When it comes to a patio, it's not about the size; it's what you do with it. Even the smallest patios can provide a welcome outdoor space perfect for your morning coffee or entertaining guests.
This guide looks at some of the best garden design ideas for small patios that are easy to achieve but highly effective once installed. Keep reading to learn how to transform your smaller patio area into the stand-out feature of your home.
1. Create definition with a wooden framework
Marshalls Towngate®
One of the best and most popular small patio ideas is to create a wooden structure over the patio; this can be crafted from a range of materials such as beams, rafters or even a pergola.
Creating a framework for your patio is an easy way to amplify the design - there are a range of options for styling a wooden structure. You can hang pendant lights that can be threaded through the posts or beams if there are any.
Using outdoor lighting is also one of the most cost-effective small patio ideas; it won't look cheap either. When coupled with some leafy, green potted plants, this look can create an intimate nook full of personality, charm and elegance.
If you want a more back-to-nature feel, you could think about using climbing plants such as ivy or clematis, which will elegantly spread over the framework given some time.
A roof or framework over your patio will provide shade if your garden gets a lot of direct sunlight, creating the perfect retreat for the family during the hotter months.
2. When it comes to furniture, less is more
Marshalls SYMPHONY® Plus Natural
If you have a smaller patio, it's important to consider the size and quantity of the garden furniture you have. For example, if you are using your patio as an outdoor dining space, steer clear of large and clunky tables and dining chairs. These will make your patio appear even smaller, making the entire area look closed in.
Also, consider using furniture that can easily be folded and stored if you want to use this as a multi-purpose area. However, if you prefer something eyecatching, consider painting your plant pots and seating in bright colours, with throws, string lights and floor cushions to complete the look.
3. Choose tiles that pack a punch
Marshalls SYMPHONY® Matte
Keen to make your small patio stand out from the crowd? Go bold with your paving stones and outdoor tiles! Adding outdoor tiles to a space can bring a new lease of life and provide an alternative textured area. You can create a striking element to the patio without overpowering the design by only tiling a small area.
By choosing a higher quality paving stone such as porcelain or natural stone - both of which are celebrated for being exceptionally hard-wearing - you can extend the lifespan of your patio area, reduce the need for maintenance and ensure you achieve a sleek, professional finish in your outdoor space.
You can lay your own paving stones, provided you have the know-how and tools needed. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, the best thing to do is get help from an expert installer. To find an accredited patio installer local to you,browse through our directory of trusted tradespeople.
4. Create texture and intrigue with plants
Marshalls Fairstone Sawn Versuro® Linear
Even in a small space, flowers and shrubs can look incredible, provided that they are chosen with care and maintained properly.
You can bed plants into pots and place them directly onto your patio, install raised beds within low-lying retaining walls around the perimeter of your patio area or, if you’re especially tight for space, you can fix hanging baskets onto your garden’s walls and fences.
If you feel like having a go at growing your own herbs and vegetables, you could even plant a kitchen garden in your small patio area. Aromatics like sage, rosemary and chives all thrive in plant pots, whilst things like tomatoes, courgettes and chillis are easy to grow in small greenhouses.
Pair your chosen planting scheme with some rustic garden furniture and a fire pit for an even more striking finish that can be enjoyed year round.
5. Opt for lighter shades
Marshalls Fairstone Sawn Versuro®
Any patio can benefit from keeping things light regarding colour palette, but small patios benefit more, as lighter colours allow small spaces to look bigger instantly. Keeping your outdoor area pale in colour, from the floor to the fencing, will play a trick on the eyes and make everything appear more spacious.
White, cream and pale grey paving stones have the added benefit of keeping your small patio area cool in the summer months, as they won’t absorb heat in the same way that black or dark grey paving stones will. This makes a pale patio the ideal choice for gardens that get a lot of natural sunlight.
6. Use outdoor rugs for a homely feel
Outdoor rugs are a hugely popular choice for both small and large patio areas, providing instance cosiness and comfort with hardly any effort!
Perfect for smaller budgets, rugs can be used as and when they are required and easily stowed away in the winter months. For more contemporary design schemes, choose a rug with simpler colours and patterns to preserve the minimalist aesthetic. If you want something more quirky, go bold by choosing a brightly coloured rug with a striking pattern.
7. Create a feature wall for instant impact
Marshalls Stoneface Drystack Walling
Used to create an area where the eye is immediately drawn - feature walls can lend an element of flare to any outdoor or indoor space.
This could be painted or tiled mural on a brick wall, or, if you want to bring more greenery into your patio area, you can install a living wall.
Not only will a feature wall become an instant talking point, but it will also detract attention away from the small size of the patio; using designs with horizontal lines will help make the appearance of your patio even bigger.
Build a patio to be proud of with Marshalls
With Marshalls, you can create the perfect small patio for your home. We’ve been supplying UK homeowners with premium hard landscaping products for well over 100 years, meaning you can rest assured that your next garden project is in the safest possible hands.
We also have a huge variety of garden paving and garden walling solutions to choose from along with expert support and guidance at every step of the way. Transform your garden into the outdoor living space of your dreams with Marshalls.
FAQs
Is easy is it to lay pavers for a DIY patio?
Laying pavers is something that can be done yourself and, with a bit of research before getting started, you can look forward to seeing fantastic results. They are also extremely cost-effective, which is always an added bonus. However, there are other great materials that you can use for patio paving, too. Brick, concrete slabs and even natural stone also make a great modern patio. If you aren’t as confident with DIY, there are local installers who specialise in laying patio pavers and slabs. Browse our directory of trusted, accredited installers to find one in your local area.
Can patios get wet?
Patio materials are specially designed to withstand the elements, with options like porcelain being non-porous meaning it is not at risk of cracking after periods of freezing rain. Patios can become slippery when wet, especially if they are not kept clean and free of moss, so it’s always best to care for your patio properly in order to ensure that it’s safe to use in all weathers.
What type of patio is most durable?
Concrete and porcelain are the most durable patio materials when properly installed. As well as being hard-wearing, these don’t take a lot of maintenance to keep in good shape. Patios can be long-lasting investments that can add real value to your home for years to come. It’s generally most cost-effective to choose the best quality materials possible to ensure that your patio area is built to last.
