Choosing furniture for your small garden

With blue skies fast approaching (still not fast enough…), everyone’s focus is turning to the great outdoors. But if you've forgotten about your garden over the past year (don't worry – we've all been there!), read on and we’ll have your little spot of sunshine ready for summer in a flash.

Low maintenance, versatile, and inviting – a little creativity goes a long way when it comes to small gardens. And while your little plot might seem uninspiring at the moment, we guarantee you’ll be itching to start your garden transformation by the time we’re done! Just choose just a couple of our top tips, and you’ll be all set for sipping sangria in the sun. So, without further ado, let's dive in! 

First up – foldable tables and chairs. From classic wooden sets to durable metal pieces, enjoy comfortable dining without compromising on style. If you like the sound of folding flexibility, don’t stop there! Go on a folding spree and you won’t look back – from sun loungers to plant stands, revolutionise your garden. 

Next on our list of small patio furniture ideas: storage benches. DIY or shop-bought, these are the perfect spot to perch on whilst hiding away all your not-so-aesthetic garden essentials. When you’re low on space, it’s all about killing two birds with one stone.

Cube furniture will be your saviour when it comes to small-space patio furniture. Known for its clean lines, it adds a bit of contemporary cool while leaving plenty of surrounding space for other furniture, people, and pets. When not in use, the chairs tuck under the table for easy storage. Max out on nifty storage without skimping on style.

If you’re looking to make space in the form of a tree detox (tree-tox), then why let anything go to waste? If you’ve got a tree stump spare, you’ve already got yourself a 2-in-1 stool table! Just make sure you saw evenly – no one wants their cocktail falling off a wonky surface. Add a lick of paint to the top for a flamboyant finish, and top with an outdoor cushion when extra seating is in order.

When space is at a premium, it’s not always possible to maintain an ever-growing collection of plant pots. Make seeds go further and create an ethereal feel with climbing and trailing plants. Behind the gorgeous aesthetic, they’re also a sneaky way to disguise old fences that you just can’t face repainting! Our personal favourites include country cottage style wisteria and blooming clematis – and of course, you can’t go wrong with an elegant rose or two.

The same principle for planting goes for – well, pretty much anything. When all else fails and space is running low, build up! Taking inspiration from city planners, adopt the skyscraper technique and think outside the box.

Whether you’re adding wheels to your homemade tree table or browsing the market for a portable trolley, there’s nothing that four wheels can’t fix. Keep the drinks flowing as you whiz from the kitchen bar to your guests, and again, and again…

One of our more straightforward small garden furniture ideas that requires no customising or DIYing – corner sofa sets. Comfy, inviting, and space-saving, find the right set to fit snugly in the corner, and you’ll have your guests thinking it’s custom-made!

Enclosed garden walls may have seemed a burden – until now. All you need is a few sturdy hooks to maximise storage and style. Create functional storage by hanging essential outdoor items on the walls, or why not jazz up that plain old wall with your fave garden wall art or outdoor mirror? Which leads us to our next point…

This one is for all those sheltered backyards that rarely see the sun – the classic garden mirror. Creating a sense of space and light, it's also perfect for last-minute outfit checks! Our top tip when choosing a mirror – birds are much less likely to fly into a gridded-style mirror and end up in a mess on your garden floor. Enough said.

When floor space is a luxury, create the illusion of more space by keeping the ground clear. Relaxing and more adventurous than your standard chair, hammocks and hanging chairs are the centre of all garden envy. Swaying back and forth with a good book in one hand; cocktail in the other – what could be more blissful?

There’s no getting away from the fact that small gardens are, well, small. But if you’re not keen on creating the illusion of more space, why not embrace your garden in all its cosiness and create an inviting outdoor hub? Small garden rooms evoke a sense of warmth, perfect for chatting into the night – balancing the cosy feel of your home with a blast of fresh air. Grab a parasol or gazebo, scatter some soft cushions, and drape a set of fairy lights. Welcome to your new inviting garden escape!

Hunting down the perfect set of garden furniture for a small garden can be a bit of a faff when it comes to exact measurements (yawn). So, create your own – a bit of DIY never hurt anyone! All you need is an old pallet, two strips of metal chain, and two hinges. The result? A novel flip-down garden bar that will level up any garden party in an instant. You can also use it as desk to create your very own small garden office for those sunny WFH days!

Veggie patches are a wholesome finishing touch to any family garden – who says you can’t have your own version? Opt for tiered planters, most of which include storage space underneath, so you can keep your gardening equipment out of the way.

P.S. July is the perfect time to plant lettuce, carrots, and French beans. Get to it!

Last but not least, (actually a strong contender for the top spot): zhuzh, zhuzh, and zhuzh some more! When it comes to any home or garden space, the true beauty shines through in the details. So, put your own stamp on your new outdoor haven and accessorise till you drop!

With house prices soaring, we all have to make the most of the space we’ve got (forgive the cliché). Summer 2023 will be the summer of petite patios and pint-sized plots – watch this space.

We hope your head is filled with small courtyard garden ideas, ready to kickstart your garden transformation. Space-savvy garden furniture, small garden, creative thinking – what could go wrong? Summer is on your doorstep; you just need to step outside and get going!