15 Ideas to Maximize Your Small Patio Space

Make the most of your small patio by transforming it into a comforting oasis. Despite its little size, there are a number of ways to refresh your space. Here, we'll show you how to take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary with the help of both subtle and wow-worthy décor elements.

When you have a small patio that's located in close proximity to your neighbors, maintaining your privacy can seem difficult. Even so, there's no need to put up a fence, which would make a tiny space feel even tighter. Instead, use landscaping to your advantage and come up with natural ways to shelter your home from prying eyes—plant trees and dense shrubs around the area, as pictured here, is an easy way to make your patio feel more private. Continue to use your green thumb by adding plenty of potted plants to the space. We recommend growing some of your favorite herbs to cook with or flowers and greens that help you destress. A weather-resistant cushioned couch, designed specifically for use outside, will further help transform the nook into a relaxing escape that you'll actually look forward to using.

If your patio sits atop a cement surface, adding decorative features is as easy as looking to the ground. Change up the area by painting the floor, or simply introduce a colorful weather-resistant rug to add a homey feel. Another good idea is to purchase multipurpose furniture pieces. We love the idea of using a stylish stool as both a side table and an extra place to sit. For those that need more storage solutions, adding a chest that can double as a bench is another great idea.

From small decorative elements to new outdoor furniture, ahead find some of our favorite ways to maximize your space.

Nothing makes an area cozier than a comfy couch. Constructed from solid wood with a wire-brushed surface, this seat features a built-in ledge for extra storage and weather-resistant yarn cushions designed to withstand whatever nature throws its way.

Shop Now: West Elm "Portside" Outdoor Sofa, $1,199, westelm.com.

A repurposed console not only serves as an outdoor bar, but also acts as a great place to store firewood.

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.

Escape to an outdoor Parisian café in your own backyard with a set of chairs and small table placed on your patio. It'll be your new favorite spot for dining alfresco.

Shop Now: Room&Board "Sabrina" Chair, $129, roomandboard.com; Room&Board "Maris" Table, $399, roomandboard.com.

Incorporating details underfoot makes any space feel cozy without taking up coveted foot paths. Be prepared for the area to get wet with a water-resistant option.

Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Oden" Recycled Material Indoor/Outdoor Rug, in Blue, from $249, potterybarn.com.

Whether you choose a live or faux potted garden, adding some green to your small patio space is a natural choice, and doing so can actually help relieve stress.

You'll use your small patio both day and night when it has proper lighting. String lights bring both a touch of romance and plenty of brightness to your backyard, and we like that they're a space-saving way to make your patio both more functional and more stylish.

Decorate your small patio with bright colors to make it feel bigger. Think pinks, reds, or blues for a larger than life appearance.

Shop Now: McGee & Co. "Sierra" Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, $94, mcgeeandco.com.

Want to add outdoor lighting but don't know where to start? No problem. Place a colorful sconce light on the wall to add some brightness and a pop of color to your small patio.

If you plan to use your patio to entertain, do more than just set out some folding chairs. Instead, really think about this space in the same way you would when decorating a room inside your house. What can you do to maximize light? What decorating tricks will make the space seem larger? Should you add a rug to tie the room together? The goal is to make the space cozy so you utilize it more often. Furniture that's cozy yet weatherized ensures you'll head outside frequently.

If you have an overhang or more cover than ground to work with, hang a swing chair as your new seating of choice.

An outdoor storage box can double as a seat for your small patio when cushions are added to the top. Meanwhile, the wheels make this box turned bench even more versatile, as you can simply roll it out of the way when needed.

Shop Now: One Kings Lane "Adelaide" Outdoor Storage Box, in Gray, $295, onekingslane.com.

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

Shop Now: Terrain "Cross Leg" Teak Stool, $68, terrain.com.

Nothing changes up a space quite like a splash of paint. Paint your way to a brick patio with our artful technique.