Whether you have a modest yard, patio, or balcony, the best outdoor furniture for small spaces will make it look and feel all that more elevated. Don't fall trap into thinking a small space lacks design potential, by simply adding a stylish bistro set or loveseat outdoor sofa, you can completely transform what felt like a patch of grass into something special.
Outdoor furniture for small spaces - quick list
Finding patio furniture that fits your space, budget and your style can be tricky. It's easy for small gardens to be left with standard bistro sets that struggle to bring your interior fair outside. But with lots of interiors, gardening, and shopping expertise, we're here to help you find the best outdoor furniture for your small space.
We've scrolled, read reviews, and assessed products from stores offering space-saving furniture designs, timeless appeal, durability, and value for money, so you can bring your patio furniture ideas to life. From chic bistro sets to enjoy breakfast on the terrace, to savvy foldaway dining tables, you can create a versatile outdoor space, no matter its size.
Best outdoor furniture for small spaces 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Most of this small outdoor furniture selection features in our best outdoor furniture guide too. Every pick is made of quality materials, is comfortable to use, and looks stylish. But it's worth remembering that the best outdoor furniture for you will depend on the size and shape of your space, and how you plan to use it. We've sectioned the best outdoor furniture for small spaces below by type, so you can shop based on your needs.
Best small outdoor furniture sets
Essential for any outdoor space is a place to sit, eat, sleep, and whatever else. Though we understand having a huge table and chair set is not always possible for small balconies or patios, we've sourced some compact patio furniture for you to make the most of your teeny garden.
Make sure the whole family can take a seat with this four-chair patio set. Made of wrought iron, it's durable and look much more expensive than they cost.
Who said a small space can't have a fire pit? Make your tiny patio the perfect social spot by adding this patio set with a built-in fire fit.
Benches are a clever storage solution. You can seat everyone for food and then simply tuck the seat under its table when not in use. Durable and practical!
This space-savvy bistro set is ideal for balconies and small patios. Seat two with a large enough table to dine at when in use and simply tuck the chairs underneath to create a compact tabletop when not.
Simple but effective, this Amazon best-selling dining set is great for getting family and friends together for mealtimes outside, even when you're working with a small patio space. Stack the chairs and keep them outside since they're durable.
Taller designs will help to make a small space feel bigger. These wicker woven-backed chairs and high tables offer height paired with a neutral palette that won't take up too much visual space.
Best bistro sets
Bistro sets are the ideal setup for small spaces. Consisting of a small table and two chairs that usually fold away, they make the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee and croissant or read your book for some downtime.
Could be considered the original bistro set, this simple foldaway chair and table set is made from acacia and poly rattan for a classic yet durable design.
If traditional is your thing, and your small space is somewhat covered in greenery, this aluminum set offers the classic style of wrought-iron furniture at a fraction of the usual cost and weight.
Reminding you of the quaint Parisian bistro you visited a few years back? Oui, this chic wicker design mimics classic French style.
For more contemporary spaces, this clean white wicker set is simple and effective.
Wanting somewhere to rest your legs but don't think you have room? This set of wicker chairs and teeny side table comes with build-in ottomans to keep you at your most comfortable.
If you have an uber-plain outdoor terrace or balcony perhaps, this poly wicker set from Joss & Main will elevate how it looks and feels. The coffee table to glass-topped for even more opulence.
Best outdoor dining table for small spaces
From fold-away tables to tiny plinths and coffee stalls, there are outdoor tables in all shapes and sizes. Whether there's enough size to a tablescape or simply enjoy a drink on the terrace, having an outdoor table means you can host to the best of your ability.
This concrete stone table will blend in seamlessly with any outdoor setting. By not standing out, it will make your space feel bigger – and look as if it's not ever there.
This cylinder patio table doubles up as storage for small spaces. Keep all your outdoor cushions, (plastic) glassware or even fill it will easy-access snacks when guests come over.
Show off your hosting still, even if you have a small outdoor space with this stylish console table. Slim and with an underneath shelf you can display any food and drink and let your guests help themselves.
This square table will comfortably seat four, and is suitable to store in your garden thanks to its flippable design. The tabletop folds over so you can keep it neatly against the wall when you don't need it out.
This plastic extendable table is great for when you've got guests coming to stay. You can open up the table to seat ten and fold away for just two as you need.
As we said, there are no limits to small outdoor spaces. Have a balcony with not enough room for a dining table? This flip-top balcony table lets you dine alfresco by simply attaching it to the side of your terrace or window.
Best outdoor lounge chair for small spaces
Chilling outside is arguably the best form of relaxation. Nothing beats reading a book, or taking a mid-afternoon nap in a comfy chair while the sun shines down. These smaller loveseat sofas and chairs promote the perfect chilling spot.
You only need one of these for ultimate relaxation. The swivel mechanism lets you view all angles of your garden while relaxing. Oh, and it comes in 24 colors.
This chair with an ottoman is ideal for lounging. Pop your legs up or use it as a convenient side space for magazines or whatever you need close in hand.
These on-trend egg chairs will update any small space. Choose from fun colors and let them do the styling for you, so you can sit back and relax.
A great space-saver, this sofa is really two pieces of furniture in one; the sides fold up and down so it can be a daybed too. Stargazing anyone?
Small and cozy, this contemporary loveseat chair from Outer is made from aluminum and has built-in covers to protect the cushions from rain and UV light, so you can keep it outside.
Take your Scandi-style outside with this natural loveseat. Made from eucalyptus and with cream-plump cushions, this one oozes comfort.
How we selected small outdoor furniture
While this outdoor furniture hasn't been directly tested, it has been through our rigorous research process. Using shopping and design expertise, we've scrolled and sourced the best outdoor furniture for small spaces from top-rated furniture retailers. There are Amazon products with outstanding reviews, and others from reputable brands we've tried products from before, like All Modern, Outer, and Target.
We've considered size, design, and style to ensure they're suitable for tiny gardens, patios, balconies, terraces, or whatever small space you have. Of course, outdoor furniture can get pricey, especially if you're wanting to invest in high-quality materials durable enough to last through the winter. We've found great value-for-money products you can rely on.
How to choose outdoor furniture for small spaces
Finding the best outdoor furniture for small spaces is more than just picking a design you like the look of. There's size, shape, and style to think about. Certain types of outdoor furniture are better suited to small spaces, and the color you choose alters how large or small the space feels.
Reilly Gray, Co-Founder, Suns Lifestyleexplains the two main things to consider when shopping for outdoor furniture for your small space: size, material and style.
He states 'It's really important that you take accurate measurements so you know exactly how much space is available, after all, you want to make sure your new furniture fits comfortably and doesn't look too big or too small in the space.' Try and avoid buying furniture that just fits. Instead, you should play with layouts and orientation, how can you zone a small space?
Then you should pay attention to the material. 'You should invest in furniture pieces that are built to last. Designs made from FSC-certified teak or aluminum will not only stand the test of time but they're also designed for a life outdoors, meaning they will withstand all weather conditions.'
'From a style perspective, you also need to decide whether you want your outdoor living space to stand out from your home or complement it.' suggests Gray. 'For instance, if you live in a really modern home, then opting for furniture with clean, minimalist lines might be a better option, whilst a traditional home may suit pieces that are shapelier and have a vintage or antique feel.'
Reilly Gray is the co-founder of leading luxury outdoor lifestyle retailer, Suns Lifestyle.
When it comes to choosing furniture, Nicolai de Gier, design director of TAKT, explains you should look for practicality. For example, 'chairs should be stackable or foldable so that you can create more space when you need it and keep some tucked away for those special occasions; in a small space, armrests are a luxury that you don’t need as they increase the footprint of a chair dramatically. You can look for chairs and tables with round seats and tops, which allow you to move around them more easily in tight spaces (we designed Turn Table with a special superellipse rather than a traditional square top).
It's also worth considering how often you're going to use your outdoor furniture. As Nicolai explains, 'if you only occasionally use the furniture outside, consider indoor furniture that you would be happy to use outside, too, so that wherever you put it, you are opening up space elsewhere. But, be careful, as furniture proportions relate to their surroundings, so indoor furniture will look smaller outside, and outdoor furniture can look enormous in your living room.'
Nicolai de Gier designs furniture for everyday use that reflects his passion for craftsmanship and responsible use of materials. Nicolai is a professor and head of MA Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy and design director at the B Corp eco furniture brand TAKT.
FAQs
How do you arrange furniture on a long narrow patio?
If you have a long, narrow outdoor patio or balcony, it can be tricky trying to fit any furniture on it. There are, however, some tips and tricks to getting some comfortable seating, plus a handy table, without disrupting any walkways. For example, you can keep the foot traffic to one side by using a long bench or console table pushed against one side of the space. Lots of bench and console furniture sets come with stools or chairs that neatly tuck underneath to save space.
Another idea is corner arrangements. This would work best for a thin balcony space where either end can be fitted with a small outdoor lounge chair while the middle floor space is left empty. If you're wanting a table of sorts, a half-round table you can attach to the wall or balcony window would work perfectly. Otherwise circular, higher tables will allow for more room.
How do I maximize space on a small patio?
There are plenty of small patio ideas where you can maximize space. A few tips on how to create space, when you don't have much of it outdoors include thinking vertically. Using high tables and chairs, hanging fairy lights, or plants from above will create an illusion of more space. Secondly, you should make use of corners and surfaces where possible. Adding a half table to a wall is a great space-saving solution, or finding corner chairs that fit will allow for more floor space.
Any outside space can be totally transformed by a beautiful furniture set. Even if you have the smallest of balconies, a tiny patch of grass to utilize, or a patio fit for just a chair, it's worth making the most of. Aside from adding a bistro set, putting down an outdoor rug, hanging some solar lights, or growing some greenery will contribute to maximizing your small space.
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