Small gardens can be just as beautiful as rambling acres with a little thought and a careful choice of materials and furniture. Even if you only have a patio or compact balcony to play with, we have some great small garden solutions to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
What are the rules for styling a great patio?
First look at what you want from the space and how you want it to blend with, or stand out from the rest of your home. Are you looking for a space that flows effortlessly from the back door, or do you want to create a special oasis away from the house? A small sunken patio far down the garden, with a lounge or corner set for seating can be a really special place to hang out or party. The most important rule is to design a space that is accessible all year round so you can maximise its use. Look at materials that are easy to keep clean and won’t be too slippery when wet. Soften a gravel terrace with an outdoor rug when it's warm enough to kick off your shoes.
How can I make the most of the space on my patio?
It’s easy to think that you should choose smaller pieces of furniture for a more compact patio area, but this can often lead to over filling the space, which can look cluttered and a little apologetic. Larger pieces will give a considered look, accommodate more people and give the space a sense of purpose. A larger corner set, like the Bora will frame a square or rectangular patio with plenty of comfortable seating but also leave room for movement through the area and space for styling with planters and pots. You will also be easily positioned to use an outdoor coffee table or introduce a firepit on cooler evenings.
Choosing furniture for a small garden
Where space is modest but not too limited, choose one hero set of furniture that will suit a number of occasions, such as our Bourton Corner Dining set which has a table you can adjust – higher for lunch and supper, lower for coffee and drinks. Our versatile day beds are great too – separate for bench seating if there’s a crowd – pull together for sunbathing when it’s just the two of you. Choose unfussy furniture – the simplicity of Scandi-style design we see in pieces like our Ravenna or Turin sets look timeless and cohesive in smaller spaces. A symmetrical placement of outdoor sofas or daybeds looks incredibly chic and also fools the eye into thinking the space has doubled. And of course folding bistro sets are the classic choice for small gardens or balconies.
How can I use planters to decorate a small terrace?
Less is definitely more with a small terrace, so avoid the temptation to overcrowd with lots of pots. Pick two to three statement planters in matching colours or designs and mirror the planting in each for a blended, cohesive look. Planters made from fibre clay are lightweight but very resilient and easier to move to give you more space when entertaining. A maximalist approach can still work, but lift pots off the ground with a tiered plant stand for an attention-grabbing display that draws the eye upwards. Reserve a group of smaller pots, perhaps with succulents, shorter spring bulbs or flowering geraniums (depending on the season) to use as a centrepiece for your outdoor table, just as you would your dining table or kitchen island.
What tricks can I use to make the garden seem bigger?
If your whole garden is compact, your patio may be surrounded by walls or fences – take advantage of the blank canvas these offer to add a focal point such as an outdoor garden mirror, wall clock or compass to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of more space. Use planters to make your garden feel like an escape – even small urban gardens can feel like a rural escape or holiday oasis with the right planters and planting. The soft tones of lavender, thyme and rosemary are visually stunning and also smell amazing. Place pots of herbs around your outdoor dining space and every time you brush past you will be transported to the sun-bleached terraces of Tuscany.
What storage solutions can I bring to a small garden?
Even if you are lucky enough to have a larger garden, you be short of a garage or other storage space. A weatherproof garden trunk like our Porlock Storage Box is the perfect compromise for those without a shed - it’s as attractive as a basket, but large enough to pile in outdoor toys and a good heap of seat cushions, making it perfect for those of us who want to clear the lawn and celebrate that magic hour when the children head up to bed after a fun day in the garden.