The Best Small Space Furniture to Deck Out Your Patio

2022-03-24 11:26:02 By : Ms. Diana Li

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Reimagine your patio thanks to these space-saving wonders.

It may seem like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to purchasing furniture for your outdoor space, especially when space is limited. But transforming a tiny balcony or patio into a mini oasis for lounging and eating is possible—with the right small space patio furniture. If you're wondering if you have enough room on your patio to outfit your space with the projected outdoor design trends for this year, we spoke to experts for tricks on how to make any size space feel luxurious.

When shopping for small spaces, Fermob's experts advise, "Look for pieces that don’t over clutter and that can be both visually appealing but also functional." If you're working with an especially small footprint, less is more: It can be as simple as shopping for a single cozy weatherproof outdoor chair!

Outfitting your outdoor space is about combining function (space, use, and maintenance) with your personal style, says Lindsay Foster, Frontgate’s Senior Director of Merchandising. Here are a few jumping-off points for both.

First and foremost, calculate the square footage you're working with. Then, dive into what you want to achieve...

What do you hope to do in your space? If entertaining is a primary goal, for instance, you may want a small set—or a few chairs that rotate, giving guests the freedom to change direction and engage with everyone. If it's solo lounging you envision, one larger chaise may do the trick. You may also want to consider how you'll store your furniture: "Find pieces that work for you," advises Jordan England, CEO, and co-founder of Industry West. "Pieces that serve more than one purpose are ideal, and chairs that stack? Our favorite."

Next, it's time to consider the look. Aaron Whitney, Neighbor's Vice President of Product suggests viewing your outdoor space as an extension of the interior of your home—and following the same design rules. Do you prefer aluminum, wicker, or teak frames? From handcrafted rust-resistant aluminum and handwoven all-weather wicker to sustainable high-quality teak–there are durable performance materials to choose from. Whitney states, "Warm up the space with durable accessories like an outdoor rug or throw pillows. Textiles add color, depth, and visual interest but also diffuse light, cover hard surfaces, and make a space more livable and comfortable."

Since the furniture will be exposed to the elements, you also want to consider how it will hold up. "Understand your lifestyle and required maintenance," cautions England. If you're in a location with harsh elements, for example, look to super-durable materials like aluminum.

Bottom line: There are ways to make your small space less of a burden and more of a creative, low-lift project for your backyard. Bistro tables, slim bar carts, stools, and stackable options will allow for flexible entertaining in even the smallest spaces.

So now, for the shopping! With the help of our experts, we found functional, high-quality outdoor furniture that will fit into your small patio with ease. Shop the best small-space-friendly furniture that will definitely make an impact wherever you arrange it—even the small things make a major difference.

A breathable seat for two, this aluminum frame loveseat has a lightweight design that will dupe your special guest. This is a lovely choice if your patio receives a nice amount of shade and a light breeze for reading outdoors.

If your space is just bit enough for a seat for one, pair this ottoman as the companion to a hammock or small lounge chair. It's wrapped in aluminum and a weatherproof cord so you won't have to rush outside during unpredictable weather.

If entertaining is a high priority, this outdoor console will be the talk of your dinner party. Its powder-coated aluminum frame makes it weather-friendly, and the two removable lids create an instant work surface so you can be the happy barista. There's even storage beneath for glassware!

These sculptural chairs add visual interest within a small footprint (and better yet, they're stackable!) "Pair a couple of Ripple Chairs with our EEX Dining Table for an engaging bistro atmosphere," England advises.

This small-space take on Fermob's iconic bistro table has an adjustable hooking system and a fold away steel top, allowing you to save space when you are not using the table. Pair it with a Bistro Chair, the iconic design known for being versatile and portable. Both pieces are made in powder coated steel and are built to withstand the outdoors.

Your balcony will feel complete with this alluring hand-crafted side table. It adds texture, play, and style without looking out of place. This beauty is crafted with recycled plastic cords and traditional wicker weaving techniques, and the steel frame is powder-coated for a weather-proof finish.

If you're looking for a chair colorful enough to work indoors or outdoors, this rattan-framed beauty will be a fun accent chair for your space.

A little under 25" this UV-resistant bistro set can actually fold up and stack if you're looking to move things around without the hassle.

We can't get enough of Fermob's newest nesting set that includes three tables, each at a different height and size, which allows you to mix and match as you need. The tables slide under each other when not in use, taking up less space on the ground while adding eye-catching appeal.

Don't be afraid of large furniture! "A deep sectional with lots of seating will make the space seem bigger and more cohesive. Our customers love that our sofa is modular: add to it to make a sectional in a future space, or change to a smaller loveseat in less than 10 minutes if you need the space for something else," Whitney advises.

The cushions are also available in Sunbrella swatches! They're comfortable and soft but stain-resistant, and the foam core will dry quickly after rain.

Handmade in North Carolina, this petite chair is perfect for small balconies and patio setups. Its hidden swivel allows a full 360-degree view, and its durable outdoor fabric is resistant to unpredictable weather.