9 clever ways to make a small patio look bigger – they're effective, easy to achieve and perfect for compact spaces

small patio space at Chelsea Flower Show featuring two armchairs and a low patio coffee table
(Image credit: Beth Murton)

If your patio is on the small side there are plenty of designer tricks you can use to make it feel bigger. It helps to have your own ideas too, and combine being inventive with an eye for detail to fulfil the potential of your space.

It's definitely a case of less is more. Let your patio design breath by decluttering rather than over compensating for the small dimensions by cramming in too much. Instead, opt for space-saving furniture, neat planting choices and clever visual tricks to maximise the space.

Stuart Murray
Stuart Murray

Stuart Murray is a leading expert on vintage, mid-century, and Danish furniture and design, with years of experience sourcing and restoring iconic pieces. As the owner of Retrovintage, he curates a carefully selected collection of timeless designs, combining history with modern interiors. Stuart regularly advises on interiors, restorations, and classic furniture.

Sonja Kalkschmidt
Sonja Kalkschmidt

Sonja Kalkschmidt has gone from architecture to landscapes and gardens, driven by a love for places that tell stories and evolve with time. She trained at the London College of Garden Design at Kew, and is a Gold Medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Karen McClure
Karen McClure

Karen McClure has successfully grown her company Karen McClure Garden Design from her passion for the landscaping industry. She is a fully accredited member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD). The driving force behind KMGD, Karen continues to learn, develop and grow her company, to provide clients with the best garden designs.

Andrew White
Andrew White

Andrew White is head of sales and marketing at Rhino Greenhouses. He specialises in greenhouse growing and seed sowing, helping gardening enthusiasts find the right products that fit their garden space.

Sarah Wilson
Garden writer

Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson writes about flowers, plants, garden design and gardening trends for Homes & Gardens. She has studied introductory garden and landscape design and floristry, and also has an RHS Level 2 qualification in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development. She is a regular contributor to Homes & Gardens and Livingetc. She has also written for Real Homes, Modern Gardens, Country Living, and Country Homes & Interiors magazines. Her first job was at Elle magazine, during which time a trip to the beautiful La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in writing about all things botanical. Later as lifestyle editor of Country Homes & Interiors, she loved the captivating country gardens that were regularly featured.