Our passion for spacial problem solving has deepened over the past two years — and now, as the weather warms, our outside areas (or lack t...

Here’s How To Maximize Any Outdoor Space — From Fire Escapes To Backyards

Our passion for spacial problem solving has deepened over the past two years — and now, as the weather warms, our outside areas (or lack thereof) are top of mind. For those of us without access to private open-air oases, investing in the right al-fresco finds can be a strategic move in maximizing whatever outdoor space we're working with. Whether you have a window sill, fire escape, shared rooftop, cramped concrete patio, front stoop, tiny grass patch, real backyard, or full-on meadow, we hunted down goods to help make the most out of them.

Ahead, find everything from makeshift windowsill daybeds to tote-able front-stoop folding chairs, compact inflatable pools, and full-on fire pits that will set up your own outside slice for optimal enjoyment.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

If you have a window sill...


Urban Outfitters Hopper Daybed


Make a designated sunshine nook out of that mini-ledge by popping a good-lookin' cushion on it — or by stationing a complementary bench or daybed beneath it for lounging and catching rays. A handful of retailers like Urban Outfitters, World Market, Amazon, and Zara's debut Home section carry great options for boho-chic seats, comfy casual poufs, and space-elevating benches.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Hopper Daybed, $, available at Urban Outfitters

World Market Multicolor Wool & Natural Wood Upholstered Bench


Shop World Market





World Market Multicolor Wool & Natural Wood Upholstered Bench, $, available at World Market

Christopher Knight Home Isaac Acacia Wood Bench


Shop Amazon

Christopher Knight Home Isaac Acacia Wood Bench, $, available at Amazon

Zara Home Cotton Pouf



Shop Zara Home

Zara Home COTTON POUF, $, available at Zara Home

If you have a fire escape...


Auosthop Wooden Outdoor Folding Picnic Table


...That you can safely access (emphasis on the safely). Instead of fully stepping out onto it, try fixing it up into an outside dining or cocktail area that you can access while staying firmly rooted inside your space. Look for a durable tray or a portable picnic table that will hold your spread, then just pull some chairs up to your window sill and enjoy that al-fresco happy hour. And don't forget to bring it inside!

Shop Walmart

Auosthop Wooden Outdoor Folding Picnic Table, $, available at Walmart

Wolfum Handcrafted Wooden Mix & Match Trays


Shop Food52

Wolfum Handcrafted Wooden Mix & Match Trays, $, available at Food52

West Elm Oslo Tray



Shop West Elm

West Elm Oslo Wood Tray, $, available at West Elm

Urban Outfitters Laurie Bed Tray


Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Laurie Bed Tray, $, available at Urban Outfitters

If you have a stoop...


Breakwater Bay Balter Square 2 Long Bistro Set


Maximizing your stoop space has everything to do with portability and comfort — meaning it's best to invest in pieces that can be easily carried up and downstairs, folded up and tucked away when not needed, and still feel better to sit on than a bare concrete step. We suggest folding chairs for the top or bottom of your stoop and vibrant outdoor seat cushions for nestling into the steps, plus a folding table for cocktails and card games.

Shop Wayfair

Breakwater Bay Balter Square 2 - Person 21'' Long Bistro Set, $, available at Wayfair

Anthropologie Bekah Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Seat Cushion



Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie Bekah Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Seat Cushion, $, available at Anthropologie

Winsome Trading Robin 4-Piece Folding Chair Set



Shop Walmart

Winsome Trading Robin 4-Piece Folding Chair Set, $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond

REI Co-op Camp Low Chair



Shop REI

REI Co-op Camp Low Chair, $, available at REI

If you have a shared rooftop...


FUNBOY Clear Pink Heart Inflatable Pool


Since you've got some more square footage to work with up there, we suggest going the inflatable pool route complete with portable fold-up lounge chairs — your crew will definitely be on board once the weather heats up.

Shop FUNBOY

FUNBOY Clear Pink Heart Inflatable Pool, $, available at FUNBOY

Urban Outfitters Tatami Chair


Shop Society6

Urban Outfitters Tatami Beach Chair, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Society6 The Abstract Shape Of Spring Sling Chair


Shop Society6

Society6 The Abstract Shape Of Spring Sling Chair, $, available at Society6

Bestway Cancun Inflatable AirJet Hot Tub (2-4 Person)


Shop Target

bestway Cancun Inflatable AirJet Hot Tub, 2-4 Person, $, available at Target

If you have a concrete patio...


Urban Outfitters Rattan Plant Stand


Whether your concrete patio is a cramped front balcony situation or ground-level outback setup that's facing a lovely brick wall, opening it up is as easy as adding in some greenery. Invest in tiered plant stands that will not only add levels to the minimal space but will also give new sunlight-reaching height to your green friends.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Rattan Plant Stand, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Wisuce 2-Tier Bamboo Plant Stands Indoor


Shop Amazon

Wisuce Bamboo Plant Stands Indoor, 2 Tier, $, available at Amazon

Open Spaces Entryway Rack


Shop Open Spaces

Open Spaces Entryway Rack, $, available at Open Spaces

If you have a patch of grass...


Anthropologie Saratoga Hammock


If you're low on space, you're going to want to get elevated. Instead of monopolizing the already-limited green carpeting, invest in a hanging chair or freestanding hammock setup that will open up your abilities to sit back, relax, and enjoy it. (We also snuck in a cushy lounger in case you enjoy more of a down-to-earth kind of hang out.)

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie Saratoga Hammock, $, available at Anthropologie

Dakota Fields Chair Hammock


Shop Wayfair

Dakota Fields Chair Hammock, $, available at Wayfair

Article Galpin Whisper Grey Lounger


Shop Article

Article& Galpin, $, available at Article&

If you actually have a backyard...


Sunnydaze Outdoor Cosmic Stars & Moon Fire Pit


Lucky you — get a fire pit! These backyard gadgets have become more and more mainstream, meaning they're easy to find at affordable price points, safe to operate, and streamlined for fitting in with whatever backyard size or setup you've got. Plus, they are sure to deliver some much-needed kumbaya ambiance.

Shop Target

Sunnydaze Decor Cosmic Stars and Moon 30" Wood Burning Fire Pit, $, available at Target

Terrain Low-Profile Round Fire Pit



Shop Terrain

Terrain Low Profile Round Fire Pit, $, available at Terrain

Parson 12.5'' H x 15'' W Steel Wood Pellet Burning Outdoor Fire Pit


Shop Wayfair

Ebern Designs 12.5'' H x 15'' W Steel Wood Pellet Burning Outdoor Fir, $, available at Wayfair

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

All The Home Sales You May As Well Shop While WFH

The Best Inflatable Pools For Your Backyard Summer

6 Small Wall-Decor Ideas That Make A Big Statement



from Refinery29 https://ift.tt/fFUG5lv
via IFTTT