30 easy updates for your patio

Sometimes it only takes a few touches to transform an outside space

2019-05-01 -

Just one clever buy could be a garden game changer

Settle down

Use this comfy floor cushion as a pouffe (shoes off!) or as extra seating. Floor cushion, £20, B&Q

Fab fuchsia

This set of two chairs and a coffee table in this shocking-pink shade, really wows! Noodle bistro set, £179.99, very.co.uk

Sit back

Easy to clean, this stylish furniture makes outdoor eating a treat.

Morillo collection coffee table, £19, metal armchair, £42 each, all B&Q

Rain – no problem!

This showerproof cushion is ideal for brightening a patio seat as well as adding extra comfort. Cushion, £12, John Lewis

Get in the swing

if your patio is lacking shade then this three-seater swing sofa might be a great solution. it has a built-in canopy to shield you from harsh rays. Amelia swing, £349, Dobbies

A touch of green

include some fresh foliage on your patio like the ornamental grass Stipa tenuissima, £5.99, crocus.co.uk (Pot not included.)

Solar panels

leaf cutouts let the solar light shine through creating lovely silhouettes. Palm Leaf Light, £12, JD Williams

Lift off!

Vary the height of your planters. This one is perfect as it sits on a stand. Planter, £29.99, very.co.uk

Gentle flowers

This pretty flowering plant has evergreen silvery leaves and is drought-tolerant. Convulvulus cneorum, £12.99, crocus.co.uk

Chilling out

What better way to chill your wine or beer on a hot day or balmy evening. Ice Cube Cooler, £59.99, very.co.uk

Feeling fruity

This set of summery-looking plastic tumblers is great for outdoor use, particularly if you’ve kids around. Set of four tumblers, £2.99, B&M

Open bar!

This amazing bar cum dining area seating set has got us dreaming of transforming our patio into the hottest bar in town. Mali bar and dining set, £449, Homebase

Let there be light

Lights enhance an outdoor space by adding atmosphere and a bit of theatre. Murcia rattan solar fairy lights

(on chair), £7.99, large Port Isaac battery outdoor

LED candle, £9.99, and Port Isaac battery outdoor LED candle, £7.99, three outdoor battery LED candles (left), £14.99, Clay rattan solar lantern (on floor), £11.99, Slate Blue rattan solar lantern (on table), £11.99, all exclusively lights4fun.co.uk.

It’s a date (palm)

This arching leafed plant will give a tropical feel to your patio. Keep it in a sunny spot. Canary Island date palm, £50, patchplants.com

Eye-catching!

Train this lovey climber up a trellis for a stunning wall feature. Passion flower, £9.99, Thompson & Morgan

Bargain blues

This table and chairs set is less than £50, which is amazing value. They also fold away flat, leaving space for other activities. Three-piece bistro set, £49, George Home

Chic dining

A dark-coloured set is effortlessly stylish. Four-seater table, £75, armchair, £27 each, B&Q

Lie low

You can really sink back into these low seats. Coffee table,

£25, armchair,

£22 each, from the Janeiro collection, all B&Q

A twist of lime

Lounge around on this zesty seat. Collapsable, it will easily store away. Deck chair, in Palm, £47.95, Homebase

Shake it up

Get the tools you need to mix a refreshing drink to enjoy outside. Cocktail set, £29.99, vonshef.com

Glow away

Install some coldstrip lights in your deck. Lights, £38 for 10, B&Q