18 Small Patio Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

patio with wicker furniture and colorful throw pillows — Credit: Bethany Nauert

The exterior spaces of one's home serve so many purposes. From creating al fresco living spaces for lounging and entertaining to setting the backdrop for a container garden, places like patios are truly coveted. Even if your patio is petite, that doesn't mean it can't be gorgeous and put to great use.

Despite a small patio's size, there are many ways to refresh this space with the help of subtle and eye-catching décor elements. From small design fixes to versatile outdoor furniture solutions, making your small patio space look instantly more inviting doesn't take much. Ahead, interior designers give us their best ideas for bringing out the best of these essential spaces.

Liz MacPhail, interior designer and founder of Liz MacPhail Interiors
Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

01 of 18

Hang String Lights

small patio with sting lights — runna10 / Getty Images

You'll use your small patio both day and night when it's properly lit. "A great way to incorporate lighting into a small patio space is through string lights, which are very versatile and can be strung a number of ways," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. If you are dealing with a balcony as your patio space, Kelly recommends hanging the lights on your railing.

02 of 18

Create a Bar Area

backyard patio white outdoor furniture with tropical decor — Getty / Johner Images

If you enjoy entertaining, make room on your patio for a bar. "This can hold an ice bucket with beverages, cups, plates, utensils, and even a portable grill," Kelly says. If you don't have room for a bar cart or console, Kelly says a tray that can hold snacks and cocktails is the perfect versatile serving solution; simply position it on a table when you're hosting.

03 of 18

Set up a Café Table

small black table brown chairs patio outside — Courtesy of Room&Board

Pull a small table between a loveseat or two chairs, and you'll create a casual dining spot for one or two. "When not being used for working or dining, it serves as a casual side table to place a cup of coffee and your book in the morning or a glass of wine at the end of the day," says interior designer Liz MacPhail. "Also, consider adding a couple of plants to it when not in use to round out the greenery and add to the collected, lived-in feel of the space."

04 of 18

Paint Your Floors

patio with whitewashed floor — kohei_hara / Getty Images

Tie your entire space together by painting, whitewashing, or staining the floors an accent color—or try a pattern. "Concrete, wood, and even ugly tile can all be painted. It's important to apply the appropriate prep and paint product for each specific surface to add an individualized touch to your patio," says MacPhail.

05 of 18

Arrange Cut Flowers

outdoor patio with yellow accent chairs — Molly Winters Culver

One simple way to add color to your small patio area is by using flowers to dress tables and stools. Kerry recommends adding cut flowers to your favorite vase; it's a small detail that will make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the space.

06 of 18

Put Down an Outdoor Rug

outdoor patio space with fireplace and rug — Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Incorporating details underfoot makes any space feel cozy without taking up coveted footpaths. "An outdoor area rug is a great way to define a space," Kelly says. "If you have a little room to play with, consider adding an area rug under your seating area, giving the illusion of more breathing room within your footprint."

07 of 18

Arrange Outdoor Chairs

patio chairs — franckreporter / Getty Images

Being thoughtful about your seating is a way to effectively save space on your outdoor patio. "When looking for more lounge-type seating, consider outdoor dining head chairs that provide cushion and arms for comfort but aren't as big as lounge chairs," Kerry says.

08 of 18

Opt for a Small Stool

A small, compact stool doubles as a surface to hold your magazines and favorite beverages while also serving as a seat when needed.

09 of 18

Use a Mix of Patterns

patterned outdoor patio furniture — Joe Schmelzer

An array of bright colors and patterns can easily make a small patio feel twice the size. Opt for color-coordinating designs in both subtle and more robust hues to make your décor pop.

10 of 18

Arrange Potted Plants

backyard brick patio with dining table and plants — Lisa Romerein

A lot can be done with potted plants—especially when you use a variety of colors, heights, sizes, and styles. MacPhail says this will add a collected, eclectic vibe to your space. "Or, if you're looking for cozy but minimal, try adding a series of the same plant in the same pot for a uniform look," she says.

11 of 18

Light a Fire

A large metal fire pit is brightly burning — Kate Stoupas / Getty

As long as you're not limited by a ceiling—like a screened-in patio might be—fire bowls are an easy way to add ambience to your backyard space. "The warmth created by the fire will allow you to enjoy your backyard even during the cooler months," Kerry says.

12 of 18

Employ a Storage Box for Seating

Beautiful Home garden decoration idea — kittimages / Getty Images

An outdoor storage box can double as a seat for your small patio if you add cushions to the top.

13 of 18

Illuminate Your Patio

Lights and candles are ideal for low, ambient lighting. Use the former to line the walkway of your patio or place the latter throughout your backyard on small tables and near pots and planters. "Step it up a notch by placing the candles in lanterns," Kelly says.

14 of 18

Go for a Built-In Bench

built in bench in patio — Maskot / Getty Images

Add more seating while still saving space by incorporating a built-in bench. "A bench will allow the seating to be up against the wall or flexible enough to bring in a dining or coffee space," Kerry says. "Put a couple of freestanding chairs opposite the table, and voila—a multi-functional seating and eating area is instantly created."

15 of 18

Plant Tall Shrubs or Trees

tall plants shade for patio — kkong5 / Getty Images

Protect your patio from the sun while also enhancing its aesthetic by planting tall shrubs or trees around your space. MacPhail says this will provide the shade you need in the afternoon, when patios are most frequently used. She also notes that these plants will provide privacy.

16 of 18

Add Pillows

Pillows are a great way to give your space a homey vibe—whether you're inside or out. "Creating a cozier feel comes mainly from adding in soft pieces," Kerry says. To do this, she recommends adding plenty of throw pillows to your furniture for comfortable lounging.

17 of 18

Create a Game Table

Games table outdoors — Maskot / Getty Images

Another way to add an entertaining element to your small patio space is to add a table big enough to play games on. "We are big believers that every house needs a small game table. If your home doesn't have the space, consider adding it to your patio," MacPhail says.

18 of 18

Make a Living Plant Wall

Incorporate greenery into your patio without taking up too much room by creating a plant wall with succulents, which Kerry says is the perfect low-maintenance solution. Additionally, if you have a trellis or pergola in your patio space, Kerry recommends wrapping it with floral vines to add color and conserve space.