Small Outdoor Patio Ideas

An outdoor patio can be a beautiful extension of any home or business when approached the right way. It can elevate the look of a garden, enhance an outdoor dining area or simply improve the appearance of a regularly used space. Whether looking for a chic design aesthetic or something with a more natural look, there are several ways that you can embrace trending design styles and make the most of any layout. In this article, we provide inspiration on how to create a sense of opulence with small patio ideas suited for any preference.

Porcelain tiles are always a great material choice for outdoor patios. These tiles offer the same exceptional value that they would provide for indoor environments. This includes being moisture-resistant, which ensures that tiles will not be easily damaged due to freezing or water absorption.

Another quality of porcelain tiles for outdoor use is that they can retain their stylish appearances for longer, thanks to being UV-resistant and being able to withstand humidity. They are easy to maintain, and adding to their convenience, they are slip-resistant, which makes them a great, safe option for patios next to swimming pools.

Porcelain tiles for outdoor use are also versatile and available in many options, making them a great choice when exploring outdoor patio ideas for small spaces. They allow you to achieve just the right look for the layouts you have in mind

Compact porcelain tiles and those in lighter tones are fantastic options to make the most of a smaller outdoor entryway. Both medium tiles and large format tiles can be used for these spaces, creating a classic, timeless look that is streamlined and modern.

Tile effects can influence space perception and mood. Certain styles can evoke a sense of elegance, while others will be more attuned to areas that need to convey a feeling of natural design that matches lush green lawns and beautiful gardens.

Let’s look at some ideas for small patio areas you can consider.

Stone effect tiles offer classic inspiration for outdoor areas. If you are looking for small patio wall ideas, these tiles can certainly be considered to create stunning, streamlined floor-to-wall designs. A great example is our Boost Mineral collection, which can be used from living rooms to patios for faultless design flow.

Wood look tiles can tap into several design styles, from rustic and farmhouse feel looks to bespoke classic looks that can make any outdoor patio feel welcoming. They also do not require the same maintenance as typical natural wood surfaces and can keep looking exceptional for longer. Our Entice collection, with its Italian oak appeal, offers gorgeous colours and fantastic durability.

Marble look tiles instantly create a refined look for outdoor patios and even walls. Their gorgeous, veined designs, available in several colour variations, can seamlessly match the interior of a chic home. Our Marvel Diva collection is a great example that includes natural material-look options and even decorative tiles that are especially convenient for creating statement walls and patterns.

Concrete look tiles offer a minimalist look that fits an urban design setting perfectly. Our Boost Expression range is a great example of how concrete-effect tiles are also not limited to just one style. Several colours, patterns and even textures are available, allowing you to get a minimalist look for your patio designs with maximum visual appeal.

The colour you use for an outdoor patio will impact brightness, mood and sense of space. Therefore, it is important that you choose colours that will make a small patio feel larger as well as welcoming. This doesn’t mean you should shy away from coloured tiles, but ensure that there is balance and harmony.

Need more small patio ideas? Consider these tips:

• Consider your perfect design style. Are you looking for tiles that match an urban outdoor patio look, or would you rather design a homely backyard patio that uses materials that match the outdoors? Use this as your starting point when you need to decide on the aesthetic you want to create.

• Large-format tiles are always a top design hack. They have fewer grout lines and can make surfaces look smoother and neater.

• Using regular patterns can ensure that you do not create visual “clutter” for your outdoor spaces. Remember that you can still combine various tile styles to create contrast, just ensure that the result will not feel cluttered. If you're looking for inspiration, explore our guide to tile layout patterns.

• Consider how an outdoor patio will be used. Will there be a small outdoor kitchen and dining area, or will it simply be used for leisure only? Then, decide how you will do your flooring layouts. When looking for small patio flooring ideas, remember, you can use your outdoor tiles to create a sense of “areas”, even if you are designing a small patio.

• When designing a small front porch area or patio, consider how it will match the exterior of a home. Large-format concrete or stone look tiles, for instance, can create a seamless transition from the outdoors to indoors, making them worthwhile considerations for this purpose.

• Keep in mind that your outdoor patio can be beautifully matched by tiling other outdoor surfaces as well, such as your kitchen area.

• For extra design appeal, consider extending your backyard patio tile design as a walkway into your garden. Large-format tiles are a prime option, as they will make the transition look effortless. For more inspiration, take a look at our paving ideas for gardens