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Tips for Furnishing a Small Patio
If you have a small patio, you might be wondering how to squeeze some cool outdoor patio furniture into that small space. Here are some tips for creating an awesome apartment patio that literally fits your style.
Function vs. form
People often start their patio planning by imagining their ideal outdoor space as a lush herb garden, an Italian terrace or Cinco De Mayo central. But before you consider decor and the patio furnishings you’ll shop for, you need to decide how you truly want to use your patio. With a small space, you may not be able to have separate areas for grilling, eating, lounging and playing bocce. Figure out how your outdoor area will serve you best and start there.
If grilling out for guests is your favorite thing to do, get a grill and a small table with extra stools for storage and seating. If you typically cook indoors and serve outside, you can afford extra space for a larger dining table or splurge on lounge-like seating where guests can relax with an after-dinner drink. Whatever your patio passion is, decide before you decorate your outdoor space.
Portable power
Knowing your small patio’s ultimate function is important when selecting furniture. That way you know whether to focus on buying tables, seating or cooking surfaces. Fortunately there are a lot of options for portable and folding furniture that are perfect fits for pint-sized patios. You can find upscale wooden folding tables and chair sets, or go more casual with lightweight metal tables and portable cafe chairs.
Portable outdoor patio furniture is easy to fold away to make room for an impromptu dance party on the deck. Just be sure you have room on your apartment patio or in a closet to store the furniture once it’s packed up.
Measure twice, shop once
You’ve got a clear vision of how you will use your outdoor space, and you’ve studied pages and pages of small patio ideas. Now it’s time to shop, right? Not quite!
Don’t get into the car or click your mouse until you’ve measured your patio space. Hauling in a load of patio furniture and having to return it because it’s too big is a major inconvenience. Instead, grab your measuring tape and write down the dimensions of your patio.
Remember, measuring the general area isn’t enough. You need to imagine where you will put the grill, table, seating, and other furniture, then measure the maximum amount of room you have to fit each item. Add in extra clearance for the door to your apartment or storage closet.
One great trick is to use masking tape to map out your furniture on the floor. If you pre-shop for furniture online, you’ll have exact measurements so you can see what fits where. You can also use a handy online room layout tool to quickly pop in pieces and design your perfect patio that way.
The more you plan, the easier it will be to furnish your small patio properly the first time around. And the faster you furnish, the sooner you’ll be hosting your first cookout!
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Do you plan to move yourself or hire a moving company to assist you?
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