Making the Most of Your Outdoor Living With Small Outdoor Spaces

Does your petite patio have some underutilized space? Maybe it’s not a space you use because you don’t have any outdoor design ideas for small outdoor spaces.

Not to worry. We’ve got the best tips that will help you transform small outdoor spaces into an inviting retreat. 

Go Vertical

Just because your outdoor room has limited floor space doesn’t mean you can’t make the area pack a punch.

A vertical garden is one of the best outdoor design ideas for small outdoor spaces. There’s nothing as jaw-dropping as a lush wall garden with colorful and verdant blooms.

Another way to add oomph to your small space is to install a pergola or gazebo. This draws the eyes up and creates a feeling of space and luxury.

On a smaller budget? A pair of wooden beams in cement planters are the perfect way to create DIY string lights for twilight relaxation in the yard. 

Design an Outdoor Room 

The most important outdoor design ideas for small outdoor spaces is to make the yard feel like an extension of your house.

Your outdoor room should be just that – a room. Make it as cozy and inviting as you would in your living room. Just be sure to choose outdoor furniture for small spaces.

If you have a small chair tucked in a corner, make sure to add in a garden stool. It will make the perfect spot to rest a glass of cold lemonade and double as an extra spot for someone to sit.

Don’t forget to bring on the accessories! An outdoor rug, hanging, and potted plants, cushions, stools, and end tables will make your small outdoor space feel more spacious and much more lounge-worthy. 

Go all out and bring an all-weather mirror and an oversized armchair for the comfort of indoors in your outdoor room. 

Divide Your Space

Even with the smallest yards, it is possible to give each area its own job to do.

There are so many creative ways that you can use plants, fences, walls, and other structures to add privacy and personality to your outdoor room.

A simple, wood-slat screen can give your yard multiple rooms and give you privacy from your neighbors. These screens coupled with planters of boxwood, magnolia, and English Ivy are perfect for shade and privacy on big city terraces.

Build a Patio

One of the best ways to define your outdoor space is to install a patio. This gives your yard a definitive space for lounging, eating and entertaining. 

You can choose a wood deck, stamped concrete or paver stones to create a patio to suit the style of your home. 

Add in a fire feature to make this outdoor room the place to be after sunset. Bring on the marshmallows!

Dress Up a Single Bench

You don’t necessarily need to have a full set of outdoor chairs and couches if your space doesn’t permit it.

For small outdoor spaces, sometimes a single bench is all you need. Make sure your bench doesn’t look forlorn by adding in colorful throw pillows.

Having guests? Have a selection of stools and ottomans on hand that can easily seat a small crowd without making your outdoor room look crowded.

Install a Plunge Pool

No room for an above-ground pool? No worries. You can still cool off this summer with an inexpensive but oh-so-refreshing plunge pool.

With a simple galvanized steel stock tank (sold at most farm and ranch stores) and a garden house, you have a cool and refreshing pool steps from your back door.

There are various shapes and sizes of stock tanks to choose from. Ideally, you want one that is two-feet tall and holds more than 500 gallons of water.

Use Lots of Potted Plants

Just because you don’t have space for a garden doesn’t mean your yard can’t be full of life and color.

Go ahead and have numerous potted plants of all kinds. Cacti, flowering trees, shrubs – the more the merrier your yard will be.

Feel free to mix up your planters as well and select a range of materials such as painted ceramics, wood and terracotta. 

Layer It Up

Another of the best outdoor design ideas for small outdoor space is layers. It’s a great way to make your space feel much more expansive.

Bring an eclectic collection of smaller furnishings and bright accents to your petite patio. You’ll be left with a bohemian and relaxing space for you to enjoy when the weather is fine.

Keep in mind that your outdoor textiles should not just look good but feel good too. Choose fabrics that are soft to the touch like knit blankets, plush floor pillows, and woven rugs.

This will make you and your guests never want to leave. 

Add a Large Patio Umbrella

If you have an un-protected patio, one of the best things you can do is add a brightly colored patio umbrella.

Not only will it give you shade, but it adds a pop of color and another vertical element for your small space.

To make your space magazine-worthy, match your chair cushions to the hue of your umbrella.  

Final Word on Maximizing Small Outdoor Spaces

There you have it! We hope you’ve enjoyed these expert tips on transforming your small outdoor spaces into the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Want to tackle a bigger outdoor living project? Contact us today for a free consultation.