Small Garden Ideas to Maximise Your Space
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Time to read 6 min
Transforming a small garden into a functional and relaxing oasis may seem like a challenge, but with the right ideas, even the tiniest outdoor spaces can become stunning sanctuaries. Whether you’re working with a compact balcony, a narrow patio, or a small garden, we’re here to provide creative and practical solutions to help you make the most of every square inch. From vertical gardening techniques to clever space-saving plant arrangements, in this blog, we’ll explore smart ways to add greenery and charm to your outdoor space without overcrowding.
Perfect for urban dwellers or anyone looking to enhance limited outdoor areas with thoughtful designs, we’re here to offer tips to make your garden feel larger than it is. From multi-purpose furniture that doubles as hidden storage to shelving to display potted plants, whether your goal is to host family gatherings, grow fresh herbs or simply unwind in a green retreat, these solutions will inspire you to reimagine your outdoor space.
How do I add value to my small garden?
The most common issue with small gardens is the lack of floor space, therefore coming up with simple space-saving solutions is the best way to add value to your limited space. Utilising every inch of the little space you have by adding decoration like mirrors and plants, and adding storage like shelving and multipurpose furniture can help create an aesthetically pleasing and functional garden space.
Even in the smallest of spaces, adding a garden furniture set can completely transform your outdoor area. If you’re decorating a small patio area, a bistro set is a great addition, giving you a place to sit and enjoy your morning coffee or have an al-fresco lunch with a friend. For gardens on the smaller side, but still with ample space for furniture, a sunlounger or small garden sofa set can offer a stylish place to relax and make the most of your space. A hanging chair is also a great option, especially for those decorating balconies that have limited floor space but still want a cosy place to sit.
In a dream scenario, having both outdoor dining and lounging furniture would create the ultimate outdoor set-up, however, this arrangement may not be possible for smaller gardens which is where multipurpose furniture comes in. Serving two purposes without compromising on design, multipurpose furniture comes in many forms, from footstools that transform into a coffee table with seating to sofa sets with rising tables to take you from lounging to dining.
Ibiza Oatmeal Coffee Table with 3 Footstools
Pulse 3 Seat Sofa Set with Rising Table
How do you make a small garden look nice?
Just because you’re working with a more compact space doesn’t mean that you can’t create an aesthetically pleasing garden. Whether you’re looking to have a space filled with greenery or a calm lounge area, there are many different ways you can decorate a small garden, making the most of the space to get your desired outcome. Below are a few key things to consider when planning how to make your small garden look nice.
Create a focal point
Whether it’s a beautiful planter, a water feature, or a statement plant, having a single standout element in your garden helps to create a focal point that will then draw the eye. Building around one feature /will help to anchor your space and give you a specific element to use as the base for further decoration. Adding a mirror as a focal point can also help to visually double your space by reflecting light, adding depth and making the area feel airier and brighter.
Play with levels and textures
Adding outdoor accessories that play with varying textures, colours, and levels can help to create a visually intriguing outdoor space. Mixing tall plants with flowers, trailing varieties, or combining rough stone with soft foliage can help keep things interesting. Adding an outdoor rug is also another simple way to add texture and personality to a space without taking up room. Rugs can not only add warmth to a space to create a cosy atmosphere outdoors, they can also help to section off areas, creating a dining or lounging zone in a small space.
Stick to a cohesive colour palette
When decorating your small space, make sure to stick to a cohesive colours scheme as too many colours or clashing materials can make a small space feel busy. We suggest picking a few complementary tones for plant pots, furniture, and accessories. Colours like soft greens, terracotta, and natural wood always work beautifully in an outdoor space.
Add atmospheric lighting
Outdoor lighting can instantly transform any garden or patio into a cosy area without occupying much space, and there are many styles to choose from that all offer something different. From fairy lights to strings of vintage-style bulbs and LED mood lights that change colour, lighting can easily add warmth and ambience. Whether you’re looking for whimsical lighting options to create a cosy evening space or modern, functional lighting to border your garden, browse through our full collection of garden lighting to find an aesthetic solution to decorate your compact outdoor space.
Similar to outdoor lighting, adding outdoor heating can also add an element of warmth and light to your space. Patio heaters will enhance the cosy feel of the garden and give you a welcoming spot to relax and soak up the warmth into the late hours, or allow you to enjoy your garden year-round without hurrying inside for warmth.
2100W Lyra Freestanding Electric Patio Heater
How to arrange plants in a small garden?
Plants are a simple way to create a vibrant and visually intriguing garden, regardless of size. Arranging plants in a smaller garden is all about making the most of the space you have available so you can create a calming space to relax or host in. Prioritising vertical space, creating distinct zones, and utilising layering techniques can all help you create a luscious garden in the small space you have.
Playing with vertical space includes everything from adding hanging baskets to climbing plants, raised beds and installing vertical gardens. This allows you to utilise the small area you have to create a garden filled with greenery, whether that be growing your own produce or adding colourful flowers. Vertical planting helps to draw the eye upward which can distract from the size of the garden. We suggest repurposing old palettes to create shelving and raised beds to plant in, or adding trellis panels to walls that can accommodate climbing plants and flowers.
Incorporating plants with varying textures or colours and planting them in odd numbers can also create a unique, interesting garden. It’s important to choose appropriate plants that are suitable for the size and conditions of your garden, ensuring they don't overcrowd the space.To combat the look of possible overcrowding, consider layering plants by planting taller plants in the back and shorter ones in the front to make the most of the space whilst creating depth and visual interest.
How do you break up a small garden?
Breaking up a small garden into specific sections can help you to create a cohesive space that you can get the most out of. The first step to breaking up your garden is to decide what you want out of the space - think about whether you want to grow your own produce, nurture flower beds, create a relaxation corner or a combination of both.
If you’re looking to create a relaxation zone, you can easily mark out this zone using a rug or edging materials like bricks, logs and stones. Add a small furniture set,a cosy chair and lighting to create a warm and welcoming area. Whereas if you’re wanting to utilise your space to grow produce, creating a specific zone of raised beds or vertical planters can help you maximise space. To effectively do this you must assess the natural conditions of the garden; see where the sun and shade naturally fall throughout the day, where is windy and where is sheltered to use this to your advantage.
Make the most of your space with ATM Living
With a touch of creativity and the right guidance, you can transform even the most compact outdoor area into a vibrant, thriving garden that reflects you. Browse through our outdoor living range to discover stunning garden furniture and accessories that can help transform any outdoor space into the perfect place to relax.
