Ideas on how to make the most of a small terrace

In many occasions small terraces end up becoming a kind of storage room or bicycle parking. At Molins Design we know that it is possible to make the most of a small terrace. It is only necessary to apply some common sense, play with colours and choose the right pieces of furniture.

The aim is to achieve a welcoming, well-equipped space that provides a space for disconnection or seclusion. Having an aperitif, reading a book or enjoying listening to good music is possible with just a few ideas.

By making the most of the walls, using light furniture, matching colours and opting for discreet but effective lighting, you can achieve dream terraces. Small dimensions should not be a problem.

With this post we want to give you the keys and offer you ideas on how to make the most of a small terrace. Don’t miss out on the details.

To make the most of a small terrace it is necessary to homogenise the space. To do this you can start with the colours of the floor and wall. The interesting thing is that they should be similar tones to unify the area. Floors and walls of the same colour and similar will always give a feeling of greater amplitude.

Moreover, Molins Design’s advice is that they should be light colours. White, beige or earthy colours work very well. What is clear is that to make the most of a small terrace it is imperative to discard dark colours. These tones always darken and reduce the available space even more.

In addition, you can go a step further and match the colours of the terrace with those of the piece that gives access to the outdoor area. In this way, a very beneficial continuity is achieved to make the most of the small terrace because it transmits the spaciousness from the inside out.

Terrace furniture is perhaps the key accessory when it comes to making the most of a small terrace. In this case, as in many others, it is advisable to apply the maxim “less is more”. The pieces of furniture to be placed in the area should be small and, if possible, foldable. These are mainly tables and chairs.

At this point it is advisable to take advantage of the corners of the terrace to place furniture or sofas in an L shape. Remember that it is essential to decorate with stain-resistant, water-resistant and fireproof furniture.

On the other hand, try to use pieces that provide storage space. An example of this are coffee tables with shelves or benches that can also be used as chests.

Two last tips: use the banister as a backrest for poufs or cushions and make the most of the walls. You can hang shelves, baskets or small drawers on them.

Placing plants is always a good way to make the most of a small terrace. Ideally, it is best to opt for leafy green species with a certain amount of foliage. These accessories will transmit a very pleasant feeling of freshness that connects with nature.

Don’t hesitate and use railing planters. This way, you will gain space on the ground and the plants will be at a height that will allow you to water them and take care of them comfortably. In addition, they will also contribute to providing the terrace with a certain degree of privacy.

In this use of the walls that we mentioned at the end of the previous point, there is also room for hanging pots. They will act as a very decorative and inspiring vertical garden.

The lighting of a small terrace must be well balanced. Let us explain. It is important to have a certain degree of light on the terrace that allows you to make the most of it, especially during the summer evenings. Sufficient light must be available for dining, chatting with friends or having a drink.

On the other hand, however, it is not a good idea to install very powerful lamps that expose the terrace too much to the gaze of others. In addition, the intensity of the light can disturb the neighbours in adjacent buildings.

Molins Design’s advice is to place garlands or strips of lights that illuminate, but also decorate. The amount of light projected should be discreet but sufficient to see each other’s faces or to be able to spend time outdoors. Of course, the luminaires or lamps should be of LED technology, which is more efficient and longer lasting.

The issue we want to highlight in order to make the most of a small terrace refers to the flooring of the area. A very good option is to use the same flooring as the interior area to achieve the continuity we were talking about earlier.

Another attractive option is to use wood. Wooden floors or decking always enhance the cosy atmosphere of the terrace. They also look great with rustic textiles and sandy colours. They are pleasant to walk on barefoot and very elegant. However, a noble material such as wood will need certain treatments so that it does not deteriorate when exposed to the elements.

In recent years, many people have been installing artificial grass on their terraces. This material is easy to install and very pleasant to walk on. Finally, vinyl sheets are also interesting. This material is very resistant, waterproof and easy to clean.