Tiny Porches and Patios That Are Giving Us Major Inspiration

A recessed, built-in window seat doesn’t take up valuable real estate on this little patio. Garden stools that serve as side tables are an ideal choice for a small spot—they can be moved easily and double as extra seating. 

This patio was previously a rickety deck that lacked a feeling of permanence. Now, it’s a beautiful dining space.

Think outside the box. This small patio is used as a beautiful utility space thanks to a stunning galvanized sink.

Even what might be perceived as a small landing spot can be transformed into a outdoor perch. Keep containers small so they can be relocated in a pinch.

A small table in the center of this screened-in porch serves as the focal point. It’s right off the kitchen making it a great spot for overflow when entertaining.

A swing and small bench are all this Texas Farmhouse porch needs.

A consistent color scheme keeps this porch from being busy. Two wicker chairs and a simple vintage table make the space perfectly suited for a party of two.

This comfortable porch is the perfect spot for sipping a glass of wine on a breezy, warm evening.

We spend a lot of time on our front porches, whether socializing, entertaining, relaxing, or eating. For this reason, it's important that our porches get just as much attention as the other parts of our houses. We think these five porch staples – including plenty of seating and a strategically placed ceiling fan – are a must for any Southern home.

The blue and white palette of this loggia keeps things breezy and gives the appearance of more space.

This deck keeps things simple. Two Adirondack chairs are all you need when the views are this good.

To create a cozy porch, the designer enclosed the entrance of the house with a white lattice. Two small garden benches on either side of the door make the perfect spot for sitting.

Dueling porch swings provide plenty of seating. In a pinch, the wide front steps can also work as a place to perch.

This tiny patio is dressed up with striped outdoor drapery panels. A small bistro table and folding chairs provide the perfect spot for sipping early morning coffee.

This 130-square-foot screened porch was too small for a dining table or sofa, but just the right size to be a cozy cocktail porch. The furniture arrangement facilitates conversation.

This small back porch only fits two chairs and a small table but, with views this pretty, that’s really all you need.

A bed swing provides plenty of seating on this brick porch. A vintage mantel hung above the swing acts as a shelf for displaying decorative objects without using up valuable square footage below.

Dining alfresco is an elegantly rustic affair on this porch. Twinkle lights and beautiful views are the stars of the space.

The furniture keeps with the color palette of the house. The cohesive palette makes the porch seem like a continuation of the home—giving the appearance of a larger space.