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A roof garden gives you the luxury of outdoor space, much like a private garden in a terraced or semi-detached home. Only here, you’re high up—no nosy neighbours peeking over the fence and a view to match. And these roof garden ideas will help you turn yours into a space you actually want to use.
Bring Greenery to New Heights (Literally)
Who says gardens need to be on the ground? Your rooftop can be just as lush with the right plants, a.k.a. those that thrive under full sun and seat.
Lavender, for one, has that pretty visual. Its sweet scent drifts through the air whenever the wind blows, creating a calming, soothing feel. It will look brilliant in planters or raised beds—perfect with a garden bench nearby so you can sit back and enjoy the aroma.
Bonsai trees also work—almost like having a miniature landscape right on your rooftop. They’re low maintenance, easy to move around since they’re potted, and you don’t have to worry about exceeding the height limit (more on this later). Juniper, pine, or maple, as they can handle outdoor conditions better.
Ornamental grasses make a great addition, too, adding movement to your rooftop garden. Blue fescue, for instance, stays shorter, reaching just 10 inches tall, and stands up well to windy conditions. Its silvery-blue colour would pair well with Lavenders and stand out among green foliage.
Your options don’t stop here, but these examples will definitely do the job in a rooftop setup.
Furnish with Garden Furniture
Decorate your rooftop garden with furniture like this outdoor corner rattan sofa and place it in the corner to maximise space. A dining set also works, and we’re picturing it in the centre, surrounded by lush bushes or planters. What do you think?
Or why not have both, if you can? A corner seating area gives you a spot to unwind and enjoy the view, while a dining set makes alfresco meals feel a bit special, with the sky as your backdrop. You could even add a BBQ corner or a compact grill to make outdoor cooking part of the setup.
Go for rattan garden furniture
Rattan is a naturally flexible material, so you needn’t worry about it being too brittle or rigid to sit on. The same goes for synthetic rattan options, which are also UV-resistant. This added quality protects the fibres from fading and stops the frame from degrading.
Its flexibility adapts to your body shape, which makes it more comfortable to sit on, even for longer stretches, to add. The open weave design allows air to flow through, helping to prevent heat buildup, especially in the summer.
At the end of the day, comfort is key, and rattan ticks all the right boxes.
Make Room for Shade
Shade is a must, especially with all that furniture. Without it, the space can get so hot that you might have to wait until the sun goes down before you can use it.
Get inspiration from these garden shades, such as adding a shade sail cover that you can attach to walls, railings, or posts fixed to the rooftop. Just don’t set it too high—check local guidelines, especially if the canopy is larger, so you know the specific requirements for your situation.
Pergolas are also a good source of garden shade. However, you will need to consider whether this will require planning permission, as it might count as increasing the height of your building. It would be best to check with your local planning office. They’ll let you know if your rooftop pergola is all good or if you need permission first.
Add Waterproof Outdoor Storage
With the height restrictions and possible planning permission, you’ll want a storage that won’t exceed these. A storage box is your best bet, as it is smaller and less bulky.
Take the BillyOh Swindon Plastic Garden Storage Box Grey, for instance. It’s made from durable, heavy-duty plastic, so it’s built for year-round use.
Most storage boxes feature a space-saving design, with lids that can double as a bench.
Even without the height space of its shed counterparts, it can store cushions, outdoor toys, or gardening supplies—all neatly out of sight but still easily accessible.
Round-up
When decorating your roof garden, make use of the corners, edges, or even the whole space if you want by adding greenery to bring it to life. Choose hardy, drought-tolerant plants, and keep weight in mind—go as light as possible.
Corner and dining sets are great for seating and lounging on rooftops. But if you’re short on space and still want somewhere to sit, a sun lounger is a solid choice. It saves space and gives you a comfy spot to put your feet up.
Garden storage boxes are brilliant for keeping the space organised without adding height. Tuck one in the corner, and when it’s closed, you’ve got extra seating if needed.
Don’t forget the shade, but make sure it’s not set too high beyond the height limit. Again, check with your local planning authority to stay within the rules.
Get more inspiration here: 10 Great Covered Outdoor Seating Ideas
What do you think ?