40 Statement-Making Small Patio Ideas on a Budget

Struggling with what to do with your small patio? Your tiny outdoor space doesn't need to be bare because of its size, nor does a makeover of it need to break the bank—instead, it can be a budget-friendly, welcoming, and relaxing space that's ready for everything outdoor living entails.

Keep reading to check out 40 of our favorite small patio ideas on a budget.

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Add Pillar Candles

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

To add lots of character without breaking the budget, add pillar candles to your patio. They add easy ambiance wherever they're placed.

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Divide the Space

Casa Watkins Living

A small patio can still have plenty of uses. Divide the space wisely to create a space for outdoor dining, cooking, and relaxing!

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Hang a Hammock

Julian Porcino

Adding a hammock to your small patio is a budget-friendly way to create the best napping spot in the whole house.

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Install a Trellis

Dazey Den

To add a little privacy to your pint-sized patio, add a trellis or two. They're low-cost, easy to find, and easily customizable with a layer of paint or two.

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Add a Bench

Esther B Schmidt

Consider adding a small bench near the door to your patio. It's a great spot to take off dirty shoes, and it can be pulled in as extra seating when needed.

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Use a Little of Something Nice

House of Harvee

Creating an outdoor space on a budget doesn't mean you can't use top-tier materials or furniture—you'll just need to use less of them. This works out perfectly if you're trying to style an already-small space.

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Plant Perennials

Afro Bohemian Living

To add a little drama to your tiny patio, add some perennials. In a few years, you'll have a stunning, flower-filled outdoor space.

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Take Advantage of Shade

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

If your small deck or patio has a space that's naturally shaded by trees or other large structures, take advantage of it and use it as your main seating area. This saves you from having to buy a shade structure or put up a tent.

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Combine Pallets

Afro Bohemian Living

Combine pallets to create a budget-friendly outdoor sofa that's durable and customizable for your small space.

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Use Plants as Decor

Blanco Bungalow

You don't need to buy decor specifically meant for outdoor living. Instead, use what does best outside—plants. A few cacti or perennials can go a long way in making a space feel homier.

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Open Up the Indoors

Julian Porcino

To make your small patio feel a little larger, consider keeping your nearby doors open to make it all feel more like a transitional space. Add a screen to keep bugs and dust away.

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Use Less Seating

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

To keep seating costs low for your small patio, consider only buying enough seating for three sides of your outdoor table. This works really well if your table is just a touch too large for your patio too.

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Add a Light Fixture

Julian Porcino

A luxurious looking light is a great way to add style and a finished look to your small patio. Look for lights and lampshades at places like IKEA or Wayfair for budget-friendly options.

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Customize Your Patio Floor

Cathie Hong Interiors

Beautiful patio flooring doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive. Consider painting your own designs or adding stick-on outdoor tiles.

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Go L-Shaped

Cathie Hong Interiors

Struggling to decide how to arrange seating on your small patio? Stick with the classic pairing of an L-shaped seating option and a few standalone chairs.

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Install a Stock Tank Pool

Dazey Den

Stock tank pools have been all the rage the last few years, and for good reason—they're affordable and smaller than a normal pool, making them great for small spaces.

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Use Narrow Spaces

Julian Porcino

Don't forget to take advantage of narrow patio spaces. They're often great spots for a bistro table and chairs or a hammock.

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Make It Minimalist

Cathie Hong

The minimalist look works really well for small patios, and it's great if you're on a budget too, as a space with less stuff means less money spent.

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Style Your Narrow Patio or Balcony

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Even the narrowest balcony or patio can still be a great place to be. Consider adding a narrow bistro table and chairs alongside a narrow chaise lounge.

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Add an Inflatable Hot Tub

Dazey Den

Want to add a little luxe to your patio? Consider adding an inflatable hot tub. Don't forget to add a few chairs nearby to keep the great conversations going both inside the hot tub and out.

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Add Chair Pads

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Outdoor chairs made with more affordable materials like metal can sometimes be pretty uncomfortable. Consider adding some low-cost, high-reward chair pads to remedy this.

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Use Multipurpose Furniture

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

To get the most use out of your small patio—and get the biggest bang for your buck—pick furniture that serves multiple uses, like seating that can act as a sofa, a chaise, and a daybed.

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Add a Set of Chairs

Julian Porcino

When in doubt, four matching chairs are all you need for a great small patio space. Try to buy them in bulk in order to get a discount.

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Look for Vintage Furniture

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Even tiny patios deserve a little love. Look for vintage patio furniture that was meant for small spaces, which is often smaller and more affordable;e than today's patio furniture.

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Add An Outdoor Rug

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Mallory Wackerman

To add the finishing touch to your small patio, put down an outdoor rug. Pick one that's durable and matches the rest of your space well for the best look.

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Paint Your Floor

Dazey Den

To add a little personality to your small patio, consider using concrete paint to create a unique design on the patio floor. It's an affordable way to add lots of style.

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Add a Fireplace

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

A fireplace can take any small patio to the next level, creating a welcoming space for conversation and late-night hangs. Fireplaces and firepits exist for all kinds of budgets, so find one that works for your space and your wallet.

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Upcycle Furniture

Dazey Den

Always be on the lookout for used furniture finds that you can upcycle with the help of some paint and reupholster.

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Use a Tent

Dazey Den

To add shade to your patio without having to embark on a major project, buy a large tent that fits over your space.

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Hang Some String Lights

Dazey Den

It may seem cliche, but string lights can make a world of difference on even the smallest patio. They add ambiance and warmth wherever they go.

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Go Monochrome

Dazey Den

Another great way to keep costs low and keep your small patio looking great is to pick items that are all in the same color. This ensures everything will mesh together without having to worry too much about styling.

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Embrace the Lived-in Look

Dazey Den

Embrace outdoor furniture that has seen better days. Sometimes, the pre-loved look can add an extra-cozy touch to your patio.

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Use Pea Gravel

Blanco Bungalow

Looking for a low-cost ground cover for your small patio? Try pea gravel, which is widely available in multiple colorways.

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Transform Forgotten Spaces

Blanco Bungalow

Even the most unsightly outdoor spaces, like driveways or old sheds, can become inviting places with the help of some paint, good taste, and a little elbow grease.

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Keep It Simple

Arbor & Co.

You don't need to go all-out when decorating your small patio. Instead, look for just a few small chairs or an outdoor loveseat.

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Use Fresh-Cut Flowers

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Using fresh-cut flowers as decor in your small patio is a cost-effective way to show off the beauty of the seasons.

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Reuse Nature

Arbor & Co.

Don't be afraid to reuse nature when it comes to outfitting your small patio. Consider using an old tree stump as an outdoor coffee table—just make sure to add a layer of lacquer or finish to it first.

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Go Black and White

Arbor & Co.

Choosing a simple color scheme like black and white ensures that you'll have the greatest amount of options when it comes to picking furniture and decor for your patio, giving you the chance to find items that are affordable and of great value.

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Make a Pallet Table

Julian Porcino

Pallets can be your budget-friendly patio's best friend. Consider using one or two to make a durable, low-cost outdoor coffee table.

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Repurpose Your Carport

Arbor & Co.

Want a covered patio without having to shell out tons of cash? Consider repurposing your covered carport, if you have one. To make it homier, plant some climbing vines along the edges and hang some string lights.