The WoW Style

When decorating your patio, you will want to ensure you take full advantage of

the space you have to make a statement. However, you may feel limited when

you are dealing with a smaller than usual patio. Small patios are indeed a

challenge, but by following these tips you can make the most of your space…

and even make it appear larger. Nevertheless, large patios can be a bit

overrated. These concepts will help you determine whether to embrace a cozy

inviting atmosphere or to create a more open patio design.

Built-in fixtures

Using outdoor patio furniture may seem to be ruled out when it comes to small

patios. This is because a smaller area does not give much room for the placing of

large tables and swings. Instead, opt for built-in furniture such as petite outdoor

benches built into the patio. You can also opt to have a built-in coffee table

added, to give a stylish accent to your patio.

Ditch the tables

As an alternative to having a built-in coffee table, ditch the tables altogether.

Instead of using coffee tables, or end tables for your patio… use ceramic garden

stools. These stools work well with saving space, but still being functional. You

may even visit a local consignment store to pick up a small ottoman, which can

add a bit of flair and serve as a coffee table, while the ceramic stools can serve

as end tables.

Ditch the large garden decor

When it comes to small patios, large garden-style decor such as huge swans and

gnomes are not the best theme. As opposed to decorating your patio with such

large fixtures, try using items that add a more simplistic and elegant touch. A

birdbath or some kind of picture with running water such as a DIY creek with

rocks is a great added feature.

Arrange patio furniture in the corners

When setting up your patio furniture/ decor, remember to save space by

arranging the furniture ( built-in or not) in the corner of your patio. You can even

use an outdoor sectional that is c shaped for a sophisticated space-saving tactic.

By using this method, you are opening space in the center, and therefore making

the patio appear larger than it really is.

Accent your garden/perimeter surrounding the patio

A great tip for creating the illusion of a larger patio is to layer the outer

perimeter of the patio with greenery. If there’s a garden surrounding the patio,

you can plant small bushes and other plants to add more depth to the

circumference of the patio… and property as a whole.

Consider the width of spacing of your furniture, not just the size

When dealing with a smaller patio, you may immediately think to get smaller

outdoor styles to compensate for having less room. However, sometimes it’s not

about the size of the furniture. Using larger furniture pieces that are smaller in

number, may work better than a few pieces of petite patio furniture. Likewise,

using larger furniture pieces that are spaced closer together may even look

better than smaller furniture spaced out.

Take advantage of bright colors

Sometimes using bright colors and bold patterns can overwhelm a patio… this is

not the case with a small patio. Small patios actually benefit from distinct

patterns such as vertical lines and brightly colored flowers and/or decor. Such

colors draw the attention away from the size and create a maximizing

voluminous appeal to a smaller patio.

Patterned area rugs

Area rugs are also a great way to make a bold statement, as well as create the

illusion of more space. The bigger the rug the better, and the patterns on the rug

only help to emphasize the dimension of the size of the space of the patio. As far

as which pattern to choose, Larger patterns are recommended, but be creative.

Use the colors and design that works best with your overall outdoor patio theme.

DIY bar option

If your patio is too tiny for patio furniture altogether, you may want to opt to

create a DIY bar. You can achieve an accommodating seating and table setup

just through the bar stools and high table. All-purpose furniture can also be

utilized to create this unique bar experience.

Create dimension

To create your own optical illusion, try arranging your decor in a way that layers

the decor jig-jagged, and incorporates small to large items. You can also use

rocks to implement this concept. Layer the different size rocks from small to

medium and then large, and make sure they are surrounding the entranceway of

the patio, or the sides of the patio itself.

Foldable umbrella

Many people assume using custom patio umbrellas is only for big patio areas, yet that is

not true. Patio umbrellas can be a great accent no matter the size of your patio…

and when it comes to working with a smaller patio, it’s best to choose one that

best suits the table you are using, and that it’s a foldable one. The fact that it’s

foldable will give your patio versatility… ensuring that if you need to move

certain items out of the way to compensate for more guests, you are able to

place the umbrella away too with ease. You may get a smaller patio umbrella,

and do not have to deal with the huge bulky ones.

Create a vertical garden

If your patio is so small that it doesn’t allow for a garden to plant greenery

surround it, consider adding a fence. Once your fence is up, start your very own

vertical garden. The plants and or flowers growing in your vertical garden along

the fence will create a warm and inviting patio retreat for you and your guests

Alike.

Create an ambiance with bistro lights

There’s nothing that creates a better ambiance than intimate lighting. This

ambiance can be created on your patio by using hanging lights, (bistro) or lights

that are wired around the perimeter of the patio. Either style will definitely

illuminate the patio while adding a warm cozy vibe to the appearance of your

tiny patio.

These are some great options for those looking to create a look for their tiny

patio! If you need more inspiration, do not hesitate to check DIY videos on

Youtube, or if you have more of a budget call in an interior designer to help

facilitate your vision.