If you live in the city, you may have access to some rooftop space — but are you making the most of it? If you’re ready to move beyond plastic lawn chairs, let these 10 rooftop spaces inspire you with what’s possible. Rooftop movie night, anyone? Todd Haiman Landscape Design Hammock hangout. If what you crave is a space where you can unwind and relax, a hammock may be just the ticket. Greenery has a calming effect, so be sure to include plenty of potted plants and window boxes spilling over with flowers. If a hammock’s not your cup of tea, consider a pair of laid-back lounge chairs instead. Todd Haiman Landscape Design Cook’s garden. Lush plantings around the roof line soften edges and make a compact outdoor space feel larger than it is. If you love to cook, plant fresh herbs and salad greens to bring to the table. And as for the table itself, choose the largest one that will comfortably fit the space (it’s a must for successful dinner parties), and splurge on an umbrella for shade from late-afternoon sun. Pavers covering the rooftop bring a finished look to the dining area. Town and Country Gardens City terrace. Spacious banquettes provide ample seating on this rooftop terrace in central London. Tall grasses and a potted grapevine give some privacy and shade, while a sleek water feature muffles street noise. A great big coffee table, like the one shown here, will provide plenty of room for guests to set down drinks and snacks (or for you to put your feet up!). BROOK LANDSCAPE Rooftop theater. An outdoor screen can transform a rooftop patio into your own personal movie theater. Invite friends and neighbors, set out plenty of cushions, and you’re good to go. Plan to start just as the sun is going down, so people can get settled in before it’s really dark — a few lanterns or a string of lights placed around the edges will ensure your guests can safely make their way indoors if they need to get up before the movie is over. TLA Studio French breakfast. Give your rooftop patio a Parisian twist with a neatly trimmed hedge in a dark planter paired with an elegant round table. Boost the green even more with a few large potted plants or dwarf citrus trees. A space like this is perfect for entertaining a few friends for brunch or taking your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. BROOK LANDSCAPE Rooftop bath. While admittedly not for everyone, a bath in a rooftop garden can be quite charming under the right conditions. If you garden on the roof, a simple foot bath for cleaning up is a big help — or if you’re a romantic, perhaps an old tub surrounded by twining roses would fit the bill. pulltab Water garden. Bring tranquility to an urban rooftop with the gentle burble of a fountain and let the traffic noise fade into the background. On this roof in New York City’s East Village, a stream of water flows into a small pond, complete with water plants. Bench seating nearby is covered by a pergola, which will provide shade once the vines grow across it. Lynn Gaffney Architect, PLLC Privacy from above. When taller buildings are towering over your rooftop terrace, providing an extra layer of privacy from above can help the space feel more inviting. On this rooftop, custom trellis made from ipe wood stretches up and over the seating area, offering some privacy and shade. For a less costly (and quicker) option, consider sailcloth shades or a smaller, vine-covered pergola. Adrienne DeRosa Adrienne DeRosa Hot tub + faux hedge. In this NYC space designed by Cortney and Robert Novogratz, a tall fence covered in fake greenery provides privacy for a rooftop hot tub. The opposite side of the patio is left unobstructed, to better enjoy the view. If you plan to include a privacy structure on your roof, think about which part of the view you’d like to preserve and what you wouldn’t mind hiding.

Safety note: Consult with a pro to determine any building regulations before undertaking a rooftop project that involves a lot of weight, such as a hot tub or pergola. Not all structures will be able to safely support the load. Eric Higbee | Landscape Architect Community garden. Unused space atop a parking garage was transformed into a productive community garden. Even in a much smaller space, think of how collaborating with neighbors could yield interesting results. Just a few raised beds can produce enough fresh flowers, herbs and veggies to share.

Tell us: Do you have usable space on your roof? Share a photo in the Comments and tell us how you’re using it.

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