Finding the Best Patio Furniture For Small Spaces
Materials Matter
The construction and materials used in your patio furniture will make a greater difference in space restricted areas. Sometimes lighter colors, such as natural wood or white pieces, help to keep an open feeling. Other times dark colors like black and brown are perfect, as long as they are not overpowering or found on wide expanses.
Tempered glass is an excellent choice for a tabletop in your cozy spot. Because it allows light to filter through, glass will provide a place to set things down without blocking the view and making the space feel crowded.
If iron, aluminum or another metal is more your style, look for woven patterns that provide a filtered view. Cross backed and mesh designs offer the stability of metal with an open feel. Woven wood like wicker doesn’t offer the same advantage since you cannot see through it and the designs are often bulky in scale.
Allude to Something More
You can also design your small space to give the allusion of a larger area. Tropical screens against the wall can look like doorways. Frame them with candles, torches and long tables to add to the illusion.
Mirrors and window frames can be placed in strategic spots to draw the eye and add depth to your space. Set up a small bistro set and lean a large mirror against the wall beside it – the image will create the look of a café.
Create Shade
You can use your small patio space even when it’s in full sunlight. Simply create shade and you have a welcoming nook to lounge in.
The traditional methods of shading can be scaled down to fit in a tight spot. Half umbrellas are manufactured by high end patio furniture companies and will sit flush against a wall to shade a small table and chairs underneath.
Shade sails are another product made for shading any sized area. Often custom made for your patio space, sails are stretched tight between three or four points to block the sun’s rays and keep the area underneath shady. Hang sails from a pole, a heavy duty hook against the wall or even a nearby tree. Consult with the manufacturer for more information on sizes and installation techniques.
Use the Wall
Since smaller patios are often tucked into a corner or situated as a balcony, there are usually walls that you can put to good use. Storage systems for chair cushions and other patio items work well attached to or leaning against the wall. Hang cabinets high on the brick to save floor space.
Shelving works against the wall as well. Folding tabletops can be fastened to the bricks when not in use and fold down for the picnic or morning coffee. Or use a wheeled cart for a movable table, pushing it to the wall when you need it out of the way and rolling it out for use.
Stay Comfortable and Cozy
Even the smallest area in the outdoors can be transformed into a comfy patio. Choose furniture that is a good size and scale in the right materials. Add the allusion of space and make some shade if needed. Finally, install clever features against the wall to save floor space. With these tactics your tight spot will become an outdoor haven and favorite hang out.
Diana D. is a guest writer for BrooksidePatioFurniture.com which sells
wicker patio furniture and a host of patio dining sets.
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