15 Small Patios for Socializing and Relaxing

1. Modern Farmhouse Fireplace

This small patio fronting a brick fireplace is the perfect spot for relaxing with family, friends and neighbors on a chilly evening. It’s conveniently tucked around the corner from the Los Angeles home’s front entry. A mix of traditional bricks and vertical siding teamed with contemporary square concrete pavers and horizontal wood accents creates a timeless appeal.

2. Row House Retreat

The greenery-filled lower-level patio at this Chicago row house reflects the home’s classic style. Black ironwork stairs and railings plus a small table set the stage, with the dark color repeated in the painted latticework along the side wall. Moorish-inspired gray, white and brown floor tiles reflect light and, along with the white tabletop and chair cushions, help brighten the space.

3. Secluded in the City

This terrace in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood provides a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. Trees growing above the painted brick walls form a leafy canopy that shades the space and helps filter out sound. Additional plants spill down the walls and soften the edges. An oversize raised planter at the far end provides stepped seating and a home for more greenery.

4. Italian Vibes

Stone walls, a spiral staircase and smooth pavers bring old-world Tuscan style to this small patio in Littleton, Colorado. The modern fire bowl and chairs add a pleasing contrast and allow the homeowners to relax and enjoy the mountain views beyond.

5. Table for Two

This cozy patio nook in a Toronto yard is the perfect spot for having morning coffee or afternoon refreshments. The tall table and contrasting bar-height chairs help break up the expanse of the tall fence they sit against, without requiring much room.

6. Midcentury Modern Update

Tropical design, tiki accents and midcentury modern style were the inspiration for this Orange County, California, home. The entry patio, just to the left of the front door and connected to the living room, sets the tone for the space, blending palm trees and tropical plants with retro lounge chairs.

7. Townhouse Terrace

The narrow outdoor space at this Sussex, England, townhouse packs in a lot of style and functionality. A mirror on a bright blue wall at one end acts as a striking focal point and visually expands the space. A built-in L-shaped bench provides plenty of seating, with lush plants along each side wall softening the look.

Final touches include checkerboard flooring edged with diagonal tiles, and a small fountain that can be enjoyed while indoors or out.

Note: Avoid hanging mirrors outside if birds frequent your yard, as reflective surfaces can be distracting and dangerous to them.

8. French Country Influence

Stepping into this Franklin, Tennessee, backyard feels like being transported to the French countryside. A generous layer of large gray pebbles, reminiscent of what’s found in European gravel gardens, surrounds a center fire pit and radiating concrete gray pavers. Stone-clad walls backing the space add to the ambiance. The final touch is the plantings loosely set throughout the patio for a country-casual look.

9. Cozy Nook

Nestled between two wings of a house in Lake Oswego, Oregon, this patio-and-fireplace setup turns what could have been a forgotten area into a prime backyard destination. The large fireplace encourages lounging on cool evenings, while four comfortable swivel chairs invite people to sit and chat. A large outdoor rug softens the flagstone paving and adds a spot of bright color.

10. Coastal Perch

This circular patio is ideally situated for taking in the sights and sounds of the Massachusetts coast. The circular stone design is just big enough to fit six chairs and a fire pit. The space can be easily accessed from the deck and the yard, thanks to paver pathways on each side.

11. Spanish Modern

The mix of adobe and blue tiles on this patio in San Juan Capistrano, California, reflects the town’s Spanish influence. A contemporary fire pit and armchairs with comfy cushions — just right for both humans and pets — subtly update the style.

12. Vineyard Views

This satellite patio set off the main outdoor entertaining area takes in the vineyard and lake views below this Sacramento, California, home. Trees shade the space on sunny days, while the fire pit ensures that the homeowners also can enjoy the patio when things cool down.

13. Indoor-Outdoor Living

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that disappear into the walls turn this patio into an extension of the adjacent kitchen and living room. The warm winter climate of its coastal Southern California location, along with the fireplace, allows the homeowners to take advantage of the expanded living space year-round.

14. Clean Contemporary

Tropical style takes on a contemporary feel at this home in Delray Beach, Florida. The clean lines and sleek furnishings work well with the stunning two-story glass atrium that houses the home’s staircase.