23 Small Garden Ideas That Make A Big Difference To Your Outdoor Space
If you have a small garden space, you might think your design options are limited. But don’t be discouraged! There are far more ways to decorate and furnish a small space than you might think. Truly, with a little creativity and some inspirational photos, the possibilities are endless.
At Harbour Lifestyle, we want to help you make your outdoor space feel like you, no matter the size. Whether you have a small terrace, balcony, side garden, or tiny back garden, we’re here with unique ideas to make it stylish and personalised. We’ve compiled a list of 23 beautiful and modern small garden ideas below. You’ll find suggestions, including plant setups, garden furniture, landscaping, and more, to help you maximise your small space.
How to design a small garden
Before you start designing your small garden, you'll need to understand the space you're working with. Take note of dimensions, how much sunlight different areas get and how you want to use it. Is it for dining? Relaxing? Or maybe growing plants? A well-planned layout will make even the most compact garden feel bigger and more functional when it's designed with a purpose in mind. Create zones to define the space: Breaking a small garden into zones helps maximise its potential. A bistro set can define a cosy dining area, while an outdoor sofa or hanging chair creates a relaxing corner. Use planters, rugs or different paving styles to subtly separate each space without making the garden feel disjointed or cramped.
Choose paint, fencing and surfaces wisely: The right combination of colours and materials can make a small garden feel more open. Light, neutral tones on fences and walls reflect light, creating an open atmosphere, while vertical slatted fencing draws the eye upward, giving the illusion of height. Mirrors, glossy surfaces and light-coloured decking or gravel can also help bounce light around, making the space feel larger and more inviting.
1. Grow upwards with vertical gardening solutions to maximise planting space
Pello 3 Seat Sofa Set in Grey - £3,799
Looking for ideas for a very small garden? Consider a vertical planter or living wall to introduce greenery without taking up floor space. Start a vine wall with climbing plants that will trail vertically but won’t grow out of control. Or, use trellises or wires to encourage your plants to grow upward. Put your trellises in corners to leave room for your garden dining sets or corner groups.
If you don’t want climbing plants, you can install hanging baskets or mount planters on the wall.
2. Grow flowers, herbs and vegetables anywhere with flexible container gardening
Luna U-Shape Outdoor Fabric Corner Dining with Rising Firepit Table in Oyster Grey - £5,999
When ground space is limited, container gardening is the answer. From pots on patios and balconies to hanging baskets and vertical wall planters, you can grow fresh herbs, vibrant flowers, or even vegetables in the smallest of spaces.
Play around and mix various heights and textures for an eye-catching layered look, and choose decorative pots to add extra style. Container plants can also be moved around easily, letting you adapt your garden layout whenever inspiration strikes.
3. Choose the perfect trees for small gardens to add greenery without overwhelming the space
Noah 6 Seat Low Rectangular Dining Set in Volga Grey - £6,315
Trees transform small gardens by adding layers of greenery while creating pockets of shade and privacy. Compact varieties like Japanese maple or dwarf olive bring greenery without spreading too wide, keeping the layout open.
If you're looking for more flexibility, potted trees make it easy to refresh the space by repositioning them as needed.
4. Create a stylish and low-maintenance outdoor space with a gravel garden
Swapping out a lawn for gravel instantly reduces maintenance while adding texture and interest. Pair it with drought-resistant plants like lavender and ornamental grasses for a sun-kissed, Mediterranean-inspired look.
Complete the design with stepping stones, a classic bench and a fire pit to make your garden feel as stylish as it is practical.
5. Maximise your outdoor dining area with a compact and space-saving dining set
Cloverly 4 Seat Round Dining Set with Teak Table Top in Latte - £1,299.00
A small garden doesn’t mean you have to skip alfresco dining. A compact dining set, such as foldable chairs or a small but charming bistro table, creates the perfect spot for outdoor meals. Look for a set that tucks away easily or doubles as extra seating when needed. Paired with ambient lighting and a cosy throw, even the tiniest outdoor dining area can feel like a private retreat.
6. Make a statement with unique and eye-catching planters in your garden
Puccini 3 Seat Sofa Set in Latte - £4,435
When you have a small space to work with, you have a prime opportunity to use unique design pieces to pack your garden with personality and charm. One way to do this is by seeking out eye-catching planters & vases for your flowers. Explore playful shapes, colours, and materials to make a statement. Or, if you want an even more eclectic look, opt for unconventional items to use as planters, such as old teapots, buckets, barrels, wheelbarrows, tin cans, and vintage containers.
7. Bring a touch of Parisian charm to your space with a classic set
Noah 3 Seat Sofa Set in Volga Grey - £5,265.00
A small-scale dining set will leave ample room for the rest of your balcony or patio while offering a quaint and intimate seating for tea or a meal in the open air. For a small space, choose a dining set that seats 2 to 4 people.
A 2 to 4-seat set with stackable chairs is also quite lightweight, so you can keep things flexible and rearrange the dining setup whenever you need to.
8. Elevate your outdoor entertaining with versatile cooking options like BBQs and pizza ovens
Napoleon Rogue SE 625 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £1,919
Finally, just in time for those summer parties, why not consider portable outdoor cooking options in the form of pizza ovens and BBQs. What better way to bring family and friends together than sitting outside in the sun, sampling some of your favourite pizza toppings or hosting a good old-fashioned summer BBQ.
9. Get creative with DIY garden décor to add charm without breaking the bank
A few DIY touches can give your garden personality without a hefty price tag. Upcycle old furniture into unique plant stands that are guaranteed to be a conversation starter, or repurpose wooden pallets into a rustic outdoor sofa adorned with patterned cushions. A lick of paint on planters or a handmade garden sign instantly adds charm and character. The best part? It’s all completely customisable to suit your space and style.
10. Save space and add convenience with foldable and stackable furniture designs
Luna Side Table in Latte - 45cm x 45cm - £199.00
Every inch counts in a small garden, so flexible furniture is a game-changer. Foldable chairs and tables can be packed away when not in use, while stackable stools and small nesting and coffee tables create extra seating without taking up permanent space. Look for lightweight yet durable designs that you can rearrange to suit different occasions and leave your garden feeling open and spacious even when entertaining guests.
11. Define your gardens boundaries with charming and timeless picket fences
A picket fence adds instant old-school charm to a small garden while creating clear boundaries without feeling enclosed. The classic whitewashed look popular in the US is always a favourite, but natural wood tones offer a more rustic aesthetic. Shorter pickets can subtly separate spaces, while taller ones provide extra privacy. Soften the look by adding climbing plants or hanging baskets to make your garden feel even more inviting.
12. Transform your outdoor space with bold and vibrant painted features
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat™ Electric 2000W in White - £925
Want to add some drama to your small garden space? Experiment with colour and consider painting a fence, wall, garden shed, or any other architectural element you might have available.
You’ll need to first choose a colour scheme. Consider a palette that complements your interior décor (perhaps the room directly adjacent to your outdoor space). Stick to one to three major colours for your small garden colour palette.
13. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with soft, glowing string lights
Paulmann - Plug & Shine Outdoor 2W LED 7.5m Warm White Fairy Lights in Black - £39.99
Atmospheric and romantic lighting can make a small garden feel cosy and intimate. Consider hanging string lights over your outdoor dining set or sectional sofa. String lights on a balcony or terrace can make the space feel like a rooftop café. Or, instead of string lights, consider other outdoor lighting options. Candles and lanterns, for example, can achieve a similar, warm effect. Installing wall-mounted sconces can help save floor space and make the area look even more upscale.
14. Make the most of limited space with tiered planting beds for a lush garden feel
Luna 8 Seat Outdoor Fabric Rectangular Ceramic Firepit Dining Set in Oyster Grey - £3,999
Layering plants with tiered beds adds depth and dimension to small gardens while making the most of limited space. Raised wooden planters or stacked stone borders help create structure, allowing greenery to do its thing and show off its beauty and grow at different heights. Mix vibrant flowers with trailing plants to give your garden a wonderful, overflowing-with-life feeling without taking up too much room.
15. Introduce elegance and structure to your garden with decorative arches
Monterrey 6 Seat Rope Ceramic Firepit Bar Set in Grey - £3,449
Make a bold statement with a garden arch that adds height and old-school romance that makes even the smallest garden feel like a dreamy escape. It draws the eye upward, making the garden feel more expansive, and transforms into a natural, floral canopy when draped with climbing roses, wisteria or ivy.
Position one over an entrance to create a grand walkway, or place it at the end of a garden path to define the area.
16. Turn an unused corner into a cosy retreat with comfortable seating and soft cushions
Paia 3 Seat Sofa Set in Linen - £1,749
A corner sofa set provides luxuriously soft seating that fits snugly into a corner. That makes it an excellent solution for a small patio, deck, or balcony.
Place your sofa set against a wall, fence, or hedgerow to open up the rest of the space. Make sure to get a sofa with durable-yet-comfortable, all-weather fabric. This will ensure your set will last through the seasons and hold up under both sun and rain. Then, add comfortable outdoor throw pillows, blankets, and a rug to create that cosy, outdoor living space look.
17. Stay cool and comfortable with one or two stylish shade sources in your garden
Pello Deluxe Curved Sofa Set with Round Coffee Table in Fawn - £4,499
You likely don’t need a ton of shade sources in your small garden. Instead, you’ll just need to opt for one or two reliable outdoor shade structures to keep your garden nice and cool on sweltering summer days.
Consider a parasol or garden umbrella. Many parasols are portable and tiltable – like cantilever parasols – allowing you to easily adjust for the positioning of the sun.
If you have the space, consider a luxury pergola for your shade solution. Modern, metal pergolas are sturdy shade structures that can also filter out rain and provide ambient LED lighting over your outdoor seating or dining area.
18. Invest in multi-functional furniture to get the most out of your outdoor space
Pacific Lifestyle - Small Rattan Storage Box in Stone Grey - £319.99
A small garden requires creative furniture solutions that help you save space. Thankfully, there are tons of beautiful garden furniture pieces that have multifunctional uses. Garden benches and ottomans with built-in compartments can double as storage for pillows, garden tools, lawn games, and other items.
With a built-in fire pit, the bar set above doubles as a cosy fireplace. A casual dining set can serve as a lounging sofa or transform into a dining area with an extending coffee table. Modular garden sofa sets can be rearranged in various ways whenever you need to open up some space.
19. Add personality and vibrancy to your garden with colourful seating options
Enna 3 Seat Sofa Set with Coffee Table in Fawn - £3,249
Garden seating with colourful upholstery can be a great place to embrace vibrance. A statement chair or a unique garden sofa set can serve as the focal point of your garden.
If you’re worried about overwhelming the space with too much colour, you can offset vibrant colours with subdued shades. Rattan, wood, and rope furniture pieces are great ways to do this. Choose one or two bright-coloured pieces to attract the spotlight, and let the rest of the space breathe with neutrals. Struggling with garden seating options? Take a look at our guide on garden seating ideas for inspiration.
20. Define and elevate your garden with beautiful decking
Vienna Corner Group Set in Latte - £3,999.00
Decking instantly creates structure in a small garden, helping to define seating or dining areas. Light-coloured wood or composite decking can make the space feel bigger, while darker tones add warmth and elegance.
Pair it with outdoor rugs, stylish furniture and potted plants to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
21. Enjoy fresh herbs at your fingertips with a dedicated garden herb box
A small outdoor space is a great place to plant a little herb garden. Grow useful kitchen herbs that you know you’ll use (like parsley, cilantro, and basil) in an herb box. This is also a great small garden idea for the kids, as you can easily get them involved in watering and taking care of the herb box.
If you’re running short on ground space, create a vertical herb garden instead. Use hanging containers or a vertical trellis, as we discussed above.
22. Make your garden feel bigger and brighter with cleverly placed reflective surfaces
Havana Corner Group Set with Reclining Feature and Coffee Table in Latte - £999
Worried about your space feeling cramped? Mirrors and other shiny, reflective materials can help create an illusion of depth and make your small garden look more expansive.
Consider reflective décor and sleek metal surfaces, which will also achieve a modern-looking effect. Use several small mirrors or one large statement mirror to open up the space and fill some surface area on an empty wall.
23. Create a magical evening glow with lanterns scattered throughout your space
Paulmann - Outdoor Classic 15W LED Wall Light in Dark Grey - £65
Soft lighting transforms a small garden into an inviting retreat, especially in the evenings. Scatter lanterns along pathways, hang them from tree branches or place them on tables to add a warm, flickering glow. Solar-powered lanterns are a hassle-free option, lighting up as the sun goes down to create a cosy and magical ambience.
Turn your small garden into your happy place
A small garden may have its limitations, but with the right ideas, it can feel just as stylish and inviting as a larger space. A well-placed bistro set can turn a forgotten corner into the perfect spot for morning coffee, while thoughtful design and the right furniture choices transform your garden into a more open and welcoming space. Remember, it's not about size, but about making every detail count.
Harbour Lifestyle ensures that even the smallest gardens feel like a grand escape, not an afterthought. Explore our collection and start creating a space that's made for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the great outdoors.
FAQs
What is the best tree to have in a small garden?
Compact trees like Japanese maple, dwarf olive or ornamental cherry add greenery without taking up too much space. Columnar trees grow upwards rather than outwards, making them ideal for narrow gardens, and potted trees give you the flexibility to move them around as needed.
What colour fence paint makes a garden look bigger?
Lighter shades like soft greys and off-whites reflect light and create an open, airy environment. Deep greens and charcoal can also work by blending the fence into the background, making plants stand out and giving the illusion of more space.
How to arrange pots in a small garden?
Group pots in clusters of different heights to add depth and interest without cluttering the space. Place taller planters at the back and smaller ones in front to create a layered effect. Hanging pots and wall-mounted planters are a great addition when you want to free up floor space and add greenery at eye level.
