The Ultimate List of Garden Patio Ideas UK
If you’re struggling to get inspired when it comes to creating a patio to be proud of, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve scoured hundreds of different patios to create this ultimate list of the very best patio ideas. Whether you’re adding the finishing touches to an existing patio, or building a whole new garden, you’re bound to get some inspiration.
Ready to get inspired? Check out these 87 stylish backyard patio ideas.
1. Keep it Compact
You can still have a wonderful patio area even without an enormous outdoor space. This urban garden makes perfect use of the narrow space, opting for a slimline picnic bench and pleasing natural stone. A fire pit or chimenea can help make a small patio seem cosy, not cramped.
2. Create Zones with Subtle Borders
Subtly divide your patio garden into zones by using different stone paving or bricks. This technique can be used to separate your dining area from your chill out zone, for instance. A dining table and chairs in one area, and comfy soft furnishings in the other, will give the zones personality.
3. Bring it All Together with Stepping Stones
When the landscape abruptly changes from garden patio to lawn, it can look a little jarring – particularly in smaller spaces. To make the transition softer, form a path of stepping stones made from the same material as your patio. This is one of the best patio ideas for creating cohesion between patio and lawn.
4. Build Your Patio Around Greenery
Don’t let the presence of a tree stop you from creating the perfect patio garden! Build the patio around the tree and make it a focal point like in the garden above.
5. Break Up Your Patio
For an unusual finish, why not try leaving gaps between slabs across the lawn? This garden design creates a dynamic lawn/patio area and means there’s less grass to maintain overall!
6. Add Decorative Tiles
Decorative patterned floor tiles add charm to a patio garden, creating a stylish outdoor living area without overwhelming the space. These can be purchased in a huge range of colours and patterns, or opt for stencils if you’d like to give it a go yourself.
7. Surround Patios with Raised Flower Beds
One of the simplest ways to add interest to your garden is through raised flower beds. Border your patio garden with raised beds filled with your favourite flowers. These slate grey planters look great against porcelain white slabs.
8. Add Homely Accessories for a Cosy Feel
This cosy, covered patio garden could pass as an interior lounge – it’s that comfortable! To create a cosy and homely outdoor room on your patio area, all you need is a few key accessories. Soft cushions, blankets and lanterns will transform a boring patio into the perfect spot to chill after a long day.
9. Tier it Up
A tiered patio suits a sloping garden, giving you several practical flat areas to work with as opposed to one long slope. Integrate steps into this garden design for easy access.
10. Add a Pond
When it comes to ponds and patios, you don’t need to choose one or the other. A raised pond such as the one pictured above can be installed anywhere in your garden and will create a great focal point. Surround with exotic potted plants for a tropical feel.
11. Bring the Patio to the Front Garden
The perfect spot for a bit of people-watching, a front patio garden will give visitors the best first impression of your home. Install a swing seat and enjoy hours of watching the world go by.
12. Encapsulate a Cottage Feel with Foliage
Use rustic metal buckets as planters and combine various natural textures to create a cottage garden. A prairie planting scheme would work perfectly around the patio too.
13. Plant Vertically to Make the Most of Space
If your patio is small, you can utilise the space you’ve got by planting vertically. There are loads of ways to do this, from using pots to shoe organisers! Grow herbs, vegetables or flowers vertically to add fragrance and greenery without wasting floor space. This is one of the best patio ideas for small gardens.
14. Trade Stone for Wooden Decking
If you’re starting your garden from scratch, why not consider decking alongside a patio to create different zones. As patio ideas go, this can look a more dynamic than just a standard natural stone patio.
15. Go Against the Grain with Two Patios
Why have one patio garden when you can have two? If you’ve got the space, position a patio area for lounging at one end of the garden and a patio area for dining at the other. Connect them with a pathway made from matching stone paving. This is one of the best patio ideas for larger gardens.
16. Opt for a Vintage Bistro Set
There’s something very charming about a vintage bistro set! Elegant and durable, bistro sets are perfect for smaller households. They tend to look even better as they wear as well.
17. Integrate a Living Wall
Ensure you’re not sacrificing any greenery by adding a living wall. Not only does a wall of climbing plants looks great and create a strong focal point, it can also add privacy to the patio, create shade and help remove air pollutants.
18. Make a Statement with a Water Feature
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Create a real statement by integrating a water feature into your patio garden. You could opt for something small and simple, or go all out like the garden above.
19. Use Tiles Instead of Slabs
For an unconventional patio garden, use floor tiles instead of traditional natural stone paving slabs – just make sure they’re non-slip.
20. Install a Pergola Over Your Patio
Use a pergola to create a covered patio for privacy, shade and style. You could go for a more traditional square or rectangular pergola, or opt for something a little different like the triangular pergola above.
21. Opt for Brightly Coloured Décor
As backyard patio ideas go, this one is pretty loud. Cheer up a plain patio garden by choosing bright, bold, stylish furniture and accessories. Go all out like the garden design above, or for a more subtle look simply add one or two bright pieces to make your outdoor living area pop.
22. Level Up with a Hot Tub
If you’re looking for a way to add some real luxury to your patio, it doesn’t get much more decadent than an outdoor hot tub. When it comes to indulgent patio ideas, a hot tub is definitely one to consider!
23. Use Faux Plants for Low Maintenance Decoration
If you’ve not got the time to maintain real plants, decorate your patio garden with faux plants instead. You’ll hardly be able to tell the difference, and they’ll stay green all year round!
The patio design above uses a mix of faux plants and real plants to great effect.
24. Go for Chequered Tiles in a Courtyard Garden
Chequered floor tiles will add contemporary glamour to any garden, but they’re especially effective in courtyard spaces. Go for bright and bold cheques, or opt for something a little more subtle.
25. Add Heated Accessories for Chilly Evenings
If you’re worrying about cooler evenings spoiling your fun, a patio heater is a great investment. You can choose either gas or electric patio heaters and they’ll keep you cosy well into the evening.
26. Welcome the Mediterranean with Neutral Colours
Give your garden that wonderful holiday feel by creating a Mediterranean inspired patio. Opt for neutral colours like whites, creams and greys. This beachy style will feel especially glorious on sunny days.
27. Set up an Outdoor Bar for Parties
Make your garden the place to be by integrating an outdoor bar on your patio. Create a cocktail menu and practice your bartending skills!
This is one of the best patio ideas for entertaining – why not check out our list of the best garden bar ideas for more inspiration?
28. Create an All-Weather Patio with a Gazebo
Installing a sturdy gazebo over your patio garden will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space whatever the weather. Gazebos easily make a patio feel like a comfortable outdoor living space. Plus, there will be no more making guests stand in the drizzle during your summer BBQs!
29. Set Up an Informal Dining Space
Embrace al-fresco dining whenever the mood takes you by setting up an informal outdoor dining table on your patio. If you’ve got the budget, a pizza oven and log store (as pictured in the patio design above) will add even more pizazz to the dining space.
30. Tile Raised Edges
A raised patio and sunken patio provide an extra surface to decorate. If the edges of your patio garden are looking a little dull, use porcelain tiles around the edges of raised beds to create instant impact. Go for rich colours and vibrant patterns to bring plenty of life to your garden.
31. Add a Patterned Rug
Most patios can easily be livened up with a patterned outdoor rug. Monochrome works well across the board, but bright colours can be used to with great results. This is one of the easiest backyard patio ideas – it’s simple to put down outdoor rugs yet it makes a real difference.
32. Mix Textures for a Bohemian Vibe
Turn on chill mode at the end of a long day by opting for a Bohemian style garden. Achieve this by mixing different textures, patterns and chucking a few blankets in for good measure. Fire pits will always be welcome, alongside large candles.
33. Integrate Freestanding Decorative Screens
Freestanding screens will offer you both shade and privacy, but they can also be moved out of the way at a moment’s notice. As patio ideas go, screens are both useful and versatile; plus, decorative screens bring a feeling of elegance to the garden.
34. String Lights for Atmosphere
Using strings of lights and lanterns is one of the most affordable patio ideas to help bring your patio to life when the sun goes down. String outdoor fairy lights between trees, from fence to fence or around your pergola to bring a touch of magic to your garden.
35. Expand Your Space with an Outdoor Mirror
Installing a garden mirror is a popular technique used in garden design. They can open up a patio area, creating the feeling of more space. Window-style mirrors, such as the one pictured above, give the illusion of another garden beyond the wall.
36. Show Off with Bougainvillaea
Show-stopping and spectacular, bougainvillaea is an evergreen plant that looks great climbing a patio pergola. In summer, they can be grown outside, but you’ll need a frost-free spot such as a greenhouse in the winter.
37. Stay Clutter-Free with Clever Storage
Cushions and outdoor accessories can be tricky to store. Investing in an all-weather storage unit such as the one above will make it easy to pack away your garden bits and bobs. The best patio ideas are practical as well as stylish!
38. Host Cook-Offs in an Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re a keen host but don’t like being confined to the kitchen while your guests are outside, an outdoor kitchen will bring a whole new feel to your dinner parties. This is one of the best patio ideas if you tend to have plenty of al-fresco BBQs over summer.
39. Plant Fragrant Lavender
Surrounding your patio garden with lavender will make it one of the best spots to sit. The vibrant plant looks great alongside natural stone slabs and the air around your garden patio will be filled with fragrance.
40. Opt for a Retractable Awning for Shade
This is one of the best design ideas if you’ve not got the space for a freestanding pergola, a retractable awning is a great alternative. They take up no floor space, and can help make the patio area feel like an outdoor living space that is an extension of inside rooms.
41. Install Built-In Seating
A built-in bench will make the most of the space you’ve got available and save you money on traditional outdoor furniture. For added style points, opt for a bench in a completely different finish to your garden paving, like the patio bench above.
42. Create a Focal Point with a Fire Pit
A fire pit provides a focal point and can help the patio be used year round. Plus, it’s not uncommon for a fire pit to come with a grill and double up as a BBQ – great news for entertaining! A fire pit can offer an informal way to create an outdoor kitchen, or, at the very least, it can be used for marshmallow toasting!
43. Make a Statement with an Outdoor Fireplace
More than just a fire pit, a built-in outdoor fireplace can make a real style statement. The perfect spot to curl up with a book whatever the temperature!
44. Bring the Wow Factor with Spotlights
As far as patio design ideas go, spotlights are both dramatic and practical in equal measure. Solar powered lights are easy to install and require no complicated cabling.
45. Screen Your Patio with Lattice Fencing
Lattice fencing can add privacy to your patio area without blocking sunlight. Opt for freestanding fencing like the garden design above, or add lattice to the top of existing garden fences if you need a little more height.
46. Welcome the Rainforest with Tropical Plants
Rich foliage can give your garden a tropical feel, but you only need one or two exotic plants to make a big impact. Plants such as Canna Musifolia and Colocasia have large canopies that produce a lot of shade.
47. Soften the Scene with Ornamental Grasses
If you don’t love the look of harsh borders, soften the edges of your patio area with ornamental grasses and perennials. Stipa tenuissima and Cortaderia are two garden favourites.
48. Draw the Eye with a Feature Wall
A feature wall can add depth to a bland backyard patio. This is one of the best patio ideas if you fancy getting creative: paint the wall a bright colour, decorate it with a mural, or invest in some unique artwork – anything to give the wall more flavour!
If you want more garden wall inspiration, check out this list of Creative Garden Wall Ideas.
49. Incorporate a Sound System for Parties
If you want your parties to be the talk of the town, a good sound system is key. Cordless speakers can be wall mounted, or hidden in corners, then stored away when the guests go home.
50. Use Stencils on Flooring
Bring personality to your patio by painting natural stone paving yourself using stencils. There’s no artistic skill required, and you’ll have full control over the colour and pattern.
51. Opt for Concrete Paving
Super low maintenance and beautifully modern, concrete paving is a great way to go in contemporary gardens.
52. Use Reclaimed Patio Slabs
If you’re on a tighter budget, not all patio ideas have to come at a high price. Reclaimed slabs offer a great alternative to using brand new ones. Second-hand materials can often be picked up cheaply at construction sites. Alternatively, try scouring your neighbourhood to see if anyone’s redoing their garden and has anything they’d like to give away.
53. Add Colour with Flowers
Colourful flowers will add vibrancy to a neutral backyard patio. Fuchsia, hydrangeas and sunflowers will all cheer up a plain space!
54. Use Borders to Showcase Your Patio
Surrounding your patio with a border will break up harsh boundaries and allow you to get a little more creative. Pictured above is a stylish natural stone border. The contrasting colours and textures are particularly eye-catching.
Take a look at these Garden Border Ideas to get inspired.
55. Create Shade with a Large Parasol
If you don’t want something as permanent as a gazebo or pergola, but you’d still like some shade, a large freestanding parasol will be just the ticket.
56. Create Movement with Sweeping Curves
Smaller gardens can look a little ‘boxy’ if there are too many straight lines. Opt for sweeping curves like the ones in the garden above, or a rounded patio, to bring a sense of movement to a small patio area.
57. Integrate a Small Pool
Pools can be as small as just a few metres long and still offer years of enjoyment.
58. Go for the Iconic Deckchair
If you’ve not got the budget for fancy patio furniture, a classic deckchair is hard to beat. Iconic for a reason, a deckchair will bring a touch of British seaside charm to your outdoor space. Even simple patio ideas can be extremely effective!
59. Decorate the Walls with a Mural
Add more personality to your backyard patio by decorating the walls with a mural. Give it a go yourself if you’re feeling brave, or find a local mural artist.
60. Contrast Your Patio with Fencing
For a more dramatic feel, try contrasting your patio with your fencing. This will immediately draw the eye, transforming even a boring patio into a memorable outdoor space.
61. Go for a Sunken Seating Area
Create a secluded and stylish sunken seating area. This is a great option for sloped gardens, and has the added benefit of giving you a little more privacy.
62. Don’t be Afraid to Fill the Space
If you’ve got a larger patio to work with, don’t be afraid to really use the space you’ve got. The image above is a perfect example of well used space, integrating several patio ideas in one: there’s a dining table as well as a casual seating area to make the most of one outdoor space.
63. Embrace Ultra-Minimalist Style
Fuss-free and easy to achieve, embracing a minimalist style can take the stress out of patio design. Use striking angles and invest in useful pieces, decorating with just a few key accessories.
64. Create a Private Patio Area with Curtains
Create a shady spot that’s free from mosquitoes and prying eyes with patio curtains! These can be hung from your pergola or gazebo, and add a touch of luxury to the patio space. Fire pits, wall decorations and string lights will all help to complete the look.
65. Grow a Herb Garden
Patio herb gardens look lovely, smell great, and are an excellent way to save a few pennies on your weekly shop. The best herbs to grow on your patio include basil, mint, coriander, rosemary and thyme.
66. Make a Statement with Bright Colours
Bold colours will bring vibrancy to any patio and they are especially effective in small outdoor spaces. Go for a mixture of colours like the garden above to prevent a look that’s too ‘curated’.
67. Integrate Hanging Seats
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Bringing a laid back and welcoming vibe to your patio, swing seats are both visually striking and make great use of outdoor space. When it comes to simple patio ideas, this is a great option to consider.
68. Embrace a Monochrome Aesthetic
Super stylish and easy to achieve, a monochrome aesthetic is timeless and glamorous. There’s no danger of clashing colours, simply stick to black, white and grey! We love it when patio ideas are this straight forward.
69. Surround Patios with Topiary Balls
Give your patio an edge by bordering it with evenly spaced topiary balls. Providing a seriously smart look, these can be purchased at most garden centres or even some large supermarkets.
70. Opt for a Green and White Colour Scheme
If you’re stuck with what colours to use in your garden, you can’t go wrong with green and white. Opt for light patio slabs, paint your fence or wall white then add a whole lot of green plants. Voila!
71. Add a Corten Steel Wall
Dramatic and modern in equal measure, a corten steel wall makes a stunning backdrop for your patio. It has the added benefit of giving you more privacy. Add rich greenery for a jungle feel.
72. Split Up Your Patio with a Decorative Archway
One of the best ways to make the most of your patio space is to split it into zones. A decorative archway can help you create a small patio area to relax in that feels set apart from the rest of your garden.
73. Create Zones with Freestanding Planters
Divide your patio into different areas using large freestanding box planters like the garden above. Create a cosy nook for reading and relaxing, with a more open dining area.
74. Section Your Patio with Glass Fencing
This is one of the best patio ideas if you need to fence off parts of your patio for safety, but you don’t want to block out any natural light. Glass fencing is a great, modern choice if you’ve got a pool or young children.
75. Create Shade with Natural Materials
If your back patio becomes a bit of a sun trap in the summer, you could consider screening it with plants. Willow, brushwood and bamboo are some of the best natural screening materials, lasting for several years with the right care.
76. Create a Floating Effect
Bring the wow factor to your garden with a floating raised patio. This can be achieved by using raised paving with an overhang. Alternatively, bordering your patio with pebbles can give a more subtle floating effect.
77. Don’t Forget the Personal Touches
Even the plainest of patios can be brought to life by a few personal touches. Whether it’s some homemade cushions, or wall decorations sourced from your local charity shop, don’t forget to inject a touch of your own style into the patio space. When it comes to patio ideas, being thrifty can bring about some excellent results.
78. If in Doubt, Opt for Rattan
Faux rattan is one of the most popular garden furniture materials for a reason. It’s modern, lightweight and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, plus it looks great in almost any style of garden.
79. Go Ultra-Contemporary
If you want to make a serious style statement, ultra-modern garden design is one way to do it. Go for eye-catching landscaping, contemporary art and modern garden furniture.
80. Blur Boundaries Between Inside and Out
Making your outdoor patio space feel more like an extension of your indoor living space can make your whole space feel bigger. Keep the same colours, tones and textures both inside and out to create a seamless flow between areas.
81. Add a Pop of Colour
An all white and grey patio can feel a little bland, but all it takes is a few pops of colour to bring the look to life. Orange cushions, a few plants or a few bright accessories can complete the look.
82. Upcycle Pallets to Reduce Costs
If you want to save pennies on furnishing your patio, why not turn to some DIY and embrace a garden project!
One of the most cost-effective DIY patio ideas involves transforming upcycled pallets into chic outdoor furniture. You could make a sofa and a coffee table very cheaply by sourcing free pallets.
83. Make Use of Wall Space
There’s no need to sacrifice greenery just because you’ve not got a lot of space. A simple and affordable idea is to attach a pallet to the wall and hang colourful plant pots from it. Just another way that upcycled pallets can be used for ingenious patio ideas!
84. Transform Steps into a Design Feature
Patio steps don’t have to be boring. Opt for curved steps like the garden above and install lighting within to make them a show-stopping feature.
85. Create a Reading Nook
If you’ve not got a lot of space to work with, prioritise a cosy reading nook. All you need is a squishy outdoor armchair, a few cushions and a small coffee table to create a welcoming aesthetic.
86. Go for Rustic Wall Seating
Embrace a rustic aesthetic by going for a brick bench instead of traditional garden furniture. Leftover bricks can often be sourced cheaply at building sites.
87. Allow Your Plants to Overgrow
For a relaxed vibe in your garden, allow plants at the edge of your patio to grow over the sides. This creates a sense of flow in the garden, and prevents a border that’s too solid.
FAQs
What’s the easiest patio to build?
If you’re looking for easy patio ideas, gravel is the simplest patio option (instead of using traditional pavers).
Alternatively, you could take inspiration from the list of patio ideas above and dig stone paving into your existing lawn for a part lawn/part patio effect.
How can I easily lay a patio?
Laying a patio is time consuming and requires precision. The easiest way to lay a patio is to hire a professional to do it for you!
To lay a patio yourself, here is a brief, general guide of the process:
1. Dig approximately 150 mm into your patio area, with a slight slope for drainage
2. Lay a compacted sub base of 100 mm
3. Cover the area with concrete mix or mortar
4. Lay paving slabs 15 mm into the concrete, with a 10 – 15 mm gap between each slab
5. Leave to set
6. Fill the gaps between the slabs with sand or pointing mix
What’s the cheapest way to make my patio look nice?
A few finishing touches are all you need to make your patio look nice. Effective and affordable patio ideas included: brightly coloured plants, a patterned rug or string lights.
If you’ve got the budget, investing in some new stylish furniture like a dining table, or a casual table and chairs, will take the focus away from old or worn patio paving. You could also make patio furniture cheaply by upcycling old pallets.