Not every terrace is spacious and offers enough room to fully express your creativity in terms of design. But that doesn’t matter – even just a few square meters are enough to create a cozy retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.
Whether you are creating your terrace from scratch or redesigning an existing small terrace, here you will find ideas and inspiration for designing small outdoor spaces.
Feeling good with seating areas & more: designing a cozy small terrace
Comfort does not necessarily require a large outdoor area. Even compact spaces can be furnished in a cozy and inviting way. To make the most of a small terrace, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Make full use of terrace design possibilities
Even small spaces can accommodate a lot if planned correctly. Always consider the sun exposure and orientation of your terrace and think about how you would like to use it. Should it serve as a place to soak up the sun with a lounger, for breakfast with a compact garden furniture set, or for unwinding after work with a comfortable lounge chair?
Even a barbecue can find space on a small terrace, as there are now many space-saving models available. And if you can also harvest a few decorative herbs, you get two benefits at once.
Small but impressive: compact furniture pieces
Flexibility is essential on a small terrace. Large, bulky furniture should therefore give way to smaller or adaptable pieces. Individual armchairs or two-seaters are usually a better choice than wide benches. Even mini terraces can be beautifully designed – for example by creating a single seating area with a comfortable lounge chair or a bean bag.
A great tip: In small spaces, it is also worth choosing functional furniture that serves multiple purposes. These pieces can be reconfigured in no time and open up many possibilities for designing a small terrace.
Stay flexible with lightweight terrace furniture
On compact terraces, furniture should be as lightweight as possible so it can be moved easily when needed. Choose seating sets with an aluminum frame to adapt quickly to changing needs. If guests arrive or the terrace needs to be used differently, the furniture can be rearranged effortlessly.
Designing a small terrace with plants
When designing a terrace with plants, it is important to match the orientation of the terrace with the choice of plants. However, avoid choosing too many different plants, as this makes it difficult to achieve a harmonious overall look. The more plants you place on your terrace, the simpler the containers should be, otherwise the area can quickly appear overloaded.
If you want to green a small terrace, you should primarily work vertically. Tall plants, vines and climbing plants make the terrace appear larger and also provide pleasant shade if the terrace faces south. Another option is a vertical garden or a “green wall”. This not only adds a great design element, but truly transforms your terrace into your own personal oasis.
As a general rule, plants should be placed along the edges so that the center of the terrace remains as open as possible. Raised beds can be designed vertically, and flower pots can also be mounted slightly angled on the wall. But who says there always has to be so much greenery? If you prefer a minimalist look, you can also showcase a cactus beautifully!
Terrace decoration for limited space
When designing a small terrace, it is worth always keeping the overall impression in mind. If the terrace is overcrowded with furniture and decoration, it quickly appears cluttered and anything but cozy. The rule here is: less is more!
Subtle individual decorative elements
It’s better to focus on just a few small items to create targeted accents. Carefully placed decorative cushions, for example, are eye-catching without being overwhelming. Whether in bold colors or beautiful patterns – they provide a lovely contrast to the furniture.
Lighting elements such as lanterns, lamps, string lights or candles are also particularly attractive. They create a romantic atmosphere in the evening and are always a welcome decorative feature. If the lighting is accompanied by just a few green elements, that is more than enough!
Think about a color concept
You should also decide on a consistent color concept so the terrace doesn’t appear too busy. Two-tone terrace designs look especially well thought out and romantic. Shades of white or pastel tones combined with a bold accent color work beautifully. If you prefer a classic style, you can also opt for a combination of white and green. The color concept should also be maintained in the decoration on the garden table. When building your terrace, you can already consider the flooring and choose coordinated colors.
The same applies to plants, by the way: too many mixed colors can make the terrace look chaotic and restless.
Designing a small terrace on a budget: a few tips
For terrace furniture, you should ideally choose weatherproof outdoor furniture that can withstand a lot. After all, it has to endure wind and weather outdoors, so quality should not be compromised. When it comes to decoration, however, a lot can be achieved even with a small budget. In true DIY fashion, many decorative elements can be easily made yourself.
- Old crates for terrace planting: If you don’t want to buy expensive plant pots, you can easily create stylish planters using old crates or containers of all kinds. Handmade flower boxes and pots are very much on trend and have a special charm.
- All kinds of light sources: If you want to create a romantic and atmospheric evening light quickly, a few everyday kitchen items will do the trick. Empty jam jars can be turned into lanterns in no time, and empty bottles become candle holders.
Terrace roofing: affordable ideas
Especially in summer, the sun can shine relentlessly from the sky, making sun protection on the terrace essential. Here you clearly benefit from cantilever umbrellas. They can be positioned close to the wall while still providing generous shade over the seating area.
On small terraces, sun sails also work very well, as they are installed above the terrace and do not take up valuable floor space. And best of all: these sails can even be made yourself, making them especially budget-friendly.
Designing a beautiful small terrace: 3 ideas
A terrace looks most beautiful when it is designed in a consistent style. You can let your creativity run free and find the style that suits you best. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are three terrace design ideas you can try at home.
1. Mediterranean-style small terrace
If you’d like to bring the feeling of your last Mediterranean holiday home, you can design your terrace in a Mediterranean style. Warm colors such as yellow or orange and natural materials dominate this look. Sandstone-style flooring is combined with relaxed rattan or wooden furniture, creating la dolce vita at home. Lanterns and candle lights create a romantic atmosphere in the evening.
You can also create a southern flair with exotic plants. Classics for Mediterranean terraces include oleander, rosemary, and compact lemon or olive trees. These plants are especially suitable for south-facing terraces, as they require plenty of sunlight. This way, every step onto the terrace feels like a little vacation!
2. Modern terrace design with wood and stone
The modern outdoor look is inspired by a restrained Scandinavian style. Clean lines and natural materials such as stone and wood dominate, coming together to form a minimalist and clear backdrop.
High-quality and elegant-looking lounge furniture made of wood, fabric or rattan takes center stage here. Stone planters or wooden tables complement the trendy look. Decoration should be subtle and stylish. Flowers are welcome, but always in moderation. Anyone who wants to design a modern small terrace should truly embrace the principle of “less is more”.
3. Small but refined: country-style terrace design
The country-house style is playful and nostalgic, bringing the terrace back to its roots. Flooring made of local natural stone forms the foundation. In general, the background should be kept in light, friendly colors such as white, ivory or light wood. Light-colored wooden garden furniture is a must here! The rule is: solid rather than delicate.
Floral patterns on seat cushions or pillows create a particularly cozy atmosphere. The look is completed with small decorative items as colorful accents. A variety of everyday objects can be used for this – they cost nothing and take up very little space. A jam jar as a lantern, a watering can or small buckets as plant pots – let your creativity run free!
Ready for a change? Then start redesigning your terrace and create your own personal retreat with a feel-good factor. If you follow our tips, you can design even a small terrace – and do it with style!
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