Big Ideas for Your Small Porches and Patios

Just because your outdoor living space is small doesn't mean you have to compromise on seating and entertaining possibilities. A mixture of textures on indoor-outdoor furniture and a rolling bar cart make this porch suited for any time of the year.

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.

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.

Let your porch accentuate the natural colors seen around your home. Shades of green, blue, and even purple can create the illusion that your porch is just a continuation of the outside world.

Create intimacy within an open-air space with soft textures and pieces that section your space. Plenty of plants create a calming scene and offer seclusion when having those ever-important chats with friends.

Two rocking chairs and a place to rest your iced tea is a porch formula that we will always stand behind.

Small porches, meet container gardens – your new eye-opening friends. With planted trees that elevate the eyes, well-placed greenery can help remove the focus from square footage and draw the eye upwards toward the other stunning elements of your home.

If you're more inclined to make your front porch a functional space, you can always find pieces that elevate your container gardens. Tuck a chair in the corner for your own personal gardening oasis.

Incorporating pieces of furniture that can take a little wear and tear mean that all the family members can enjoy your outdoor space – even the furry ones. Add bushes on the outside of your screened in porch that can grow tall for additional privacy. A painted ceiling makes the space even cozier, while still opening it as a continuation of the natural surroundings.

A small porch set up can be as simple as bistro-style folding chairs and a table. Tuck them away when needed and easily reassemble in a pinch of surprise company.

With enough seating to fit your whole family, you can move the party to your porch. Accents like throw blankets and pillows can turn the space into an outdoor living room. 

We love the style of an oversized lantern to add an interesting focal point on a front porch. Finish the look with antique planters and a rocking chair.