Dreaming of a spacious patio? Or maybe a large balcony? Yeah… most people are.
But the reality is most homeowners have somewhere outdoors that they can call their own. Whether it’s a patio, balcony or backyard. The problem is… small balconies and patios can feel claustrophobic. Cramped. Dark. And kind of pointless.
Which leads to…
Don’t ignore it!
Outdoor spaces are a wasted opportunity if they’re never used. Research shows that 77% of consumers use their outdoor spaces less than they’d like to. That’s a lot of unused balconies!
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Even small balconies and patios can feel bigger with just a few simple tricks. And they don’t have to cost much or take days to achieve.
Ready to take that tiny balcony back?
You’ll learn:
- Why even Small Outdoor Spaces should be Considered
- Start with the Flooring: Quick-Dry Patio Rugs
- 5 Smarter Design Tactics that Trick the Eye
- Pick Materials that Fit Your Small Space Best
Why even Small Outdoor Spaces should be Considered
If you have a small balcony or patio, don’t write it off just yet. Small outdoor spaces can be great!
Sure, they might not have the wow factor of a massive backyard deck. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be useful.
Small balconies and patios are fantastic for relaxing. Grabbing morning coffee. Even entertaining a small group of friends. Just like any room in the home. They deserve some consideration.
And outdoor entertainment is huge right now. Two thirds of homeowners say they’d like their outdoor areas to serve multiple purposes. That includes the compact kind.
The thing that separates a cramped little patio from a more open-feeling balcony is planning. Thoughtful choices that work together to maximize space.
Start with the Flooring: Quick-Dry Patio Rugs
Here’s something few people think about when they set up their small patio…
…the floor.
It’s easy to overlook but having something on the ground matters. Quick-dry patio rugs are one of the easiest ways to make any outdoor space feel intentional.
But why quick-dry rugs?
Normal indoor rugs don’t dry fast enough outdoors. They get mouldy and worn down way quicker. Quick dry patio rugs are designed to withstand Mother Nature. Mold-resistant. Fast drying after rain or spills. And made in styles to rival indoor rugs. When shopping for outdoor rugs, look for polypropylene or heavy-duty recycled synthetics. They can handle sunshine and rain without losing colour.
Rugs do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to small balconies.
- They define functional areas. No need for room dividers that take up valuable floor space.
- Bring texture and style to concrete or wood decks.
- Add depth to the space tricking the eye into thinking it’s bigger.
Think of a quick dry rug as the foundation. Everything else added will go “on top”.
5 Smarter Design Tactics that Trick the Eye
Time for the good stuff. Easy design tricks that work.
These aren’t hacks or cheap tricks. They’re simple ideas that add up to making a small balcony or patio feel bigger.
Think Vertical.
When floor space is limited… Think UP. It’s surprising how much vertical space there is on a small balcony.
Wall mounted planters. Hanging flower baskets. Tall and narrow shelving units. Whenever possible, think vertically. It draws the eye up adding the perception of space without sacrificing any floor area.
Vertical gardens are another awesome way to include lots of green without bulky flower pots littering the floor.
Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
Small patio = Limited furniture options.
Every chair, table, or decorative piece should have to earn its spot on the patio. Storage bench seating is great because they provide seating AND a place to stash things.
Fold-down bistro tables are another awesome space-saver. They fold up flat when not in use so the table is there without sacrificing space.
If furniture doesn’t serve more than one purpose… reconsider.
Light and Neutral Colors
Colour plays a huge role in the feel of a patio or balcony. Light colours make spaces feel bigger and more open. Think whites, creams, pale greys and natural wood tones.
Remember this rule when shopping for the rug, furniture, chairs, and even plant pots. If everything shares some light colours the patio will look larger and more cohesive. Bright colours and tones everyone notices start clinging to furniture, chairs, and walls.
Making a small space feel cohesive will do wonders for the feel of any patio or balcony.
Add Lighting
Okay so a patio may feel huge during the day. But at night it can feel like a completely different (and smaller) space.
String lights hung overhead can create a “ceiling” making the patio feel taller. Solar light “lanterns” placed at varying heights bring ambient lighting without cords. Stay away from bulky floor lamps that eat up space. Wall mounts and hanging light fixtures are the way to go.
Mirrors
Yep… mirrors on a balcony work too. Hang a weather-proof mirror on the patio wall and instantly the sense of space doubles. Just like in home design the reflective surface bounces light around making small areas feel more open.
Mirrors are just one of those design tricks that everyone knows works but few think about for outdoor spaces.
Pick Materials that Fit your Small Space Best
Materials are everything with small balconies. There’s no hiding the fabric on that chair. Or the quality of that patio rug.
Here are some material guidelines to keep in mind:
- Weather-proof cushion fabrics that can stand up to being outdoors. No one wants to buy all new cushions next season.
- Lightweight furniture that’s still durable. If the plan is to move things around to change up the space. Furniture that’s easy to move is key.
- Quick dry materials for rugs and cushions that won’t freak out if it rains.
- Look for rust-free metals or treated woods for frames, tables, chairs etc.
Materials should enhance the outdoor space, not constantly need replacing. Small balconies and patios should be enjoyable and low-maintenance.
Oh, and plants. Plants are a must. Low maintenance greenery like succulents. Herbs. Or ornamental grasses bring colour and beauty to small spaces. Don’t be afraid to use them.
Wrapping up
Small balconies and patios can feel spacious and stylish. It just takes a little planning.
Quick refresher:
- Kick things off with the flooring. A quick dry patio rug will ground the space.
- Use vertical space wisely. Hang things from the ceiling whenever possible.
- Be picky about furniture. If it doesn’t serve more than one purpose, bye-bye!
- Unify the space with light and neutral colors.
- Lighting and mirrors. Two cheap tricks that work.
Don’t sleep on that small balcony. There’s plenty of room for improvement.