Small Balcony to Big Backyard: Affordable Outdoor Decor & Patio Design Secrets
In the first episode of the Seated Podcast with Furniture Row, hosts Jessa and Barb get into the specifics of styling your patio or outdoor space.
Their conversation dives deep into styling tips for outdoor spaces of all sizes, from cozy apartment balconies to sprawling backyards. Below we’ll cover the best tips so you can get inspired and make the most of your outdoor oasis for the warm months! The full episode is available on YouTube here:
Why Outdoor Spaces Matter
The outdoors is more than just an extension of the home—it’s a sanctuary for relaxation, connection, and creativity. Your outdoor space expands upon your existing personal tastes and style. Longer evenings in the summer mean more time to enjoy fresh air, whether it’s breakfast in the garden, dinner under the stars, or simply soaking up the sun.
Key Takeaways:
- Outdoor spaces add “extra square footage” to your home during spring and summer.
- Even small spaces can become cherished retreats with a bit of creativity.
- Gardening and outdoor dining are some great ways to enjoy the season.
Decorating Small Spaces: Porches & Balconies
No yard? No problem— Here are some creative ways to maximize compact spaces.
Easy Wins for Small Outdoor Spaces
- Paint Your Front Door: When Decorating a front porch, fresh color can make a huge impact.
- Statement doormat: Choose a fun design like this tomato print doormat - perfect for Tomato Girl Summer - to set the tone.
- Single chair & ottoman: A small outdoor seat - think something chic and versatile like the Flowood Patio Chair or Kailani Patio Chair - is perfect for relaxing without crowding the space. And when paired with an outdoor-friendly ottoman like the one in the collage below and the Rosetta Chairside End Table, you have a great place to kick back and enjoy the summer!
- Vertical gardens: Use trellises, wall planters, or wreaths to add greenery without sacrificing floor space.
- Portable lighting: Battery-powered lanterns or string lights create ambiance and extend your evenings outdoors.
- Mini water features: Even a small tabletop fountain can bring soothing sounds to your porch.
- Repurposed household items: Spice jars and clay or glass yogurt jars can make for great bud vases for cut flowers. These little touches add charm and personality without breaking the bank.
Featured Above: Kailani Patio Chair, Rosetta Chairside End Table, Tomatoes Printed Coir Doormat, Indoor/Outdoor Square Pouf - Sail Away Sunflower, Preserved Boxwood Wreath
Medium Spaces: Patios & Decks
If you have a bit more room to work with, there are plenty of options to explore. Consider these ideas to make the most of your space:
Mid-Size Outdoor Must-Haves:
- Round Furniture: Round furniture like the Arvada 3 Pc. Patio Set’s softer shapes make spaces feel inviting and less crowded. Or for something funkier with the same flowing lines, choose the Aerodyne End Table!
- Outdoor Umbrellas: Umbrellas provide shade and can double as a design statement.
- Bar Tables & Stools: A bar table and stools, the Floriana 3 Pc. Patio Bar Set, is great for compact dining or extra seating.
- Hanging Chairs: Cozy and space-efficient, the Luray Hanging Basket Chair is perfect for creating a “summer cocoon”. Hanging chairs have become very popular in recent times for this reason.
- Privacy Screens: Add seclusion and they can be softened with plants, outdoor artwork, or faux greenery.
- Lighting: String globe lights, solar-powered lanterns, and uplighting for instant magic.
- Storage Solutions: Storage benches or boxes to keep throws, pillows, and gardening tools tidy.
Featured Above: Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
Large Spaces: Backyards & Lawns
For those with a full backyard, the possibilities expand, from lush gardens and water features to creative hardscaping and entertaining spaces. With more room, you can experiment with landscaping, add a patio or deck, and personalize your yard with unique projects.
Solutions for Large Outdoor Spaces
- Create Zones: Designate areas for dining, lounging, gardening, and play.
- Outdoor Sectionals: Modern outdoor sofas, like the Waldport 2 Pc. Patio Sectional, are both stylish and comfortable. Accent with the Sylma Patio Chair and Tarpon Springs Patio Coffee Table, and you can even add the Trencher Ottoman Tray for favorite summer drinks or snacks.
- Dining Under Trees: Place a dining set like the Moclips 5 Pc. Patio Dining Set under trees for shade and a change of scenery.
- Birdbaths & Water Features: Support wildlife and add tranquility with a peaceful bird bath or water feature like a fountain.
- Fire Pits: Tabletop or ground-level options for warmth and ambiance.
- Outdoor Lighting: Use solar pathway stakes, lanterns, or drape café lights across fences, trees, or tall stakes for both guidance and a festive atmosphere.
- Rugs: Define spaces and add comfort; outdoor rug designs have never been more refined and look like something that could belong in your indoor living room.
- Indoor/Outdoor multipurpose furniture: many outdoor pieces like ceramic end tables or this teak bar, can be incorporated in indoor design during colder months. Teak wood outdoor furniture is great for mixed indoor and outdoor use because it is a durable and weather resistant timeless look. A Teak Root Wine Rack, Teak Root Backless Barstool, or even a teak console table, are a functional design element that transition well from your outdoor space to your indoor design.
Featured Above: Cracked Glass Solar Waterproof Globe Lanterns, Waterproof Bluetooth Solar-Powered Wireless Rock Speaker, The Rio Umbrella - Vintage Gold Checker
Quick Tips for Patios of Any Size
Ambiance & Practical Touches
The emphasis of any rejuvenating outdoor space is engaging all the senses outdoors. Here are some customizable ways to create an outdoor oasis that puts all of your senses at ease:
- Sound: Portable speakers (even disguised as rocks!) can set the mood, but don’t forget to enjoy birdsong and the gentle trickle of water.
- Scent: Fresh flowers, herbs, and classic citronella candles keep things fragrant and help repel pests.
- Taste: Keep a pitcher of "spa water" including fruit and herbs on hand for easy hydration. Cucumber mint water is a favorite.
- Lighting: Layered lighting—string lights, lanterns, and up-lighting—creates a welcoming glow and helps you enjoy your space after dark.
Pest Control & Maintenance
No outdoor space is complete without a plan for avoiding bug bites:
- Citronella Candles & Tiki Torches: Whether they’re modern glass or classic bamboo, citronella candles and tiki torches are reliable solutions for keeping bugs at bay.
- Bug Zappers: There are a variety of bug zappers on the market that attract flying insects with a soft light and eliminate the risk of them biting.
- Watering Solutions: Cute watering cans or hoses with storage help keep plants happy and your space neat.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
Make your outdoor space truly your own by curating elements of the outdoor environments that make you the happiest in your outdoor space. Dreaming of Mediterranean flair? Add some decorative tiles and an olive or lemon tree! Craving a hidden garden retreat? Start planting! Or maybe you just want a cozy spot for your morning coffee surrounded by lush greenery. Whatever your style, let your personality shine through—because the best outdoor spaces are the ones that make you happy every time you step outside.
Stay tuned for Episode 2, where the conversation continues with even more summer inspiration!
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Start small, dream big, and enjoy every moment outside—no matter where you are.
