6 Simple Tips Designers Use to Create a Chic Small Patio

Just because your patio space is small doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a luxurious outdoor oasis.

Here, we spoke to interior designers who shared some of their top tips for turning a patio into an elegant place to relax and entertain. Follow them and then get ready to host all of outdoor gatherings in the coming months.

Invest in well-made furniture

Look for garden furniture that is built to last and retain its elegant appearance even with regular use.

“Durable materials like metal, treated wood, or composites are weather-resistant and worth investing in for outdoor furniture,” says Elissa Hall, founder of EDH Interiors. “For soft seating, choose a thick, water-resistant Sunbrella fabric.”

Make sure you have enough outdoor seating to accommodate guests. If you’re short on space, you’ll want to choose multifunctional pieces. Patrice Justice, founder of Patricia Justice Designs, likes outdoor stools because they can be easily moved around for extra seating or legroom.

“Lightweight chairs that stack can be helpful when you have a larger group,” she adds. “That way, they don’t take up too much storage space,” Justice says.

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Drawing from nature

Bring your outdoor space to life with natural elements like stone, which Laurie DiGiacomo, founder of Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors, suggests using as flooring, and incorporate some type of water feature. Whether it’s a fountain or a small pond, it will instantly add a sense of peace and elegance, DiGiacomo says.

Don’t forget to bring greenery outside on your porch, says Becky Carbone, founder of Becky Carbone Interiors. If you have a blank wall, consider adding a plant stand for visual interest or a pop of color, says Carbone.

“Go to your local small plant nursery and buy some simple terracotta or neutral pots,” advises Carbone.

Add visual interest with accessories

To ensure your patio doesn’t collapse, pay special attention to the accessories you weave into the space. For example, Hall suggests choosing bright striped umbrellas and decorating the patio with string lights or solar lanterns.

Don’t forget about textural touches, too. DiGiacomo likes to add texture and color to outdoor spaces by bringing in high-end outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and blankets. Justice recommends dressing up roller coaster swings with faux fur throw pillows. The best part? You can just bring those materials inside after guests leave, Justice says.

Create small vignettes to add personality to your space. Gina Sims, founder of Gina Sims Designs, suggests adding a tray of greenery or candles to the coffee table for a cozy accent.

Of course, keep in mind that all the individual items you choose for your patio should be compatible with each other.

“Make sure all the elements coordinate well in terms of color, style, and theme,” says DiGiacomo.

Don’t be afraid to be bold

Have fun when decorating your porch and don’t be afraid to use some bold colors or patterns, says Taylor Fusco, founder of Tay Fusco Design.

“Turn the furniture you use into a work of art,” she says, noting that she likes to incorporate performance fabrics on outdoor sofas.

Think about your lighting

The right outdoor lighting can do wonders to make your patio look more luxurious. Think creatively when choosing lighting for your space.

“I love to sprinkle outdoor candles throughout plant stands, windowsills, and on the floor next to furniture to create a warm and magical atmosphere,” says Madelaine Meyer, founder of AD:ROIT.

Make your floor more lively

Just because your yard is small doesn’t mean you can skip the floor. Mayer recommends bringing in an outdoor rug to create a luxurious feel under your bare feet when you take off your slippers. She personally likes Ruggable because it’s UV-protective.

“They feel great and can really elevate your outdoor space,” says Mayer.