can move out of the way whenever you need extra space, and you can completely customize the set to your needs, from the seat configuration to the cushions and arm style.
With its plush cushioned loveseat and practical all-weather slatted coffee table, this budget-friendly pick is perfect for lounging with a loved one or kicking up your feet solo.
Small outdoor rugs
Blend Mother Nature’s most beautiful hues in this multicolor rug that harkens to sand and sky. It comes in multiple sizes, but the 4-by-6-foot size is small enough to fit into tight quarters. It’s machine-washable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it practical for any time of year.
This palm-lined rug is a no-brainer way to usher in some jovial island vibes to your small patio space. At 3 by 5 feet in size, it’ll elegantly tie any space together. Plus, you’ll love that it’s machine-washable so you can keep it pristine in such a high-traffic area.
Grab this easy-to-style rug to soften the look of a wooden deck or concrete balcony. Its medium-pile height is comfortable against bare feet while being easy to maintain, and its power-loomed UV-resistant fibers ensure it’ll look brand new all season long.
Not sure where to start on your search for the perfect small outdoor rug? The horizontal lines in this blue beauty will draw the eye downwards, creating the illusion of a larger space.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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