5 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Patio from Our Tours
Patio on the modest side? Take a tip from these designers to maximise the space
Kate Burt
27 June 2021
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
Perhaps your back garden is naturally small, or maybe it’s been reduced as a result of a rear extension. Whatever the reason, when the flat surface outside the back of your house is on the wee side, it can seem restrictive – how can you fit a table, where will guests sit, how can you make it look pretty without cluttering it up? Browse these solutions for ideas.
Favour sliding doors
If your patio is small, you’re likely to find that bifolding doors make it even smaller, as they’ll require the width of their panes in order to function. Any furniture or plants just outside would need to be moved each time you opened the doors to their full capacity. French windows, to a lesser extent, may create comparable issues.
Sliding doors, like the wall-to-wall ones in this Zulufish project, which lead onto a small courtyard, could be the answer, as they won’t impinge on space, meaning every inch of the patio can be used.
See the rest of this family-friendly home.
If your patio is small, you’re likely to find that bifolding doors make it even smaller, as they’ll require the width of their panes in order to function. Any furniture or plants just outside would need to be moved each time you opened the doors to their full capacity. French windows, to a lesser extent, may create comparable issues.
Sliding doors, like the wall-to-wall ones in this Zulufish project, which lead onto a small courtyard, could be the answer, as they won’t impinge on space, meaning every inch of the patio can be used.
See the rest of this family-friendly home.
Garden vertically
Thinking up rather than out when building features into a petite patio can help to make the most of area. In this example, in the garden of interiors photographer Veronica Rodriguez, the solution is also eminently budget-friendly. She created a vertical planter out of pallets, upping the opportunity to add foliage while taking up hardly any floor space.
If you decide to grow edibles in old pallets, however, do be aware there are safety issues to consider; you can find lots of information online about avoiding contamination from the wood’s former use.
Check out the whole of this house.
Thinking up rather than out when building features into a petite patio can help to make the most of area. In this example, in the garden of interiors photographer Veronica Rodriguez, the solution is also eminently budget-friendly. She created a vertical planter out of pallets, upping the opportunity to add foliage while taking up hardly any floor space.
If you decide to grow edibles in old pallets, however, do be aware there are safety issues to consider; you can find lots of information online about avoiding contamination from the wood’s former use.
Check out the whole of this house.
Build in seating
Another way to maximise the space on a small patio is to build in seating. In this Fraher & Findlay project, a low-level concrete bench provides somewhere for several people to sit while taking up minimal room.
Cushions could easily be added for comfort and a fold-up table could be placed in front of it for dining.
Find the right people to help make your project a reality in the Houzz Professionals Directory, where you can search for professionals in your area, see photos of their work and read client reviews.
Another way to maximise the space on a small patio is to build in seating. In this Fraher & Findlay project, a low-level concrete bench provides somewhere for several people to sit while taking up minimal room.
Cushions could easily be added for comfort and a fold-up table could be placed in front of it for dining.
Find the right people to help make your project a reality in the Houzz Professionals Directory, where you can search for professionals in your area, see photos of their work and read client reviews.
The architects also designed a raised bed on the opposite side that not only brings planting almost into the house, but can be used as an additional place to perch when the owners have a crowd round.
See this entire house renovation, complete with a light-filled Japanese addition.
See this entire house renovation, complete with a light-filled Japanese addition.
Make it an extension of your home
This balcony has been designed to add useful extra space to the flat. It works as a cosy patio, but is even better as an extension to the kitchen.
Designer Claudia Dorsch raised the floor level, so it sits flush with the kitchen floor. She also installed an awning and electric heaters, so the space can function for a good chunk of the year.
Take a tour of the whole of this renovated flat.
This balcony has been designed to add useful extra space to the flat. It works as a cosy patio, but is even better as an extension to the kitchen.
Designer Claudia Dorsch raised the floor level, so it sits flush with the kitchen floor. She also installed an awning and electric heaters, so the space can function for a good chunk of the year.
Take a tour of the whole of this renovated flat.
Take it away from the house
If you only have room for a small patio, make the most of it by ensuring it’s in the best possible spot. That might be away from the house if the area outside your back door is unsuitable – too shady, for instance.
In this modest garden, Fiona Green of Green Tree Garden Design sited a small patio at the back of the plot, which gets the morning sun and is nicely secluded from the neighbours.
Discover how this once-standard garden was transformed.
Tell us…
How have you made the most of your patio? Share your tips in the Comments.
If you only have room for a small patio, make the most of it by ensuring it’s in the best possible spot. That might be away from the house if the area outside your back door is unsuitable – too shady, for instance.
In this modest garden, Fiona Green of Green Tree Garden Design sited a small patio at the back of the plot, which gets the morning sun and is nicely secluded from the neighbours.
Discover how this once-standard garden was transformed.
Tell us…
How have you made the most of your patio? Share your tips in the Comments.
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Very useful tips. I’ve applied a few to my conservatory/patio combo
Worth noting that the terrace floor has been raised to that of the interior in all the examples. Equal height makes the exterior a natural continuation of the interior and enhances the feeling of space.
Beautiful garden, Harry!