The first long weekend of the season is coming up, and like many of us, I can’t get outdoor living off my mind! Thankfully, the stores are well-stocked with all-weather furniture and accessories, making it the ideal time to plan a dream outdoor space (or, if you already have a good set-up, just revitalize a thing or two). but it can be difficult to find pieces that suit smaller spaces, like city balconies, compact terraces and narrow backyards. So here, I’ve rounded up a few of my top picks to make the most of the room you have — and all the sunny days ahead.
The slim Lucinda chair from CB2 is the ideal scale for smaller dining spaces. Its mint green color and matte, powder-coated finish are perfectly pretty and fresh. Bonus: It’s a stackable design, so you can easily store extra chairs when not in use.
Source: CB2
Products: Lucinda Mint stacking chair, $149
This trendy chair is both comfortable and affordable, and folds up for easy storage — or toting to the beach! I love the leaf-print sling, but it also comes in a classic stripe.
Source: Walmart
Products: Hometrends Hammock chair in Multi, $46
These mercury-glass lanterns shimmer by day and cast a warm glow at night. A fresh alternative to candles, they also keep tabletops clear. Hang a few at different heights for an exotic look.
Source: Anthropologie
Products: Hanging Mercury Glass lantern, $16 US
Double-duty pieces are vital for small spaces. This waterproof deck box lets you stash your outdoor cushions in a dry place, and is durable enough to be used as a bench. I’d push it up against a wall and layer it with outdoor pillows for an extra hit of color and pattern.
Source: Walmart
Products: Patio Flare Ferrara Wicker Deck Box bench in Brown, $261; Hometrends toss cushion in Navy, $12; Hometrends reversible toss cushion in Red, $17.
This smart parasol doesn’t need a heavy base; it simply attaches to a railing for instant shade and UV protection. I particularly love it in a stunning sky blue.
Source: Ikea
Products: Ramsö parasol in Light Blue, $13
This compact work station from Crate & Barrel is very versatile. You can use it for outdoor projects, like repotting plants, and then convert it into a bar for entertaining at night.
Source: Crate & Barrel
Products: Splay work station, $999
Garden stools, like this white ceramic design, are a small-outdoor-space staple. They’re easy to relocation around, make terrific side tables, and can be used as casual seating.
Source: Overstock
Products: Safavieh Paradise Courtyard White Ceramic garden stool, $186
The neutral wood tone of this outdoor dining table from Wayfair implies you can pair it with chairs in any color you like. place it against a wall for everyday use (and a smaller footprint), and fold up the leaf when entertaining larger crowds.
Source: Wayfair
Products: dining table by Beachcrest Home, $407