28 Small Rooftop Ideas

Looking for small rooftop ideas? If you live in the city, then you know how valuable outdoor space is.
We all need a place to relax and unwind after a long day. But when you live in a small apartment in the city, outdoor space is hard to come by.
If you are lucky enough to have a small rooftop, then you have a true treasure. Here are 28 rooftop ideas to turn a small rooftop into a true urban oasis.
1. Create a Lounge Space

If you’re lucky enough to have a little bit of space on your roof, you can transform it into a cozy lounge area.
A large outdoor rug will help define the space and make it feel like an outdoor living room.
Plenty of seating and a couple of side tables are all you need to create the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening.
2. Grow a Garden

If you have a green thumb, consider growing a garden on your rooftop. You can grow your own vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other plants.
Plus, a garden can help reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality in your neighborhood. Even just a few potted plants can make a big difference.
3. Design an Outdoor Kitchen

Turn your rooftop into the ultimate entertaining space by adding a full outdoor kitchen.
This compact kitchen features a grill, sink, and plenty of counter space to prepare and serve food.
The surrounding planter boxes help to define the space and provide a pop of color.
If you don’t have a lot of room for seating, consider adding a bar-height table and chairs.
4. Add a Pergola

A pergola is a great way to create some shade on a sun-soaked rooftop deck. Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of visual interest to your rooftop.
If you’re worried about the weight of a pergola structure, you can find lightweight options made from aluminum or vinyl.
You can also build a pergola directly onto your rooftop railing.
5. Use a Sun Shade

If your rooftop gets a lot of sun, you’ll want to think about ways to keep your space cool.
A sun shade is a simple and stylish way to create some shade on your rooftop.
This option by The Shade Store is mounted to the side of the building and can be lowered down when needed.
6. Install a Fire Pit

Nothing says cozy like a fire pit on a small rooftop. It’s a great way to create a focal point for your space and add some ambiance.
Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that works for your space.
If you’re short on square footage, a small tabletop fire pit is a great option. You can also find fire pits that are built right into your furniture.
7. Build a Solarium

For a rooftop that’s exposed to the sun for most of the day, consider building a solarium.
If you’re not familiar with the term, a solarium is a room that is surrounded by windows or window-like walls to let in the maximum amount of sunlight.
You can use the solarium as a greenhouse to grow plants, as a cozy lounge to read a book, or as a dining room to enjoy a meal. The possibilities are endless!
8. Use a Sunroom

What’s the point of having a rooftop patio if you can’t even enjoy it when the weather isn’t perfect? If you want to get the most use out of your rooftop, consider building a sunroom or a screened-in porch.
This will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the elements.
You can even have a fireplace installed to keep you warm on those chilly nights.
A sunroom is a great way to add living space to your home and increase property value.
If you ever decide to sell, it’s a unique feature that will make your home stand out.
9. Add a Pool

If you have a larger budget and space, consider adding a small pool to your rooftop.
This is a great way to add luxury to your space and create a relaxing oasis in the middle of the city.
Pools can be customized to fit your specific space and style. If you want to keep the pool small, consider adding a built-in spa or hot tub to your rooftop instead.
10. Plant a Green Roof

If you love the idea of a rooftop garden but don’t have the space, consider planting a green roof.
This is a flat roof that’s covered with vegetation, which helps to absorb rainwater and provides insulation.
It’s a great way to add a little greenery to your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on your energy bills.
11. Create a Yoga Space
If you have a small rooftop, you may think you don’t have enough room to create a dedicated space for anything.
But you do! This small rooftop deck is the perfect example of how you can use a small space to create a designated area for yoga.
The artificial grass is a great way to add some greenery to the space while also providing a soft surface to practice yoga on.
The wood deck tiles are a great way to add texture to the space, and the white railings help to keep the space feeling open and airy.
12. Add a Hot Tub
If you want to make your rooftop feel like a true escape, a hot tub is the way to go.
This small rooftop deck by Lauren of Bless’er House features a hot tub, a lounge area, and a dining area.
The hot tub is the main attraction of the space, and the built-in bench surrounding the tub makes for a great place to relax.
13. Use a Gazebo
If you have a little more space on your rooftop, consider adding a gazebo.
This will add some structure and definition to the space and can even be used to define different areas of the rooftop.
For example, you could use the gazebo as a dining space and then have a lounge area off to the side.
14. Design a Bar
You can have a small bar built right into your rooftop. This is a great way to take advantage of the view while entertaining guests.
You can even have a small kitchen built right into the bar area so you can easily serve up some snacks and drinks.
15. Install a Shade Sail
Shade sails are a great alternative to pergolas and pavilions.
They are made of fabric and are suspended from poles, the side of a building, or other anchor points.
The fabric is pulled taut to create the sail shape and is available in a variety of colors and patterns.
A shade sail can be a permanent fixture or a temporary one. If you want to be able to remove it, you can attach it with D-rings and carabiners.
You can also use turnbuckles to tighten the sail as needed.
16. Add a Putting Green
Do you love to golf? If you have a small rooftop, you can bring the golf course to you by adding a putting green.
While a putting green may not be as large as a real golf course, you can still get a lot of use out of it.
You can practice your golf skills, play a game with friends, or even turn it into a drinking game.
Putting greens can be made of artificial turf or real grass. Artificial turf is a low-maintenance option, but it can get hot in the sun.
If you choose real grass, make sure it’s a drought-tolerant option that can survive with little water.
17. Grow a Vegetable Garden
If you don’t have the space for a vegetable garden in your backyard, consider putting one on your rooftop.
This rooftop garden in Brooklyn, New York by Gunn Landscape Architecture features a variety of vegetables and herbs.
The raised garden beds help keep the plants safe from pests and make it easy to maintain.
Plus, the garden provides the homeowners with fresh produce all summer long.
18. Design a Play Area
Just because you don’t have a large backyard doesn’t mean you can’t create a play area for your kids.
This rooftop designed by Sarah Barnard Design features a small artificial grass lawn, a chalkboard, and a small tent that’s perfect for your little ones.
The best part about this rooftop play area is that it can be used by kids of all ages, and you can easily switch out the toys and activities to keep it fresh and fun.
19. Use an Outdoor Bedroom
Take your rooftop to the next level with a cozy bed to lounge on.
This space is perfect for a quick nap in the sun or a night under the stars. Position your bed to face the sunset for the ultimate view.
20. Add Flooring
If your rooftop consists of nothing but the standard black tar material, consider adding flooring.
You can use wood, ceramic, or even concrete tiles to create a beautiful surface for your rooftop.
This will help to define the space and make it feel more like an outdoor living room. Plus, it will help to protect your rooftop from damage.
21. Install Lighting
To make your rooftop deck feel like a true outdoor living space, you’ll want to add lighting.
This is especially important in the evenings and at night when you’ll want to have light to see by.
There are a few different types of lighting you can install on your rooftop deck.
For example, you can add string lights, recessed lighting, or even hanging pendants.
You can also add lighting to your rooftop garden to make it feel even more magical.
22. Add a Water Feature
You don’t need a ton of space to add a water feature to your rooftop.
This one by Aloe Designs is built into the bench and is the perfect place to cool off in the summer months.
23. Use Artificial Turf
If you love the look of a grassy lawn, but don’t want to deal with the maintenance of real grass, consider using artificial turf on your rooftop.
It’s low maintenance, looks great, and can handle foot traffic.
You can even add a small putting green to your rooftop, like the one in this design by Urban Rooftops.
Conclusion
We hope you found our rooftop ideas and inspiration for transforming your small space. Remember to start by selecting a theme and then choosing furniture and accessories that match your vision.