The Top Apartment Patio Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

Do you have a patio but don’t know how to make the most of it? Apartments are often small in size. You are also limited in the design changes you can make inside. But patios are essentially an extra, often underutilized space that you can use for anything: storage, an office, entertaining, working out – the list goes on. Designing your ideal apartment patio is an opportunity to be creative. Make it cozy and private, or open and inviting. Ready to get inspired with 20 awesome apartment patio ideas? Here is a list of great ways to make the most of your patio area.

20 Cute Apartment Patio Ideas

These apartment patio ideas offer a variety of space-saving methods, decoration inspo, and practical uses for your flexible outdoor space:

1. Modern Dining

   
   
   

   Yes, you can be classy and elegant on an apartment patio. Imagine candelabras flickering in the night, violins playing from a speaker, and fresh salad garnished with herbs from your patio garden. You can create this very feel with the right outdoor dining accessories.
   
   The Miramar 3 Pieces Outdoor Dining Set is perfect for roommates or couples who want to upscale their patio. The table is 47.24 inches long, 25.98 inches wide, and 27.95 inches tall. The two cushioned armchairs are 23.23 inches long, 25.4 inches wide, and 31.1 inches tall. Built to withstand outdoor elements, this set can be used all year long. Set your laptop on the opposite chair for long-distance date nights!

2. Beachy Paradise
   
   

   
   What perfectly pairs with tiki lights and seashell decorations? A brightly colored umbrella! 

   Umbrellas are perfect if your patio does not have an adequate roof or you live in an area prone to rain showers or extreme sun. There’s nothing worse than the sun’s glare on your laptop as you’re trying to type outside. A good patio umbrella is both fun and functional.

   This 9 Foot Patio Umbrella is 8 feet tall with a wingspan of 9 feet. Air vents prevent the “runaway umbrella problem” when the wind comes gusting. This umbrella is powered by a hand crank and fits inside a table with a hole in the middle. For a standalone umbrella option, the 10 Foot Patio Umbrella comes with a stand. It’s 10 feet wide, and it stands 7 feet tall. It comes in nine colors to choose from.

3. All Natural Garden
   

   One of the healthiest small apartment patio ideas is to plant a small garden of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Utilize space-saving pots and planters to grow lettuce, parsley, cilantro, chives, tomatoes, strawberries, and other plants that don’t take up much room. Cultivate a calming natural ambiance by incorporating beige, brown, tan, green, blue, and wooden accents and furniture. Gardens bring grounding earth energy to your home, especially if your apartment is in the city. Research native plants in your area for the best chance at survival if you’re unsure of your green thumb.

4. Artsy Apt Patio Ideas
   

   Often, apartments can feel drab. A patio is outdoors – not confined by four walls. It’s open to the surprising sounds of nature. Allow that inspiration to birth an eclectic space, uninhibited thinking, and artsy behavior. Hang wind chimes, an abstract mosaic, an offbeat clock, or quirky wall art. Fill the space with funny-looking plants. Pick a color or pattern and go wild with it.

5. Comfort is Key

   Blankets, candles in lanterns, and cushions make a patio feel like an extension of the home. Make sure to get weather-resistant cushions, or store your pillows inside when not in use, otherwise mold and bacteria will grow. If you’ve got a bit of room to work with, the weatherproof Vaira 6 Pieces Wicker Patio Conversational Set is 27.56 inches long, 27.56 inches wide, and 25.98 inches tall. It includes a side table with a glass top and a comfy sectional sofa that seats five to lounge, dine, and encourage relaxed conversation.

6. Holiday Flexible
   

   Whether you like to keep it spooky beyond Halloween or stretch Christmas all the way up to Valentine’s Day, the patio can be the place where you publicly display your love of all things festive and seasonal. When it comes to small patio ideas, condo spaces require some compromise. You may not have room for a giant inflatable snowman, but you can still proudly showcase life’s joyful celebrations with seasonal flags and different colored holiday lights.

7. Collapsible Apt Patio Furniture

   Collapsible furniture can be an absolute lifesaver if you like to rearrange your patio’s layout, want easy transportation, or require convenient storage. The table and four chairs in this 5 Pieces Outdoor Dining Set collapse flat for optimal convenience. This casual yet classy set is made of wicker, and steel is durable for all seasons.

8. Sports Haven
   

   Need apartment deck ideas for the sports lover in your life? It’s tough to play sports in an apartment. But outdoors, you can yell “score” at the top of your lungs, and no one can stop you. Set up a mini ping pong table, a mini cornhole set, or mount a small basketball hoop to the wall. Hang posters of your favorite athlete or set up an iPad out there to stream the game. Bond with your neighbor over the shared love of a sports team, or get to know them better over your favorite outdoor game.

9. Desert-Chic
   

   Cactus plants, festive decor, and a sea of succulents displayed in hand painted pots. Whether you live in the desert or just like the aesthetic, it’s a great outdoor theme for a patio. It also calls for a neutral-colored, comfy furniture set. The Riley 4 Pieces Patio Conversational Set is 45.25 inches long, 26.75 inches wide, and 31 inches tall. It seats four and comes with a coffee table with a removable wooden top. The rattan set comes in brown or gray and includes water-repellent cushions.

10. Art Studio
    

    Want to be more creative but don’t have the space at your desk? Create a designated space for art, crafting, and all things creative that allows the whimsical inspiration of the outdoors. Set up an easel or whip out your sketchbook to paint or draw outdoors. There’s something to be said for a blank canvas and no distractions. Don’t forget to lay down plastic or a tarp; art can get messy!

11. Bistro Breakfast Nook
    
    

    
    Cute and casual, a bistro set is a must-have for any apartment patio. Perfect for tea outside to start your morning, people watching, or a good conversation, this collapsible 3 Piece Folding Table & Chair Bistro Set is homey and contemporary. It’s lightweight and easy to rearrange. The wicker is durable in all weather, and both the chairs and table are collapsible for easy storage.
    
    Or for more elegance, feel like you’re dining at a Parisian cafe with the Rose Style 3 Piece Bistro Set, made from cast iron and aluminum with an antique bronze finish. It seats two and comes with a circular table with a hole for an umbrella!

12. Welcome Wildlife & Neighbors
    
    

    
    Whether you’re looking to invite songbirds, ladybugs, or a chat from your neighbor, this “Welcome” Garden Decorative Patio Bench is the best way to get to know neighbors of all kinds. Made of iron and steel and weatherproof, this cute bench can seat up to three all year round. Pair it with a birdhouse, butterfly plants, a hummingbird feeder, ivy, flowers, or herbs to create a friendly park atmosphere.

13. Utilitarian Garage
    

    Let’s face it: apartments don’t always have adequate storage space, especially if you have large equipment like bikes, kayaks, or spare tires. Use your patio in a practical way by hanging large items on the wall and investing in weatherproof cabinets for smaller items. Store your less delicate, inexpensive possessions, such as gardening supplies, in bins. Get some padlocks if you’re worried about security in your area.

14. Be Sustainable
    

    It’s difficult to know the environmental impact of your furniture purchases unless you are making it yourself. It can be stressful to think about the consequences of less than eco-friendly practices to get your beloved furniture to your door.
    
    Fortunately, Belleze Furniture is made using eco-friendly materials and processing. Many materials are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which means the manufacturing complies with the highest standard of environmental and social regulation in the industry. The wood in Belleze Furniture comes from sustainably managed forests, so you don’t have to worry about deforestation when relaxing with your new favorite furniture. Go green with Belleze!

15. Heat Up the Party
    

    If you’ve got the space for it, a patio heater will keep you and your pals warm all year round. Whether you’re reading into the night, dining under the stars, or hosting a party after the sun goes down, a patio heater will make you feel transported to a warm and lively restaurant or bistro. The Circle Glass Tube Patio Heater is 65 inches tall and comes in bronze or silver. Simply plug into a Propane tank and switch it on for 34k BTUs of heat. Allow room for heat to rise and be careful of nearby flammable items and surfaces.

16. Practically Poolside
    
    

    
    Who needs a pool when you have a calming water feature, a mini grill, and a comfy swing on your patio? This weather-resistant Swing Chair with Bed is 49 inches long, 82 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. It comes with a cover to shield from the sun’s rays, drizzle, or even snow. Lie down, stretch out, take a nap, or sway with loved ones under the stars. This spacious swing chair includes two drink holders, two pillows for maximum coziness, and can seat up to three. It comes in burgundy, tan, and brown, which is great for those who love neutral colors.

17. Home Gym
    

    One of the best ways to encourage yourself to get fit is to designate a convenient place to do it. You’ll have no excuse with the perfect patio gym setup! Let the cool breeze dry your sweat. And you won’t need to worry about bothering your neighbor by jumping around: the sound will dissipate outside. Bring your yoga mat, foam roller, mini trampoline, pilates ball, and stepping block out on the patio. Install a pull-up bar or hang a punching bag and get ready to rock your workout.

18. Kids’ Playground
    
    

    
    Who says you need a full wrap-around porch for a proper porch swing? When it comes to entertaining kids, one of the best apartment backyard ideas is a swinging hammock chair. This Hammock Chair with C Frame Stand Combo is 7 feet tall, 32 inches wide, and 50 inches long. It is weather-resistant, holds up to 265 pounds, and is comfortable for all ages. This space-saving seat is a fun alternative to a regular old chair. It is made of soft, durable cotton. It also comes in rainbow, shades of green, and shades of blue. To maximize safety and security for your kids while they play, consider hanging curtains or installing a privacy screen around the open edge of your patio.

19. Pet-Friendly
    

    Create a pet paradise by filling your patio with a big fancy dog bed, a doghouse, a litter box, pet-themed decorations, or whatever makes sense for your animal friend. Designate a place in the sun for them to relax in. Remember, pets need fresh air and sunshine, too. Keep your patio safe for your animals by having pet-friendly plants that hang from above. Make sure the patio is securely fenced in to protect your pet from wildlife (and vice versa). Occasionally keeping your pet outside is especially good to relieve those with pet allergies.

20. Meditation Space
    
    

    
    Sometimes a shift in location helps to clear the mind. Designating the patio as a mediation space is an excellent way to practice daily mindfulness with the sounds of nature. Practicing deep breathing on this serene and sturdy Rose Style Garden Bench can help reset your mind at any time of day. The iron bench is 39 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 31.5 inches tall. It comes in green, white, and bronze. Fill out the patio space with a miniature zen rock garden, cushions, a mini gong, or singing bowls, along with a privacy curtain or tapestry to give your space a personal touch.

Conclusion

Remember, you can always switch up your style! You don’t have to commit to a certain look. Change it seasonally or switch things up when entertaining. And when in doubt, put up some twinkle lights. 

For more apartment porch decorating ideas and modern living room furniture, browse the Belleze outdoor collection. Quickly becoming the most trusted name in affordable, high-quality furniture, Belleze pieces are made from sustainable materials to make your apartment patio stylish and modern.