Having a small patio poses unique challenges when choosing outdoor furniture. With limited space, every piece must be carefully selected to maximize functionality and comfort. The right patio furniture can turn a compact area into a cozy oasis, while the wrong pieces can make it feel cluttered and cramped.
This article will explore the best outdoor furniture options for small patios, from space-saving chairs and tables to slim couches and dining sets. You’ll also find tips on materials, top brands for small spaces, modern styles, budget buys, and more. Read on to discover how to furnish your petite patio perfectly!
Why Size Matters
When working with a small patio, dimensions are crucial in determining the right outdoor furniture. Even an inch or two can make a difference when arranging pieces in compact quarters! Before shopping, take precise measurements of your patio’s length and width. Note any quirks, like support pillars, odd angles, or built-in planters than eat into the usable space. This will give you a realistic idea of what will fit.
Look for compact chairs with narrow profiles that tuck against walls when not in use. Expandable tables offer the flexibility to accommodate just two for an intimate meal or more guests for a party. Nesting tables are great space savers too. When choosing a small patio couch, look for slender silhouettes around 70 inches wide. Measure twice to ensure enough room is left for walking around pieces. Proper measurements will also tell you what’s too bulky for the area. Love a big comfy couch? Make sure you have the square footage to support one before buying.
Types of Outdoor Furniture for Small Patios
Chairs and Tables
The right chairs and tables can maximize seating in a petite patio. Look for lightweight aluminum and slender wicker styles that comfortably sit guests without crowding.
Nesting tables offer a flexible solution, starting small with just an end table. Additional tiers can be pulled out to expand the top as more surface is needed. These are excellent for serving food and drinks when entertaining a group.
Bistro sets with two chairs tuck neatly under a tiny table are ultra space efficient. Opt for folding chairs that can be stowed out of the way against a wall. Benches are great when floor space is very limited. Some even have storage compartments to stow cushions or blankets.
For small square footage, stick to chairs without wide arms that eat up real estate. Armless styles maximize seating capacity. Side chairs that stack allow you to store extra seats out of sight. Look for pieces no wider than 24 inches for the tightest spaces.
Couches and Sofas
While a full-sized couch may be out of the question, petite patio sofas can still provide cozy seating. Look for narrow footprints around 70 inches wide. Shelter-arm styles look elegant, but their lack of protruding arms saves precious space. Cushions covered in all-weather fabric add comfort without the need to store them.
For the tiniest of patios, a loveseat, about the width of an armchair, can offer intimate two-person seating. Make sure to double check measurements, as many advertised “small” sofas still require ample room. Don’t forget to account for clearance to walk around the furniture.
Sectional sofas can be configured to fit narrow patios. Look for compact sections that can form a cozy conversational area. An outdoor chaise lounge is another way to provide laid-back seating without taking up much area. Place it against a wall when not in use.
Dining Sets
Outdoor dining sets for small patios should include space-saving features like foldable chairs and expandable tables. Look for tables with collapsed leaves or removable tops to scale down for just two place settings. Round pedestal sets with stools occupy less space than chairs with arms or a bulky table base.
Sets with benches rather than individual chairs can accommodate more guests in a smaller footprint. Look for sets with chairs that stack or hang to get them out of the way when not in use.
For petite patios, stick to two to four person dining sets. Measure the area to ensure enough room is left for dining and for people to pull out chairs and walk comfortably around the space.
Opt for smaller scale pieces that fit your patio’s proportions. A large dining table with high backed chairs may dwarf a tiny area. Bistro-height sets keep things feeling airy and spacious.
Material Matters
The materials used for outdoor furniture impact how lightweight, durable and weather-resistant pieces will be:
Wicker: A lightweight and slender option perfect for small patios. All-weather resin wicker has great durability outdoors. Stick with synthetic over natural wicker, which can crack and peel.
Aluminum: Another lightweight choice that resists rusting and is easy to keep clean. Look for powder-coated aluminum. Opt for hollow aluminum tubes rather than bulky, solid pieces.
Teak: Naturally weather-resistant and able to withstand sun, rain, and snow. Look for plantation-grown teak that’s sustainably harvested. While pricier, it lasts decades with minimal maintenance.
Steel: Durable, affordable, and can withstand the elements. Opt for galvanized or stainless steel to prevent rusting. Tend to be heavier than other materials.
Plastic: Affordable, extremely weather-hardy and easy to clean. Look for UV-resistant plastic. Can lose its color over time. Often very lightweight.
Wrought Iron: Classic material for patio sets. Opt for powder-coated iron, as untreated can be prone to rust. Wrought iron is heavier but durable.
Best Brands for Small Patio Furniture
Brands specializing in furniture for small outdoor living spaces understand the need for scaled pieces. Here are some of the top makers of patio furniture for petite areas:
IKEA offers a variety of mix-and-match lounge and dining sets perfect for small patios. Their Stockholm collection includes nesting tables and narrow chairs.
World Market carries a delightful selection of compact, globally-inspired furniture. Browse rattan chairs, colorful cushions, and metal bistro sets.
West Elm is a go-to for mid-century modern style. Their silhouettes feature clean lines at modest scales for small spaces. Materials run the gamut from acacia wood to weather-resistant synthetics.
Pottery Barn puts a classic stamp on space-saving patio furniture. Look for their Anywhere Collection of stainless steel and teak portables. The Solana line includes scaled-down sectionals.
Overstock has an extensive range of small-space friendly brands to browse. Sort by space-saving features like folding and nesting. Brands like Christopher Knight Home and Abbyson Living shine here.
Amazon allows you to filter outdoor furniture by dimensions to find petite pieces. Shop their selection of balcony and bistro sets along with folding chairs.
Case Study: Outdoor Furniture Examples
To make shopping small-space patio furniture easier, here are some real-life examples of pieces sized for pint-sized patios:
The Strathwood Basics All-Weather Wicker Bistro Set seats two comfortably at its compact table. The aluminum frame is rust-resistant and the synthetic wicker cleans easily. Folding chairs neatly stow away when not in use.
Pottery Barn’s Solana Right-Arm Sofa Section fits in a 5-foot-wide space for a cosy seating area. Its weather-resistant polyester cover and quick-dry foam cushion are made to live outdoors. Assembly is required for this piece.
Made from acacia wood and steel, the West Elm Box Frame Daybed provides a modern outdoor bed or sofa for one. At 77 inches wide, it squeezes into narrow areas. The optional canopy adds shade and privacy.
A modular sectional like Christopher Knight Home’s Marina Outdoor Set can adapt to the space on an irregularly shaped patio. The synthetic rattan and rust-resistant aluminum construction are ideal for leaving outside year-round.
Apartment Balcony Considerations
Furnishing an apartment balcony comes with special spatial considerations. First, review building management’s rules, restrictions, or weight limits before purchasing furniture. Measure doorways and stairwells to ensure items can be brought up and assembled on the balcony.
Stick to furniture made from lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic to avoid straining a balcony’s weight capacity. Wicker, weather-resistant mesh, and wood are other lightweight options.
For safety, avoid tall furniture like bar stools that could tip over. Furniture with tempered glass tops could also pose risks. Opt for acrylic or plastic instead.
Be mindful of your downstairs neighbors when selecting furniture. Look for pieces with plastic or rubber feet rather than metal to cut down on noisy scrapes.
Considering privacy, consider a folding screen or latticework to block views without reducing natural light. Or opt for pieces like hanging chairs that can be moved out of sight when not in use.
Modern Choices for Small Spaces
Just because a patio is petite doesn’t mean the furniture has to look small! Many modern styles are perfectly scaled for compact areas, with clean lines and versatile designs to maximize every inch.
Modular sectionals, like the aluminum and mesh Dedon Island Sectional, can configure to fit narrow spots. Dedon’s fiber is woven over aluminum, creating furniture that withstand sun and rain while resisting rust.
Crisp and contemporary, Room & Board’s sleek Armless Chaise is made for poolside lounging. At 72 inches wide, it provides laid-back seating without dominating the area. Waterproof Sunbrella fabric and quick-dry foam keep maintenance easy.
For an eco-chic look, Loll Designs’ Rancher Chair gets high marks for both style and small footprint. At just 20 inches wide, it slots easily into tight spots. Made from recycled plastic, its fade- and water-resistant material is ideal outdoors.
Another plastic fantastic pick is Kartell’s Bubble Club Armchair, a modern take on a traditional club chair scaled to petite proportions. Its transparent polycarbonate form is weatherproof and UV resistant.
Speaking of transparent furniture, clear acrylic pieces seem to disappear into the surroundings. Try CB2’s String Patio Chairs, with acrylic seats perched atop slim metal frames. The look is airy, minimalist, and space smart.
Budget-Friendly Options
Just because patio furniture is sized for small spaces doesn’t mean it has to carry a large price tag. There are plenty of ways to furnish a patio beautifully on a budget.
Ikea is a top source for functional, affordable furniture. Their Applaro bistro set comes with two stackable chairs and weather-resistant table for under $100. Resin wicker holds up outdoors while retaining its sleek gray finish.
Walmart has a spectrum of low-priced patio collections in a variety of styles. Mainstays and Better Homes & Gardens sets start around $50. Choose in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Wayfair allows you to sort by size and narrow to “small patio seating” for budget-friendly finds.Pieces from Sol 72 Outdoor and Beachcrest Home impress for under $150.
Don’t overlook secondhand finds from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and garage sales. Vintage metal bistro sets and wood chairs are classics. Ensure any used furniture you repurpose is designed for outdoor use.
DIY options can also save money if you’re handy. Upcycle milk crates into stacking side tables. Stain inexpensive wood pallets for seating. Get creative repurposing flea market finds into one-of-a-kind furniture.
How to Arrange Furniture in Unique Spaces
Small patios come in all shapes and sizes, from long and narrow to irregular configurations. Take a space-saving approach when arranging furniture:
Long patios do well with sectionals or benches along the length facing inwards. Place a bistro set or nesting tables at one end. Utilize the wall space for hanging chairs or wall-mounted shelves.
Narrow spaces call for nesting tables or compact dining sets against the railing or wall. Floating shelving can provide extra storage without taking up floor space. Use corner spaces for narrow chairs or stands.
Odd-shaped patios gain flexibility with modular furniture than can be rearranged to fit. Lightweight pieces like stools and acrylic chairs make it easy to move seating around. Use an outdoor rug to define the main living area.
Split-level patios allow you to create multiple seating areas. Use the upper area for dining, and the lower part for a sitting area around a coffee table. Connect the spaces with staggered side tables.
No matter the specific layout, measuring for traffic flow is key. Allow enough space to navigate between and around furniture. Try taping out a paper template of your patio with furniture cut-outs to test arrangements.
Garden Furniture for Small Spaces
Take advantage of vertical spaces for those fortunate enough to have an intimate garden patio. Hanging chairs suspended from beams or hooks are great space savers. Rattan egg chairs add bohemian flair while keeping the floor clear underneath.
Select lightweight aluminum or resin wicker furniture that can easily move around on the garden’s surface. Look for pieces like side tables with lip edges that prevent drinks and meals from spilling when relocated.
Outdoor shelves mounted to walls or fencing keep essentials handy while freeing up floor space. Slim rolling carts can also provide movable storage for gardening tools and supplies.
Consider installing a narrow bistro table with stools secured into the ground if your garden allows. It will always be patio party-ready.
Folding furniture takes up minimal room when stored. Adirondack chairs, small folding tables, and camping chairs can be folded nearly flat against walls or fences when not in use.
FAQs: Furnishing a Small Patio
What patio set is the best fit for small spaces?
Look for 3-4 piece bistro or dining sets with compact footprints. Materials like aluminum, resin wicker, and teak offer durability and ease of cleaning. Nesting tables, folding chairs, benches with storage, and stools maximize seating and versatility.
Where can I find small outdoor patio furniture for sale?
IKEA, World Market, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Overstock, and Amazon all carry furniture scaled for small patios. Check Wayfair and Walmart for budget buys. Don’t overlook local nurseries, hardware stores, and secondhand classifieds.
What should I put on a small outdoor patio?
Bistro sets, compact sectionals or loveseats, nesting side tables, narrow chairs, and modular pieces are good choices. Stick to furniture with small footprints and made from lightweight materials. Multi-functional and folding furniture helps maximize space.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture on a small patio?
Look for aluminum, wicker, teak, and plastic which resist weather and won’t rust or peel. Wrought iron and steel are durable but heavier. Avoid large pieces of natural wicker or rattan which can crack over time.
How do you maximize seating on a small patio?
Opt for backless benches and stools instead of chairs. Look for stackable chairs that can be stored out of the way. Use a rectangular or oval table to fit more seats. Nesting and expandable tables offer flexibility for additional diners.
What outdoor furniture can be left outside year round?
Teak, aluminum, wicker, plastic, and stainless steel are good choices. Look for all-weather wicker and powder-coated aluminum that resists rusting. Cover cushion fabrics with acrylic or polyester. Bring iron furniture inside during wet months.
How do you arrange furniture on a long narrow patio?
Place seating areas against the long sides facing each other. Floating shelves, narrow tables or planters can help divide the space. Use the width for traffic flow instead of bulky furniture. Add visual interest with an outdoor rug.
Conclusion
Furnishing a petite patio has its challenges, but armed with smart solutions, you can create a comfortable oasis in any small space. Look for compact furniture in space-saving materials suited for the outdoors. Choose pieces thoughtfully, allowing room to navigate. With the right scale and layout, even the smallest patio can feel like grand outdoor living.
