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Ah, the plight of having an apartment patio. It’s great—in theory—until you get into your new place and realize that there’s actually not that much space to work with. Or so you thought. There’s plenty you can do to maximize your tiny terrace, from using contemporary furniture and organic materials to draping the ceiling with greenery for a Bridgerton-garden vibe. We’ll prove it with 20 of-the-moment apartment patio ideas. They’re just what your Pinterest board has been waiting for.
RELATED: The 50 Best Decorating Tips of All Time
1. KEEP IT CLEAN WITH CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE Since you’re most likely strapped for square footage, you’ll want to keep things minimal with contemporary furnishings that won’t overwhelm the space. Think: white-linen sofas with clean lines and concrete tables with sleek surfaces. Then, you can add in some decorative pieces to bring the look together (see below).
Shop the Look: Architect Outdoor Sofa (from $3,520); Monaco Round Concrete Coffee Table (from $1,345)
A post shared by Romika Gunn (@withinwarmwalls)
2. BOHO PATTERNS < ORGANIC MODERN ACCENTS You know those boho, medallion-cushion-filled terraces you saw all over Pinterest in 2015? Well, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the organic modern décor trend has replaced the look with solid, textured accents. So instead, you can replace those patterned throws and Buddha head sculptures with sleek, concrete stone planters and natural wood decor.
3. TURN THE RAILING INTO A BREAKFAST BAR Not enough room for a dining table? No problem—you can DIY a breakfast bar on an empty wall (or railing, if you don’t mind taking your coffee with a side of pedestrians on the street below). All you need is a plank of wood and some mounting equipment for easy, un-obtrusive counter space. Or, you can always shop the look below.
4. USE A LIGHTER DINING SET TO ANCHOR THE LOOK If your apartment has the space for a dining set, congrats! We hate you! But all kidding aside, you want to go with lighter colors that’ll distract from, well, the distractions going on in the background. Take it from the photo above, where the space is subtly elevated with tone-on-tone, Parisian bistro chairs and a white teak and acacia table. After all, there’s nothing quite like dining al fresco, with a side of blaring horns.
Shop the Look: Riviera Dining Chair in Navy/White ($238); California Dining Table ($2,498)
A post shared by Pen (@madreonthemove)
5. DRAPE THE RAILINGS WITH WISTERIA Obsessed with the whimsical, draped-in-wisteria gardens you’ve seen in Bridgerton? Well, as it turns out, you don’t actually need a garden to replicate the look. Hanging an artificial wisteria vine from the railings can give your apartment that same, romantic vibe. Or, if you’re really looking to go all out, there are similar florals you can use for the same effect: “Wisteria can be seasonally sensitive, so you can try these flowers instead–lilac, lavender and buddlia are all lovely options,” Luke Dejahang, gardening expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions told Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
A post shared by Wesley Moon | Interior Design (@wesleymooninc)
6. OR COVER A PERGOLA WITH VINES Or, if the wisteria feels like overkill, you can create your own little oasis by draping a pergola with some vines.
7. LAYER ELEGANT LINENS Another way to stay minimalist (without it being boring)? By layering crisp, neutral linens. This could be anything from sheer curtains to slipcovered chairs—just be sure you’re selecting soft hues that can be paired together.
8. KEEP PILLOWS MONOCHROMATIC In case you haven’t caught our drift: Less is more, people.
BUY IT (PRICING UPON REQUEST)
A post shared by Caro | Interior (@heim.liebelei)
9. STAY NEUTRAL WITH STRIPES Still, stripes are always a good way to go if you're craving some pattern. If you have the floor space, try bringing in a neutral striped rug with some texture (like jute or sisal). Otherwise, a chic oversized pillow can have the same effect.
10. OR DIY WITH FLOOR TILES One of our favorite DIY hacks? Using peel and stick tiles to elevate a space. Go with something geometric (similar to the ones featured above) or stay classic with simple black and white checkers.
A post shared by VIEWS BALCONY BAR?? (@viewsbalconybar)
11. PARTY OUTSIDE WITH A DISCO BALL Newstalgia is all the rage this year, and what better way to bring the Studio 54 vibes outdoors than with a disco ball? Not only does it double as a light fixture, but its reflection can create a speckled, film-style effect (that’ll look great on your Instagram during golden hour).
12. SKIP THE SOFA WITH A CHAISE Instead of cramming a sofa into your tiny nook, it might make more sense to add a Scandi-style chaise. That way, you can adjust its position toward the sun or move it around the patio with more freedom (for better feng shui, of course).
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13. CREATE A PARISIAN VIBE WITH A BISTRO SET Wish you were dining at Le Cadoret in Paris this summer? Same. But until then, we’ll settle for a bistro-style balcony. Replicate the look above by adding an elegant marble table, wrought iron chairs and striped cushions to boot.
A post shared by ??????? (@hej.van.ka)
14. USE HANGING PLANTERS SPARINGLY While there’s nothing wrong with a backyard dripping in greenery, it can start to feel, err, overwhelming in a smaller space. So instead, stick to the rule of threes when it comes to hanging planters to keep things clean (and save yourself hours of plant care in the process).
15. ADD A MINI FIRE PIT Having a small space doesn’t mean you have to forgo s’mores in the summer. This mini fire pit is portable, food-safe and, may we just say, adorable.
A post shared by Sirius (@sirius_shining_moments)
16. STRING SOME LIGHTS Because what’s a patio without some string lights?
A post shared by Westwing Espan?a (@westwing_es)
17. CREATE POCKETS OF SHADE It’s a little hard to relax when you’re being blasted by the 5 o’clock sun. Adding an umbrella to the corner is not only practical, but it can also double as a decorative object (and we’re loving this fringey one from Business & Pleasure right now).
A post shared by Dima Rumiantcev??Designer (@dimastery)
18. OR DIY A CUSTOM CANOPY Yet another shade solution, this DIY is perfect for anyone who wishes they had room for a cabana. Just be sure you’re using weatherproof materials (like aluminum or teak) to ensure its durability when winter rolls around.
A post shared by Decor ? DIY ?? Go?zde (@gozdee81)
19. HANG PLANTS WITH POPS OF COLOR Naturally, you’ll need a few plants. But instead of just haphazardly adding ferns and fiddle-leaf figs, it might be worthwhile to coordinate your florals. Take it from the all-pink aesthetic above, which includes everything from orchids and roses to carnations and chrysanthemums.
20. SAVE SPACE WITH A HANGING CHAIR Last but not least, a hanging chair. Because who needs a sofa when you can swing around in one of these bad boys?
RELATED: 25 Chic Backyard Ideas to Prep Your Space for Summer
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