How I Made My Small Garden Patio Feel Bigger
What Worked (and What Didn’t)
When I first started planning my small garden patio, I read every article I could find (including this awesome design guide). But here’s the thing: reading about layout tricks is one thing — making them work in your space is another.
So I figured I’d share what I actually did — what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d absolutely do again. If you’re staring at your own tiny patio and thinking, Where do I even begin?, this post is for you.
I Started by Going Vertical — And It Was the Smartest Move
I didn’t have much floor space, but I had a blank fence. That’s where I built a quick DIY vertical garden: just some basic wood shelves, hooks, and a few wall-mounted pots. It freed up ground space and instantly made my patio feel taller and more alive.
What I Learned:
- You don’t need expensive wall planters — I used repurposed baskets and old tin cans.
- Start with herbs or trailing plants. They grow fast and look lush.
📌 Tip: You can find vertical garden kits on Amazon or make one with scrap wood.
- ONE OF A KIND AUTOMATIC DRIPPING SYSTEM: Self watering planters provide enough water for days, meaning you don’t have to…
- INCREDIBLE 3 POCKET WALL MOUNTED PLANT SYSTEM: Each hanging wall planter has 3 pockets to give you room to grow differen…
- INCLUDES 12 MODULAR WALL PLANTERS: We’ve included 12 pots within our wall mounted hanging planter for you to create laye…
I Made the Mistake of Buying Bulky Furniture
At first, I thought I needed a full outdoor set. I got a table and two chairs with arms… and instantly regretted it. It felt like I had no room to breathe.
So I swapped it for a folding bistro table and lightweight chairs. Game-changer. Suddenly, I could move things around, tuck them away, or even bring them indoors if I needed the space back.
What I’d Recommend:
- Look for furniture that folds, stacks, or serves more than one purpose.
- Skip armrests unless your space is really wide.
I Created Zones Without Walls — Just Vibes
This part surprised me. Even though my patio is tiny, breaking it up visually made it feel more like a “space” and less like a storage corner.
I used a small outdoor rug for my seating area and grouped all my plants into one corner. I added string lights over just one part to frame it out as my “chill zone.”
How You Can Do It:
- Use an outdoor rug or floor mat to anchor one area.
- Hang lighting in just one section — it creates visual boundaries.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- I overplanted at first. It looked cluttered and took too much care. Now I stick to 4–5 main pots with different heights and textures.
- I went too neutral. Adding some bold color (like a bright pillow and a painted plant stand) made the space feel less blah.
- I forgot about lighting. I added solar lanterns later — wish I did it from the start. They made the space cozy at night.
Takeaways From My Small Garden Patio Makeover
✅ Vertical gardening saves space and adds life
✅ Slim, foldable furniture > big clunky sets
✅ You can create zones even without walls
✅ Less is more when it comes to plants
✅ Lighting = instant mood booster
Want a Full Design Guide?
I followed a lot of the ideas from this post:
👉 Small Garden Patio Design Ideas — it’s a great starting point if you’re still planning your layout, materials, or overall look.
