Patio Furniture Ideas for Small Patios and Decks

Even if you have a limited space in your patio or deck, you can still create a great place to relax. 

Here are a few hints on how to go about choosing your furniture pieces for your small patio or deck. 

 

To enjoy a small patio, you need to measure its size first.  When you have taken your patio’s dimension, you can calculate the size of the furniture that you need.  You can check online furniture sites and choose the furniture pieces.  However, make sure to get the measurement of the furniture.  

Mark your patio furniture placement by making a diagram on the floor using the measurements of the furniture pieces that you have.  Use a masking tape to mark the areas.  When you are done with it, stand on one side and check if you have adequate space for other pieces and walkway.

Instead of using the standard patio tables, settle for a patio bar set.  It is more practical as it saves you on space and functional as well.  The bar set comes with either a rectangle, round or square table.  Get one that has cabinets and shelves so you can put in your stock inside them.  They also come with bar stools; hence, you are sure that they complement each other.  Another alternative is the miniature patio tables with chairs similar to those used in cafés.  Foldable tables are also best options.

Pair your miniature tables with one grouping of chairs.  Select chairs without arms to free more space.  Foldable chairs would be a good choice.  Like the foldable tables, they are easy to set up.  You can also add a 2 or 3 more bar stools.  Use garden benches to add extra seating on small patios.  Choose benches with hinged lids so you can use it for storage.

If your patio is narrow, choose narrow patio furniture pieces.  A rectangle shape table will fit against a wall so you get to have more space.     

The shape and style are not the only features that you need to look into but also the color.  The color can either make your small patio or deck smaller or bigger.  Light- colored furniture will make it look bigger compared to dark-colored ones.

A big patio or deck would always be a welcome treat to any family.  However, the high cost of property has encouraged homeowners to live in small abodes.  The small space though need not stop anyone to have a comfy and relaxing patio.  With modern furniture offering more practicality and functionality, your small patio will still look big!

Tips on Cleaning Patio Furniture

To keep outdoor furniture looking new and fresh, it must be cleaned regularly.  Since these are made from various materials, different methods of cleaning must be observed.

Here are the general rules on cleaning patio furniture.

1.      Follow the instructions provided by the furniture manufacturer

2.      Use mild soap and water in cleaning them

3.      Apply a small amount of car wax to maintain and protect its frames

How to clean wicker patio furniture

1.      Take off the cushions and use a hose or pressure washer to clean them.

2.      Mix mild soap and cold water and use a sponge to wash them if they are too dirty.  Wait for it to dry completely before applying a small amount of paste wax on the frame.  This will keep its luster.

3.      To protect frames, cover them and keep cushions indoors if they are not to be used.

4.      As much as possible, choose weather resistant wicker pieces as they are easier to maintain.

Taking care of wooden patio furniture

1.      Use exterior grade varnish to safeguard it from outside elements.  To clean this type of furniture, use a mixture of mild soap and water and a soft cloth.  Rinse it out in clean water to remove the soap.

2.      Cedar and teak can stay outdoors even during winter; however, other wooden types of patio furniture must be kept indoors in the winter.

Cleaning plastic patio furniture 

These materials are the easiest to maintain.

1.      Wash dirt with clean water and let them dry in the air.

2.      Use a gentle abrasive to scrape marks.

3.      Molds and mildew can be removed by mixing 2 cups of detergent to a gallon of water and a cup of bleach.

Cleaning aluminum, wrought iron and steel furniture 

1.      Although these materials are easy to clean, extra care must be observed to avoid them from rusting, especially if they are not rust-resistant.

2.      Use mild soap and water.

3.      Modern metal patio furniture is commonly rust-resistant.  However, if your pieces are not, use naval jelly or paste wax to safeguard them from rusting.

Following the above tips will not only make your patio furniture looking fresh and clean but will also lengthen their life span.

Furniture for a Small Patio

Even though you have a small patio, you can still make it a great place for relaxation by choosing the appropriate furniture.  Here are a few good tips to achieve this.

Having a big patio is every one’s dream.  However, you should be happy if you have a patio even if it is small.

To groom your small patio, here are some important things that you need to do.

Measure the size of your patio to determine the types and number of furniture it can accommodate.  Mark down specific spots where you want to position the furniture and identify its size as well as the color and shape.  These things matter as it can make a big difference. 

If you plan to check online furniture shops, it would be a big help if you can also pay them a visit to check these things.  Sometimes the way they appear on the screen is different with the way they really look.

A patio table is essential.  However, since most patio tables are big, choose a patio bar set instead.  They are available in various table shapes like rectangle, round or square.  Patio bar sets fit a small area for they are compact and come with matching chairs. 

You can also opt to have a group of chairs and a small table.  The latter can be used to place your drinks.  It also helps to make a cozier atmosphere.

A narrow patio will need furniture in the same size, too.  A rectangular table is a good choice.  It would even be better if it was fitted on the wall.  Choose benches instead of chairs to accommodate more people.  Pick benches with lids to keep some stuff in it.  They will not only be functional but also will keep your patio spic and span.

Folding patio tables and chairs are also good options.   These pieces of furniture do not need to be placed in your patio every day.  Just bring them out when the need arise.  They are easy to set up as well as to store.

The above pieces of furniture can make your small patio look smart and serviceable even if you have a number of guests.  Adding hanging plants will make your patio look fresh even more.

   

Caring for Your Patio Furniture

Maintenance of furniture is necessary to make it lasts longer.  However, the upkeep differs depending on the material used specifically if it is located in your patio.

Maintenance of fabrics for patio furniture, cushions and umbrellas is not a tiring and difficult task.  There is no need for you to clean it often although you need to observe some tender loving care.

It is essential to cover your cushions when they are not being used.  It would also be wise to remove them when winter is worst and bring them out when the weather is better.

For fabrics

For patio fabrics, choose those that are resistant to weather as well as mold and give them a wash occasionally.

• Use the gentle cycle of the machine when washing patio furniture fabrics.
• Bleach those that are in white color.
• Hang them outside to dry.
• Stretch back over the frame chair covers to avoid them from getting smaller

 For acrylic cushions

• Remove them from the frame first.  Have a mixture of soap and water to clean the area and finally rinse it with water.
• Make sure that you dry them totally prior to storing them, as mildew can build up if they are kept when they are still a little moist.
• If you see any mildew build up, mix a cup detergent soap, a cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water.  Mix them carefully and spray it on the entire cushion.  Wear goggles to protect your eyes from the spraying solution.  Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes before scrubbing it with a rag.  Rinse it with water and let it dry totally.
• Keep the cushions as is.  Do not attempt to wrap or put them in plastic.  The latter will cause mildew to the cushion.

For umbrellas

If you have umbrellas, give its covering an occasional wash and oil its frame to safeguard it from rust.

• Make a mixture of cold water and mild soap and use a brush with soft bristles
• Buy some spray lubricants (from hardware stores) to oil the frame of umbrella.

Maximize the Look of Your Patio via Furniture

Choosing the most efficient and essential furniture for your patio will maximize its look.  This will add to the relaxing ambiance that you want for your patio.

Here are the 5 types of furniture that your patio should have.

The Patio Dining Table and Chairs

Patio table and chairs are furniture that your patio cannot do without especially if you love to eat outside or love barbecue or grilled food.  Aside from eating, the patio table can also be utilized for family table games.  Chairs, of course, are needed when you have a table.  They always are together.

The Patio Bar  

A patio bar is handy to have especially when entertaining guests.  It provides more area to sit people as well as space for drinks and snacks.  Keeping your items on hand and in an orderly manner are the shelves under the bar.

The Patio Sofa Set

Patio settee can add to the classy and charming setting.  If your patio is big, you can afford to have a sectional couch.  This will give you the chance to transform the entire place into a welcoming and comfortable place.   You can also distribute the set and put them in other areas to have more space.  The table that comes with the patio settee is an extra plus when you buy this set.

The Patio Davenport

Although this is commonly seen at the poolside, a patio can also have this furniture.  It offers a nice place to rest your back and put your feet up after a busy day at work.     You can opt to purchase a lounge with wheels for easy maneuverability. 

It is a good idea to have extra chairs for your patio to seat your guests particularly if you have a big group.  This offers more convenience rather than standing while chatting since conversations sometimes end up longer than what one intends to.  Folding chairs are good options, as they can be stored easily and are not heavy.  They are similarly easy to store.     

Give your patio the needed furniture so you get to use its purpose fully.

Why Choose Teak Wood for Your Patio Furniture

Choosing outdoor furniture wisely will supplement the beauty and elegance of your patio. A good material for this furniture is wood. However, not all wooden materials are resistant to harsh weather conditions and insects. Therefore, superior maintenance is required to make them last long. Your best bet to having wooden furniture in the patio is teak wood. This type of wood is enduring making it fit for both outdoor and indoor use. Belonging to the family Verbenaceae, teak tree is classified as Tectona Grandis. It takes about 50 to 60 years for teak tree to be fully grown which accounts for its being expensive. Nevertheless, it is still the most favored type of wood in producing excellent quality furniture, windows, door, etc. Here are some reasons why you need to choose teak wood for your patio furniture. Teak is nice-looking, smooth, strong and resilient. It defies harsh climates and insects. Although exposed to sunlight and rain for a number of years, a patio bench made of teak will survive without regular maintenance. Teak furniture does not need artificial polishing. It has silica and natural oil making it resistant to any types of insects. It can be carved and structured because of its pliability and strength. Although it stays in contact with metals such as iron for quite some time, teak wood does not easily decay or fall apart because of its oil and silica element. Its trendy design with clean structured lines makes it stand out among other wood materials. Maintaining teak wood is uncomplicated. Its solidity as well as its various features makes it to be a favored choice for shipbuilding all over the globe. Even though teak wood patio furniture defies humidity and heat as well as insects, it is still recommended that regular cleaning be observed to lengthen its life span completely. This task must be observed in all furniture and equipment anyway. Because of the shortage of teak wood and its high cost, hardwoods such as African mahogany and oak are used in its place. Nonetheless, nothing can equal the quality of teak wood.

Furniture for a Small Patio

A small patio should not stop you to design it the way you want it to be. The trick is how to get furniture that will fit in without crowding your patio.



The Rules

Know your patio space. By measuring your available space, you will have an idea as to how many furniture your patio space can accommodate. You can do this by taking a picture of the area or draw it on a big board

Identify the placement of the furniture. Mark these spaces and indicate the size of the furniture. You can approximate its length. Use masking tape in marking the areas to make it visible. This will help you see if you have enough space for other furniture and for walking.

Choosing Furniture



A patio table. The best choices for tables are square, rectangle and oval-shaped although this is dependent on the dimension of your patio. The best shape, however, for a small patio is rectangle and oval. Both shapes will allow you to seat more people. They will also give you more space to walk on without banging your seatmate or your knees. Spherical shapes are not a good idea as they take more space.



A patio bar set is a sensible thing to have for a small patio. It saves you on space as you can use it for eating and serving purposes. It also has storage areas where you can keep your supply of snacks, drinks, sandwiches, etc. It comes with stools, maximum of which is two; hence, you only need to buy a few seating fitment.

You can have benches as your seating furniture or chairs. Both of these fitments are useful if you have a limited space.

A rectangular table attached to the wall is another great idea especially for a narrow space. You can match this table with benches to seat more people.



Online furniture stores offer patio tables that are rectangular in shapes that come with fitted benches. This is another great thing to have, as you do not need to look for benches that will complement your table.

Foldable tables and chairs are space-savers. Bring them out if you have plenty of guests and keep them after the gathering. Storage is easy, as you can store them in your garage.



Add some hanging plants and a few decorations to perk your patio.

Buying furniture for a small patio is not difficult. The available is not an issue either. What is important is a little creativity and imagination.

The Appropriate Furniture in your Patio will make Eating a Pleasure

Dining is not just confined in the dining room. If you have a patio, this is one area of the house where you can enjoy your dinner with the family. You can also host parties in this area or take pleasure in a chat with your friends. It, likewise, offers a respite from your busy schedule where you can have a drink and just relax. However, having the appropriate furniture is necessary so it will not look like your dining room.

Here is the appropriate furniture in your patio to make eating a pleasure.



Serving dinner or snacks to your family or friends in your patio would entail you to have patio dining table and chairs. You cannot afford to see your friends just standing, can you? The size of the table is of utmost importance. This will depend on the size of your veranda, the number of the family members or the number of guests you want to invite.



You can have a table that can sit your family members if your intention is to have another area to dine in with the family. On the other hand, if you intend to host parties, then it is a different thing. So if it is just for the family’s use, a table that is suited for the whole family is enough. Alternatively, if it is also intended for family parties and entertaining people, then you need chairs and tables that come in groups – maybe six seats for one table.



The next thing that you need to establish is where to put the patio dining table. The table is where you will place the food. I would suggest that you put the table near the kitchen. If you have a back door, it is best to place the table near it. This will help you to bring out the food easily as well as to fill in the platters. Having a grill near the table is a nice thing to have as most people love to eat barbecue al fresco.



Another thing that you should not do without is the patio bar set. Aside from giving more space for eating, a patio bar set also has compartments where you can keep your supplies such as drinks and snacks. You can put your appetizer on the bar set if you are having dinner in your patio.



A small patio can make use of side tables and chairs. Place the side table between two chairs and this will be a perfect place to put drinks. There are some side tables which can accommodate a single person, too. Chairs that can be left on their own are good to have so your guests can move around and socialize with other guests without having to continually stand.



There is also the patio lounge chair. This is so nice especially if you or anybody in the family would like to unwind. This furniture is so comfy that you can just rest your back, close your eyes and put your feet up. Anyone who wants to read a book while having a drink will surely find patio lounge chair a welcome retreat. The modern designs of this furniture have come up with side tables as well.



Suitable to have in any kind of weather is the patio umbrella. Eating in your veranda will still be pleasurable on a warm day or a rainy day.



Lastly, you can also have café tables. These are the tiny tables that can be seen in sidewalk and small cafes. They are already accompanied with chairs so there is no need to worry where to get chairs that will go with it. These café tables can be placed near the main patio table or you can put them together in a certain area. For romantic evenings, café tables can be placed in a corner and then have candle lights on each table.



It can never be denied that the patio also needs your attention. It is still a part of the home anyway. Your patio should also be an extension of your personality like the other rooms of your home. Therefore, be sure to put your hand on it when buying furniture. Being extravagant is not the key to achieving a good relaxing patio. The best thing is to provide the proper furniture to make your patio inviting, comfy and a pleasant area to eat and chat.