10 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Outdoor Space

To make small spaces feel expansive, just add a folding bistro set. These Simply Essential Folding Outdoor Sling Chairs ($35 each) and a Simply Essential Folding Outdoor Bistro Table ($40) have style galore, fold for easy storage, and can turn any patch of grass or patio into a space for entertaining.

Can your outdoor space be a gathering spot all year round? Yes, if you have the right equipment. A firepit such as this UniFlame Endless Summer Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit ($135) not only sets the stage for summertime gatherings, it also makes patio life more comfortable during those chilly evenings in spring and fall — and maybe winter, too, if you're brave enough.

This Grape Trellis Pergola Canopy ($540) can help define an outdoor space for lounging or dining. Its fade-resistant canopy protects from midday sun, then easily retracts for evening — so you can easily while away an entire day outside.

If you have kids — or you're simply young at heart — this Bean Bag Toss Set ($48, originally $60) is a great buy. Bring it out when it's time to play, then easily store it to the side when you need more open space.

Available in three different wood tones, this Forest Gate Eagleton 3-Piece Acacia Outdoor Picnic Set ($720, originally $800) nicely defines an al fresco dining space. It's spacious enough to seat four to six people, but compact enough that it won't gobble your deck or patio's entire square footage.

A star furniture piece for patios and in garden nooks, this Forest Gate Metal Swing Egg Chair ($420, originally $560) provides a plush, cozy place to laze about. It's currently on sale, too — just in time to have it for summer.

Can't decide between getting a picnic table and a simple bench? No need to choose with Convert-A-Bench ($160). Two of these resin benches can connect (as pictured) to become a picnic table, giving you twice the seating options as a table or bench alone.

So you'd like to spend the afternoon outdoors, but you don't feel like being burned by the sun. OK, this Destination Summer 8.5-Foot Square Offset Solar LED Patio Umbrella ($200) is the item for you. Its broad umbrella shade has the sun-shielding thing down pat. After sunset, its canopy lights up with solar-powered LED lights, adding a little twinkle to evening affairs.

It's a fact: having a hammock means you'll want to linger outdoors. And when it can hold two people? Even better. This Sunnydaze 2-Person Quilted Fabric Spreader Bar Hammock and Stand ($249, originally $299), now nearly $50 off, is soft and sturdy — and it comes with a bolster pillow, too, for those inevitable moments when you'll want to catch some ZZZs.

Currently 25 percent off, this Bee & Willow Taylor 5'3 x 7'7 Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug ($99, originally $132) can help define a space for relaxing, dining, or play. Plus, because it's made of fade-resistant polypropylene, it can stand up to whatever the elements hurl its way.