Small Space Solutions: Maximizing Your Compact Patio or Balcony

With the help of small space solutions, maximizing your compact patio or balcony can be a wonderful adventure in creating the perfect outdoor oasis. The smaller square footage of a balcony or patio means some creative planning will be needed to achieve the desired result, but we can help with that.

Create the Vision for Your Compact Patio or Balcony

Before you begin to think about layout or design elements, the first step is to envision how you plan to utilize the space. If the thought of doing this overwhelms you, it may help to spend a few minutes standing on your balcony or patio evaluating your surroundings.

Then ask yourself the following four questions:

1. Do I want this space to be for solace or community?
2. If solace is my goal, do I want more of a peaceful work area or a respite that brings me closer to nature?
3. If community is my goal, do I enjoy hosting guests for gatherings and dinner?
4. Do I want to use the space for resting or eating?

With answers to these questions, it will help the vision come together. For example, if you plan to maximize your compact patio or balcony for community, you will likely need some sort of table and chairs.

Should you choose to transform your area with small space solutions designed for solace, consider a reclining chair that faces the sun for maximum vitamin D absorption and a side table to set down a refreshing drink and a good book.

If you want some versatility for the space that can take it from solace to community, consider a coffee table as your anchor piece of furniture and add a bench and a chair for seating options.

Planning Compact Outdoor Seating Areas Begins with the Numbers Game

Now that you have a vision for your space, the next step is measuring your balcony or patio.

Everything you do will flow from this step, so measuring correctly is essential and it is worth doing at least twice to make sure you get the same measurements each time.

To give the dimensions life and lend themselves to design in the next step, it can be a good idea to draw a rough sketch of the space so that you can place the measurements directly on it.

Don’t forget to measure the length, width, and even the height of the space. Height can become an important factor if you decide to use table umbrellas or tall plant stands.

Be sure to measure the distance between outlets as this will help with side table placement if you decide to use outdoor lighting. Also make a note of any areas that protrude from a flat wall or balcony like a fire pit or an electrical box.

While dimensions for outdoor spaces of any size are needed before design begins, it is perhaps most critical for balcony furniture solutions. The smaller the space, the more exact the measurements must be to accommodate the outdoor furniture you will select.

Selecting Multi-Purpose Small Outdoor Furniture for Your Space

With a vision and measurements in hand, now it’s time to select multifunctional furniture that matches what you want for your space. When you choose furniture that has multiple applications, it can make your space serve multiple purposes without adding more pieces of furniture.

Some small patio furniture ideas we recommend for tiny patio maximization are:

• Two-seater benches. These have an old-world charm and come in multiple colors. They are great for entertainment seating.
• Adirondack Chairs. These comfortable chairs come in multiple sizes and colors to give your balcony or patio yet another element of design.
• Cushioned Outdoor Rope Chairs. These chairs are simple in design and feature comfortable cushions with rope-finished sides for nice detail.
• Outdoor Rope Chairs. These chairs are reminiscent of classy wicker patio furniture and will elevate the design of your patio or balcony.
• Patio Tables. Whether you are looking for a BBQ, coffee, round bar, round pub, or modern side table, pairing just the right one with your seating is important in creating the vibe of your space.

Have fun when choosing the right furniture pieces for your small space, but be sure to keep its dimensions in mind to avoid overcrowding.

Small Patio Furniture Ideas Come Alive with Accents

The patio furniture you select sets the tone, so with your furniture purchased, now it is time to add the finishing touches. While adding just the right accents can be fun, it requires some level of restraint. Too many accents can make a space seem overly crowded or cluttered, so a minimal design aesthetic may be best for smaller spaces.

Some of the more popular ways of accenting a small outdoor area with purpose include:

• Standing plant boxes. These will add a touch of greenery and sophistication to the area while also enhancing your privacy.
• Rail plant boxes. These can be space savers, depending on if the planted flowers hang on the outside of the railing, or the inside. The flowers will add a pop of color and give an almost outdoor café feel.
• Hanging lights. If a little magic is what you are looking for once darkness sets in, consider hanging some patio lights up high or even along a balcony railing. These come in a variety of colors and shapes so that you can give your patio a little extra personality.
• Umbrellas. If keeping the sun off your face is an important element for you, an outdoor umbrella may be something to consider as well.

With these small space solutions in mind, maximizing your compact patio or balcony can be easy, fun, and yield a beautiful space for you to enjoy for years to come.