10 circular patio ideas to take your patio design to the next level

In garden design one of the most commonly used shapes is the circle. Sadly this doesn't tend to translate to patio design, which often features uniform rectangular shapes. Consider instead circular patio ideas that offer a strong design statement that gives your garden landscaping a professional look.

These gently curving shapes feel so much softer than angular ones, offering interesting patterns that will provide a much stronger focal point than a dull rectangular block of paving. Circular designs naturally seem to offer a place to pause, making them a good choice for patios.

Whatever the size of your garden or budget, there are circular patio ideas that will work for you. Browse our expert selection and find out how to elevate your patio design ideas to the next level.

1. Repeat a circular design theme

A repeated circular design theme works equally well for both small and large patio sizes, because the circles can be moved in any direction. This soothing design features a series of round stone paving 'pads'. Step from one to the next and you arrive at a platinum-coloured circular shaped 'gazebo' to carry the design theme through the entire space.

The key to making a circular design like this work is to use a variety of sizes, usually with one dominant circle. Planting is used to spill over onto the paving, blurring the lines of the repeated circles, but the underlying framework is still there to bring order to the design. The strong curves of this design will be softened as the planting matures.

2. Transform an unused space with a design element

"This townhouse garden had an awkward-shaped courtyard that was getting little use due its large water feature and lack of planting," says garden designer Anna Sissons. "We created a garden which now invites people outside to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet."

The neat, circular patio unites the space where a rectangular shape would have clashed with the awkward angles of the boundary walls. "The circle also allows for planting to envelop the terrace and as the sun moves around the circle, it spotlights the selection of delicate flowers and textured foliage," explains Anna.

Clay pavers and sandstone hardscaping materials link to those in the renovated home, and give added interest and texture to the space.

Anna Sissons

Anna Sissons trained at Capel Manor and was a student of Robin Templar Williams at the Garden Design School. Anna uses organic shapes and immersive planting to create gardens with character and a natural sense of style. She works across Dorset, Devon and beyond.

3. Opt for a circular wooden deck

Although most patios tend to feature hardscaping, wood is a great alternative, especially if you love the idea of a warm surface to go barefoot on in summer. This beautifully designed circular elevated deck is by Clare Matthews, author of Outdoor Design: Decking, available from Amazon. "Wood is a wonderful choice for creating a warm, practical garden floor and a myriad of effects can be achieved to suit every taste and location."

Find out the best wood for decking to make sure the boards you choose are long lasting, durable and easy-to-maintain, as well as enhancing your design with their good looks. Once it's in place make sure you follow decking maintenance advice to keep it looking that way.

4. Interlink a circular patio with a rectangular one

Circular patios work in all gardens, whether small or large, providing a focal point and adding interest to the landscaping by creating a natural feeling design that flows. They can be placed to encourage movement through the garden as well as linking different parts in a more interesting way, especially if the hardscaping is harmonious.

"Stone brick paving laid in a herringbone pattern is particularly effective in the design element of a circular patio," says Isabel Fernandez of Quorn Stone. "The herringbone pattern creates a sense of movement and contrast against circular forms. Limestone herringbone brick paving is a material that will work best as its smaller format offers versatility in design."

Isabel Fernandez

Isabel Fernandez is marketing director at Quorn Stone, and has experience and expertise gathered from sourcing premium tiles globally. With a first-class honours degree in business management and marketing, Isabel has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Quorn Stone since she joined in 2016.

5. Design a cocoon-like circular patio

This creative use of a circular space encloses a patio with a low garden wall and plants to make a sheltered retreat. The warm colour palette of the hardscaping materials for the patio, wall and pathways adds cohesion to the design, pulling the look together seamlessly.

A design like this will appeal if you love the idea of including secret nooks in your garden that are gradually revealed as you move through the space. This patio is hidden from view until you get right up close. Nestled in lush greenery, it offers a tranquil retreat.

6. Create an immersive effect

Circular patio designs slot easily into curved sunken garden ideas, creating an enticing ripple effect that draws you in. This eye-catching patio design by garden designer Tom Simpson uses concentric circles leading down circular steps to a central circular water feature. The surrounding patio planting ideas further enhance the feeling of being immersed. Polished concrete pebble seats offer an additional place to sit and reflect.

A design like this is a great idea if your garden is on different levels and naturally slopes down as you can design it into the lower levels. Alternatively if your garden is flat introducing a change of levels can add visual interest, although this will be a bigger project that requires a lot more work plus the disposal of excavated soil.

7. Include a circular fire pit to gather round

Choose circular patio ideas if you like the thought of creating an intimate space for kicking back with friends in the evening. Add a fire pit to enhance the mood. If a glass top is used as a cover when the fire pit isn't in use, it can also function as a low table as part of your patio design.

A fire pit can act as a key central element as part of your circular patio ideas. Even better if you add integral seating like this low half-circle wall design to create an inclusive social space. Tucking the patio into a corner like this one also adds to the sense of it being a secluded space.

8. Keep a circular design simple

Sometimes simplicity is everything with circular patio ideas. A strong and simple design will always work so the key is not to over-complicate things. If your garden is already designed you'll need a patio option you can 'drop in' to an existing space with the minimum of upheaval. Ditto if you're working to a tight budget.

It might be time to rethink your lawn ideas. Landscaping design that includes reducing lawn space is topical right now as part of the move to find ways to make your garden more eco-friendly. One easy solution is to sacrifice an area of turf and replace it with a small patio.

It's a good idea to use permeable paving to ensure there is no run-off onto the lawn that could cause flooding problems.

9. Add an eye-catching design detail

If you like the idea of adding a unique touch to a circular patio, a pebble mosaic like this one by Maggie Howarth might be just the thing to inspire you. If you fancy having a go yourself the good news is it's a relatively affordable option.

Look for marble, travertine, limestone, and slate pebbles, each offering unique colours, textures, and patterns to suit various styles. Find bags of Scottish pebbles at Amazon to get you started or try white marble pebbles at B&Q if you like the idea of a more contemporary look.

10. Choose a sleek contemporary design

Curves work well combined with circles to soften the harsh lines created by the linear boundaries of the garden. If the curves wrap themselves round the patio, the space will feel more private. Organic shapes work well in small spaces to create calm, harmony and flow.

There are practical reasons for using curves too, as they can enhance a seating space by cocooning it with a low wall. Curvy shapes can make a small urban space look larger too, creating an illusion of space. Make sure curves have a reason for being there, such as partnering circular patio ideas.

FAQs

What should I plant around a circular patio?

Plants with a naturally round, mounded form will repeat the circular theme and sit comfortably around the circle. "Think Hakonechloa macra, Pittosporum tobira, Brunnera, Hosta and Heuchera," says garden designer Anna Sissons. "Then globes of Allium 'White Giant' or 'Christophii' to float around them. Consider how the light will travel around the circle and choose plants that will thrive in both sun and partial shade so that groups of the same plant can be repeated and provide consistency."

Will a circular patio work in every garden?

Circles don't like to compete with square angles so it's good to keep a healthy distance between the two and to buffer this gap with generous planting. "As such, think carefully about the use of your patio; if space is a premium, make sure you can still envelop your patio with planting," says Anna. "A small patio with a bistro set, surrounded by beautiful plants is more inviting than a larger patio which crashes into hard boundaries."

That's our take on the best circular patio ideas. When thinking about how to design a patio first consider the patio's shape and size, and how it will fit into either your new garden or existing design. Make sure you avoid the most common patio mistakes too.