A beautiful patio is just what you need when you come home after a busy day at the office. Step outside into the garden and catch the last of the sunshine before dinner. Curl up with a good book on a day off. Your own sanctuary right outside!

If your garden is quite small and outdoor space is precious you may feel you don’t have space for a patio area but it is worth carving out a little oasis for yourself in even the smallest garden.

1. Choose Patio Furniture with Care

If you are just looking for a place to relax when you are alone, a single reclining chair is all you need. Make sure there is a soft cushion to fit the length of the chair and get a small side table for your drink and book. If you are looking to buy a whole patio set, make sure that one of the chairs reclines because it’s more difficult to relax in an upright chair.

2. Quick Access

If possible, don’t put your chair away even if you need to store your cushion indoors. It can be off-putting if you only have a few minutes to spend outdoors but you have to spend it getting your chair out and setting it up each time. If you have to but it away make sure that it is easy to get to and not at the back of the shed or garage.

3. Some Shade

A tree is great for casting a little dappled shade over your patio and reclining chair for those hot summer days when you really don’t want to lie out frazzling in the sun for too long. If you don’t have the benefit of trees treat yourself to a garden parasol to provide that much needed shade.

4. Plants and Flowers

Enhance your patio area with flowers and plants. If possible organize the flower beds around your patio so that there are always interesting evergreen leaf shapes and colors on display and always something in bloom. If you are not able to do that because of lack of space add some color with plants and flowers in pots which you can change with the seasons.

5. Add Some Sound

Peace and quiet is the effect you want on your patio when you are looking for calm but the gentle sound of wind chimes can be very relaxing. You can hang them from a nearby tree or pop them on a shepherd’s hook in the ground.