Apartment patio ideas bring the welcome sights, sounds and scents of nature into a very compact home. And along with the greenery, dining furniture or comfortable seating is probably on the list of desirable features for an apartment patio that makes the most of the outdoor space and existing patio ideas.
The patio is a welcome extra square footage when you live in an apartment, and repeating the colors and patterns of your apartment ideas can ensure that the indoors and outdoors tie together and make the apartment feel larger. But decorative room ideas also give the terrace an individual style, and as a starting point for your own plans we have put together our favorite ideas for the terrace of an apartment.
Apartment patio ideas
From color schemes to clever furniture designs, these patio ideas are perfect for making the outdoor space stylish and highly usable.
1. Create the perfect background with black
(Image credit: Neptune)
“Alfresco dining is often the order of the day for bijou patios,” says George Miller, home designer at Neptune. “A generous table and sliding benches create a truly convivial space, made even more welcoming with a selection of cushions and throws, lanterns and portable lighting. A black fence can also do wonders – it provides the perfect backdrop for your project (and your plant life) while also making your patio look bigger than it is.”
2. When space is tight, opt for slim seating
(Image credit: Noor)
“Your apartment patio ideas need to take into account the fact that space can be on the lean side, so it’s important to be smart with what you have,” says Melanie Griffiths, editor. period life. “Slimline tables will be your best friend and choose rectangular rather than round so they take up as little space as possible.”
3. Add an outdoor rug to a seating area on a patio
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
“For this apartment patio, a white and blue striped rug was used to compose a small seating area that makes the most of the space by creating a decorative and functional space,” says Katie Lions, senior interior designer at Kitesgrove.
“The inclusion of plants, wood elements and natural textures makes the patio feel more like a garden oasis and a perfect place to relax outdoors.”
4. Enjoy a Mediterranean flair
(Image credit: Neptune)
Space for implementing patio ideas for apartments may be limited, but decoration and well-chosen patio furniture ideas can make all the difference. “If you only have space for a two-person perch on your patio, consider making it a real focal point,” says George Miller. “A single bank benefits from a confident and welcoming backdrop. Think distinctive colors for nearby walls or fences, lots of plants and some smaller accessories to bring out the best in your chosen piece.’
5. Create an outdoor living room on an apartment patio
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
Echo indoor style if an outdoor living room is one of your apartment patio ideas. “This space embraces a sophisticated palette of misty tones, rich materials and rich furnishings for a harmonious concept. Comfortable furniture invites outdoor entertaining and expands indoor space,” says Lindye Galloway, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop.
6. Take your home decor style outside
(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer/Douglas Friedman)
Let indoor influences extend to the terrace. “The main courtyard is divided by an outdoor sala – it’s a place where everyone likes to gather,” says Michelle Nussbaumer, owner and lead designer at Michelle Nussbaumer. “The arches throughout the property have their origins in Islamic architecture that made its way to Spain and Mexico through Morocco. The furnishings in the house are a mixture of Italian, Spanish baroque and Mexican colonial antiques and the artwork ranges from Mexican colonial to well-known contemporary Mexican artists.’
7. Brighten up an apartment patio with planters
(Image credit: House of Dome)
Container gardening can brighten up an apartment patio. “A great idea is to choose versatile planters that look equally good indoors to ensure continuity of style,” says Jane Nicolson, co-founder of House of Dome.
“Our top picks are the modern Base Pot planters from Italian brand Slide Design, which are lightweight so easy to move around and come in three sizes/heights so they work great when displayed as a collection. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, you can choose and mix from over 20 colors making them easy to blend into your decor, and you can also choose an optional lacquered finish for added luxury style.
8. Create an outdoor paradise with lots of greenery
(Image credit: Nooor/Agathe Tissier)
Make the room lush with green plants. “The quickest way to achieve green living patios is to opt for plants like bamboo and ferns with their interesting foliage,” says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor. Houses & Gardens.
“For outdoor dining in the countryside, choose a table that fits proportionately into the space and is made of a material that will withstand the weather so you don’t have to keep it indoors.”
9. Paint your furniture and planters
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Consider painting furniture to add personality to an apartment patio. “Even the smallest patio area can be transformed with color,” says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.
“In traditional gardens, it’s often the norm to paint exterior walls or exterior details in harmonious colors to blend in with their natural surroundings, but when space is at a premium, opt for a bold and vibrant color like the deep teal Canton, the a feeling evokes summer all year round. Alternatively combine a rich blue like Marine Blue with the strong yellow Mister David on flower pots or garden furniture for a colorful highlight.’
10. Create a cozy outdoor area
(Image credit: OKA)
Spending time outdoors with family and friends is one of the great joys of the summer months, but you don’t need a lot of space to make the most of the warmer weather – all you need is comfortable seating and a place to chill a cocktail or two,” says Sue Jones, co-founder of OKA. “Our all-weather rattan chairs are practical and stylish and would feel right at home on a patio or patio.
“Even the smallest space can be brought to life with a little print and colour, so I’d recommend swapping out a traditional side table for OKA’s Rander ceramic stool – the stripes not only add a fun pattern but are great space savers and can.” act as a spare seat when last-minute guests drop by.’
How do you beautify a small terrace?
There are many ways to beautify a small patio. Grow a garden in containers to make it more attractive. Both flowers and leaves add color, texture, and even appealing sounds as the wind moves the leaves.
Lay a patterned outdoor rug underfoot and consider painting walls or fences to create an attractive backdrop. Also, consider painting furniture that’s looking tired, and bring in color with cushions and throws that add both comfort and interest.
How do I get privacy on my apartment terrace?
To get privacy on an apartment patio, you can set up privacy screens made of bamboo or other materials. They will still let light through, but they can prevent it from being missed.
While not an instant cure, growing vines will make your space private once they reach a sufficient height, and there are many options that grow well in containers. For a quicker fix, invest in tall shrubs and greenery to provide screening.