Patio Ideas and Designs
How should I position my patio?
If you are designing your patio as a space for entertaining then make sure it’s wide enough for the garden furniture you want so you haven’t got guests tipping over into the flowerbeds. Don’t be wedded to the idea of having your patio attached to the house; think about positioning yours elsewhere in the garden if that space doesn’t offer the best aspect or lighting position. Consider the position of the sun through the course of the day and depending on whether you are most likely to want to dine outside at breakfast, have lunch on your patio or host dinner outside, you may want to position your patio differently. You can connect patios to your house with a footpath or stepping stones to allow easy transportation of food and drink.
How should I design and lay my patio?
Rectangles are the classic shape for patios, not least because they make the most efficient use of space and can be softened with garden edging. However, a rounded patio or a paving circle can perfectly complement a garden which isn’t linear in design. Paving slabs come in an extensive range of materials and are the most practical surface for patios. Yorkstone has the most traditional appeal, whereas concrete blocks, granite and slate patio slabs have a great texture and colour for modern gardens. Natural stones such as limestone, travertine and Indian sandstone vary in colour and finish and are a great way to add shade and texture to your patio. For some patio ideas that offer an alternative to block paving, loose material such as crushed stone and wood chippings have a rustic and more casual feel; if there are specific materials that re-occur elsewhere in the garden, you could repeat this in your choice of patio materials for consistency. Finally, it’s not a British summer without the great British barbeque, so look at patio ideas that incorporate barbeques and think about how you could accommodate one on your patio.
What garden furniture does my patio need?
Rattan garden furniture is a patio favourite, offering a durable, attractive finish that blends well into natural surroundings. Metal garden furniture and wooden garden furniture are sturdy alternatives available in many styles. Weight is a good feature in garden furniture to stop it from being blown away, but if you want to be able to move your furniture around the patio and garden to follow the sun you won’t want to go too heavy. Browse the various patio ideas that include garden furniture to see what styles of furniture go with different types of patios. If you find a particular patio set you like, you may be able to ask the designer where the furniture is from so you can look at buying the same set for your patio.
Good, outdoor patio furniture crafted in high-quality materials should withstand bad weather, but cold, wet British winters followed by strong sun in the summer will be enough to weather even the best furniture, so it’s important to have somewhere, such as a shed, to store it when not in use for long periods of time. If you don’t have the space to store patio furniture, make sure that at least the cushions and umbrellas are stowed away out of the elements, and consider investing in a waterproof cover. One piece of furniture that might be able to stay out for a bit longer is a patio heater; it will warm any brave patio users and most modern designs are built to survive the cold weather. If you prefer something a bit more rustic than a patio heater, look at fire pits instead which will add warmth and an attractive centrepiece to your patio. If privacy or shade is an issue, then covering patio furniture with a parasol or sheltering patios with a gazebo or pergola are both smart patio ideas – these can be covered in climbing flowers or even wound with outdoor fairy lights for romantic evening lighting.
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in London with no cover.
Outdoor room idea and lots vertical planting and privacy - philmadden
Walpole Garden, Chiswick
Photography by Caroline Mardon - www.carolinemardon.com
This is an example of a traditional patio in London.
local and seem to be reasonably priced - angelabutt
Gary Quigg Photography
Design ideas for a classic back patio in Belfast with a potted garden, natural stone paving and no cover.
Semi circle of stone in the terrace area with the bank behind. - juliedarowen
Steve Lyne
Photo of a contemporary patio in London.
Panelling for side of Ewen’s Garage - fionass
The finished garden, an abundance of plants compliment the design of this garden.
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London.
The lush planting and the purpose built seating - robinannahales
Lorenz Ferla
View from garden
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London with a pergola.
I like the stepped front - more nooks for Summer evening spritz and grilling en famille - webuser_727522477
Popular Filters to Try:
Design ideas for a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
Fence is broken up by narrow trees in raised beds - jane_harries
Courtyard Garden: Central London:
Materials: Cedar wood slatted trellis to the dress the walling, cedar wood smooth decking to the rear with built-in seating framed by bamboo planters. Childrens play sand pit built into the decking showing the cedar top closed to create an adult space. Portland limestone, sawn, all units at the same size adjacent to 2 specimen Acer palmatum. The stems have been pruned to show the sculptural essence of the branch form. Up lighter concealed within a pebble dressing.
Acers growing out of the ground and rasied beds - nattyboy
Sirli Raitma
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in London with no cover.
beautifull mathiching colours, the place looks so much brighter, I love the windows in the floor so much - charlie_brownbridge
Classic back patio in Other with no cover.
The shade elevates the seating space. - matyshamsi
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete slabs and no cover.
The back walls with the lighting in it and the mirror idea - efka23
Inspiration for a small world-inspired back patio in London with natural stone paving.
Lukasz Gorczynski
Photo of a contemporary patio in London with brick paving and no cover.
Great colours. Love the brick floor - greenpoyo
Ben Robert - Blooming Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
Nigel Omonrojie-smith wrote:
seat covers query please - Where did you purchase the large flat seat covers that are incorporated into the stairs?
Like 1 Comment
PRO
Julie Sinclair Interiors
I would imagine these are bespoke. It’s not a difficult job, but if you want your outdoor seating to last, be sure to ask for reticulated foam, which is highly resistant to a drenching, plus suitable outdoor fabric. - rimzakya
A very specific brief was given with the space to be a very contemporary entertainment area that both complemented the existing garden and house.
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back patio in London.
Topiary in green white with strong trunk shapes and lighting. - spirals69
Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. The new high-spec kitchen with limestone flooring opens out seamlessly on to the courtyard. Around the water rill are raised beds and bench seating, playing with the change in levels, all clad in the same pale limestone.
How to add in patio planting and raised beds plus seating (add to this) - webuser_756134627
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
Nice use of garden planting to stop the box looking so boxy - jo_twyman
Contemporary patio in London.
Neat lines surrounds boxed containers - florence_sioned