Four Ways to Maximize Your Small Outdoor Patio Just in Time for Summer

outdoor patio furniture with a plant and white cushions

In the realm of urban living, outdoor spaces are often a cherished luxury. Whether you're in a bustling city apartment or a charming suburban home, a small outdoor patio can be your tranquil escape from the demands of daily life. The challenge, however, lies in making the most of these intimate spaces without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. But fear not! With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of thoughtful design, you can transform your petite patio into a captivating oasis that punches well above its size. Join us as we uncover four ingenious ways to maximize every inch of your outdoor haven and turn it into a slice of paradise right at your doorstep.

Here are four ways to maximize your small outdoor patio:

Get an outdoor storage bench:

Outdoor storage benches are a great way to maximize space while bringing in some style. There are some fantastic outdoor storage benches that look great and double as seating. Add a nice pillow and voila you have quite a bit of storage for outdoor accessories or kids’ toys as well as an extra seat for family or friends. 

Use plant towers or rail planters

If you love your home-grown veggies and herbs or maybe you just enjoy the beauty of flowers, plant towers or patio rail planters are fantastic ways to maximize your growing space. There are some beautiful planters out there that fit any budget and style. I love gardening and have found lots of different planters that suit my style and fit the space we have.

Utilize adjustable furniture:

There is some outdoor furniture that can expand and then “shrink” back down. These pieces are super easy to use and are very functional for small spaces. Having a table that expands gives you enough room for your dinner parties but then some extra room to relax and enjoy company once you fold it back down.

Accessorize to maximize your space

Adding a nice rug and or some bright cheerful throw pillows will draw people in but also distract from the limited space you have. Accessorizes make everyone feel welcome and cozy. Patio lanterns and a string of outdoor lights can add some evening warmth to the space and some light for the late outdoor evenings. Make sure not to over do it, but add a few key pieces. You’ll love your new outdoor space and make some fantastic memories.

With the changing times and condos and apartments becoming more popular, small outdoor patios are the norm. It’s so important to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. With a few small changes, you can really make a difference in your outdoor living space. With just a few changes, you’ll have a space outside that invites you and the Vitamin D in. Play with some of these ideas and have fun doing it! 

Need help? Our team of professional organizers would love to help you transform your outdoor space. Book a free virtual consultation.


Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces

Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and “Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on Instagram @organizebyflo.

Marybeth Welty is a Professional Organizer, Interior Designer, and Mindful Living Coach, and is the owner of Sustainable Lifestyle Solutions.  She helps her clients create a calm, organized, and sustainable home and the life of their dreams by utilizing refined design principles, organizing best practices, mental wellness strategies, and a holistic lifestyle approach to sustainability.  You can connect with her at www.sustainablelifestylesolutions.com and on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.