5 Smart Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces
South Africa’s summer weather brings a whole new meaning to outdoor living. It’s during the sunshine season that we love life the most. So, creating functional and stylish outdoor spaces with the right furniture and design choices is vital if we want to live our absolute best summertime lives.
But what about people who live in small spaces? Perhaps all you have is a small courtyard, deck or balcony. Well, don’t let that stop you from living it up outside. Here are our 5 smart furniture tips for small outdoor spaces:
- Multi-functional furniture
Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose. A great option is the classic storage bench that doubles as seating. Take a look at the Lotters’ Pine Melani Spindle Box Bench, which has ample space to store umbrellas, gardening tools, cushions for chairs, etc. This maximizes the utility of your outdoor furniture while minimizing the space it occupies.
- Mobile furniture
Consider investing in pieces of functional furniture that are on wheels/castors and can be moved around where you need them. For example, a small butchers block or workbench that can be wheeled from the kitchen or living area to where extra countertop space is needed while entertaining.
- Space-efficient seating
Choose outdoor seating options that are streamlined and space-efficient. Look for armless chairs or benches, that can fit more people around a small table and be neatly tucked under the table when not needed. The Lotters’ Pine Bali Bench (https://lotterspine.com/product/bali-bench/) or Euro Bench are all ideal as space-efficient seating options.
- Vertical space utilization
Don’t forget about vertical space. Use wall-mounted shelves – the Lotters’ Pine cubes are perfect. Also consider planters, hanging racks, and step-style bookshelves. Check out the Lotters’ Open Bookshelf, Leaning Bookshelf, and Beach House Step Shelf . By using wall space, you create a more open feel. Vertical gardening can also add a lush and vibrant touch to your outdoor area without taking up floor space.
- Scale and proportion
Pay attention to the scale and proportion of your furniture. Oversized furniture can overwhelm a small space, making it feel cramped. Choose furniture that is appropriately sized for your outdoor area to maintain a balanced and harmonious look. If you don’t have room for a table in your small outdoor space, use butler’s trays. They are lightweight and can fold away to be stored inside for future use.
By incorporating these smart and stylish furniture tips, you can make the most of your small outdoor space – a little oasis for all your entertaining or alone time.