Guest Picks: Clever Decor for Small Outdoor Spaces
This ideabook offers products that can help turn your small outdoor space into a haven for relaxing, possibly even entertaining, and something absolutely more beautiful. — Denise from The Swelle Life
Multipurpose furniture is a godsend in small spaces, and this Danish-designed sculptural teak piece has all kinds of uses — including making your balcony look great. Use it as a side table, footstool or bench when seats are in short supply. I'm wondering if that slatted top might come in handy for keeping magazines from flying about in the wind.
Now this is clever! It's a mini workstation that hooks onto your balcony railing so that you can set up your laptop or eat diner-counter style. And it features a built-in planter that is perfect for growing herbs or keeping flowers to remind you of the outdoors, should you become too immersed in your work. Or your hamburger.
If you've got just four feet of depth in your outdoor space, this bright two-seater lounge gives you and a friend room to relax. A bit more space will let you put your feet up on the matching ottomans that neatly slide under the lounger when you're not using them.
You can't beat simplicity, even if it's just a temporary solution for a place to rest your drink. This compact metal table folds away for easy storage, and when in use, will fit in the smallest of spaces. Its minimal white frame will keep the look light and airy, which is especially helpful when your space is more cluttered or cramped than you'd like.
You don't need a large space to lie out comfortably on a beautiful day. This sleek lounger will fit on a narrow balcony, and I love its elegant black rattan body and arched arms. Add a tall plant and a small side table for your drinks, and you'll have everything you need for an at-home relaxing escape.
A small, non-green space can benefit immensely from the addition of a tall potted plant or tree, though adequate exposure to sun can be an issue. An artificial version may be a better way to go. This cornstalk dracaena plant in silk is lush and lively and will go far to add some life to your concrete haven.
Small outdoor spaces tend to be overly generous with the concrete, so some softening up with different textures can work wonders for their appeal. These handmade baskets provide that tactile, organic quality your space may be missing, and they're a lovely way to gather cutlery, napkins and condiments when entertaining a friend or two.
A little glow goes a long way to illuminate a small space at night and make it enchanting. I think these customizable paper bag alphabet lanterns make for the perfect accessory in a cozy space; they can instantly make it feel warm and personal.
Is there anyone who doesn't like black and white stripes? Bold runners are a great way to make your balcony stand out while covering up concrete. This striking mat of robust construction will endure through the trends and the weather, and finish the look of your tiny space in style.
Like a slice of a picnic table, this portable shelf solves the problem of having nowhere to rest your drink on the balcony. Install it by wrapping it around the rails, and if you don't like leaving anything out because pigeons won't respect your stuff, you can remove and store it just as easily.
A well-designed bench is a practical and attractive piece for any space, in or out, yet it tends to remain an elusive wish list item. A dull balcony may be the opportunity to invest in a contemporary teak and stainless steel bench, and during the cold months, it would work well indoors as part of an industrial decor.
I think one of the most beautiful ways to transform your small space is to fill it with lots of greens for life and tranquility. Pond kits make it possible to complete your natural haven with your own water world that fits on a deck or rooftop terrace. Add a fountain pump to turn the pond into a pretty water feature.
This gorgeous painted aluminum chair is like a piece of art that brings a touch of the forest to your balcony. Its clever design incorporates armrests, and it can be just as useful and pretty indoors as it can out.
Traditional planters seem a bit dull now that I've seen these neat hanging pod trios. Not only will they add some lushness to your outside walls, but they're a great solution for dressing up collections of market-bought herbs and flowers in those unsightly plastic pots. Just plunk the plant in the recycled PVC pod, and the pot disappears! They also work well indoors near a window.
My philosophy is that there's always room for something that enhances the look of a space, especially if it can perform a job. This sculptural stainless steel and teak water catcher will gather rain for your plants or small garden — saving water and repeated trips to the kitchen sink. Just rock it forward and its spout will fill your watering cans.
There's no reason your small space can't be comfy, and I think this chair will do the trick nicely. Its combination of plush cushions, eucalyptus and wispy strap detailing has the look of resort furniture, and it even comes with an accent pillow to make it pop when not in use. It's part of a modular collection, so if you have the room, you could extend it to a super comfy love seat or create an L-shaped sofa.
A bright rug can be just the remedy for an outdoor space that doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight. If you're not blessed with the ideal exposure, these cheery yellow stripes will bring the sunshine. Add some blue furniture and accents for a seaside beach house feel.
An old train station–style clock could be just the thing to give a gray concrete space some charm and character. You could echo the Victorian-style ironwork in your outdoor furniture, or let the clock stand out against more minimal pieces (my favorite look).
Outdoor wallpaper? Well, it's not paper, per se; it's stainless steel with a brushed finish. However, it does just what a damask wallpaper would do, which is decorate a wall and add beauty to a space. It also works as a unique screen or trellis and would be gorgeous intertwined with climbing roses.Next: How to Furnish an Outdoor Room, Small to Spacious
All it takes to brighten a space is one well-designed piece in a luminous color. This lime green woven chair with eucalyptus armrests will help make the most of a tiny balcony with its refined looks. If you've got more space to work with, it's a gorgeous dining chair that stacks for easy storage.
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