A patio is the perfect place to relax in peace and quiet, right in the middle of your own garden or home. But how do you furnish such an outdoor space in a cosy and practical way? Whether you have a large or small patio, with the right garden furniture and accessories you can create an atmospheric oasis. In this blog we give you tips and inspiration.
What is a patio?
A patio is an enclosed outdoor space, often surrounded by walls or buildings. You'll often find them at terraced houses, city dwellings or in internal courtyards. The nice thing about a patio is that you're sheltered, which means you can enjoy the outdoors early in spring (and late into autumn). The atmosphere is intimate, peaceful and perfect for a relaxing moment with a cup of coffee or a good book.
Dividing up your patio
Whether your patio is large or small, good layout makes all the difference. Think ahead about what you want to do there. Do you want to relax, dine outdoors, or perhaps both?
Here are some useful layout tips:
- Create clear zones: Set up a corner for lounging, and another area for eating or working.
- Keep walking space clear: Don't crowd your furniture too close together. Leave enough room to move about easily.
- Play with height differences: Use plants at different heights or experiment with lighting for extra depth and atmosphere.
- Create sightlines: Place a sofa, for example, so that you look out onto something attractive – a planter, fountain or lights.
A clever layout ensures that your patio is not only beautiful, but also really works well in everyday use.
Furnishing a small patio
Do you only have a small space? Don't worry! Small patios in particular can be really cosy. Here are a few clever tips:
- Choose multifunctional furniture: A bench with storage or a folding table saves space.
- Light and colour: Lighter colours make the space look bigger. Think of white or beige garden furniture, light-coloured cushions and some greenery on the wall.
- Vertical gardens: Short on space for plants? Use the wall! Hang pots, planters or a vertical garden.
- Mirrors: Yes, really! A mirror on the wall creates the illusion of more space and reflects light.
Bistro sets are also very popular with small patios! Check out our range of bistro sets!
Furnishing a patio in larger gardens
Do you have a spacious garden and want to incorporate a patio into it? Then the possibilities are endless! In a larger garden you can really turn your patio into a second living space. Think for example of:
- A luxury lounge set with room for the whole family or a group of friends.
- An outdoor fireplace or fire table, so you can still enjoy the outdoors in the evening.
- Canopy or pergola: Create shade and a cosy atmosphere with a wooden canopy or a beautiful canvas.
- Outdoor kitchen or BBQ area: Make your patio a place where you not only relax, but also cook and eat well.
Think carefully about the layout and create a smooth transition between your garden and your patio, for example with attractive planters or natural dividers. This way it becomes a place you want to enjoy all year round.
Paving in a patio
The right paving is the foundation of every beautiful patio. It determines not only the atmosphere, but also how comfortable and practical the space is. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Go for atmosphere and style: Natural stone, ceramic tiles or baked brick – each type has its own character. Do you want a modern look? Then choose large, clean lines tiles. For a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere, smaller tiles or stones are perfect.
- Pay attention to size: In a small patio, large tiles create a spacious effect. In a larger patio you can play more with patterns or combinations of different materials.
- Think about drainage: Ensure a slight slope so that rainwater drains away properly. This is especially important if your patio is somewhat lower.
- Combine with greenery: For example, leave some space between tiles for gravel, ornamental grasses or low ground cover plants. This way your patio gets a natural and playful appearance.
With the right paving you literally lay the foundation for a charming, comfortable patio that you'll enjoy year after year.
Colour in the patio
Colour brings life to your patio! With the right colour combinations you can transform a simple outdoor space into a welcoming, inviting place. And the nice thing is: you can add colour in many ways.
Tips for adding colour to your patio:
- Cushions & textiles: Decorative cushions, throws or an outdoor rug in bright colours give instant atmosphere. Change them each season for a fresh look.
- Plant pots & planters: Choose pots in different shades or materials. Think terracotta for a Mediterranean look, or anthracite and black for a clean, modern style.
- Plants and flowers: Green is the foundation, but mix that with colourful flowers such as lavender, geraniums or petunias. Your patio will brighten up immediately.
- Wall decoration or paintwork: Do you have walls in your patio? Give them a fresh coat of paint! A soft pastel shade or perhaps a deep colour like olive green or dark blue makes it extra atmospheric.
- Furniture as an eyecatcher: Garden furniture can also have colour. At Boender Outdoor you'll find, for example, lounge sets with coloured cushions or frames that are a bit different.
Colour brings personality and warmth. So dare to play and mix – it's your space!
Make use of plants
Plants are THE atmosphere creators in any patio. They bring colour, life and a sense of calm. Moreover, they provide cooling on warm days and dampen sound, ideal if your patio is surrounded by walls.
Tips for greenery in your patio:
- Go for height: Short on space? Think of a vertical garden, hanging plants or narrow climbing plants against the wall, such as clematis or climbing roses.
- Choose pots and planters: Vary large and small pots for a playful effect. Combine sleek planters with natural materials like wood or rattan.
- Mix varieties: Combine permanent plants with seasonal flowers. Think lavender, box, ornamental grass, geraniums or succulents.
- Add scent to your patio: With fragrant plants such as mint, jasmine or rosemary you make it even nicer to sit outdoors.
- Create corners: Group plants together for a cosy effect. This naturally creates a division of your patio.
Plants make your patio not only more beautiful, but also healthier and more relaxing. And the best part is: you can vary endlessly with them!
Are you looking for ideas for your front garden? Have a look at this article for inspiration and tips!!
Garden furniture for a patio
At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture you'll find an extensive collection of garden furniture that's perfect for a patio – large or small. Think of:
- Compact lounge sets: Ideal for the smaller patio, but with the comfort of a large set.
- Trendy bistro sets: Perfect for a cosy breakfast in the morning sun.
- Modular lounge sets: Design your own arrangement and adjust it to the space you have.
- Weather-resistant materials: Our furniture is designed to withstand the elements, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
And of course you can finish it off with beautiful decorative cushions, an outdoor rug or an atmospheric lantern from our collection.
Want to transform your patio into a stylish extension of your living room? Take a look at our webshop or visit us in our showroom. At Boender Outdoor we're happy to help you furnish your outdoor space exactly as you wish.
