Creative Design Ideas And Tips To Help Turn Your Small Patio From Drab To Fab
Posted on: 31 March 2016
If you have a small patio, it may feel as though you don't have much to work with. Perhaps you even feel as though your creative thought process is stifled because of the small space. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to work with your small space as long as you have the right furnishings and décor.
Selecting the Right Furniture
The key to working with a small patio is selecting options that make your space appear larger. One way to do this is to create a form of unity between your indoor space and your outdoor space so they seem to flow together. Large windows and sliding glass doors can help you with that. However, if your home lacks large windows and a sliding glass door, you will have to get a bit more creative.
Start by selecting see-through furnishings such as a glass top patio table. See-through furniture will provide the illusion that your furniture does not take up much space, therefore making your patio seem larger. Make sure you also select furnishings that are lightweight so you can move them around as needed.
If you like to host backyard gatherings, opt for folding chairs so that they can be moved out of the way when they are not in use to add more space to your patio. If you plan on putting plants and flowers around your patio, place them in lightweight or even wheeled planters. By placing flowers and plants in lightweight planters, you can move them as needed to accommodate space for your guests.
Selecting the Right Color Palette
It is always best to use lighter colors in small spaces. Lighter colors, such as white, tend to reflect light, therefore making your space look bigger. The same can be said about your patio. When selecting a color palette for your patio, opt for lighter shades. Darker shades may create a comfy, cozy feel, but it can also make your small patio feel too crowded.
That is not to say that you can't add color to your patio. For example, if you choose white patio chairs, you can dress them up with a pop of color. If you wish to remain within the lighter color palette, pastels work nicely for an outdoor retreat. If you prefer something a bit more vivid and bold, opt for bright cushion or pillows in aqua, yellow, or even spring green. It is best to stay away from dark colors such as browns and blacks.
Keep in mind that even with white furnishings on your patio, you can still incorporate plenty of color with the use of planters. Plants and flowers can provide just the right amount of added color to your patio without taking up too much space. Make sure you keep the plants on the smaller side. Large planters can make your small patio feel far too cluttered.
Selecting the Right Decor
Another option is to mount reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, to the outside of your house. Mirrors can make a small space seem larger. By placing mirrors outdoors on and around your patio, you will have the ability to reflect light so that it tricks the eye into thinking the patio is larger than it really is. When it comes to selecting décor for your patio, remember that less is more.
If you go overboard with the décor, it can make your patio appear too busy, which can make an already small patio appear even smaller. Keep in mind that you do not have to fill every empty space on your patio, nor should you. In fact, empty space will make your patio appear larger, so keep the décor sparse. A few plants, mirrors, and other outdoor wall-mounted hangings should suffice.
Keep these ideas in mind when shopping for cheap outdoor furniture for sale or other decor pieces.
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