HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR SMALL PATIO: IDEAS AND INSPIRATION
Whether you’re looking to host guests or you need a tranquil space to unwind, a compact outdoor space shouldn’t be overlooked. With a few crafty design tricks, you can transform your small patio and dupe your guests into thinking you have a garden double its actual square footage.
HOW DO I BUILD A SMALL PATIO AREA?
If you’re looking to break up the space in your garden, then a small patio may be the way to go. Erecting a patio with paving can add another dimension to your outdoor space. By introducing paving slabs in your design, you have a hard surface you can add seating, a table and accessories to.
In the planning stages of building a patio, you should consult with a professional installer before you set out on a patio renovation project. One of the more popular options for a small patio is porcelain paving as it provides a low maintenance option for your patio space. If you’re going down the DIY route, our Guide to Planning & Installing vitrified porcelain paving provides in-depth instructions to help perfect your process.
Ideas to Transform Your Small Patio
From sought-after paving materials and rejuvenated garden furniture to space-enhancing lighting and bohemian accessories, we have put together a range of small patio ideas and inspiration that will help to revamp your outdoor space.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A SMALL PATIO?
Just because a garden is small, it doesn’t mean it can’t be practical or stylish - a lot of gardens can only accommodate a small patio, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be a comfortable and relaxing space, or a place to socialise.
If you utilise your space effectively you can take advantage of awkward shapes and spaces. It’s worth incorporating space-saving outdoor storage, furniture, plants and accessories in your patio design to make it an idyllic spot perfect for your needs. Our guide is equipped with helpful tips showing you what you can do with a small patio:
UPDATE YOUR PAVING
An easy way to add the illusion of space and boost the aesthetic of a small garden is by introducing new paving slabs to your patio.
Bright, light-coloured slabs give the notion of more room, while our range of luxury vitrified porcelain patio paving brings a feel of the Mediterranean to your front or back garden. Light porcelain slabs like our Bellezza Riva range, reflect the sun’s rays and create an airy and serene outdoor space. For small patio paving inspiration, you can also check out the small spaces category on our ‘Be Inspired’ page.
UPGRADE YOUR GARDEN FURNITURE
A small patio shouldn’t prevent you from having plenty of seating, but the choice of garden furniture is important when you’re positioning your outdoor chairs.
By placing the furniture in the outer frame of the patio, you are effectively utilising your space and ensuring guests have room to socialise in the centre. Introducing a smaller table also ensures you’re not taking up some much-needed space, where a smaller food and drinks rest will suffice.
The soft brown furnishing in the featured example also complements our cool-toned Di Pietra Tempesta paving and keeps the space looking open and inviting.
CREATE A ‘LIVING’ WALL
Unfortunately, in some small patio spaces, there isn’t always room for grass, plants or flowers. There are ways to get around this problem, however, as a ‘living’ wall helps to add a touch of greenery to an otherwise synthetic patio.
Not only will the wall improve the biodiversity in your garden, but it will also give the illusion of a larger, more elongated space.
ADD ATMOSPHERE LIGHTING
It can be hard to bring natural light into a small space, especially if your patio is built up with surrounding walls. So, when the sun goes down, you’re at risk of having a dark, unsociable space.
Fortunately, you can make a patio brighter and more welcoming by incorporating lighting - this could be in the form of overhead string or bulb lighting, step lighting or downlighting which is good for illuminating your patio area.
Alternatively, you can make a patio cosier by adding a firepit, electric candles or lanterns!
GET BOTANICAL & INCORPORATE PLANTS!
Incorporating plants and flowers into your small patio area is a great way of adding a touch of colour and because being around nature is proven to help reduce stress and relax, it also makes it the perfect place to lounge.
You can choose to add potted plants to your patio, or you could also use flowerbeds to frame the space and use it as a tool to differentiate between the garden and patio areas.
GO BOLD WITH ACCESSORIES
An easy and affordable way to update your patio and make it look nice is through accessorising. Pick a colour theme and run with it! You can then accessorise your furnishings, coordinating your outdoor-friendly cushions with throws and rugs. This is also a handy and cost-effective way of upgrading your patio throughout the seasons.
Another way to enhance your patio with accessories is by adding a water feature. Decorations such as fountains not only complement a patio, they can also create a serene setting. Both the plush seating and trickling sounds of the fountain will then make this the ideal place to unwind.
YOUR PATIO DESIGN ESSENTIALS…
Made up your mind about your patio design? We stock a range of installation products that will help you construct your perfect patio space. Alternatively, if you’re on the lookout for a professional, you can find an installer using our ‘find an installer’ page.
For further inspiration, don’t forget to check out our ‘Be Inspired’ page which showcases a range of captivating small and large patio designs.