Small concrete patios can be a great addition to your home, whether you live in a condo, apartment, or just have a little yard.
You can use them for dining, as an outdoor living area, or even as a garden.
Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your small concrete garden:
Also Check: 21 Inspirational Small Backyard Zen Garden Ideas
Add a border
To give your patio a clean look, try adding a border. You can use pavers, rocks, or even plants to create a border around your concrete patio. Some types of plants that work well as border plants include daylilies, ornamental grasses, and sedums. For pavers, you can use brick, stone, or concrete pavers.
This not only gives your patio a cleaner look, but also defines the space and makes it seem larger. It can also be a good way to add some color and interest to your patio.
Use color judiciously
You can add color to your concrete patio with integral or topically applied color stains. To keep it simple, try using one color for the entire patio. You can also choose colors that match or complement the house. When using color, it’s best to use it sparingly so that it doesn’t become too overwhelming.
It may be more economical to use the same color for both the border and the main patio area. But if you want to add a bit of interest and variety, try using two or three different colors.
Allow enough space for outdoor furniture
Make sure to leave enough room for walking around. For a six-chair table, you will need about 10 feet of circumference for the table, plus additional walk-around room. You’ll also need to consider the size of your outdoor furniture when planning your patio.
This will give you enough room to walk around and avoid knocking over chairs or tables.
Use concrete pavers
If you want to expand your patio or change its shape, try using concrete pavers. Pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They can be placed on top of existing concrete or used to create a new patio.
Use them to create patterns or shapes like circles, octagons, or even free-form designs. Or use them to create a border around your patio.
Get small patio furniture
When choosing furniture for your small concrete patio, it’s important to get pieces that are both comfortable and won’t dominate the space. You can find small patio furniture in a variety of materials, including wicker, metal, and plastic.
Some types of small patio furniture include chairs, loveseats, ottomans, and coffee tables. Also get a variety of small accessories, such as umbrellas, and outdoor rugs.
Choose the right plants
When choosing plants for your concrete garden, consider how much sun and shade the area gets. You’ll also want to choose plants that are low-maintenance and won’t require a lot of watering. Some good options include succulents, cacti, and other drought-tolerant plants.
Ornamental grasses are also a good choice. Some other good options include daylilies, sedums, and lavender.
Stain your existing concrete slab to upgrade the look with a fresh color
By staining your existing concrete slab you can give it a new lease on life and upgrade the look without having to replace the entire setup. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may want to consider using a sealant to protect the stained concrete.
For a modern look, use a light-colored stain. For a traditional look, use a dark-colored stain.
Use plants to soften the look of concrete
By adding some plants around your concrete patio you can help soften the overall look. Try using potted plants, hanging plants, or even climbing vines.
Potted plants are a great option. Hanging plants are another option too, and climbing vines can add a bit of privacy to your outdoor space.
Make it bigger by having new concrete poured to expand the square footage
This is a major project, but it will give you the extra space you’re looking for.
Some things to keep in mind are the cost of concrete, the thickness of the slab, and the finish you want. You can also use pavers or stone to create an extension to your patio. This is a less expensive option and can be done DIY style.
Get creative with the shape
One way to add interest to your patio is to get creative with the shape.
Instead of a traditional square or rectangle, try a kidney-shaped patio or an L-shaped one. You can also create a multi-level patio. This will give the impression of more space and add some visual interest.
Add some privacy
If your patio isn’t in a secluded spot, you may want to add some privacy.
You can do this by planting trees or shrubs around the perimeter. Or you could use lattice panels or trellis to create an enclosed space.
Another option is to buy some outdoor privacy screens. These can be placed around the perimeter of your patio to create a private oasis.
Use outdoor rugs and furniture cushions to add color and patterns
Outdoor rugs and furniture cushions help create a more cozy and inviting space.
Look for rugs and cushions that are made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. And don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns like stripes and floral, or even go for a mismatched look.
String lights or lanterns around the perimeter
This creates a warm and inviting space.
You can find string lights in a variety of colors and styles. Many options exist, such as LED, solar-powered, or even battery-operated. For a more romantic look, try using lanterns instead of string lights. You can find lanterns made from metal, glass, or even bamboo.
And they’re relatively inexpensive, so you can change them out seasonally or whenever you want a new look.
Hang curtains from a pergola or arbor
If you have a pergola or arbor, you can hang curtains from it to create an intimate space.
This is a great option for adding privacy or blocking out the sun. Just make sure to choose curtains that are made from weather-resistant material.
