Small Patio Entertaining: How to Create a Cozy Conversation Area

Small Patio Entertaining: How to Create a Cozy Conversation Area on a Budget! Build a DIY banquette and add softness to your outdoor entertaining space.

Small Patio Entertaining. How to Create a Cozy Conversation Area on a Budget

Transforming a small patio into an inviting space for entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune! You can build a simple corner banquette using inexpensive lumber from the hardware store, creating a stylish and functional seating area perfect for gatherings. To make it feel extra cozy, layer block-print pillows and soft cushions, turning your small space into a warm, welcoming conversation nook.

Renovating Our 1891 Home in the Heart of Salt Lake City

One of the things I love most about our home is its history. Built in 1891, it’s full of charm and character. But living in the heart of Salt Lake City means space is at a premium, especially outdoors.

pergola o our second outdoor patio at our 1891 cottage

Our urban neighborhood has homes nestled closely together, so our backyard is cozy with two small patios.

The patio closest to our house has always been the hub for alfresco dining. When we first moved in, one of the first things we did was hang café lights overhead. They instantly transformed the space, making it feel warm and inviting for evening meals. We have a grill and an outdoor dining table here, and it’s become our go-to spot for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend brunches.

Expanding Seating with a DIY Banquette

As much as we loved the space, hosting bigger gatherings was tricky. Our table seats six comfortably, but when you live in a smaller home, every extra seat counts. That’s why we added a DIY corner banquette next to our modern gabion retaining wall (those cool metal cages filled with rocks). It’s the perfect solution to maximize seating without taking up too much space.

The banquette gives us extra seating for guests so people can lounge here with drinks, chat before dinner, or relax after the meal. It’s turned this patio into a true entertaining zone.

Making It Cozy and Comfortable

Of course, I wanted the banquette to feel cozy—not like a hard bench. I layered block-print and gingham pillows for a pop of pattern and added soft seat cushions for comfort. We also swapped our old metal chairs for low rattan outdoor chairs and styled them with the cutest scallop pillows. On the ends of the table, I scored vintage-inspired rattan chairs and gave them a comfy upgrade with cushions and more block-print pillows. Now, this whole patio feels collected, comfy, and perfect for long dinners under the café lights

DIY Corner Banquette Tutorial (6-Foot L-Shape)

If you’re working with a small patio, a built-in banquette is a game-changer for entertaining. Here’s how to build a 6-foot L-shaped banquette that’s perfect for extra seating:

Want to create one for your own patio? Here’s how:

Materials Needed

Tools:

drill, saw, measuring tape, sander

(10–12) Seat Boards: 1×6 or decking boards, cut to 72″ for both sides

(6) 2×4 Boards for Frame:

Four pieces at 72″ (two for each side’s front & back)

Two pieces at 24″ for the inside corner support

Legs: (6) 4×4 posts or doubled 2x4s, 18″ each

L-brackets (at least 6) & outdoor screws

Outdoor stain or paint

Steps to Build It

Measure your space. Mark an L-shape with both sides at 72″ long.
Build two frames. Each frame uses two 72″ 1x4s for the front and back with short cross braces for stability.
Join frames at the corner. Use two 24″ 2x4s and secure with L-brackets.
Attach legs. Six legs total: one at each corner and one in the middle of each bench for support (18″ high for a comfortable seat).
Add seat boards. Cut 1×4 boards to 72″ and lay across both benches, leaving 1/8″ gaps for drainage.
Sand & finish. Smooth edges and apply outdoor stain or paint.
Style it cozy! Add cushions, block-print pillows, and throws for maximum comfort.

💡 Pro Tip: I created a FREE printable guide with a large diagram, materials, and steps you can download to keep on hand while you build!

👉 Download the DIY Banquette Printable Guide

The Perfect Everyday Spot

This isn’t just for parties—it’s become part of our everyday routine. My daughter loves doing homework out here, and I start most mornings with a cup of coffee on the banquette. It feels like our own little urban oasis, right in the heart of the city.

Shop Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Here are the pieces that made this patio makeover possible:

Small Patio Entertaining: How to Create a Cozy Conversation Area on a Budget! Build a DIY banquette and add softness to your outdoor entertaining space.

DIY Corner Banquette
Outdoor OBLONG Waterproof Pillow Inserts
Outdoor SQUARE Waterproof Pillow Inserts
Block-Print Pillows
Set of 6 Cottage Pillow Covers
Block Print Oblong Pillow Cover
Set of Four Gingham Pillow Covers
Set of Two Scallop Pillows
Hydrangea Pillow Cover
Scallop Pillows
Outdoor Chair Cushions
Outdoor Rattan Chairs
Vintage-Style Rattan Chairs
Café String Lights

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Transforming a small patio into an inviting space for entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune! You can build a simple corner banquette using inexpensive lumber from the hardware store, creating a stylish and functional seating area perfect for gatherings. To make it feel extra cozy, layer block-print pillows and soft cushions, turning your small space into a warm, welcoming conversation nook.

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