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.
20 Apartment Patio Ideas, From Tiny Terraces to Parisian-Style Balconies
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Published Jun 22, 2022
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Coco Republic
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)
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.
Simons
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.
Serena and Lily
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)
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.
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.
EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS/getty images
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.
Manutti
8. KEEP PILLOWS MONOCHROMATIC
In case you haven’t caught our drift: Less is more, people.
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.
Coco Republic
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.
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).
DOMO Collections
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).
L'HOTEL
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.
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).
Teraflame
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.
16. STRING SOME LIGHTS
Because what’s a patio without some string lights?
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).
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.
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.
Serena and Lily
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?
