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Even the smallest outdoor space can be stylish and inviting for a garden retreat. All you need are a few smart garden furniture choices and a bit of creativity to create an idyllic patio.
Luckily, we’ve found a variety of design and style inspirations for your limited backyard. Now, it’s up to you to bring these ideas to life!
1. Vintage flair
Vintage finds aren’t just for indoor decorating — take them to your patio for a simple yet classic look. Think of using an old treasure chest as a coffee table. Cushions with floral prints would look fitting on weathered aluminium garden furniture.
2. Tropical escape
Turn your patio into a compact retreat with a variety of tropical plants. Plant banana leaves instead of palms to save space. Their large, broad leaves grow outward, creating a lush feel without needing as much vertical space as taller palm trees. Add wooden furniture with bright-coloured cushions for contrast.
3. Introduce a heating source
This decked small patio may be simple, but that fire pit in the centre can make the night feel magical. This shows how much a heating source can do so much in an ordinary, tiny outdoor space. With one, you can extend the use of your humble retreat into cooler evenings.
4. Outdoor dining pergola
A half-covered metal pergola provides a mix of light and shade, making it perfect for dining al fresco. Add a pendant light to extend its use into the evening. Your garden then becomes a natural backdrop, offering lush greenery.
Check out our best pergola ideas for more design inspiration.
5. L-shaped furniture
L-shaped rattan corner sofas are versatile and practical, especially for small patios. Their unique design allows you to make the most of your corner space. This frees up more room for other decorations or furniture, in return.
6. A table for two
Giving off a major Parisian vibe, this small bistro set offers an ideal spot for a good lunchtime getaway. Set up a table for two on your patio or balcony and cover it with a simple fabric tablecloth. Don’t forget to add lanterns and a decorative bouquet as a centrepiece.
7. Theatrical setup
If you have a spare wall on your patio, why not transform it into an outdoor cinema? Install a projector screen and add fairy lights for ambience. Scatter some comfy cushions around for seating. These simple additions can help you create a low-cost outdoor movie experience.
8. Work your shed
A small backyard can be turned into a dedicated space for hobbies, work, or a mini self-care retreat with the help of a shed. You can create an extra area that suits your needs, whether for relaxing or pursuing a hobby. Take a cue from these she shed ideas if you need inspiration.
9. Add benches
You can’t go wrong with a bench for garden seating ideas. Place it against a wooden fence to maximise seating without crowding the area. Or position it to face the garden or any focal point you have, like a fire pit or garden feature.
10. Soothe with water
For this idea, fountain bowls are your best bet. These compact features can be placed in corners or along walls without taking up too much room. Make sure they’re near seating areas so you can enjoy soothing background noise while you relax.
11. Spruce up with a parasol
The good thing about having a small garden or patio is that you don’t need to install a huge awning. A garden parasol cantilver, for instance, is enough to provide shade and protect you from the sun. Even better, it’s easy to move around, so you can adjust the shade as needed or store it away when you want to sunbathe.
12. Drop-down bar section
For an ultimate entertainment hub, install a compact yet central garden bar. Use vertical space to fit into your outdoor space. For instance, a drop-down bar setup can be mounted on the wall to save space. It doesn’t take up too much room and can be tucked away when not in use.
13. Outdoor hot tub and gazebo
You can fit an outdoor hot tub on a small patio with planning. You might need to reduce seating, but it can still work well. Take inspiration from this Jacuzzi setup, sheltered by a wooden gazebo. It shelters the hot tub from rain, snow, and strong sun, and keeps it clear of debris, which means less maintenance for you.
14. Set up a summerhouse
A corner summerhouse can become the main feature of your small patio. Position it where it can receive more natural light and have a view that takes advantage of your small garden and backyard landscape. Install a path leading to it, such as stepping stones, to define the area around the summerhouse more.
15. Invest in modular furniture
Modular outdoor sets are easy to move and rearrange depending on the occasion. Take this rattan cube dining set, for instance. It conveniently tucks away into a cube that helps maximise the space while offering enough chairs for hosting. It comes with 6 armchairs and 4 stools that can be used as extra chairs or footrests, depending on the number of guests. Invest wisely!
16. Built-in seating
Built-in furniture is also an excellent space-saver seating alternative. For your small landscaped garden, a setup like this can give your maximum seats. Plus, it can double as a boundary wall for raised beds, thanks to the high back or side design of the seating.
17. The vertical approach
Save square footage on your patio by taking everything off the ground. Grow living walls or install wall-mounted planters to add greenery. You can also use a slim, wall-mounted shelving unit for additional storage or to display plants.
18. Less is more
A minimalist approach works well for small outdoor spaces. Spurred on by ‘less is more garden design ideas’, the key here is to keep the space clean and orderly with simple, well-chosen elements.
19. Consider artificial lawn
Opting for faux turf offers a hassle-free solution with minimal upkeep. It adds dimension and a pop of colour as if it’s genuine. There’s almost no difference at first glance! It’s also durable, so you don’t have to worry about furniture or heavy objects causing damage.
20. Hammock seating alternative
A hammock can be a great addition to your small patio or decked porch. If you don’t have sturdy trees, posts, or wall hooks, use a hammock stand. With one, you can set up your hammock anywhere in your outdoor space and enjoy a comfortable spot to unwind.
21. Container gardening
Green up your patio with container gardening by growing vegetables in various containers. You can even add a small bistro where you can enjoy your green space and the views around you. For tips and ideas on getting started, check out our guide, ‘Container Growing: How to Grow Plants in Small Spaces’.
22. Double the space with a mirror
Garden mirrors can make small patios look larger by adding depth and opening up the space. They create the illusion of more room vertically and horizontally. Place the mirror to reflect your patio’s greenery or decor, and set your table nearby so you can enjoy the view from any seat.
23. Divide it into zones
Another way to make a small patio feel larger is by dividing it into different zones. By creating areas for specific uses, such as an entertainment space and a reading nook, you can make the space feel more expansive and functional. Get inspiration from these garden screening ideas to separate these zones.
24. Double-duty fences
Make the most of your fence, whether it’s a picket or concrete block, by using it for planting. Doing so is a win-win, as it enhances privacy and helps your small garden space thrive. Or, you can turn your plain wall into a decorative lining wall with climbers. Both options maximise your space while adding greenery.
25. Play with colours
Create the illusion of height and space in your small garden with exterior paints. Paint your fencing or screening with vibrant shades to create a colourful backdrop. If you have wooden chairs, use bright colours for a lively atmosphere.
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26. Make use of the corners
Clever corner seating makes full use of every inch of space. A high-back sofa design, for instance, can help conceal the planters behind it, showcasing only the lush leaves. Adding a fire pit in the middle lets you enjoy summer nights with an open flame.
27. Little piece of paradise for kids
Playhouse for kids, such as a Wendy’s house, is worth the investment. Even with limited space, children can spend more time outdoors in a safe environment under supervision. Parents can also join in the fun, perhaps by acting as pirates invading their little ship!
28. Sunken seating arrangement
Structure your small patio layout into sections by creating private, sunken seating. Border the area with decorative screens or plants, and include a source of shade, like a garden sail, for heat protection.
29. Raised deck patio
A simple raised outdoor living area decorated with furniture can be an outdoor extension to your home. Complete the set-up with a chiminea or some patio heating to enjoy alfresco living throughout the year, even on cooler evenings.
30. Set up a small cabana
A budget-friendly way to maximise the available space you have. You can turn a DIY daybed into one with branches, two pallets, and fabric scraps into a bohemian-style lounger for two.
Round-up
You don’t have to sacrifice style just because your garden is limited in size. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll be amazed at how these ideas can make a big impact in your compact yard. We hope our inspirations help you elevate your small space!
Up next on your reading list: Small Garden Furniture Ideas For Your Tiny Space
Shop Rattan Garden FurnitureFAQs
How do I plan a small garden layout?
One of the best ways to layout a small garden is to break the space up into zones. Use planting, screens, or consider adding a sunken deck to create different areas.
How do you make a small garden look nice?
In addition to our design and style inspirations, introduce a garden wall. This can serve as a focal point to your backyard and patio.
How do you build a small patio garden?
Trying to squeeze a garden onto your small balcony or patio? Vertical gardening is key!
What do you put in the corner of a garden?
Garden buildings like sheds and log cabins make an excellent choice. Outdoor fire pits or fireplace, water features and sculptures would also look great for corner gardens.
What colours make a garden look bigger?
According to experts, light colours are more reflective than dark ones. For one, light blue gives the illusion of a bigger room in a small garden.
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