10 Ways to Maximize Your Pint Sized Patio

Even if you have a little bitty patio, compact yard or slim downtown balcony, it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or miss out on a cozy outdoor furniture. You can still create a lush outdoor getaway with space to rest your feet or enjoy a meal.

Group Sitting Areas Together. If you have a long narrow space, create 2 - 3 small groupings of furniture to allow for more seats for guests and family. It could go something like this: 1) Two cozy chairs with an end table 2) A bistro table with 2-4 chairs for casual dining and, if you have room, 3)  A chaise lounge or two for reading (or just taking a nap).

 

Build Up. Don’t have a lot of ground space? Think about a rooftop. You might have more square footage to work with, it typically offers a better view, and quite possibly more privacy. If you go this route make sure to add greenery, cozy furniture, and a spot to store table and glassware so you’re not hauling it up and down stairs. Making this spot feel like a getaway destination spot will only enhance its allure.

Varying Deck Heights. Having a small split-level deck will offer different zones for seating and the varying heights provides visual interest. If you can swing it, having an upper deck over a lower patio doubles your outdoor space. You could have dining on the upper deck and casual seating on the lower deck for kicking your feet up.

 

Add Greenery.  If you have a small balcony and no actual green space, adding plants and flowers in pots will add color, texture, and personalization.  Vertical plants in narrow planters will take up less room and could also create separation if you have close neighbors. A good rule of thumb is to have 3 plant or flower varieties which will offer varying heights and direct the eye around the space.

 

Benches. Built in benches offer seating without taking up too much precious square footage. A group of kids can squeeze together on a bench very nicely. Pull up a table and a couple chairs and you’ve created a nice dining spot. A stand-alone bench with cushions also works as a replacement for a loveseat without taking up as much valuable space.

Shade Is A Necessity. If you don’t have the luxury of having large trees don’t miss out on the beautiful summer weather just because you don’t have shade. An umbrella that tilts will catch the best shade all day long. An umbrella is perfect on evenings when you want the beautiful view, but not necessarily the sun’s blinding light. Umbrellas come in 6’ and 7.5’ sizes and can be used freestanding with a 50 lb. base.

Go for Balcony Height. This term was coined for a specific purpose. Balcony height in outdoor furniture refers to 36” table height and 26” chair/stool height. (The same heights used at your kitchen counter). This height allows you to be sitting down and still have a great view over a balcony railing. Don’t have a balcony? This height is still very useful because in a small compact space adding height will add depth to the outdoor “room”. It’s also a great seating height for our aging parents.

Cozy and Comfy. Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a cozy spot to relax. Many manufacturers make “club dining chairs”. These chairs are more roomy than the dining chair, but not as large as a traditional lounge chair. This Monterra Club Dining Chair works as a lovely spot to cozy up with a book or around a small fire pit.  Another option is chaise lounge chairs for laying back and relaxing. They don’t always need to be used poolside.

Fold It or Stack It. Foldable tables and chairs are very useful in small spaces. This way your space can have multiple functions. Tables and chairs that either fold away or stack up when not in use can keep your area free and clear for a walkway or a kid’s play zone. They’re also useful to add additional seating only when needed.

Warm Up With Fire. Most cities have certain space requirements for wood burning fire pits and when you have a tight space this element typically gets booted off the list. But what about a gas burning option? A 30” diameter top gas burning fire will take up only a small footprint. It operates similar to a gas grill and uses a standard 20 lb. propane tank. Fire pits come in 24” chat height which is the best height for casual dining and conversation. Another bonus, when you’re ready to head inside just turn it off and you’re done. There’s no waiting around for the flames to go out.

Hopefully you’ve gained ideas on furnishing your pint sized patio. We welcome you to stop in and speak with a patio expert who can help you find the best options for your space and personal design style. At Peters we understand not one size fits all so we’re happy to help you realize your patios potential and customize it with finishes, fabrics, and more.

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