If your patio is on the small side there are plenty of designer tricks you can use to make it feel bigger. It helps to have your own ideas too, and combine being inventive with an eye for detail to fulfil the potential of your space.
It’s definitely a case of less is more. Let your patio design breath by decluttering rather than over compensating for the small dimensions by cramming in too much. Instead, opt for space-saving furniture, neat planting choices and clever visual tricks to maximise the space.
Key small patio ideas like supersized planters, sophisticated lighting techniques, stylish materials, sculptural focal points and pleached trees are just some of the designer influences you can use to help make a small patio look bigger.
1. Opt for a simple layout to enhance space
This simple design makes the most of a small patio space(Image credit: Katie Lee)
Your layout should always be well thought out when space is at a premium, and it’s generally a good idea to keep your small patio design simple and functional.
A modern approach lends itself perfectly to making a small patio look bigger as it creates a streamlined space that’s free of clutter. A simple, pared-down design will help to balance the space. Pale-coloured garden paving ideas like the design pictured help to visually expand the space and opting for similar tones for the furniture enhances the effect.
Alternatively you may prefer to go for a lush green space that’s heavily planted yet still looks modern. But really there is no one style when you’re looking for ways to make a small patio look bigger. It’s more a case of how you arrange the space and what you put in it.
2. Go up when you’re tight on growing space on your patio
A thriving living wall can transform a small patio into a green retreat(Image credit: Jacek Wac/Alamy Stock Photo)
Make full use of vertical space to extend growing opportunities if the patio floor area is limited. Wires and trellises can be attached to walls and fences to train climbers like star jasmine and hydrangea petiolaris. Using patio planting ideas strategically like this will also create the illusion of space by drawing the eye up.
Take things a step further with a living wall to max up your growing potential. A well-designed and maintained living wall provides a range of environmental and aesthetic benefits. It’s a great way to make the most of your small patio by offering extra growing space for plants as well as boosting biodiversity by attracting wildlife like pollinators and birds.
3. Use mirrors to create the effect of more space
Using a garden mirror can extend your planting design(Image credit: Ellie Walpole/Sarah Kay Garden Design)
Another trick to make a small patio appear bigger is to use a mirrored panel to bounce light around, as garden designer Sarah Kay has done here with a small patio in East London. By using a metal-framed mirror to add visual interest and reflect the plants, it makes it seem like there are more of them.
“Using mirrors outdoors is a clever way to make a patio feel larger and brighter,” says Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage. “Placing a well-positioned mirror against a wall or fence reflects light and creates an illusion of extra depth. Just make sure the mirror is designed for outdoor use, so it can withstand weather without fogging or damage.”
Using this idea can work in modern patio spaces if you choose a clean cut geometric design. Alternatively opt for a Gothic-style arch or rustic French ones if you’re looking for something more traditional.
With the right patio lighting ideas, your mirror can also be an effective feature at night too.
Measuring H115xW50cm, this gold-finish metal mirror is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It should be wall-mounted and some rusting is expected as part of the natural ageing of the product.
We love the wide arched design of this on-trend wall mirror. It features frost-protected mirror glass and a painted iron metal frame to ensure it is durable enough to be used outdoors. Available in a choice of three different sizes.
Thanks to its neutral stone-coloured finish and Art Deco-inspired design, this timeless mirror design would suit modern or traditional patios. It measures H97xW67cm and is made from durable steel.
Stuart Murray
Stuart Murray is a leading expert on vintage, mid-century, and Danish furniture and design, with years of experience sourcing and restoring iconic pieces. As the owner of Retrovintage, he curates a carefully selected collection of timeless designs, combining history with modern interiors. Stuart regularly advises on interiors, restorations, and classic furniture.
4. Go for big impact with supersized containers
The majority of the planting in these minimalist containers is selected for rich green foliage and a variety of textures including the semi-evergreen fern Dryopteris wallichiana. The beautiful tree is an Acer palmatum. (Image credit: Tim Sandall/RHS)
Using large garden planter ideas in a small space maxes up the interest by creating a talking point. Tall plants and trees lead the eye upwards too, providing an impression of space. The leaf canopies offer a shade option in summer too, which is particularly helpful if your small patio is in a sunny spot.
“Use the largest planters you can get to retain moisture. Larger planters allow the freedom to use taller plants or trees that give instant impact and volume,” says Sonja Kalkschmidt, the designer of this garden. “Attach vertical structures to planters to provide height for climbers.”
Japanese maples (the other name for Acers) like the one Sonja chose for this design are always a safe bet for container planting. Alternatively try a multi-stemmed ornamental tree like Amelanchier, which offers interest throughout the year, including white flowers in winter, and autumn leaf tints and berries. You can find the popular variety Amelanchier lamarckii at Crocus.
Highlight your favourite greenery in this statement planter. The tall design measures H44xD35cm. Crafted from a rust-resistant galvanised steel with an antique lead-effect finish, it’s UV stable so won’t fade in the sun.
Measuring H65xW60cm, this square planter is made from pressure treated timber. It’s pre-built so no assembly is required, and you could easily paint the exterior to match the colour scheme of your patio. Would also make a perfect mini patio herb garden near your kitchen.
It’s not just the size of your planters that can make a statement on a small patio, it’s the materials you choose too. This corten steel trough-style planter measures L100xH50xW50cm and it has a pre-rusted finish that’s designed to naturally weather over time.
Sonja Kalkschmidt
Sonja Kalkschmidt has gone from architecture to landscapes and gardens, driven by a love for places that tell stories and evolve with time. She trained at the London College of Garden Design at Kew, and is a Gold Medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
5. Visually extend your patio with a water feature
Any small patio will be visually expanded by the addition of a water feature(Image credit: Katie Lee)
It makes perfect sense to position a water feature in the place where you spend most time when you’re outdoors. Something like this simple ornamental pond can easily be included in most patio sizes, and by placing it at the furthest edge of your patio your eye is naturally drawn past the paved space to the garden beyond.
If you think of your patio as a retreat, adding a water feature will enhance this. It offers a calming focal point that draws the eye with its light-reflective surface, plus the opportunity to relax while watching the fish.
When designing a patio that includes a water feature, make sure it fits with the rest of your space, perhaps using materials that feature elsewhere for continuity. If you want to wire in a pump and lights it’s logical to put the water feature near the main supply from the house, another reason why your patio is a great spot.
6. Choose appropriately sized patio furniture
This multi-configuration Alba Reclining Garden Sofa Set by VonHaus features a 3-in-1 storage bench, footrest and coffee table, a rattan daybed/sofa/double sun lounger, and foldable side tables(Image credit: VonHaus)
Opting for furniture that completely fills every inch of your space can make a small patio feel even more cramped, especially if there is no room to manoeuvre between your seating or table.
It’s important to ensure ease of access and a natural flow around the seating or dining area so the space is comfortable to use. If the table is too big this necessitates jostling for space that’s just not practical. Make sure that everything you add has a purpose.
As a general rule a round table works best for circular patio ideas, a square one with a square patio, and so on. This also creates a visual link that enhances the overall shape.
There are so many clever ideas out there to help you maximise a small patio. Look for innovative multi-functional outdoor benches, seats and coffee tables that have integrated storage underneath. Foldaway furniture styles with lightweight metal or resin frames are a good idea as they can be stored easily when not in use.
7. Harmonise planting, materials and accessories to enhance space
This design from this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show features a lovely colour palette of earthy tones across landscaping materials, planting and accessories, creating a small patio area with a lovely immersive feel(Image credit: Sarah Cuttle/RHS)
If you’re trying to maximise the sense of space on a small patio, it’s a good idea to stick with a colour palette of one or two colours that complements the patio’s natural landscaping materials. Choose flowering plants and accessories that pick up these colours to create a cohesive space without too much contrast.
This garden by designer Baz Grainger includes a relaxing seating area with beautiful naturalistic planting including foxgloves and clary sage. The colour palette is peach, blue and rust, and these colours are picked up again in the cushion prints.
Keep the number of plant varieties to a minimum. Too many different types can create a busy and chaotic feel, whereas a simple planting palette will feel harmonised, soothing and calm – and make your patio feel bigger in the process. With accessories, choose one or two classic pieces, and resist the temptation to keep adding. Again less is more.
8. Layer up with plants to blur your patio’s boundaries
Plants can work wonders by blurring boundaries to give an impression of space(Image credit: Karen McClure Garden Design)
Another key way to make a small patio look bigger is to make the boundaries disappear. The easiest way to do this is with planting, and the taller it is the better when used as a patio edging idea.
“Use ornamental feature trees for screening boundaries,” suggests garden designer Karen McClure. “Multi-stem specimens in particular can be kept to a controlled height in a large feature pot, and can create a lovely focal point as well as give interest at a higher level. Be bold!”
As a backdrop, add fast-growing climbing plants like jasmine or clematis, which will trail up fences or trellis to add another layer of seclusion, and prevent your patio feeling so open.
A small patio often goes hand in hand with living in an urban area so if this is the case chances are you’re overlooked. If you feel crowded by neighbours it’s worth considering patio privacy ideas from the get-go too, so you give your space a more secluded feel.
Karen McClure
Karen McClure has successfully grown her company Karen McClure Garden Design from her passion for the landscaping industry. She is a fully accredited member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD). The driving force behind KMGD, Karen continues to learn, develop and grow her company, to provide clients with the best garden designs.
9. Make a small patio multifunctional
The Rhino Patio Greenhouse from Greenhouses Direct slots in beautifully to even the smallest patio space(Image credit: Rhino Greenhouses)
Even if you only have a small patio, that doesn’t mean you should limit its use to just a seating area. In fact, trying to create a couple of zones on your patio can actually be a clever way to make a small space feel bigger.
Including a tall, slimline patio greenhouse, like the one pictured, could allow you to incorporate a growing space alongside a small seating area.
“One of the biggest trends we have seen this year is the boom in demand for patio greenhouses,” says greenhouse expert Andrew White. “There’s been growing demand for a more accessible way to nurture plants. Patio planting is on the rise and mini greenhouses are the key to successful growing.” With a wide range of design available, it can be a clever budget patio idea too.
If you love to grow your own fresh produce greenhouses are a great way to extend the growing season. They provide a controlled environment that means you can enjoy “cut and come again” edible plants year-round.
Andrew White
Andrew White is head of sales and marketing at Rhino Greenhouses. He specialises in greenhouse growing and seed sowing, helping gardening enthusiasts find the right products that fit their garden space.
While it’s tempting to keep adding furniture, planters and accessories to try to make the most of your patio space, this will often have the opposite effect and make it feel cramped, cluttered and crowded. It’s one of the most common patio mistakes you can make, so keep this in mind when planning your space.
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