maximize a Small outdoor living space
April 12, 2025
Outdoor spaces are great in so many ways. They’re an investment in your home, they give you space to relax and recharge, they encourage togetherness, and they’re good for your health. According to the American Heart Association, spending time outside surrounded by plants and nature reduces stress and anxiety. But what if your outdoor space is small? Is outdoor living only for those with expansive yards? Absolutely not! No matter how big or small your outdoor space is, you can enjoy being outside–and we will show you how.
What’s the Purpose?
If your outdoor space is small, it will help to get specific about what you want from it. Are you looking for space to dine al fresco with your loved ones? Do you want to lounge on comfy furniture and read a book? Maybe you love grilling and want a compact outdoor kitchen. Get clear on your goals and desires for your space before you start transforming it.
The Elements of a Great Outdoor Space
There are several things you will want to include in your outdoor living space to make it comfortable, functional, and stylish. Particularly when you’re designing a small space, each element needs to be carefully considered.
Shelter
If you’re planning to add an outdoor space to your home, you can consider what type of shelter you want. A pergola or porch roof is a great choice for shade, and both options allow you to install a ceiling fan if you want to for comfort in the summer months. If you already have a space and don’t plan to fully remodel it, consider an umbrella or sun shade canopy that will provide some shade.
Privacy
Especially for a smaller outdoor space, adding privacy will make your area feel like a cozy and secluded getaway. It will also help define the space and make it feel purposeful and intentional. Consider the following options to provide a sense of privacy:
-
Screens–metal, bamboo, wood, or wicker.
-
A trellis with climbing plants.
-
Curtains that can be drawn closed or tied back.
-
Landscaping–trees, hedges, ornamental grasses.
-
A pergola.
Seating
When it comes to great seating in a small area, think comfort, size, and multifunctionality. You want whatever furniture you choose to entice you and others to linger, whether it’s dining chairs, a bistro set, an egg chair, or outdoor couches.
As far as size goes, you want to make the most of your space without overwhelming it. Choose an outdoor loveseat instead of a full-sized sofa, and use a small rattan pouf in place of a coffee table. Smaller furniture that still looks good and feels comfortable–that’s the goal.
Anytime you can get one piece of furniture to perform two jobs, that’s a win when it comes to small spaces. You can use couches with storage, benches that can also be coffee tables, poufs used as tables or seating–whichever is needed. Another great small space idea is to make all your furniture moveable. This allows you to change your seating arrangement depending on what you need for that day.
Lighting
Great lighting can make an average space feel exceptional, and this holds true for outdoor living spaces as well. As with any lighting, it’s best to layer multiple types to give you the flexibility to use what you need. Some great options for outdoor lighting include
-
cafe-style string lights
-
overhead lights if you have a ceiling
-
soft LED lighting (candles and lanterns look great!)
-
landscape lighting
-
lamps
Focal Point
Regardless of the size of your outdoor living space, a focal point can help tie it all together. The best focal points in outdoor spaces engage more than one of the senses. For example, you may want a small water feature that gives you both the sight and sound of running water–relaxing in any setting. A fire pit is another great idea, and even the smallest spaces can use a table-top firepit to draw people in. If you have space to build a small outdoor fireplace, you can design the rest of your space around it. Some people like an outdoor television to be a feature in their space, and while that’s not always the best choice for a focal point, you can install a gorgeous mantle under it to highlight the area and make it look intentional.
Accents
Finally, any great outdoor space uses soft furnishings and color to make the outdoor room feel like an extension of the house. Pull colors from your indoor color scheme and use an outdoor rug, throw pillows, and soft blankets to tie the spaces together. Use potted plants at a variety of heights to add interest, color, and life to your outdoor room. Stick to a fairly simple color scheme with only a few colors to keep it looking curated.
Small Outdoor Kitchens
One of the best parts of outdoor living is cooking and eating outside. We love outdoor kitchens, and most homeowners do, too. But what can you do if your space is too small to support a full kitchen?
Start by choosing a smaller grill and building it into your kitchen plan. You can use a mini fridge or drink cooler to keep a few things cold, and a countertop that doubles as both prep space and a bar for seating. Installing a kitchen pass-through window means you don’t have to keep as many ingredients and utensils outside, since you have easy access. You can even install a bar and place bar stools under the pass-through for a fun vibe.
If you want bench seating instead of bar stools, consider building benches into a deck railing or up against the side of the house to conserve space. Built-in benches look intentional and make the best use of a small area.
With a little care and thoughtful design, you can have a great outdoor kitchen in a small space!
Ready to Get Started?
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to invest in an outdoor living space, no matter how small. If you’re in the DC, Virginia, or Maryland area, contact us today and let our team of designers and builders talk you through some ideas for giving you the perfect outdoor living space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.