Having an outdoor space that you can escape to is wonderful, even if you’ve only the smallest of plots. A compact patio has lots to offer compared to a very big garden. Everything you need is close to hand; looking after a smaller space is easier and less time-consuming than maintaining a large garden, and small patio ideas can often feel cosier and more private than a very open or overlooked outdoor space.
If lack of space is a problem, there are lots of clever visual tricks that you can use to make a compact patio feel a bit bigger. Limiting the colour palette can be a good starting point, whether wall colour, furniture or flooring, as too many colours confuse the eye and can make a small space feel chaotic. The same goes with choice of planting too. Keeping to two or three colours that are repeated throughout containers, raised beds, and borders can create a more cohesive, natural scheme that feels less muddled than lots of clashing colours.
1. Raised structures
Using vertical space effectively can make a small patio feel bigger. A raised structure, such as a pergola or arch, draws the eye upwards so that attention is diverted from the lack of floor space. Decorate with solar lanterns and festoon strings to create extra visual interest.
2. Streamlined furniture
Try not to overcrowd a small patio with furniture. Keep to a few well-chosen pieces of small space garden furniture or a matching set, rather than a mismatched collection of chairs and tables. It will give the space a more cohesive feel.
Woven garden furniture is lightweight and easy to rearrange if needed, and looks less bulky than hefty wooden furniture.
3. Thoughtful flooring
Choice of flooring is key when it comes to a small patio. Large-format paving with fewer grout lines creates the illusion of space, while floor tiles laid diagonally can make the floor area appear wider. Use an outdoor rug as an anchor point for garden furniture – it helps draw the eye in so the items feel intentionally placed.
4. Multi-level planting
Avoid having too many pots at ground level and make use of vertical space instead. Fix trellises to fences to train climbing plants up, together with wall-hung planters and hanging baskets for growing trailing flowers. Use tiered stands to arrange pots and planters at different levels.
5. Space-saving storage
Be savvy with your set-up so you can incorporate all the essentials you require. Save room with folding or stackable pieces that can be put away when not needed and utilise wall space with hooks and hanging rails, wall-hung cubbies and trellises to hang things on.
6. Reflective surfaces
Paler colours on walls and flooring can help to bounce light around so that the space feels brighter and more open. Hanging an outdoor mirror also gives the illusion of extra garden space. (Be careful not to position it in direct sunlight or where it could affect birds.)
Get the look
A pocket-sized patio doesn't have to be a pain point, but can become a little garden jewel box, or a tiny oasis for you to relax and unwind.
