How Do I… Get the Most Out of My Small Patio Space?
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or roof terrace in your apartment, don’t waste the space
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area, you really need to stop using it as a laundry/storeroom and use it for what it’s meant to be.

What’s the space for?
Think about who’s going to use it and what for – barbecues, reading, growing herbs – then make sure you have areas or furniture chosen for each activity.
Think about who’s going to use it and what for – barbecues, reading, growing herbs – then make sure you have areas or furniture chosen for each activity.
HABITAT Blanche Outdoor Folding Table
Get the look: If your patio isn’t large, look for collapsible furniture and storage to hide gardening tools, toys etc.
How to choose the right outdoor furniture
No matter how well covered your balcony might be, it’s likely to get wet sometime during the rainy season. That’s why it’s a good idea to get furniture designed for the outdoors.
Outdoor furniture buying guide – part 1 and part 2
No matter how well covered your balcony might be, it’s likely to get wet sometime during the rainy season. That’s why it’s a good idea to get furniture designed for the outdoors.
Outdoor furniture buying guide – part 1 and part 2
VISTA CORNER UNIT (RIGHT) - FROST
Get the look: If your space is particularly small, look for a chair like this one that’s designed to fit into a corner.
How to create more outdoor storage
The boxy base of outdoor furniture is the perfect spot for storing additional seating, folding side tables, candles and mosquito coils.
The boxy base of outdoor furniture is the perfect spot for storing additional seating, folding side tables, candles and mosquito coils.
Cloud Dual Height Coffee Table
Also look for multi-functional furniture, for example, like this side table that offers two levels that can be used for drinks, snacks or books.
Don’t forget about the walls and the ceiling too. You can easily secure hooks for storing everything from fold-up chairs to baskets for toys to a bike.
Lighting up
Change the central ceiling light fixture to something more intimate and decorative.
Change the central ceiling light fixture to something more intimate and decorative.
Industrial Flexi Cage Ceiling Lamp
Get the look: Multiple bulbs hung at different heights will create a cosier ambience.
Wisteria Small Silver Ceramic Lantern
Candles and battery-operated tealights/candles create a lovely glow.
Don’t forget the greenery
Work out how much sun your patio space gets during the day, so you can choose the right plants.
Work out how much sun your patio space gets during the day, so you can choose the right plants.
A vertical garden is a living wall of plants ideal for small spaces that want a dose of greenery without giving up any floor space.
How to plant a vertical garden
How to plant a vertical garden
Edelwhite Wall Planter
Get the look: If you don’t think you can maintain so many plants, a planter like this one is more manageable.
Don’t forget to look down
There are a number of good options for outdoor carpets or you could continue the garden theme and lay artificial grass.
10 places where artificial turf makes practical sense
There are a number of good options for outdoor carpets or you could continue the garden theme and lay artificial grass.
10 places where artificial turf makes practical sense
Remember, no matter how small your outdoor area it, it’s worth making the most of it.
TELL US
Have these tips been helpful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
Have these tips been helpful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.