A small bench takes up less space than a bulky outdoor sofa.

Homeowners Priscilla and René Wikkerink built their fence with sections of lattice — all stained a dramatic opaque black — boxed in with frames and posts. They backed the lattice with solid boards for privacy on their small upper deck. A graphic rug adds a stylish hit to the mostly black patio, and potted plants add greenery without taking up too much space.

Watch a video tour of this deck, plus see more small patios, porches and balconies in our photo gallery.

Just enough room for tea for two.

French Country owner Vi Jull bought this 1875 Picton home on a whim, and hasn’t looked back. Following a partial reno and an overhaul of the garden, the new home was perfect for her relocation from Toronto. A new flagstone patio and pergola-topped deck evoke a French courtyard, and is the perfect spot to dine à deux. Extra-wide stairs make the deck seem larger than it is, and Vi chose airy furniture that wouldn’t overcrowd the patio.

See more small patios, porches and balconies in our photo gallery.

A multifunctional railing offers extra seating.

Homeowners Karyn Gordon and Brent Penner wanted to customize the small front deck. They built the extra-wide ledge in one weekend with some friends . A generous ledge eliminates the need for side tables — drinks and snacks can be piled on it — and comes in handy as extra seating. It’s also built low enough that it doesn’t obstruct views of the lake.

See more of this cottage in our photo gallery, plus see more small patios, porches and balconies in this photo gallery.

French doors provide a classic entrance onto this small patio.

Tumbled red brick is inset with strips of gravel to add interest to the small yard’s patio. Layering accessories on the steps draws eyes up to the home and onto the deck.

See inside Marilyn’s home in our Online TV segment with Lynda Reeves. Plus, browse more perfect patio photos.

Tables and chairs fold up and can be stored away as needed.

A deck and built-in banquette provide plenty of stylish entertaining space. The classic colour scheme of grey-browns and white can be easily updated with new throw pillows.

See more before and after photos of this makeover in our photo gallery.

Shelves along the perimeter of a porch allow for more space on a coffee table.

A country-style screen door and a pair of refurbished 1920s wicker rocking chairs lend authenticity to this small covered patio. A love seat takes up less space than having four chairs. Loads of greenery — inside and out — add to the organic feel.

An abundance of potted plants provides much needed privacy.

With the help of H&H style editor Michael Penney, executive editor Beth Hitchcock added casual homey charm to her former concrete condo balcony. Plants in various colours and shapes create height, dimension and character.

See a tour of Beth’s old condo interior. Plus, find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

A juicy palette adds maximum impact in a small space.

Mouthwatering sorbet and melon tones mixed with warm wood and crisp white evoke a fresh, Palm Springs-inspired ambiance. The delicious colours were pulled from the condo’s interior, creating a seamless transition from indoors to out.

Indoor accessories add drama to a small space.

Laying acacia wood, cut-to-fit floor tiles in a cross-hatched pattern overtop the existing concrete floor instantly warmed up this balcony. A traditionally shaped chandelier rendered in white plastic balls keeps the overall look fun. Lightweight, seasonal furniture pieces like the bamboo chairs and detachable floor tiles can easily be stored inside to protect them from the elements.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

Textural twigs conceal unslightly balcony dividers.

Opposite the lounge area, stylist and homeowner Trish Johnston created a colourful dining space allowing her family to eat alfresco. The long terrace becomes just like another room when an outdoor rug, potted plants, colourful throw pillows and bright lanterns are brought to the scene. The decadent balcony extends the condo space by 240 sq.ft.

Watch a video tour of Trish’s condo. Plus, find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

Teak furniture adds a casual feel.

Stylist and homeowner Trish Johnston used every inch of her condo balcony to create a livable outdoor space for her family. Wanting to obscure the unattractive partition wall behind the chaises, she create a faux-wall with inexpensive bundles of tall twigs.

Watch a video tour of Trish’s condo. Plus, find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

Colourful pillows and organic textures brighten an outdoor living room.

A mid-century modern sofa and chairs by British designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings anchor this airy screened porch. Multiple seating areas provide places to converse or escape, all with slightly different vistas. Sophisticated lighting and side tables elevate the outdoor space.

See more photos in our White Cottages gallery.

Wrought-iron furniture keeps a small space airy.

An intimate space at the side of this house allows for private alfresco family dining and daily barbecues in the summer. Homeowner and chef Trish Magwood brings colour to her outdoor dining nook by attaching inexpensive indoor-outdoor fabric to the table with a staple gun. She also adds playful bolster pillows to the metal chairs that match the table cloth and flowers planted along the stone wall.

See more of chef Trish Magwood’s home in our photo gallery. Also, get more fresh decorating ideas in our Outdoor Living gallery.

Screens and benches add architectural interest to a small backyard.

Homeowner Mona Zaidi, a filmmaker and writer, planted this garden for maximum impact in all four seasons. Reed matting framed in cedar is a gorgeous alternative to more traditional types of fencing and offers privacy from close-by neighbours.

A large window at the back of the house slides open completely to connect interior and exterior.

Dufflet Rosenberg, owner of renowned bakery Dufflet Pastries, and her architect husband Martin Kohn, created a pared-down space to entertain on their back deck. The interior polished-concrete floors feel seamless with the concrete deck. The sparsity of the elements found on the deck, such as a small bonsai tree, a sculpture of a human figure and Eames chairs, is reminiscent of a contemporary art gallery.

Get more fresh decorating ideas in our Perfect Patios gallery.

Outdoor drapery adds privacy when needed but keeps views open.

Homeowner Alan de la Vigne transformed a dilapidated 1830s home into a tailored Federal-style retreat in Port Hope, Ont. There are two of these plantation-style verandas, one on each floor, to the right of the house, and because they overlook the road, the drapery adds privacy to the livable outdoor spaces. The curtains are actually dropcloths from Canadian Tire, so no need to break the bank on outdoor fabric.

To tour through this home, see 1830s Restoration Home Tour.

See more Indoor-Outdoor Spaces.

From concrete box to lush, enchanting retreat.

When reworking a balcony, think beyond furniture and consider refinishing condo-standard dividers, walls and floors, too. Home to golden clematis and American bitersweet vines, two graphic, modern trellises here add depth and envelope the space in greenery. A sisal rug under the table layers in texture and brushes clean easily.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

Small slatted chairs aren’t too stuffy for a small balcony.

Pair pieces with different styles for a setting that looks inviting and charming as opposed to straight-from-the-showroom-floor. Eschew flimsy plastic tables and chairs for handsome wooden and metal and ceramic pieces, too. Here, a vintage teak bench, authentic Parisian park chairs and an antique Quebec farmhouse table add old world style and French country comfort.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

Functional furniture saves space.

Instead of a dining set or several chairs, have guests sit side-by-side on rustic outdoor benches around a low coffee table. Hang lush planters on a wall to save valuable floor space and make the patio appear larger.

Trees, lanterns and sleek furniture create a hotel-style balcony.

This compact condo balcony was transformed into a tranquil garden oasis with Asian flair. White Philippe Starck chairs add a modern edge, but don’t take up too much floor space. A tree stump is just the right size for a couple of drinks.

A slatted wall conceals furniture and garden tools.

Maximize space in a small backyard by designing a simple structure the width of the yard to store away patio furniture in the winter and gardening necessities in the summer. Build in a fireplace for cosy entertaining. A green roof on top adds privacy and blends in with tree foliage at the same height.

See more sheds in our photo gallery.

A small enclosed deck is a perfect play area for kids.

This Asian-inspired cedar terrace provides a safe area for children to play outside of this urban courtyard house. Hanging laundry alludes to the home owners’ eco-friendly lifestyle.

Take a virtual tour through this award-winning home in our Courtyard House video.

See more indoor outdoor design inspiration in our photo gallery.

Tall climbing flowers add height to a porch with a low ceiling.

Interiors consultant Lisa Rogers crafted a charmingly relaxed getaway for her family in the Muskokas. To take full advantage of the breathtaking views of the lake, she placed a pair of dove grey Muskoka chairs on her porch, which she outfitted with colourful pillows. A large wicker basket holds throws and blankets for chilly nights by the water.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

A wicker swing saves floor space.

Close the curtain on city chaos by hanging drapes around your porch. They have a lovely cocooning effect and reinforce the notion of an outdoor room by delineating its boundaries. For seating, a wicker swing offers a true country style; layer it with pillows and throws for a punch of colour.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

A builder-basic condo divider calls for some greenery.

A trellis acts as a focal point above this Philippe Starck Bubble Club Sofa the same way a mirror or piece of art would above an indoor sofa. Modern patio furniture stands out against the Vancouver skyline.

Compact patio furniture looks right at home in a small backyard.

Despite its small size (just 18 feet deep and 23 feet wide), homeowners Paul and Jean Cade’s back deck was outfitted by landscape designer Kim Price (pictured) with a striking water feature, an ample seating area and an array of lush plants and trees.

Get more design and decorating ideas in our Small Backyards photo gallery.

Furniture facing the views makes loungers feel less closed-in on a small deck.

Toronto designer Barb Purdy wanted to spruce up her Parry Sound cottage on the cheap. So, instead of hiring contractors, her husband built the cedar deck himself. They also used discount-store fabric for the cushions instead of buying pricey designer pillows. A railing and bunkie are still to come, but the deck is livable and welcoming already.

For more traditional inspiration photos, see our Traditional Cottages photo gallery.

For more cottage ideas, see our Cottages & Country Houses photo gallery, plus more cottage photos.

A raised stone terrace makes for easy entertaining.

In this urban yard, landscape architect Ron Holbrook divided the space into three “rooms”: a deck for barbecuing (closest to the house, not shown), a terrace for dining and green space for gardening and playing.

See more of Ron Holbrook’s landscaping projects in our photo gallery.