Give Your Compact Patio Some Major Style

Even if your outdoor space is smaller than average, it is possible to create a stylish, welcoming outdoor room you’ll love to spend time in. From creating privacy and adding mood lighting to choosing furniture you love, we hope you will find an idea among these 11 to inspire your own compact patio.

Zen retreat. A planter of bamboo and a petite Japanese maple, along with a simple wood-slat trellis and minimalist furniture, create a peaceful space in which to unwind. A palette of white, natural wood, stone and lush greenery helps boost feelings of relaxation. Choose smooth river stones as mulch, and just one meaningful sculpture or icon.



Mod eclectic. If you can fit just a chair or two, make sure they make an impact. Here a pair of mod white chairs mingles with ceramic garden stools and potted succulents for a fresh, fun look. Soften the edges of a tiny patio with curvaceous pots and greenery that reaches high.


Up, up and away. Have a rooftop patio? Take advantage of vertical space by planting tall trees in large planters. The visual lift will make your rooftop feel like a real destination. Also, adding trees to a city roof is beneficial for the environment — just be sure to check on weight limits before adding any very heavy planters.


Light up the night. If you have a narrow patio squeezed between tall buildings, use the vertical space to hang string lights high, transforming what would be a flaw into a charming feature.

Just as with a small interior room, an outdoor space feels bigger and more welcoming when it’s well lit. Try adding landscape lighting to the plantings in the corners of your patio to draw the eye all the way to the edges of the space.


Build overhead privacy. An arched trellis can provide privacy, even if you live in a city with tall buildings all around. Sitting beneath the trellis with the sunlight filtering down and green vines twining, you’ll hardly remember you have any neighbors.

See more of this rooftop garden in Manhattan


Lounge for one. Forget sharing; if you want total and complete relaxation, make your patio all about you. Place one perfect lounge chair lengthwise, plump it up with comfy pillows, roll out a simple mat beside it and finish the area with a few potted plants.

Houzz guides to growing container gardens


Try a wall planting. Wall-mounted planters are great for adding extra green when floor space is at a premium. A slender console table is another smart addition to this patio, providing space for candles, watering supplies and extra seating tucked underneath.


Update old floors with removable deck tiles. These easy-to-install wooden tiles can be snapped into place quickly and taken up when you move, making them an especially good solution for renters. You don’t need to live with a crummy patio floor anymore.


Create a living privacy fence. Cable wires mounted between fence posts create a sturdy support for climbing plants. Over time the plants can completely fill in the area, providing privacy for the patio.


Engage the senses with a water feature. The quiet burble of a wall fountain will help mask street noise and chatter from neighbors, while providing a beautiful focal point you can enjoy from indoors or out.

Browse outdoor wall fountains in the Houzz Products section


Plan your space to the square inch. Map out your patio space on paper before making any changes — if you measure and plan well, you may realize you can actually fit in more than you thought. In this small space, the designer squeezed in a grill, a dining area, and built-in planters.



Tell us: Do you have a beautiful small patio? We’d love to see a photo!

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