Inspiring small garden ideas for making the most out of your outdoor space (2024)

Create a Summer living space with tropical prints, an eclectic assortment of furniture and plenty of comfy cushions. Following a theme can really help your garden stand out and feel distinct, for instance, a Japanese inspired garden.

This garden has painted all the walls white to help reflect sunlight and help the space feel bigger and brighter, which could also be achieved with garden mirrors.

The owners have played to the narrow space's strength by making the most of the height to grow wisteria and a fig in pots and pile chopped wood aesthetically.

Adding different levels to a cramped patio via shelves is a smart use of space and a great way of showing off your plants. Not only does this method use less floor space, but you'll also create more interest through the different levels.

Picture: Next

Stick to hardy plants that will look great all year round, for a lush, easy to maintain space. Don't worry, there are plenty of trees for small gardens, too, so you can still incorporate different levels into your design.

If your dining room is a tad on the small side, consider your garden an extension, and create a colourful and welcoming area in which to feast with friends. Go for bold garden dining sets rather than your usual white china, to make it feel distinct from everyday meals.

Some of the simplest small garden ideas are the often the best. Whether you have a compact patio or a balcony garden, a bistro set is an ideal way to turn even the smallest of outdoor areas into a liveable space. An ideal spot for a morning coffee or catch up with a friend.

Picture: Homebase

If you’re lucky enough to have an American-style porch, make the most of it - what could be better than sitting out on a Summer’s evening with a cold drink in hand? A couple of comfy chairs and some blankets are all you need to create a cosy setting, and consider furniture which can double as outdoor storage solutions for maximum impact.

Picture: Amara

An outdoor space provides a fantastic opportunity to experiment with bold colours, and a splash of paint makes this courtyard garden feel more like a room - with the help of some bright, tropical-print outdoor cushions and boho accessories.

Embrace some fun small garden ideas and unleash the kitsch with a few garden ornaments . Flamingos are the way to go for a real dash of fun, while fold-away hammocks are a stylish and space-saving solution to outdoor seating.

Adding a canopy is a nice way of zoning your garden, while obviously introducing much needed shade on those scorching Summer days. A well-placed garden parasol can also be just as effective.

If you're searching for small garden ideas the kids can get on board with too, then look now further. Create the perfect spot to relax with a hanging tent or teepee - a few cushions and a fur rug make back garden camping considerably more luxurious.

Perfect for a casual breakfast on a Summer morning, this table and chair set can be squeezed onto even the tiniest of balconies. Add patio cushions to create a cosier spot to sit in and set the scene with small potted plants.

While you might not have the space for a vegetable patch or to plant small shrubs, a vertical planter is a great way to breathe maximum life in your garden with minimum floor space.

Picture: Homebase