We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Design ideas and styling inspiration for your garden patio.
Is it time to give your trusty patio area a makeover? Even if you're working with a relatively small plot, fuss-free and low-maintenance updates (investing in a stylish bistro set for alfresco dining or creating a cosy lounge area with a rug) are favourable, small-scale transformations. Whereas landscaping jobs like paving and zoned areas will be more costly for a garden patio but fundamental to the layout of your space.
Essentially, when it comes to planning your perfect garden patio, you have to think about how you intend to use your outdoor retreat, including the paving you will use, the right furniture to fit the space, your budget, and so forth.
Keep reading to discover 19 useful patio ideas, plus how to get the look with top product picks from trusted retailers such as Dunelm, Habitat and Wayfair...
Create the perfect indoor-outdoor space and utilise your patio for alfresco meals with a retractable awning, as seen here in the garden of interiors stylist and creative director Sally Cullen. It'll create privacy and shelter, and it'll help to control light so you can enjoy mealtimes and relax in a shaded area.
Image: Ardoise Awning, Hillarys
When designing a patio, remember to be sensitive to the style of your house. A modern house will suit more contemporary paving styles, while traditional paving lends itself well to period properties.
Durable outdoor tiles, for example, are a contemporary choice. You can't go wrong with stone effect porcelain tiles – you're guaranteed a clean, sleek finish.
Image: Bellevue White Stone Effect Large Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tile, Tile Mountain
But updating decking or patio tiles can be costly, so a quick and easy alternative is to invest in a high-quality outdoor rug that can be used to conceal tired flooring. With a multitude of patterns and colourways on offer, you can swap options in and out depending on the occasion.
Image: Stockholm Bistro Set, Next
This rug is made with 100 per cent polypropylene with a flat-weave pile that is UV-protected, as well as resistant to moisture. The yarn is stain and fade-resistant, making it easy to clean, and it's free from harmful substances.
Add wow factor to a small patio with statement tiles. Porcelain, Victorian-style matt-finish tiles will add instant period charm – and bring plenty of character to a city garden. Just add some sun loungers, a hanging egg chair or a modern bench, and relax.
Image: Brompton Porcelain Clarence Tiles, Ca' Pietra
If you have a sizeable outdoor space your entire garden doesn’t have to be paved. Instead, create zones by having a decked area alongside a lawn.
Creating split levels with stepped areas will easily define zones, but more cost-effective ways include using plants combined with features such as paving circles, walling and edging.
Image: Refectory Table and Sleeper Bench Set, Forest
A little careful planning can make your patio area feel much more spacious. If space allows, we recommend zoning areas into 'rooms' – that is, using furniture and accessories to create distinct spaces with defined purposes.
For example, create a 'room' to relax with the addition of bean bags and a jute rug, and another area will be your 'room' for entertaining with a fire pit and chairs.
Image: Urban Garden, Wayfair
Create additional seating in your garden with this practical floor cushion. Crafted from jute and cotton, the plump design has a useful carry handle and a colourful striped print.
If you want to create a patio area that feels contemporary, choose garden furniture with plenty of clean lines and hairpin metal frames, like this Teka chair inspired by modern Scandinavian design. Pair with plenty of greenery and you'll have a patio area that feels almost tropical.
Image: Habitat Teka Metal Chair, Argos
A contemporary design for your patio, this lounge chair is robust with a weather-resistant powder-coated steel frame and a seat and headrest made from durable Textilene for comfortable support.
In any small space, furniture that has more than one use is invaluable. This is never more true than on your patio, where floor space is at a premium and functionality is crucial.
Invest in at least one piece of patio furniture that also acts as storage, such as stools and benches with concealed spaces. This fire pit bowl (pictured) can be transformed into a handy coffee table with the addition of a lid.
Image: Hemi 36 Fire Bowl with Custom Hardwood Table Top, Solus Decor
This round coffee table has a secret... a concealed storage space at its centre. Use it to keep your outdoor decor safe when not in use.
If your options are limited when it comes to updating patio furniture or flooring, don't despair. The right accessories can make all the difference and can be easy to update depending on the occasion, mood and time of year.
Have a selection of tablecloths and serveware, and consider the small details such as placemats, cutlery and glassware. Flowers in a vase can be used as a fresh centrepiece and lanterns add a lovely touch of ambience.
Image: Wexford Limestone Cobble Tumbled Finish, Ca' Pietra
Small garden patios don't have the benefit of ample floor space, so when it comes to choosing outdoor dining sets, opt for designs that are square or rectangular. Cube-like furniture is usually better than circular designs, as chairs can be easily pushed underneath.
Image: Indu 4 Seater Metal Patio Set, Habitat
This compact dining set is the perfect size for patios. Not only is it stylish, but it's comfy too, thanks to the plump showerproof chair cushions.
Decking won't stop you from bringing greenery into your space. Choose shrubs and small trees that will thrive in pots (containers will be your best friend), and line them along a wall or fence for additional privacy. It's ideal for creating a shady corner, too.
Alongside container gardening, a wall mounted vertical garden is ideal for those who don't have a large garden patio. Think of it as your own modern living plant wall – it'll make a lovely backdrop.
Image: Slatted Wall Planter Shelf, Forest
A wooden stand gives this ceramic planter extra height – just what you need to show off your tallest foliage.
Good news: When it comes to patio-approved plants, there's choice aplenty. Bedding plants, climbers and dwarf fruit trees are all good for containers, which will also add colour to your outdoor space. But don't rule out all-year evergreen plants, from grasses to topiary (Buxus Sempervirens).
When should you mow the lawn after winter?
Magnolia trees: how to plant for success
Why gardens deserve a spot on the priority list
When should you plant your summer bulbs?
