Even the smallest of patios can be used to make a big and bold statement, but if a simple setting is more your style that’s easily accomplished too.

Here are 8 charming ideas to help you put together the perfect small patio for your family. The best part is that each idea is fun, functional, and affordable!

1. Keep it Simple by Adding a Solitary Rustic Bench

There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple when it comes to small patio design, especially if you’re starting from scratch. A single rustic bench is a nice, neutral piece that, when left alone, looks natural and unassuming. This will allow you to search for other affordable rustic-themed pieces to make it more cozy and functional as your time and money permits.

2. Old is the “New” New

When your old patio furniture is looking tired, don’t throw it out, freshen it up! With a little light sanding and some spray paint, you can make anything look like new. Just add new cushions or a few pillows and your old patio set will be transformed without costing you an arm and a leg.

3. Details that Pop

Incorporating fun details often makes all the difference when it comes to creating a warm and inviting small patio design. Adding colorful throw pillows is always an easy fix, but you can take it one step further and find or paint a brightly colored side table, put down a funky-patterned rug, or group vibrantly colored pots together.     

4. Pavers

Every patio needs a good foundation to make it functional, and pavers are a timeless and budget-friendly option. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are fairly easy to lay with a little bit of prep work done beforehand. The best part about using pavers is that you can create fun patterns to make it all your own.   

5. Take advantage of Vertical Space

Just because your patio is small doesn’t mean it can’t be functional. Start thinking of ways to optimize your space. For example, use wall space for a vertical garden as opposed to crowding pots and planter boxes on the ground. It’s more efficient when it comes to space and also serves as a fun design element!

6. Light it Up

Hanging a simple string of lights or adding some fun outdoor lamps is one of the best ways to make your small patio feel cozy instead of cramped—and extends the time you can use your patio beyond daylight hours.

7. Small Gardens

Every outdoor space should have some “green.” A patio is the perfect spot for growing and tending to flowers, fresh herbs, and vegetables with the right containers. And with a little research, you can find plants that will deter a number of bugs and pests—making your time outdoors more enjoyable.

8. Big and Bold

Though your patio might be small, it can still be bold! Fill your space with funky furniture in brilliant colors, nestle together groups of hanging baskets or pots, and have fun! Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, styles, and colors. If you love it, everyone else will too!      

For more fun patio design ideas, check out these patio furniture selections from RST Brands.

What does your backyard say about your lifestyle? Does it reflect your passion for entertaining or your love for cooking? Is it filled with colorful plants and lush grass that encourage relaxation and invoke serenity?

Whether you’ve already made your backyard a special place or are looking for ways to create a unique, inviting space, these five tips can help you design a welcoming yard that enhances your lifestyle and upgrades the quality of your home.

1. Build An Outdoor Kitchen

The kitchen is the nerve-center of your home; it’s where guests gather and mingle at parties and where your family connects after a long day. Whether you want a simple snack or are eager to try out a new recipe, the kitchen is your go-to spot. However, by creating an outdoor kitchen, you can upgrade the quality of your “nerve-center” immensely.
Building an outdoor kitchen requires much more than simply propping up a few plastic chairs and a flimsy table – to do an outdoor kitchen right, consider incorporating the following items:

• Grill: gas, charcoal, or a hybrid of the two
• Sink
• Small refrigerator
• Roof/shelter
• A fire table with seating
• Ample counter space
• Substantial lightning
• Storage for tongs, grill brushes, hot mitts, etc.

When building your outdoor kitchen, first decide on the architectural style you want so you can select materials and design items that pull the entire look together. Rustic, traditional, and modern styles are typically the most common, simply because they can blend in as an extension of your home. Also, be sure to choose a surface that is grease, fire, and stain resistant and durable enough to withstand the elements.

2. Have Plenty Of Seating Options

Comfy benches, deep chairs, sturdy stools: the more seating options you can incorporate in your backyard, the better. Custom seating helps to create a space that everyone can enjoy and adds an element of comfort to your backyard. Consider including both stationary and movable benches and chairs. Not only does this allow you to arrange your area, but it also gives visitors the freedom to slide chairs together for a chat, or pull a bench over to join a conversation.

Check out RST Brands’ wide variety of outdoor seating and patio furniture options.

3. Enhance The Visual Appeal

Small accents can make a big impact on your backyard. A unique sculpture or a captivating water feature can make your space special, welcoming, and relaxing. Visit your local flea market or nearby architectural salvage shops for items that can enhance your backyard without breaking your bank. Similarly, consider using pots, vases and containers to add pops of color and texture.

4. Own Your Zone

Even if you have great seating, fashion-forward furniture, and colors and textures that reflect your lifestyle, your space can still feel “off” without proper arrangement. By simply arranging your furniture in a clever arrangement that works within your space, you can create an outdoor living space that enhances the quality of your home. Small spaces, for example, might  benefit with a bench or dining table in the corner, while larger areas can be broken up with different rugs or textures.

5. Protect Your Privacy

Lastly, if you want your backyard to be more of a private area, consider incorporating elements that help enhance that privacy. Simple shrubs or dwarf trees might be all you need to make your space special. You can also plant containers with vines that scale a trellis, or add a sheer sliding curtain to maintain a truly personal space.