Maximize style in small outdoor spaces with these expert picks
As spring arrives, Brooklyn-based architects Elizabeth Roberts and Elliot Meier are helping a creative couple bring their whimsical 'Tim Burton meets Pee-wee meets Fred Astaire' fantasy to life in a modest Brooklyn townhouse.
Even the tiniest outdoors can host with flair
While small exterior spaces often get overlooked due to perceived limitations, I see them as opportunities to think creatively about design. It's time to make the most of what New York City's landlords have bestowed upon me – even if it's just a fire escape or a Bed-Stuy rooftop.
Secondhand furniture tends to atrophy in the elements, but intentional backyard bliss is within reach with these expert picks for the best patio furniture in small spaces.
From weather-resistant wicker that will star in your sun-kissed summer to concrete pieces that bring a tiny sculpture garden to your balcony, here are the top choices to manifest your best hosting moments:
Top picks
Best Side Table: HAY's Palissade Ottoman is a versatile piece that can withstand a potted plant or serve as a low-profile outdoor table for snacking or sunset aperitifs (<$300).
Best Loveseat: Article's Lubek Outdoor Low Loveseat is armless and low-profile, perfect for small spaces. At just over two feet across, it's room for a leisurely solo read or a comfortable cuddle (<$700).
Best Provence-Style Decor: Kathy Kuo Home's Sara French Country Bistro Dining Set screams 'Riviera' with its pearl white country kit, perfect for a humble balcony (<$560). The whole set is barely over two feet in any direction.
Best Sculptural Piece: CB2's Oakley Faux Limestone Outdoor Side Table carries sculptural connotations without looking commanding at just 16 inches tall and 15 inches across (<$250).
Best Lounge Chair: Ceci Thompson's Costa Outdoor Lounge Chair inhabits the space between accent chair and love seat with its French-coastal vibe and billowy wire frame (<$700).
Best Contemporary Design: 7th Avenue's Armless Outdoor Seat is a premium all-weather solid aluminum lounge chair perfect for a sculpture garden, pairing well with marble (<$1,075).
Best Bistro Set: GreenRow's Bellamy Outdoor Bistro Table brings a unique vintage touch with its powder-coated steel and emerald finish, suitable for a smaller space (<$800).
Best Storage Solution: Pottery Barn's Huntington Wicker Coffee Table doubles as a low-profile dining table and storage unit, perfect for hiding decorative pillows (<$600).
Most Versatile Design: Sundays Poolside Outdoor Lounge Chair is a contemporary take with a terra-cotta steel frame and white canvas seat, ideal for a solo setup or paired with a side table (<$350).