After weathering the pandemic in a dark, patio-less, one-bedroom apartment, I knew I needed to upgrade to a home with some kind of outdoor space. A year later, I’m proud to say I am now living in a one-bedroom apartment with outdoor space — a whopping 168 square feet of outdoor space, to be precise.
I had high hopes for my sunny-but-tiny balcony. I’d work out there; I’d read out there; I’d eat out there; I’d grow a pickle-seasoning herb garden to pickle my own vegetables out there. But nine months into living in my new digs, I’ll confess I’ve only gone out on my patio a handful of times — and 70% of those times have been to check the weather.
I quickly realized having an outdoor space is only half the battle — once you have a patio, backyard or balcony, you need to make it comfortable and inviting. This means hunting down some quality patio furniture and thoughtful décor — my two rickety folding chairs just weren’t going to cut it.
Are you, like me, the proud owner of a small-but-mighty outdoor space? With the summer fast approaching, now is the time to transform your patio, balcony or yard into the luxurious, sun-soaked paradise of your dreams. To help you out, here are a few excellent patio furniture for small spaces picks, carefully chosen and approved by our tiny patio-owning editors:
Best Amazon Small Space Patio Furniture
Barton Luxury Wicker Hanging Chair
A statement piece — like this oversized egg chair swing — creates a focal point for your space, making it feel larger. Our pick is a [relatively] affordable option, and comes with a sturdy, easy-to-assemble stand, plus a thick, fluffy seat cushion.
Positive Review: “Easy to assemble, very comfortable, super cute and sturdy!” — Lori M.
Price: $294.95 at Amazon
Best Choice Products Double Hammock with Stand Set
Hanging a hammock creates an instant tropical vacation vibe, right outside your door. This two-person double hammock is particularly handy because it’s easy to fold and store if you need more space for visitors. It even comes with a carrying pack so you can take it on camping trips and other travels.
Positive Review: “It all came very neatly packaged and start to finish I put it together in less than 5 minutes — sturdy and comfortable. We have all used it from 50 pounds to 225 lbs. it even comes with a carrying case with a laminated card showing you how to unassemble and reassemble.” — B. Williamson
Price: $69.99 and up at Amazon
Artificial Ivy Leaf Plants Vine with String Lights
These ivy leaf string lights work on a couple of levels: Firstly, adding leafy greens — even faux-leafy greens like this — makes a space feel larger. Secondly, hanging lights can add warm, cozy, elegant ambience to the space. One thing to note: A few Amazon reviewers complain of a funky smell, but this should be a nonissue if you are hanging them outside.
Positive Review: “The lights and vines look really good behind bed frames and there are 10 different settings for the lights.” — Ed Hodges
Price: $15.65 at Amazon
Best Target Small Space Patio Furniture
Metal Mesh Small Space Set
Give your patio or balcony the feel of a second living room with this three-piece Target patio furniture set. The two chairs and a table are all made out of white metal frames, a minimalist style that looks chic with the pillows on top.
Positive Review: “The chairs are nice and deep but also very sturdy. They are an excellent size for kids and adults; my husband even commented on the chair size being ideal! I love that this set comes with the seat cushions AND a back pillow.” — Kcm3
Price: $199.50 at Target
Outdoor Earthenware Ribbed Planter
Suited for indoor and outdoor use, this handmade earthenware planter will pair nicely with your Target patio furniture set. Adding plant(s) is a great way to elevate your ordinary patio into a lush, tropical garden.
Positive Review: “Beautiful! Not a yellow color like pictured but still beautiful.” — Erin N
Price: $31.50 at Target
Best Walmart Small Space Patio Furniture
Better Homes & Gardens Natural Small Solar Woven Pendant
It’s hard to go wrong with Walmart patio furniture, but we also love their accents. Hanging a pendant lamp — like this one from Better Homes & Gardens — gives instant personality to a patio or balcony. Our pick includes a remote with four brightness and timer options, and even comes with a clip-on solar panel clamp.
Positive Review: “I love this solar light! We hung it under our back patio, there are four different brightness settings which is great! It’s nice that it has a remote control so you can just turn it off and on with the press of a button! — Denise
Price: $57 at Walmart
Majestic Home Goods Ottoman Pouf
Next time you cozy up in your egg chair, give your feet a break by resting them on this outdoor pouf. It’s made from a treated polyester that resists UV rays, water and stains.
Positive Review: “Right height for extra seating, hassock to put your feet on, and even a side table with a tray on top.” — livingbythelake
Price: $79.99 at Walmart
Best Home Depot Small Space Patio Furniture
Round Rattan Wicker High Top Table Ice Cooler Table
Home Depot patio furniture selection wins points for being diverse. One of our favorite examples of one of their more creative, safe-saving pieces is this dual table-ice cooler. Why waste space on a cooler when you can have one hidden under your accent table?
Positive Review: “I was pleased with this cooler table apart from looking good it’s a convenient way to cool drinks and have it right on hand where guests can help themselves.” — Annie
Price: $139.99 at Home Depot
Aloha Floral Modern Area Rug
Rolling out an outdoor rug can instantly add texture and warmth to the space. This colorful Aloha rug is made from weather-resistant polypropylene, and its cheery hues will give your space a serious pop of color. It’s available in both rectangular and circle shapes in a few different sizes, so you can pick one that best works for your patio, balcony or yard.
Positive Review: “Rug just arrived and easy peasy to put down. Love the pop of color it adds to the space and design is very appealing.” — Sandybeaches3
Price: $52 and up at Home Depot
Best Lowe’s Small Space Patio Furniture
allen + roth Portable Tabletop Steel Propane Gas Fire Pit
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a fire pit, but figured your backyard was too small — Lowe’s patio furniture designers have the solution! This portable tabletop fire pit is only 28 inches long, and super lightweight. Note that this one — since it’s got flames — is best used for an open backyard (as opposed to a covered patio).
Positive Review: “User friendly, easy to assemble and a lightweight product. Decent quality burner.” — Rico
Price: $159 at Lowe’s
Origin 21 Striped Coral Square Throw Pillow
What could compliment your Lowe’s patio furniture better than a pretty throw pillow? Layering your outdoor décor with different textures — not just throw pillows, but blankets and rugs — will add depth. Our pick is made from a polyester material that resists water, mildew and staining, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Positive Review: “Pillow is heavier and better quality than I was expecting. I am using the pillow indoors but it could easily be used outside. Looks like it will be easy to keep clean. Love the pattern and color that can be used in a variety of settings.” — Lollie
Price: $22.98 at Lowe’s
Best Wayfair Small Space Patio Furniture
Ifrane Metal Side Table
Adding pops of color to your outdoor space can make the space feel larger. This cute metal side table isn’t just colorful, but tall and slender enough to fit into a compact area. The table works if you are looking for waterproof furniture, as reviewers report it can weather the elements.
Positive Review: “These are awesome…the teal is aging outdoors as a copper verdigris, so it looks good. They’re in heat, rain and snow outdoors on our deck.” — Amy
Price: $79.99 at Wayfair
Barlowe Resin Barrel Fountain
When it comes to transforming your patio into an enchanted oasis, there are few moves as effective as adding a fountain. This two-tier fountain includes an electric pump that — almost magically — recirculates water, so you don’t have to worry about connecting it to an external water source.
Positive Review: “Absolutely love this fountain! It’s so rustic and fits perfectly in the area we wanted it for. Easy to assemble and water flow control is a plus. We added a light inside the bottom barrel which really adds a great touch at night. I highly recommend!!” — Lynne
Price: $87.99 at Wayfair
The post Create a Private Outdoor Oasis with Patio Furniture for Small Spaces appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.