Small Patio Decorating Ideas To Transform Your Deck Into An Outdoor Oasis

Just because you have a tiny deck doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor living. Use these space-saving tips and small patio decorating ideas to create an outdoor oasis out of whatever space you have.

If you are like me, the best part of summer is relaxing on an outdoor patio with a couple of friends and a cool refreshing drink.

No matter where I have lived, even in apartments, I have always wanted to have at least a little bit of outdoor space where I could go to unwind when the weather is nice.

However, most of the places I have lived haven’t had a lot of room for large decks or patios.

And I always felt like those small and crowded outdoor spaces cramped my outdoor living style.

So when I moved into my current house (which was brand new and didn’t have anything in the back yard), I decided to build a deck and patio that would be big enough to handle all of my entertaining needs. And it does.

But you know what else I found? A really large open area feels really big and empty when you don’t have a lot of people around (which is most of the time!)

I came to the realization that smaller patios and decks are more cozy and inviting.

And so, inside of my big outdoor living area, I now have many small spaces that require the same kind of small patio decorating ideas that my old city ones did.

I thought I would share some of my space-saving tips and small patio ideas that help make the most of the space you have.

1 | Place Seating Along Two Sides

The first step is to carefully choose how you place the seating.

Whether you already have some chairs, want to build in benches or buy an outdoor sectional sofa, arranging the seating around the edges of a small patio (or deck) will give you more usable space.

I know this totally goes against one my decorating rules of pulling furniture away from the walls…but sometimes you have to break the rules!

For the small deck at the back of my yard, I was lucky enough to find an outdoor sectional that fit into the two sides perfectly.

Adding a square table makes it perfect for using as a dining space, too.

2 | Lay Down An Outdoor Rug

Next you’ll want to get an outdoor area rug for the space. They’re meant to take the weather and usually aren’t that expensive.

And just like inside, they help to define a seating area and make it feel like everything belongs together.

The outdoor rug* under the table on my back deck really makes it feel like an outdoor room.

Adding a solar-powered lighted umbrella* even makes this deck useful after dark. And you don’t need to have access to an electrical outlet for it to work.

I added another similar outdoor rug* on my patio, too (which is a larger space) and the rug definitely pulls the whole look together.

Of course, if you love color like I do, you can always go bold with a colorful outdoor rug like this one* from my last deck makeover project.

This rug looks and feels like an indoor rug. And I will say that it doesn’t dry as quickly as the lighter outdoor rugs do. So I would recommend using it in a covered outdoor area.

3 | Create An Outdoor Living Room

The main problem with small patios and decks is that there is no room to spare.

Seating that has to be pulled out (like dining chairs) requires extra space that you may not have.

Which is why I often use an outdoor sofa and a couple of arm chairs instead of the standard outdoor dining table and chairs.

They are so comfortable, you may never want to come inside.

4 | Put Chairs On The Diagonal

Having said that, if you do want to have a dining table and chairs on your small deck, there is a way to maximize the space.

When I had my dining table in the gazebo, I was always afraid that people were going to push their chair out and fall off the edge.

Then I turned the chairs on the diagonal…problem solved!

5 | Get a round dining table

It also helps to have a round table.

The take up a little less space than a square table, don’t have any sharp corners to bump into and you have more flexibility on where to put the chairs.

On most small patios, a 48″ table is a bit too big to fit comfortably. So try to find one that is a maximum of 42″ wide.

6 | Paint Your Outdoor Furniture

Speaking of outdoor patio furniture, if you already own some but it’s seen better days (or you just don’t like it that much), a coat of paint may be all it needs.

It’s amazing what a difference a new color can make.

My outdoor table and chairs look like a brand new set now that I’ve spray painted them white.

Read the tutorial for spray painting outdoor furniture HERE.

7 | Use Garden Stools As Tables

Trying to find outdoor tables that look pretty and fit in a small space can be challenging. Which is why I like to use ceramic garden stools outdoors.

They are the perfect size to put down a drink or a book and they don’t take up much space.

Plus, they look just as good sitting in front of a bench as the do beside it, so you have lots of furniture arranging versatility.

8 | Add a Tall Side Table

If you want to have an eating area but don’t have room for a dining table, try using a taller side table between two chairs instead.

It can be pulled out to be used as a dining table when necessary.

And pushed back out of the way when all you need is a table to put your drinks on.

9 | Use dual purpose tables

Just like when you’re decorating a small room, using multi-purpose furniture makes the best use of your small deck or patio.

I love the idea of having a table with an ice cooler built in. That means you don’t have to get up to get a refill and it doesn’t take up any extra floor space.

Look for ones that have a cover for the opening so that you can also use the whole top as a table if necessary.

Or get a table (like this one*) which has the ice cooler in the base.

The top can be pushed down so it looks like a solid table when you’re not using the cooler. And pops up when you need it.

10 | Or combine a side table with an umbrella stand

Number 10 on my outdoor decorating ideas list is another type of dual-purpose furniture that works well for small patios.

If you need some protection from the sun, a side table that also acts as an umbrella stand may be just the thing!

Or if you already have an umbrella stand, this table that goes around the umbrella pole* is a perfect way to make it more functional.

Make sure that whatever table you get is heavy enough to hold up your umbrella if a gust of wind comes along.  Otherwise you may end up with a drink in your lap when the table tips over 🙂

11 | Add a Space-Saving Bench

Benches provide a lot of seating in a small amount of space which makes them one of my favorite space saving ideas for small patios.  

Because of their narrow width you can fit them in almost anywhere.

Like this corner beside my grill.

If you’re short on storage space, this bench also stores cushions* which makes it the perfect multi-functional piece of furniture for a small area.

12 | Put Up a Pretty Umbrella

As with any room, adding a focal point is a great way to make sure your outdoor space attracts attention.

And the easiest way to do this for an outdoor seating area is to put up a show stopping umbrella.

This one I got from Pier 1 a few years (unfortunately, not available anymore) is a great example

I have to confess that it is still the most expensive umbrella I have ever bought, but I think it was worth the splurge!

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want to make a statement, you can always add your own embellishments to a standard umbrella. Like the fringe I glued onto this one.

You can find the tutorial for making your own DIY Fringe Umbrella HERE.

13 | Hang A Garden Mirror

Just like when you’re decorating a small room, hanging an outdoor mirror* above a console table* helps to open up a small space.

I think mirrors work even better outdoors, because they’re usually reflecting the sky and some greenery which really expands the view.

However, I do try to keep them in the deck area so that birds are less likely to fly into them.

14 | Create some privacy

If you’re dealing with a small deck or patio, chances are you’re also dealing with close-by neighbors.

So creating some privacy is probably important.

Surrounding the area with plants makes the space feel very intimate and romantic. Like you are hidden away in your own secret garden.

If you have a patio or very low deck, you can plan a garden bed that provides the plant backdrop and blurs the edges of the deck (like my mother’s deck shown here).

Or build planters around the edge of the deck. Not only are the plants easy to tend to and water, but it also acts as a barrier that prevents anyone from falling off the edge.

Putting up a fence around part of the deck is another effective way to create that sense of privacy.

I like to use lattice for this purpose since it still allows air flow and doesn’t block the light. But is still dense enough to block your neighbor’s view.

Related: Backyard privacy ideas

15 | Hang Outdoor Curtains

If you don’t have the room for lots of plants, you can also create the cozy secret garden feel by hanging outdoor curtains.

They help to define the space and provide some privacy from the neighbors.

These ones were an easy and inexpensive DIY project (you can find our DIY outdoor curtain tutorial HERE).

16 | Install A Vertical Herb Garden

If you want privacy and functionality, building a vertical herb garden may be the way to go.

It doesn’t take up much space, gives easy access to fresh herbs and provides a privacy screen.

I made this one a tall pallet and some inexpensive window boxes. So it was really easy to make and didn’t cost very much to build.

You can find the DIY vertical herb garden tutorial HERE.

17 | Put up a fountain

The sound of running water is always a soothing addition to an outdoor space and can help to counteract neighborhood noise.

You may not have room for something large but there are smaller options.

A tiled wall with water running down it (like the picture above) could also act as a privacy screen.

Store-bought wall fountains come in all shapes and sizes so you should be able to find one to fit your space.

Or if you prefer a DIY project, you can make your own (like this one that my brother made for his small patio).

18 | Set Up An Outdoor Bar

If you like to entertain, then you might want to set up an outdoor bar rather than a traditional dining table.

It’s a great way to provide seating that doesn’t take up much room on a small patio.

And it’s the first place that everyone heads to.

When I have outdoor parties, these tall bar stools* are everyone’s favorite seats, and they don’t take up a lot of room.

Installing a mini fridge and the grill behind the bar works perfectly since I have space to cook while still being a part of the action.

19 | Expand your patio

If you want to expand your patio without taking on a large scale renovation, these deck tiles* are a great solution.

They can be installed directly over a concrete slab or any other level surface.

And they just click together. It only took me a few hours to put this whole patio together.

Find out all the details on these deck tiles and how to install them HERE.

Well, that’s my tour of the garden rooms in my yard. Hopefully you can use some of these small patio decorating ideas to make the most of the space you have, too.

Other deck ideas

• How to create a relaxing deck
• How to paint metal patio furniture
• 9 shade solutions for decks that will make your summer cooler

Or browse all of our deck and patio ideas.

Do you have comments or questions about our small patio decorating ideas? Tell us in the section below.

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