Not everyone has access to a massive backyard, vast patio, or gigantic lawn. Indeed, many homes only come with small outdoor spaces, like a little balcony or micro patio. But, just because you have a small space, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for growing plants, dining, relaxing, and more. This guide will explore some smart ways to make the most of a little area.

Challenges of Small Balconies and Patios

Before we look at how to maximize value from a little balcony or patio, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that those with a lack of space tend to face.

• Lack of Room: Obviously, the main issue is a lack of room. That makes it difficult, but not impossible to live out your outdoor dreams. You might not be able to fit a full outdoor dining table and chairs on your balcony, for example, or set up a vegetable garden.

• No Soil for Planting: Balconies and patios aren’t the same as grassy backyards. They don’t make it easy to plant things like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Instead, owners of these spaces have to get creative if they want any greenery, 

• Cramped: Another downside of a small outdoor area is that it can quickly feel cramped. Even with a small table and a couple of chairs, or a few little plant pots, the area might feel overcrowded right away.

Design Principles for Small Outdoor Spaces

When it comes to small outdoor spaces, certain design principles have to be followed. The main idea is all about maximizing value and getting the most out of the space. That means you have to really value every single square foot and inch you’ve got, not letting any part go to waste and making sure the entire space is used to its full potential. To achieve the utmost functionality and aesthetic appeal in small outdoor spaces, it's crucial to explore creative design ideas that can transform even the tiniest corners into inviting and functional areas.

It’s very common, when designing a small garden, for example, to think vertically. An artificial vertical garden lets you have lots of plants in a small space, stacked on top of each other on a frame or up a wall, without claiming lots of the floor space. Designers also need to think about purpose and intent, deciding how they want to use their space and keeping that focus in mind.

Furniture Selection

You might like to add some furniture items to your balcony or patio. If so, you’ll need to choose your items with care. Naturally, size is the biggest thing to consider - you need to ensure that the items you pick aren’t excessively large. That means small, slim chairs and tables will be favorable to vast sofas or grand tables. Ideally, it’s best to find furniture that can fold away into a smaller size, too.When selecting furniture for your balcony or patio, it's essential to prioritize size and functionality, making your design process easier.

Balcony and Patio Dining

Many people like to have an outdoor dining area, and even if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, you can still set up a cozy dining area. Again, try to first focus on picking out some small chairs and tables that won’t completely fill the space and give you enough room to move around. Make sure that you can easily walk around your dining area and get back into the home when carrying food and drinks.

Greenery and Plants

Small outdoor areas can really come to life if you add some greenery to them, but you have to be selective and careful with your plants. You may like to use real plants if you’re keen on gardening, or opt for artificial ones to save on maintenance. Remember: position your plants vertically on shelves or walls to get the most greenery in a small space, and contact a landscaping company if you’re not sure where to start.

Lighting and Ambiance

Good lighting can work magic on a small space, making even little balconies and patios look a whole lot better. You might like to invest in solar lighting, for example, to brighten up your balcony in an eco-friendly way. And remember, since the place is pretty small, you don’t need lots of lights or big lights. Just one or two small lamps will suffice, or you could use some fairy lights for decoration.

Maintenance and Care

You’ll also need to look after your small outdoor space, keeping it clean, tidy, and neat to get the most beauty and value out of it. Fortunately, this is one of the best parts about small patios and balconies - since they’re little, they don’t tend to require huge amounts of maintenance. Just remember to water your plants, if you have any, and clean furniture to remove dust and dirt that might build up.

Overall, having a small outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fresh air or plant your own plants. There are lots of ways to use little balconies and patios, from cozy dining areas to mini veggie gardens. All you need to do is get creative and make every part of your space count.

Author: Sophia Foster

Cover image Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash