18 Small Patio Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

Hang String Lights

You'll use your small patio both day and night when it has proper lighting. "A great way to incorporate lighting into a small patio space is through string lights, which are very versatile and can be strung a number of ways," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. If you are dealing with a balcony as your patio space, Kelly recommends hanging the lights on your railing.

Create a Bar Area

If you enjoy entertaining, make room on your patio for a bar. "This can hold an ice bucket with beverages, cups, plates, utensils, and even a portable grill," Kelly says. If you don't have room for a bar cart or console, Kelly says a tray that can hold snacks and cocktails is the perfect versatile serving solution; simply position it on a table when you're hosting.

Set up a Café Table

Pull a small table in between a loveseat or between two chairs, and you'll create a casual dining spot for one or two. "When not being used for working or dining, it serves as a casual side table to place a cup of coffee and your book in the morning, or a glass of wine at the end of the day," says interior designer Liz MacPhail. "Also, consider adding a couple plants to it when not in-use, to round out the greenery and add to the collected, lived-in feel of the space."

Shop Now: Room & Board "Sabrina" Chair, $199, roomandboard.com; Room & Board "Maris" Table, $549, roomandboard.com.

Paint Your Floors

Tie your entire space together by painting or staining the floors an accent color—or try a pattern. "Concrete, wood, and even ugly tile can all be painted. It's important to apply the appropriate prep and paint product for each specific surface to add an individualized touch to your patio," says MacPhail.

Arrange Cut Flowers

One simple way to add color to your small patio area is by using flowers to dress tables and stools. Kerry recommends adding cut flowers to your favorite vase; it's a small detail that will make a huge impact to the overall look and feel of the space.

Put Down an Outdoor Rug

Incorporating details underfoot makes any space feel cozy without taking up coveted foot paths. "An outdoor area rug is a great way to define a space," Kelly says. "If you have a little room to play with, consider adding an area rug under your seating area, giving the illusion of more breathing room within your footprint."

Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Oden" Recycled Material Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Blue, from $99, potterybarn.com.

Arrange Outdoor Chairs

Being thoughtful about your seating is a way to effectively save space on your outdoor patio. "When looking for more lounge type seating, consider outdoor dining head chairs that provide cushion and arms for comfort but aren't as big as lounge chairs," Kerry says.

Opt for a Small Stool

A small, compact stool doubles as a surface to hold your magazines and favorite beverages, while also serving as a seat when needed.

Shop Now: Terrain Woven Teak Stool, $148.50, terrain.com.

Use a Mix of Patterns

An array of bright colors and patterns can easily make a small patio feel twice the size. Opt for color coordinating designs in both subtle and more robust hues to make your décor pop.

Arrange Potted Plants

A lot can be done with potted plants—especially when you use a variety of colors, heights, sizes, and styles. MacPhail says this will add a collected, eclectic vibe to your space. "Or, if you're looking for cozy, but minimal, try adding a series of the same plant in the same pot for a uniform look," she says.

Add Pillows

Pillows are a great way to give your space a homey vibe—whether you're inside or out. "Creating a cozier feel comes mainly from adding in soft pieces," Kerry says. To do this, she recommends adding plenty of throw pillows to your furniture for comfortable lounging.

Light a Fire

As long as you're not limited by a ceiling—like a screened-in patio might be—fire bowls are a surefire way to add ambience to your backyard space. "The warmth created by the fire will allow you to enjoy your backyard even during the cooler months," Kerry says.

Storage Box Turned Seating Area

An outdoor storage box can double as a seat for your small patio if you add cushions to the top.

Shop Now: One Kings Lane "Adelaide" Outdoor Storage Box, $269.50, onekingslane.com.

Illuminate Your Patio

Lights and candles are ideal for low, ambient lighting. Use the former to line the walkway of your patio or place the latter throughout your backyard on small tables and near pots and planters. "Step it up a notch by placing the candles in lanterns," Kelly says.

Go for a Built-In Bench

Add more seating while still saving space by incorporating a built-in bench. "A bench will allow the seating to be up against the wall or flexible enough to bring in a dining or coffee space," Kerry says. "Put a couple of freestanding chairs opposite the table and voila—a multi-functional seating and eating area is instantly created."

Plant Tall Shrubs or Trees

Protect your patio from the sun while simultaneously ramping up its aesthetic by planting tall shrubs or trees around your space. MacPhail says this will provide the shade you need during the afternoon, when patios are most frequently utilized. She also notes that these plants will provide privacy.

Game Table

Another way to incorporate an entertaining element into your small patio space is by adding a table that's big enough to play games on. "We are big believers that every house needs a small game table. If your home doesn't have the space, consider adding it to your patio," MacPhail says.

Living Plant Wall

Incorporate greenery into your patio without taking up too much room by creating a plant wall with succulents, which Kerry says is the perfect low-maintenance solution. Additionally, if you have a trellis or pergola in your patio space, Kerry recommends wrapping it with floral vines to add color and conserve space.