7 Garden Patio Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
Words by Michaela Quinn
May 17, 2022
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2m
There’s nothing better than being able to soak up the summer sun in your garden, but finding the patio inspiration to style your dream outdoor space can be difficult, especially with the British weather being so unpredictable.
We’ve decided to round up some of our top garden furniture ideas to help you style the best garden space possible for your home. From stylish patio ideas for gardens with limited space to all the guidance you’ll need for a beautiful table spread, we’ve got all your bases covered for creating the perfect relaxation spot in your garden.
1. Find your perfect garden furniture
Great-quality garden furniture is the key to any outdoor space. Whether you’re redecorating a tight space and after small patio ideas, or looking to give your home some al fresco dining space, your outdoor area’s main attraction should be its furniture.
Think about the scope of your design before you start assembling a layout. For smaller spaces, a trendy bistro set for two is perfect for small coffee breaks and low-key gatherings. If you’re styling a larger space where you’re likely to seat more guests, try a corner sofa set. Finding the right furniture to suit your patio ideas is crucial, so make sure you shop around for the perfect fit. Tired of sweating over the stove on a hot day? Try our outdoor kitchen ideas to really elevate your garden's space and functionality!
2. Choose seasonal, sustainable accessories
No outdoor area is complete without some accessories to add touches of colour, personality, and texture to your design. Try adding some seasonally appropriate soft furnishings, like a soft woolly blanket for winter, or cushions with warm shades for the summer.
Sustainable options are also an excellent idea for integrating natural elements into your design. Try decorating with splashes of greenery for a biophilic look, or opt for natural textures like wood and stone when picking out your garden décor.
3. Go for a layered effect
When decorating your outdoor space, it’s easy to get distracted and focus on one layer. Styling your furniture on multiple levels is the key to giving your garden patio ideas some depth, though, and you should try to vary your décor as much as possible.
As well as using cushions and throws, try adding an outdoor rug for a soft underfoot feel. You can also give your layout some verticality with a parasol or pergola, which will help provide shade in the summer and block out rain during harsher weather conditions.
4. Add a focal point to your design
Whether you’re looking to keep the conversation flowing during garden parties or just giving your design a unique centrepiece, a focal point is a necessity when trying to create the perfect outdoor space. You’ll need a decoration that makes a statement, or a functional piece that can draw all your guests to one area.
Fire pits are a helpful way to stay warm once the sun goes down, and can provide a valuable gathering spot for your guests. Alternatively, you could give your seating area an eye-catching twist like a hanging chair.
5. Give your mealtimes some style with table decorations
There are a number of table decoration ideas you can incorporate to give your outdoor dining table an eye-catching centrepiece. From decorative trays to lanterns to keep your seating bright at night, adding a touch of décor to your table will help draw attention to the centre of your outdoor dining area. This helps encourage interaction between guests and gives them an easily identifiable focal point.
Try varying the height of your table decorations without blocking guests’ line of sight to one another. Glass and translucent options are ideal for this. You should also keep your décor compact to ensure people still have space to rest their glasses and plates.
6. Opt for comfy seating
It’s one thing to come up with patio ideas to use your outdoor space effectively, but if your guests won’t feel comfortable using your seating, there’s no point in investing in such a significant makeover. When choosing furniture for your space, try to prioritise comfort with cushioned upholstery and ergonomic designs.
Lightweight designs using materials like rattan and aluminium are perfect for rearranging furniture on the fly, letting you redesign your seating area for optimal comfort. If your seats aren’t comfy, you can always try using soft furnishings to give them a softer texture.
7. Don’t forget your lighting
Outdoor lighting is often neglected when it comes to patio furniture, but it can help add a great deal of depth to your design by highlighting focal points and providing added ambience. Try giving your outdoor seating area a layered look by mixing and matching a range of light sources – you could try hanging strings of lights above your space for a subtle and playful touch, or match with lanterns on your table to add a moody touch to the surrounding areas.
You should hopefully now have all the patio inspiration you need to really make the most of your outdoor space. For everything you need to bring your garden patio ideas to life, try browsing Barker and Stonehouse’s range of outdoor furniture to find your new favourite piece. We also provide a range of other guides featuring tips and tricks to create the home of your dreams on our blog.