Private Oasis: Small Outdoor Spaces go Big!

Outdoor 0

Fences, decorative screens, hanging gardens, and more – This season it’s all about how to turn those stark concrete walls, plain fences and ho-hum small outdoor spaces into your favorite entertaining space.

If your outdoor space is small, you’re actually in pretty *big* company. Over 44 million of us here in the U.S. live in either apartments, townhouses or condos. That means a lot of us feel the challenge of how to turn our balconies, slab patios and small yards into an area that feels spacious when we want to entertain outdoors.

That said, there are some upsides to smaller spaces. The number of pieces you need to buy to fill the space is much smaller, allowing you to focus on a few, choice items of better quality that might be out of your price range otherwise. It’s also easier to clean and “try out” different styles to match your taste, without having to spend a ton of time and energy redoing whole sections of a larger yard.

So let’s go over five ways to turn that small space into a place where everyone feels comfortable to stretch out in.

#5 – MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE

A great way to maximize a minimum space is to multi-purpose. Choose furniture pieces that serve multiple functions to maximize functionality in a small outdoor space. For example, opt for a bench with built-in storage or a coffee table that doubles as a planter. Foldable or stackable furniture can also be easily stored when not in use, freeing up valuable space. Here are a few great ideas

This outdoor seating bench by Teal Island designs can comfortably fit two adults or three kids, with plenty of storage down below. It would look amazing on a small patio with a Coastal decor vibe.

Teal Island Designs, Wicker 47.5″ W Bronze Outdoor Storage Bench $299.99

Love the idea of having folks around the fire, but don’t have enough room for a designated area? This round outdoor weave table gives you the perfect 2-in-1. At 42″ round, your guests can gather around and dine in comfort, and when the meal is done, just flip the on switch and everyone has a great seat by the fire.

Lamps Plus, 42″ Round Outdoor Weave Top Fire Table $2,089

These stackable bar-stool height stools are real multi-taskers. Perfect for pulling out when you need a few extra seats. When not in use for seating guests, they can double as plant stands. Put all four together with a 4’x4′ panel for an additional table top, or create additional counter space with a 2’x4′ panel on top of just two. Comes in four color options, but we’re loving the bright color pop of this teal version.

Emma and Oliver, 4 Pack 30″ H Metal Stackable Stools $210.99

#4 – USE LIGHT/BRIGHT COLORS

Lighter and brighter colors tend to create an illusion of more space. Paint walls, fences, and other structures in classic light shades such as white or creams, or experiment with some of this season’s trending shades, like terracottas, light greens or blissful blues. Similarly, choose light-colored furniture and cushions to make the area feel more open and airy.

(A quick Editor’s Note: Just as you wouldn’t use interior paint on an exterior surface, you also shouldn’t use regular exterior paint on concrete. Elastomeric paint (aka concrete or masonry paint) is specially designed to expand in heat and contract in cold, just like stone. Regular paints will chip, crack and flake under these circumstances. A top quality concrete paint may cost more than your standard exterior, but the results are a worry-free look that lasts for years.)

When it comes to concrete paint, our team here is partial to Royal Porch & Floor paints, which has a lifetime warranty, protects from stains, scuffing and fading and mildew. Here are a few options for your slab floor, concrete walls or other stone structures.

Ace Hardware, Royal Satin Neutral Base Porch & Floor Paint

(1 gallon) $38.99

#3 – CREATE DEPTH WITH TEXTURE

Strategically adding texture in your outdoor space can give it a unique look with defined mini-spaces, as well as adding privacy. Things such as privacy screens, outdoor floor tiles, and wall hangings can create a stylish footprint that looks intentional and a lot more interesting.

Have a concrete or wood wall that can’t be painted? Consider these options to both cover and create a whole new look.

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Dealing with a heavily stained, cracked, or just plain ugly floor areas? Give it an instant face lift with outdoor tiles.

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Treat your outdoor walls like you would an indoor wall with decorative items such as outdoor mirrors, outdoor art, and even a cute throw rug (attach to a wall using outdoor velcro strips).

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#2 – CENTER THE SPACE WITH A RUG

Probably one of the fastest, easiest way to ground your small space and inject your style is to add a rug. If you’re unsure on the sizing, follow the same rule of thumb for outdoor as you would indoors. You want to allow for about 12″ between the edge of the rug and any wall space (in the case of a slab or deck, the edge of the concrete or wood will be your “wall”). And of course, it’s important to purchase a rug meant for outdoors. Luckily manufacturers are making plenty of indoor/outdoor rug options for us these days, so you’re sure to find something you love at the size you need.

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#1 – UTILIZE VERTICAL SPACE

Finally, when the ground area is limited, make use of vertical space to add interest and functionality. Install hanging planters or vertical gardens to bring greenery without occupying floor space. Hang decorative lights or lanterns from above to draw the eye upwards and make the area feel taller.

Love using fresh herbs but don’t have the space for a garden? Or maybe you’re pining for a colorful flower garden but floor space is at a premium? Going vertical let’s you do so easily in your small space.

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Adding string lights is a great option to creating a feeling of height as well as making it easy to see everywhere around your space. Get a string to match your decor, or go for something whimsical…or both. No wiring? No problem, there are plenty of solar powered options out there which can last a full eight hours on a day’s charge. Don’t like the look of hanging lights? Install rope lighting instead. Whatever your choice, make sure to grab a package of Command Outdoor Light Clips to attach them securely.

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We hope you enjoyed our list and found some great inspiration. Remember, as with any size space, big or small, you want to optimize the layout that works best. Choose furniture and accessories that are proportional to the size of your outdoor space. Avoid oversized pieces that can overwhelm the area. Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes open space and allows for easy movement. And don’t forget about all that vertical room too!

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