May marks the beginning of a (hopefully) long season of outdoor living and entertaining. But when you don’t have a sprawling lawn or snazzy rooftop garden, it’s easy to dismiss any hopes of a dreamy outdoor space. However, if you are lucky enough to call a small balcony or patio your own, there are still plenty of ways to decorate. When it comes to upgrading your outdoor space, it helps to just think of it as any other room: Hang some string lights, set up a tray table for drinks and watch your tiny outdoor space transform into a mini oasis. Grab your potted plants and scroll down to see how we’d style a tiny outdoor area for a boho-chic home, the minimalist abode and a preppy space.
Add ambiance and charm to your small space by stringing outdoor globe lights across your balcony railing or overhead across your patio. Even a single strand will make your petite outdoor escape feel thoughtful and decorated. Bring all the boho textures into play with glossy gold planters, a chunky wood side table and a bold throw pillow.
H&M Metal Candle Holder ($10), H&M Patterned Cushion Cover ($13), Threshold Pierced Diamond String Lights ($30), Dot & Bo Lori Large Planter ($33), Dot & Bo Prism Hanging Planter ($78), H&M Large Metal Candlestick ($25), Dot & Bo Arden Ceramic Flower Pot ($30), Dot & Bo Arcata Metal Flower Pot ($51), CB2 Plus Side Table ($299), West Elm Catskill Wood + Wicker Chair ($399)
HOW TO DECORATE A MINIMALIST OUTDOOR SPACE
Just because your outdoor space is small doesn’t mean it should lack style and life. Plant stands and wall-mounted planters are a great way to elevate potted greenery for a jolt of color. It’s also a good way to accommodate several pots since their height gives you more floor space. Boost a monochromatic color scheme with a chartreuse throw pillow, cheeky typography and metallics.
CB2 Brass Watering Can ($45), CB2 Chartreuse Outdoor Pillow ($30), H&M Cushion Cover ($10), H&M Pot in Brushed Metal ($18), Light + Ladder Set Of 3 Leather Spora ($130), CB2 Basic Planters ($30+), IKEA PS SANDSKÄR Tray Table ($35), IKEA VIKTIGT Basket ($25), Threshold Carag 3-Piece Sling Rope Chat Set ($250)
HOW TO DECORATE A PREPPY OUTDOOR SPACE
A folding sling chair is a no-brainer for compact balconies and patios. When you’re not basking in the sun with your latest read, you can fold it up and store it away to make more floor space for mingling over cocktails or tending to your potted plants. Inject color and texture into your space with a bold side table, cheery planters and a chic gold tray for serving all your favorite summertime cocktails.
Dot & Bo Long-Neck Planter ($29), Marimekko for Target Indoor/Outdoor Square Pillow ($25), H&M Metal Lantern ($5), CB2 Chunky White Block Planter ($40), IKEA GILTIG Carafe ($7), Dot & Bo Yellow Brick Road Wall Planter ($30), Serena & Lily Sebastopol Stool ($195), H&M Metal Tray ($25), Serena & Lily Sling Chair ($350)
We want to see how you’ve decorated your outdoor space! Show us your patio by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative.
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