how to bring maximum style to a minimally-sized garden patio.
For those of us who live in rented flats, townhouses, or just aren’t blessed with acres of garden space - styling a smaller patio can often feel like an uphill struggle. You’ll spend hours browsing through beautiful outdoor decor, only for a quick glance out the window to remind you that you simply don’t have the space for it. Clutter quickly builds, awkward furniture arrangements ensue, and after whacking your shin off that cramped coffee table one-too-many times - that small patio can start to feel like a big problem.
But don’t lose faith. Having to compromise on space doesn’t mean that you’ve got to do the same for style, and some nifty design knowledge is all that’s needed to transform even the puniest of patio spaces. From perfecting the layout to finding your style and choosing the right decor - we’re bringing you achievable garden patio ideas that will work wonders for any compact space.
Understanding how to work with the space you have is the single most important principle of styling any small area. Lavish landscaping and an extravagant dining area might sound like appealing ideas for a patio garden, but they’re likely to result in a confined-feeling space that doesn’t stand up to practical use.
Instead, start by planning out exactly how you intend to use your patio space. Is it going to be a quiet reading nook? A sanctuary for your summer morning coffees? Do you plan on hosting sizeable groups of guests? Your answers to these questions will determine how far you need to go in terms of introducing furniture, as well as the specific decor choices that will work best for whatever space you’ve got.
Even if you do want to get ambitious and push your smaller space to its limit, there are plenty of garden patio ideas and design tricks that will help get you there.
- Understanding scale and proportion allows you to utilise every inch of a small patio, choosing accents that complement your space rather than confine it.
- Learning to zone your space will create a sense of cohesion and clarity, dividing your patio into multiple sections with unique purposes.
- Choosing multifunctional accents like storage ottomans, folding furniture and vertical planters will free up space for those extra accessories you might otherwise have to forego.
When coming up with small patio garden ideas, it’s important that your unique style never becomes neglected. Smaller spaces definitely don’t have to be boring, and their ability to channel your personality and make a statement is only limited by your imagination.
Remember - while you might have to make some sacrifices on size and scale, there are plenty of practical outdoor accents and aesthetics that still pack a hefty punch of style. From picnic patches to quiet coffee corners and sweet summer escapes - here are some small patio ideas that will take your space from boxed-in to beautiful.
If you’ve ever thought that your small patio space couldn’t be transformed into a regal afternoon tea setting, then think again. Utilising floral outdoor cushions, sweet pastel hues and a collage of cosy layers - our garden tea party collection provides everything you need to create your very own fairytale aesthetic, without the need for endless sprawling acres.
Choosing slim and streamlined furniture not only saves on floor space, but opens up your space by allowing natural light to take the forefront. A bold use of colour and pattern ensures that your small space will never fail to stand out, while the addition of stylish outdoor table linen provides the perfect finishing touch.
What’s better than breaking out the sunscreen, kicking back with a cocktail and soaking up the sun on a summer holiday? We’ll answer: enjoying all those luxuries from the comfort of your own back garden. Using an eclectic mix of bright sunshine shades, weatherproof fabrics and tropical patterns - our summer escape edit is all about bringing those holiday vibes home.
A stylish outdoor rug is your best friend when it comes to zoning smaller patio spaces, effortlessly designating a space for pure soothing among your garden villa aesthetic. Choose exotic patterns that exude an atmosphere of poolside relaxation, and don’t hold back on the bright outdoor cushions - both colour and comfort are key to any successful summer retreat.
Who said dainty patios couldn’t be outdoor dining hotspots? While the British weather might often hold us back, nothing beats the bliss of indulging alfresco on a scorching summer’s day. And when it comes to small patios, all you’ve got to do is get creative. Swap out those chunky dining chairs for bistro seats, and make up for lost comfort with a plush pile of outdoor cushions.
Opting for a square or rectangular dining table allows for chairs to be pushed underneath, and for the whole set to be shifted to a corner when not in use. Pop some patterned outdoor placemats down to create that family dining feel, and finish with some toasty throws for those chillier sunset hours.
When considering garden patio ideas for a smaller space, some knowledge of design tips and tricks can go a long way. While you won’t be able to pull some extra floor space out of thin air, there are tons of handy design hacks that can help to make it seem as though you have.
1. plan, plot + measure.
It might sound like an obvious point to make, but the importance of planning can’t be stressed enough when it comes to styling a smaller outdoor space. The best small garden patio ideas have hours of thought and preparation behind them, so don’t go buying a whole bunch of furniture without getting the groundwork done first.
Dust off the measuring tape, and start making a plan for where each element of your dream patio layout might live. You’ll need at least 50cm of space behind chairs for guests to use them comfortably, and 30cm of clearance between tables and chairs for optimal dining conditions. A clear walking path is always essential, so make sure to leave a metre-wide track for easy access.
2. zone your space.
Organisation is key when bringing your small patio garden ideas to life. Nobody wants an outdoor living space that feels chaotic or cluttered, and one of the best ways to avoid this is by splitting your area into unique, clearly defined zones. While space might limit the number and size of your zones, they still bring a powerful sense of cohesion to any patio design.
Use cosy accents like cushions, throws and outdoor floor cushions to create a designated space for relaxation. For dining and conversation areas, use compact furniture, table linen and a chic patio rug to tie the space together. Tall plants can help to divide your zones further, while bringing endless character and a sense of freshness to your space.
3. embrace multifunctional accents.
While we never want to compromise on our outdoor decor choices, saving on space needs to be a priority if you want to make the most out of a small patio. Multifunctional furniture and accents offer one of the best ways to strike this balance - providing a chic look along with plenty of practical and space-saving benefits.
Look for foldable chairs that are easily stackable, ottomans with internal storage and space-saving seating like hammocks or hanging chairs. If you’re really looking to milk the multifunctionality aspect - wall planters, vertical gardens and string lights can also be used to save on floor space.
4. choose light hues + bold patterns.
While they might not be the first factors that pop into your head when planning a small patio space, colour and pattern play an extremely important role. Aside from making an outdoor space feel inviting and original, carefully selected tones and motifs can help to make restricted spaces feel larger and more open.
When it comes to choosing colours for a small patio design, going light and bright is always the best option. Light neutral shades like white, beige and cream reflect natural light - giving your space an open and refreshingly airy feel. Smaller-scale patterns will prevent your space from becoming overpowered, so stick with more miniature motifs when selecting patterned outdoor cushions.
Once you’ve got a solid plan for the layout of your small patio space and know what style you’re going for, it’s time to move on to the fun part - choosing your decor!
Remember, prioritising your preferences and expressing your personality are crucial in creating a design you’ll truly love - so don’t get too bogged down in rules and style trends. However, there are some particular standouts when it comes to choosing the best decor for small outdoor spaces.
- Weather-resistant accessories allow you to keep your patio looking pristine all year round, and don’t need to be immediately rushed inside once the rain starts falling. There are tons of options out there, from water-resistant cushions to outdoor rugs, table linen and more.
- Outdoor rugs are already well-known for the definition and character that they can bring to a small patio space, but their practicality is often overlooked. They can be used to create zones, soften surfaces and anchor furniture that might slip on a patio floor.
- Throws are a must-have for any stylish outdoor space, but work particularly well in elevating small patios. Cosy cotton and faux fur throws help to soften up hard stone textures, while minimalist and boho designs help to flood our space with character.
Plants and flowerbeds make a stunning addition to any outdoor space, but many of us avoid them due to the demanding levels of care required. The good news is that there are plenty of non-needy plant species out there - many of which require little-to-no maintenance at all.
- Flowers like daffodils, tulips and crocuses are ideally suited to small garden spaces. They require very little care, and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of exposure to sunlight. While they’ll unfortunately disappear through the autumn and winter seasons, the bulbs remain dormant in the ground and will bloom again once spring has sprung.
- Evergreens like boxwood, lavender and sweet box shrubs will flourish year-round in a small patio space. Each comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning you don’t have to worry about them growing out of control or looking oversized in your space.
If you’re looking for small garden or patio ideas that will take your space to the next level, there’s always the option of getting creative with some inspired DIY designs. Remember that safety always comes first, so recruit a helper or two if you’ve got your heart set on an ambitious home project.
- Create your own vertical garden by dusting off old watering cans, buckets or fabric pockets and mounting them on a solid frame. Fill them with soil and sew your seeds, or use fresh herbs to create your very own scented garden. You’ll be saving on floor space too, so a vertical garden is always an amazing addition.
- Repurpose old furniture to create stunning accessories for your outdoor space that exude homespun charm. Use weather-resistant paint to breathe new life into old cabinets, and you’ll have some stylish patio storage cabinets for your outdoor space. Other items like logs and cinder blocks can also make for great upcycled seating. Just make sure to cover your DIY seating with soft outdoor cushions, which should be stowed away correctly during winter months.
- DIY lighting is great for giving your outdoor space that magical finishing touch, and serves a valuable purpose once the evenings start to get a bit darker. Clean out your old glass bottles and mason jars, drill small holes in the lids to hang them and fill them with the lighting of your choice.
And there you have it! You’re hopefully feeling a lot more confident about your outdoor space than you were before, and are equipped with enough small garden and patio ideas to last you a lifetime. Although you might be lacking in space, it’s clear to see that this won’t stop you from making the most out of your patio or garden. With a little understanding, a lot of planning and the knowledge of which decor will work best for your space - we hope that you now see the infinite possibilities that lay hidden in small open-air spaces.
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