Simple, Small Patio Furniture Ideas For Cozy Backyard Spaces

Trying to figure out what furniture to use on a tiny patio? These creative & cute small patio furniture ideas will help you make the most of your space and turn it into a cozy hangout spot!

Small Patio Furniture Ideas

I lived in a house once that had the cutest little patio space in the backyard. It was surrounded by a privacy wall and a tiny garden.

I loved hanging out in that cozy outdoor area. But I have to tell you – it took forever to figure out what furniture to use for such a small patio!

A lot of outdoor furniture on the market these days is geared towards big decks and large patio slabs. Much of it won’t fit in a little patio area.

If you’re trying to figure out how to arrange furniture on a smaller outdoor patio, keep reading for some great small patio furniture ideas!

Small Patio Furniture Ideas With Conversation Sets

Patio conversation sets are popular to use for outdoor spaces because they mimic the feel of living room seating arrangements. But what if you don’t have room for a large outdoor couch, loveseat, chairs and a coffee table?

In that case, I would try to figure out what you do have space for on your patio and go from there. If all you can fit is a single loveseat on your patio, then that’s what will work best for your small patio furniture layout.

It’s more about creating a cozy hangout space than having a large area for a big outdoor party. You can always add in folding chairs for additional seating if possible.

Small Patio Furniture Ideas Using Swings

Many people think of using outdoor swings on a front porch. But have you considered using them as a fun seating area on a small patio?

Some outdoor swings come with a frame that suspends the swing, such as what is shown in the photo above. In this case, you don’t have to hang your swing from a roof.

As long as your patio has enough room for the swing frame, you can use an outdoor swing on your small patio. Just make sure the swing has enough space behind it so it doesn’t bump into anything while you’re using it.

Butterfly Chairs For Small Patios

Another one of my favorite small backyard patio ideas is to use butterfly chairs or creative lounge chairs in the space. These chairs often come in fun colors and can make for a nice focal point.

In the photo above, two round lounge chairs fit perfectly on this small backyard patio. A garden stool or two can also be added to small patio spaces to provide a flat surface for drinks, phones and books.

For some ideas on color schemes to use for your patio furniture, check out this article: The Best Patio Furniture Color Schemes For Your Backyard Oasis

Dining Areas On Small Patios

If your backyard patio is large enough, consider using it as an outdoor dining area. Many outdoor dining tables are small enough to fit on a little patio, even with the chairs and umbrella.

If you love to eat outdoors, this might be a good option instead of trying to create a lounge area in the space. Despite seeming small, outdoor dining tables can actually seat a fair amount of people depending on the seating options.

Using nice cushions on your outdoor dining chairs will be more comfortable and inspire people to hang out in small patio spaces longer. Also, look for collapsible dining tables that can be moved out of the way after eating to create more space in a small patio furniture layout.

Small Patio Areas Framed With Pergolas

One of my favorite small backyard patio ideas is to cover the space with a pergola. A lot of the premade pergolas on the market might be too big for a little patio.

But you can order custom made pergolas that are built to your specifications. Or if you’re handy, this can be a fun project to take on.

Pergolas can provide much needed shade for a small patio area. They can also be used to hang lighting from such as what’s shown in the photo above with the candle chandelier. String lights also work well when hung from a pergola in an outdoor space.

Cafe Chairs & Tables For Small Patios

One of my favorite small patio furniture ideas is to use a cafe table and chairs for this space. These outdoor bistro sets are very stylish, yet small enough to fit into a tight corner of a patio.

You can make cafe chairs more comfortable by adding in cushions, such as what is shown in the photo above. Cushions also provide a nice pop of color for the area.

Another great thing about cafe tables and chairs is that they can easily be folded and stored elsewhere if needed.

Lounge Chairs For Small Patios

If your idea of relaxing outside is putting your feet up, then a chaise lounge chair is a must. A lot people think that their small patio doesn’t have enough room for a chaise lounge, but it can be worth taking the time to measure.

You might not have the space to fully recline a chaise lounge on your patio, but it might fit well when the top is upright.

Privacy Walls Surrounding Small Patios

One way to make a small patio feel extra cozy is to use privacy walls and fencing to surround the space. It may seem counter intuitive to surround in a small patio, but doing so helps create more of a “room” feeling in the area.

In the photo above, creative fencing and landscaping create a nice focal point for this small patio. A simple table with an umbrella and chairs provide a good spot to relax with a book or enjoy a meal.

Fire Pits For Small Patios

If your small patio area has enough room for a coffee table, then it probably has enough room for a fire pit. If you enjoy sitting on your patio at night, then it might make sense to add in a fire bowl to your small patio furniture layout.

For those that want the best of both worlds, consider getting a fire table. These tables feature a fire pit in the middle and then offer a flat area around the edges that is perfect for drinks, phones and books.

To learn more about fire pits for patios, check out this article: Fun, Unique Patio Fire Pit Ideas You’ll Want to Try

Outdoor Art Displays With Patio Furniture

If your patio is too small to be practical, why not turn it into a creative space to display outdoor art?

In the photo above, there isn’t much room on this patio for seating, so the benches are grouped around a small table displaying decorative gourds. Plants and a birdhouse add to to rustic, antique theme.

A chair or two surrounded by plants and outdoor artwork might be the best way to use your patio space instead of trying to fill it with lots of furniture.

What are some of the small patio furniture ideas you’re thinking of doing in your space this year? Share them with us below in the comments!

More Outdoor Patio Decor Ideas

For more outdoor patio decor inspiration, tips and styles, check out these posts:

• Popular Outdoor Fireplace Ideas For Awesome Backyard Evenings
• Magic Patio Lighting Ideas to Create Your Dream Outdoor Oasis
• The Best Patio Furniture Color Schemes For Your Backyard Oasis
• Fun, Unique Patio Fire Pit Ideas You’ll Want to Try
• Innovative Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For Cooking A Backyard Feast

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