What is a patio, terrace, veranda or balcony? The differences explained

What is a patio? In everyday English, a patio is a paved outdoor area at ground level, right next to the house, used for eating and sitting outside. A terrace, a veranda and a balcony are close relatives, and the words overlap, so the definitions below describe common usage rather than strict rules. Each one ends with the furniture that usually works there.

Usage also differs between languages. In Greek, "βεράντα" often means a large balcony or terrace of an apartment. In Russian, "веранда" usually means a covered, often glazed room added to a house, while "терраса" is an open platform. Keep that in mind when you read a property listing or a hotel description in Cyprus.

What is a patio

The word comes from Spanish, where a patio is an inner courtyard open to the sky. In English it now means a hard-surfaced area beside the house, usually stone, tiles or concrete, at the same level as the garden. It is normally open above, though some patios have a pergola or an awning.

Because a patio sits on the ground, it can take full-size dining sets and a freestanding umbrella. A dining table with chairs from our outdoor chairs range is the usual choice, plus an umbrella and a heavy base for shade.

What is a terrace

A terrace is a flat, level outdoor area. It can be at ground level, often slightly raised and edged with a step or a wall, or it can sit on top of the floor below, as on many apartments and villas. Patio vs terrace: a patio is almost always at ground level, while a terrace can be on any floor.

Terraces are often larger than balconies, so they work for both dining and lounging. A modular sofa suits a deep terrace; the Nardi Komodo 5 Sofa is 294 cm wide, which needs a terrace rather than a balcony. Browse outdoor sofas or see our villa terrace dining ideas.

What is a veranda

In English, a veranda is a roofed, open-sided gallery along the outside of a house, usually at ground level. Terrace vs veranda: the main difference is the roof. A veranda is covered; a terrace may or may not be.

A roof gives shade and some shelter from rain, so a veranda is a good place for cushioned sofas and armchairs. The roof does not make furniture fully protected from weather, so still check the material and care notes on the product page.

What is a balcony

A balcony is a platform on an upper floor, projecting from or set into the wall, with a railing and a door from the inside. It is usually narrow. In Cyprus apartments, balconies of 1-2 m depth are common, so every centimetre counts.

Balcony furniture should be compact and light enough to move. A small table such as the Nardi Clip 70 Table (70 × 70 × 75 cm) seats two, and stackable chairs like the Nardi Doga Chair (seat height 46.5 cm) can be stored when not in use. See the balcony furniture collection and our small balcony lounge guide.

Rooftop terrace and courtyard

A rooftop terrace (in Greek, ταράτσα) is the flat roof of a building used as an outdoor space. In Cyprus, flat roofs often hold water heaters and solar panels, and some are fitted out as roof gardens. They get full sun and more wind than the ground, so heavier pieces and low profiles help, and large umbrellas need care. Check your building's rules or the municipality before adding fixed structures.

Rooftops are a natural place for sunloungers. The Nardi Alfa Sunlounger is 170 × 71 cm and stackable, so it can be put away at the end of summer. Browse sunloungers.

A courtyard (in Greek, αυλή) is an open space enclosed by walls or buildings. Traditional Cypriot village houses are built around one. In everyday Greek, αυλή also means the yard around a house. Courtyards are sheltered from wind, so they suit dining sets, plant pots and umbrellas.

What a "room with patio" means in hotels

Hotels use "patio room" or "room with patio" for a ground-floor room with its own small outdoor area, usually with a table and two chairs or a pair of sunloungers. Some open onto the garden or the pool. Details vary, so check the photos and the room description before booking.

FAQ

Is a patio the same as a terrace? Not exactly. A patio is at ground level and paved. A terrace can be at ground level or on an upper floor or roof.

Is a veranda covered? In English, yes, a veranda has a roof. In Greek, a βεράντα may be open or covered.

What is a pergola? A pergola is a structure of posts and beams over a patio or terrace, open or with slats, fabric or plants for shade.

Can I use the same furniture on a balcony and a terrace? Often yes, but balconies usually need smaller tables, narrower chairs and pieces that stack.

Next step

Once you know which space you have, measure it and browse the full outdoor furniture catalogue by room and size.