Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home. When you take the time to decorate your outdoor space, you can make the most of beautiful days by entertaining friends and family on your perfect patio.

Make your outdoor space feel like a Parisian cafe or jungle oasis. Even small balconies or tiny yards can become the ideal outdoor space with easy upgrades like a magnetic screen door, comfortable patio furniture, and personalized decor. Whether you have a big yard or a tiny balcony, these ten items can help create the perfect patio and maximize your outdoor space.

  1. Patio Furniture

If you want to enjoy your patio daily, you’ll need a place to sit. If you are fortunate enough to have a large patio area, consider creating two seating areas, one for lounging and another for dining. Have a comfy outdoor couch with removable cushions to relax and a cafe table and chairs to enjoy a meal under the stars.

In a small space, you may have to choose which type of set-up you would use more. Maximize your space by choosing small furniture. Get an outdoor loveseat and set up a chic glass coffee table to enjoy dinner and drinks outside. If you dream of having a swing, a whicker egg chair doesn’t take up much space but can give you that same porch swing vibe.

  1. Screen Door

A screen door makes it easy for you to move effortlessly from inside your home to your balcony or patio. Don’t struggle with a heavy door. Unlike traditional sliding screen doors, magnetic screen doors are entirely hands-free. Quickly enter and exit your home with a magnetic screen door. You can easily walk out the patio carrying a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive sliding screen doors – magnetic screen doors are affordable and incredibly easy to install. Plus, a screen door’s find mesh will let fresh air into your home while keeping bugs outside where they belong.

  1. Wall Decorations

Use the exterior of your home to hang some wall decorations to brighten up your patio and add a touch of personal flair. Chic cafe signs can give your patio a vintage feel, or you could go for a more bohemian look with macrame wall art.

For smaller patios and balconies, add some floating shelves to the walls to maximize the space you have for plants and decorations. Hang a windchime or suncatcher to add a bit of whimsy to your smaller outdoor area.

  1. Plants

Use tall plants, like bamboo or palms, to create privacy if your patio or balcony is facing a street. You could also hang plants or shelve them to maximize space. Start a small herb garden in a few pots or grow some cherry tomatoes. Your plants will love being able to soak up the sun on your balcony.

  1. Lighting

When you have a rocking patio, you’ll want to use it late into the evening. String lights can help add brightness and charm to your patio area. LED string lights are long-lasting, and the Edison bulbs create a warm glow similar to that of a cozy cafe.

You could use fairy lights along an entire wall for small balconies to create a chic waterfall effect. If you have a large yard, light the way from your patio to your driveway with post lights to prevent guests from tripping.

  1. Outdoor Rugs

Rugs can help your patio feel as cozy as a living room. Outdoor rugs can add texture and dimension to your patio or balcony. Use them to delineate where the patio area begins if you have a larger yard.

Upgrade the ground of your basic apartment balcony with a stylish outdoor rug to elevate your outdoor space instantly. The soft surface will ensure you and your guests are much more comfortable enjoying the patio or balcony barefoot.

  1. Bug Repellant

Your screen door may keep bugs out of your house, but you still want bug repellant on hand to prevent them from bothering you while you enjoy your patio—light a few citronella candles or Tikki torches to keep mosquitoes away.

  1. Storage Solutions

You’ll need somewhere to store gardening supplies, blankets, and outdoor activities. Have an outdoor chest where you can easily stash everything away and protect it from the elements. If you have a small patio or balcony, make the most of your storage space by turning it into a bench or using it as a coffee table.

  1. Shade

Don’t let the harsh glare of the sun prevent you from enjoying your gorgeous patio. Find a way to get some shade. An umbrella with an adjustable tilt for a small balcony can help you get the right amount of shade at any time of day.

You could hang shade sails to cast shade over a larger area if you have a larger space. You could also consider investing in a trellis or other structure to use over your dining area to help delineate the different sections of your patio.

  1. Fire Pit

You can make the most of your outdoor space with a fire pit. Enjoy your perfect patio, no matter the season.  Have smores on long summer nights or cuddle up with a cup of cocoa in the winter. Fire pits are the perfect place to sit and chat with friends and family late into the night.