15 Tiny But Mighty Yards, Balconies + Rooftop Patios

Get the most from your outdoor spaces with these clever design ideas.

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July 07, 2015

By: Briana Mowrey

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Photo By: Elk Studios LLC

Photo By: Fermob

Photo By: Sarah Wilson/ Getty Images

Photo By: Lexi Van Valkenburgh

Photo By: Ryann Ford

Photo By: Insite Architectural Photography

Photo By: Santa Fe Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Courtesy of Fermob

Photo By: Larry Hanna/AP images

Bright Balcony

An artful array of plants create a peaceful spot to relax in the midst of the city. Functional yet stylish furnishings are perfect for lounging with a cocktail in hand.

From: Amy Elbaum

Potted Privacy

A street-facing balcony may offer extra square footage but not much extra privacy. Line your balcony with tall, leafy potted plants to shield your place from prying eyes.

Artful Landscaping

A dark and tiny backyard was transformed with built-in plant beds, salvaged bluestone pavers and lots of natural charm. Reclaimed barn doors add a focal point to the space, while a custom greenscreen trellis fills the garden (and two floors of the home!).

Rooftop Office

Investing in weather-resistant outdoor furniture, like benches and coffee tables, opens up new possibilities. Don't have enough space for a home office indoors? Take your work to the roof deck on the next sunny day.

Open-Air Herb Garden

Joanna Gaines transformed this once awkward (and tiny) atrium into an open-air herb garden. Located right off the kitchen and dining area, the courtyard is a perfect place to entertain, and a fragrant herb garden makes prepping delicious meals easy.

From: Chip Gaines

Peaceful Microgarden

Once bare, this tiny yard behind a rowhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y. now features a canopy of plants, such as crepe myrtles and camellias. Landscape designer Michael Van Valkenburgh planted trees that naturally cool the garden terrace and house and created a bird habitat.

Secluded Comfort

A cedar screen and plants offer privacy in the outdoor patio and garden. A sinuous lounge chair provides the perfect perch for reading and relaxing.

City Garden

In this small urban outdoor patio, a salvaged wood wall and potting table satisfy the city gardener. Climbing vines and potted plants, including a terrarium, create a lush space, while a candelabra adds ambiance for outdoor dining.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Packed Deck

Cozy, transitional style is carried outdoors with this colorful sitting area. The deck rail is dressed up by several baskets of flowers, while a bright blue rug adds color and comfort beneath the upholstered sectional.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Simply Bright

Modern yellow furniture fills this small patio area, coordinating with the electric yellow back door. The furniture and door energize and invigorate the exterior of the colonial-style home.

From: D2 Interieurs

Lush Balcony

An easy way to make the transition from indoors to outdoors feel seamless? Houseplants! Here, container gardens, potted trees and small planters lead occupants out onto the small balcony and give it a lush feel.

From: Bill Bocken

Making Room

Tiny, narrow outdoor spaces can still be outfitted with furniture, decor and greenery. This charming Southwestern patio showcases deep, green ivy traveling up its pale pink privacy wall and a beautiful, red bistro set for meals day and night.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Dining Alfresco

Take in the exciting city sights and sunsets from a terrace by adding a dining table and chairs. This setup is also ideal for entertaining. Who doesn't like dinner with a view?

Makeshift Shade

The fix for a tiny outdoor space that lacks architectural interest is simple. Add a makeshift canopy, awning or "tent" by attaching a colorful blanket to high wooden stakes. Not only is it festive, but it also functions as a source of shade. When you tire of it, it's easy to take down, or swap out the blanket.

Table for Two

No matter how small your outdoor space, you can find a way to squeeze in a bistro table for alfresco dining. Drew and Jonathan Scott's home includes a quaint courtyard with this small, blue bistro set.

15 Tiny But Mighty Yards, Balconies + Rooftop Patios

Related To:

Shop This Look

Bright Balcony

Potted Privacy

Artful Landscaping

Rooftop Office

Open-Air Herb Garden

Peaceful Microgarden

Secluded Comfort

City Garden

Packed Deck

Simply Bright

Lush Balcony

Making Room

Dining Alfresco

Makeshift Shade

Table for Two

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