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5 ways to make the most of small outdoor spaces

Maximize your space in style with these tips and easy DIYs.

Bigger isn’t always better. Small yards, patios and balconies mean less upkeep and more time to just chill. But to make the most of your space, or grow flowers, or have a few friends over, you want it to be as pleasing as possible, and to use the space as efficiently as you can. To that end, here are 5 great low effort, high yield ways to make the most of small outdoor spaces!

DIY CUSHION = INSTANT SEATING

Furniture from big box stores is usually made for bigger spaces. Here’s a way to combine seating and storage—create your own cushions for common wood storage crates.
Materials

Two wood crates
Foam (buy from a craft store or reuse from an old cushion)
Fabric (waterproof is best if in an exposed area)
Adhesive (either no-sew iron-on fusible material or fabric glue)

Tip: If you’re trying to re-use fabric you already own, there are sprays you can buy to make it waterproof for outdoor use!
Directions

  1. To make the cushion, simply cut the foam to the right size so it will fit over the top of both crates and then trim a piece of fabric that easily wraps around the foam.

  2. Make neat folds and wrap the fabric around the foam. Secure with safety pins to hold in place while adhering with either no-sew iron-on fusible material or fabric glue. Or just leave as-is (the pins don’t show) and change fabric whenever the mood strikes, or season changes.

  3. If using a waterproof spray, flip cushion and spray each side, allowing time to dry in between.

  4. Once you’re done, place cushion on top of crates and use the open area below to store gardening supplies, extra pillows, etc.

PEGBOARD WALL

A simple pegboard and hooks are easy to find at the hardware store, and you can have the board cut to any size. Secure it to a wall and try out different size hooks to keep all your outdoor necessities in place. Add buckets to hold smaller objects, or small shelves for items you grab regularly.

DIY STRING LIGHT “TRELLIS”

A strand (or ten) of outdoor lights adds a touch of class when entertaining outdoors. Sometimes, though, there’s nowhere to hang them (and if you’re renting, you might not want to use any nails). The solution? Make your own light stand and bask in the beautiful glow.
Materials

Two galvanized buckets
Ready to use concrete
Two wooden posts
Two screw-in hooks for hanging lights
Directions

  1. Have the hardware store cut posts to your desired height. Attach the hooks to the top of each post. The hooks used for this light stand are the screw-in type. If needed, drill a small hole to get started. Mark a spot on the post to center before drilling.

  2. Mix up the concrete according to the package directions and, holding the post in the middle, pour the concrete into the buckets. Leave some room at the top so the buckets aren’t too heavy to move and so you’ll have room to add natural (better looking) materials.

  3. Once dry, add things like shells, rocks or driftwood to create a natural look. Set the two buckets where you want to have the lights draped, string your lights around the hooks, and enjoy!

DIY GALVANIZED STOOL

When space is limited, you need your furniture to do double duty. A large galvanized bucket can be used for displaying drinks on ice at a party, sports equipment, gardening equipment etc. But make your own top for it and boom, you’ve got a stool, ottoman or extra seating.
Materials

Large galvanized bucket
Round piece of wood cut to fit from hardware store
Foam slightly larger than wood top
Fabric (waterproof is best)
Staple gun
Directions

  1. Purchase a pre-cut, unfinished wood round from the hardware store, or cut your own to fit. The top should either fit tight into your bucket or extend over the top.

  2. Next, cut a piece of foam slightly larger than the wood top. Trim some fabric leaving plenty of room overlapping the foam and top.

  3. Then, pulling tightly, use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the wood, pulling as you move around. If you don’t own a staple gun, many hardware stores rent them.

  4. Trim off any excess fabric when finished. If your top is larger than your bucket, you can add non stick pads or even a line of hot glue around the bottom of the top to keep it from slipping.

HANGING POTS

By hanging pots or buckets on your railing you really capitalize on otherwise unused space. Purchase pots intended for hanging, or just drill holes into plastic pots. Hang with zip ties or wire so they are secure. Use the pots for plants, gardening tools, or even items like insect repellent that you want to keep on hand!