Start with the space, not the furniture. Measure your courtyard’s length and width, then note the awkward spots: door swings, steps, drains, planters, walls, and anything that limits where people can walk. I also like to sketch a simple top-down plan or use painter’s tape on the ground. It sounds old-fashioned, but it quickly shows whether a sofa or dining set will feel generous or cramped.
Next, think about how you actually want to use the courtyard. Is it mainly for coffee and a book, casual drinks with friends, or full meals outside? For a small urban courtyard, a compact loveseat, two lightweight chairs, and a slim coffee table often work better than a deep sectional. If you want dining, choose a bistro table or a narrow rectangular table and check how much space you need to pull chairs out comfortably.
Leave breathing room. As a practical guide, keep main walkways around 24–36 inches wide, and allow about 18 inches between a sofa and coffee table. For dining, plan for roughly 30–36 inches behind chairs so people can sit down and move without squeezing past. Furniture should not fill every inch; a little empty space makes the courtyard feel larger and more inviting.
Pay attention to scale and visual weight. In a tight courtyard, look for open frames, raised legs, pale colors, and modular or nesting pieces. These keep sightlines clear. Measure the delivery path too—narrow gates and stairwells can decide the size for you. Finally, choose stackable, foldable, or storage-friendly furniture if your climate is wet or your space needs to switch between lounging and dining. The right size is the one that fits your courtyard, your people, and your daily routine without making the space feel packed.