Home Outdoor Living Small-Space Patio Furniture That Will Maximize Your Backyard's Entertaining Potential Make the most of your tiny patio with these furnishings, which were designed for small outdoor areas. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is the staff writer for MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Published on May 17, 2023 02:10PM EDT Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn, Wayfair, West Elm Don't let your patio's limited square footage keep you from enjoying your backyard. There is plenty of outdoor furniture on the market designed to maximize space while being suited to a smaller outdoor entertaining area. The first thing to prioritize when choosing small-space patio furniture? Furnishings that check more than one box. "If space is limited, I like to use furniture that can be reinvented to serve multiple purposes," says Lauren Robbins of Lauren Robbins Interiors. "A console or side table can easily double as a small dining table if selected right the first time." Additionally, you should consider pieces that have storage potential. "Prioritize products with built-in storage, such as outdoor benches or coffee tables with hidden compartments," says Kerrie Kelly, the creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "This will help you keep your patio organized." And when in doubt, always choose furnishings that have the most seating space—a cozy outdoor loveseat will give you more room than a bistro table, for example. From roomy lounge chairs to benches with built-in storage, these furnishings will transform your small patio into a welcoming place to entertain (or relax with a glass of wine). 18 Small Patio Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space 01 of 11 Pottery Barn Tulum Wicker Outdoor Loveseat Courtesy of Pottery Barn Don't have space for an outdoor couch? No problem. This loveseat is just as cozy and can fit up to three people. You can lounge on it while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee, or guests can sit on it while they mingle and eat. The all-weather wicker adds a warm, natural texture to your outdoor space, while the white cushion provides a modern touch. Price at time of publish: $999 Buy on Pottery Barn 02 of 11 West Elm Portside Outdoor Deck Box Courtesy of West Elm Keep pool games, towels, and other summer items that normally take up room on your patio (or packed interior closet) tucked neatly inside this deck box. Place it in the center of a loveseat or lounge chairs, and you have a makeshift ottoman that guests can rest appetizers and cocktails on. Price at time of publish: $360 Buy on West Elm 03 of 11 SAFAVIEH Wilton Natural Brown 2-Piece Wood Outdoor Bistro Set Courtesy of Home Depot Optimizing underused areas of your patio is a great way to maximize a small space. This bench tucks conveniently into any corner, so you can leave the rest of your backyard open for standing room, pool chairs, a table, and other furnishings. Price at time of publish: $468 Buy on Home Depot 04 of 11 Pottery Barn Martel Handwoven Outdoor Pouf Courtesy of Pottery Barn In addition to making your small-space patio look cozier, poufs can also be used as additional seating. This one was tightly hand-woven from durable polypropylene yarns, so it's sturdy enough to pull double duty as a side table or a place to prop up your feet. Price at time of publish: $279 Buy on Pottery Barn 05 of 11 West Elm Portside Outdoor Folding Bistro Set Courtesy of West Elm Perfect for everyday relaxing or an al fresco dinner for two, this bistro set is foldable; you can easily move it out of the way to create more standing room for guests. It's made from moisture-resistant solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood, so it's built to last no matter how frequently you use it. Price at time of Publish: $299 Buy on West Elm 06 of 11 Pottery Barn Fluted Outdoor Side Table Courtesy of Pottery Barn A fluted silhouette and deep grooves make this side table a unique addition to any outdoor seating area. In lieu of a traditional table, it can be used for drinks and small bites—or as additional seating for entertaining. Price at time of publish: $199 Buy on Pottery Barn 07 of 11 Wade Logan Appolonie Andrejs Outdoor Ottoman (Set of 2) Courtesy of Wayfair These sturdy ottomans have multiple functions—they can be used as chairs, tables, or as a place to rest your feet. But their best feature is the built-in cubby at the base. Use the extra space for storing magazines, books, or even a pool towel. Price at time of publish: $289.99 Buy on Wayfair 08 of 11 CB2 Cana 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Sectional Sofa Courtesy of CB2 This three-piece sectional can be arranged and rearranged to fit your patio's dimensions and your entertaining needs. Keep the entire couch together or separate each piece, which gives you an armless chair, corner chair, and ottoman. Price at time of publish: $1,557 Buy on CB2 09 of 11 West Elm Sunbrella Indoor and Outdoor Canvas Pouf Courtesy of West Elm Available in 11 different shades, from terra-cotta to buttercup, this pouf will add a pop of color to your small-space patio. Crafted from durable, saturated fabric, it can be used as a stool, for extra seating, or as a makeshift table. Price at time of publish: $320 Buy on West Elm 10 of 11 Highland Dunes Scottie 3-Piece Seating Group With Cushions Courtesy of Wayfair Inspired by Adirondack chairs, this set is great for dining al fresco or lounging by the pool, beverage in hand. The water-resistant cushions are covered with a non-porous material that makes cleaning any spills a cinch. The lightweight side table can be moved around and used as a makeshift seat or for food. Price at time of publish: $289.99 Buy on Wayfair 11 of 11 Pottery Barn Indio FSC Eucalyptus & Mesh Stackable Outdoor Chaise Lounge Courtesy of Pottery Barn While you may think you don't have enough room on your patio for pretty pool chairs—think again. This set of two has a compact profile, so they don't feel out of place in smaller outdoor areas. Plus, they're stackable, meaning you can easily move them out of the way when having guests over. Price at time of publish: $1,279 Buy on Pottery Barn Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit