Small Garden Design Ideas for Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Constrained outdoor spaces needn't be a limitation; with some thoughtful planning, even the smallest of gardens can blossom into delightful havens or personal retreats. Here are some of our best tips and ideas to help you design the perfect small garden.

Harmonise landscaping and greenery

When your outdoor space is at a premium, achieving a harmonious balance between hardscaping and lush green foliage is essential to creating a visually appealing yet functional outdoor living space. Aim for a 50/50 greenery-to-hardscape ratio, such as a small wooden coffee table on a patio and garden space filled with raised beds and planters. 

An illusion of spaciousness with light colour schemes

Create an illusion of spaciousness with cool hues. Garden furniture in light shades like ammonite or chantily lace can visually enlarge small spaces by reflecting light and adding more depth. Consider garden furniture materials like lightly-toned wood, white-painted metal, or grey wicker to enhance the ambiance of your small garden.

Craft your garden's contours

Make the most of your garden’s geometry by adding curved borders or circular paving to its rectangular or square layout. These gentle curves will draw the eye away from the boundaries, creating an illusion of spaciousness. Alternatively, you can soften the harsh borders with garden trellises or climbing plants, effectively disguising the edges of your outdoor oasis.

Create extra space with vertical gardening

Vertical gardening can help transform underutilised walls and fences into multi-tiered plant displays, making use of all garden spaces. Look into wall-hung or tall, slender shelving units that can house a lush array of potted plants, herbs or even serve as garden decor displays. 

Hanging planters for compact elegance

Hanging baskets are another great option for small garden spaces, infusing them with cascading beauty without taking up valuable square footage. For an extra touch of sophistication, incorporate hanging plants with a wall-mounted shelf, doubling as a display for small potted plants and charming garden decor. 

Repeat patterns in compact spaces

Whether you're working with a small patio or a compact garden space, using harmonious, repeating patterns can help create a cohesive and visually appealing design. Repeat design elements like a line of boxwood spheres along a path or a series of hanging baskets to draw the eye and establish a rhythmic, harmonious aesthetic.

Functional outdoor living spaces

Organise your small garden into cosy little rooms or spaces, each with its own unique character and purpose. Nestle a comfortable lounge chair or a cosy hammock amidst a tapestry of shade-loving plants like Ferns, Lady’s mantle, or Plantain lily to create a peaceful sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Or place an inviting wooden bench or coffee table near flower beds and scatter soft cushions or rugs to create a cosy atmosphere.

An enchanting ambiance for the evening

As the sun goes down, create an enchanting ambiance with cosy outdoor lighting for outdoor living or late dinner parties with families or friends. Whether you prefer garden candle lights, lanterns, or strings of fairy lights, outdoor lighting can infuse your garden space with a warm, inviting glow, adding to the allure of any outdoor living space, no matter how big or small. 

Ready to make the most of outdoor living? Visit our latest garden furniture collection to find the perfect piece for your garden space.