Dabl at Home
How to Make the Most Out of Your Small Patio Space
Even small spaces can do big things! We’ve got tips and space-saving items to maximize a tiny outdoor space.
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Any outdoor space is worth taking advantage of, even if it’s teeny tiny! If you’ve got a patio or balcony that you never use, think again about how you can utilize this space. We’re here to help. There are tons of space-saving and multifunctional items available to turn your patio into a part of your home that you’ll enjoy.
To begin your transformation, grab some paint. By painting your outdoor space with lighter colors and a low-sheen paint, you can give the illusion that it’s larger than it is. Even a pastel pink or cool blue can make a space feel bigger.
Folding hanging tables are ideal if you have a balcony with a wall you can attach one to. Here are two great options from Amazon:
Outdoor Indoor Folding Hanging Table Adjustable Balcony Railing Table
This folding table is small but mighty! It can hold up to 50 pounds, so you put food, drinks, or even a portable grill on it. The square table takes up very little space -- its measurements are 26.5 x 23.5 x 23.75 inches. The table folds down flat so it won’t get in the way when not in use.
$55 on Amazon.com
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Toronto Balcony Folding Deck Table, Golden Teak
This sophisticated fold-down table will help you make the most of your outdoor space. You can use it as an outdoor table to eat on, or, one to serve cocktails from when you entertain.
$120 on Amazon
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Plants make a great addition to your outdoor area, but floor ones or large pots are not ideal if you’re limited on space. However, if you have any fencing or walls sectioning off your patio, you can hang a decorative plant screen and some hanging plant hangers so plants can be hung vertically. You can also use a planting bag for the same purpose.
7-Inch Black Metal Wire Hanging Planter Holders
These durable mental black plant hangers will set the stage for a beautiful outdoor plant display! Get this set of 6 and you’re on your way to maximizing your outdoor space.
$25 on Amazon.com
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Wall Hanging Planting Bags for Garden Indoor Outdoor
This small pocket design can make a huge difference in livening up your outdoor space. The hanging bag has 16 pockets suitable for growing succulents, vegetables, foliage plants and other small plants. Its size is 11.8 X 39.4 inches.
$22 on Amazon.com
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When you’re short on space, it’s awesome to find seating that can also double as storage. Even if it’s not marketed as seating, many outdoor storage bins can be sat on in a pinch!
Storage Seat, Stoney Gray
This simple storage seat does as the name implies -- it stores items like cushions and garden supplies, and when closed, it can be used for seating.
$50 on Target.com
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If you have some space for a small patio set, check out bistro sets, which often include two small chairs and a table. Most are easy to fold up when not in use. If you can, find one in bright colors to make your outdoor space stand out.
Outdoor Furniture Bistro Table Set
Bring light to any small space with this bistro set, available in stylish red or blue. The set is sturdy yet lightweight, and comes with a small table and two folding chairs. It’s on clearance now, so get it before it’s gone!
$116 (regular $186)
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If you’re crafty, it’s not too difficult to make a murphy fold down bar. Check out how Barry did it on this episode of “The Living Room.” If you’re not into DIY, luckily, there are tons of others who are, and you find their handcrafted murphy bars on Etsy.
Now that you’ve got the essentials, invite a friend or two over to show off your new space! There are tons of plastic outdoor serving trays you can use for snacks, plastic cups to enjoy some drinks, and a buffet caddy is an easy way to transport all your dining utensils and flatware when you’re short on space.
Buffet Caddy
This 7-piece buffet caddy will hold everything you need to dine outdoors. It’s all-in-one service station is easily portable and can be disassembled so you only need to bring outside the items you need. The set includes 2 center stands for plates, 4 side flatware compartments, and 1 top napkin basket.
$42 on Amazon.com
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Fruit Serving Tray
How cute is this lemon-shaped tray? Two handles allow for steady transport of your drinks from indoors to out.
$14 on Target.com
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Outdoor Cocktail Drinking Glasses
Pair this set of four brightly colored glasses with the fruit serving tray and you are ready to entertain! The 16-oz glasses are break-resistant and stemless to avoid accidents.
$12 on Target.com
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