Small gardens and balconies
A small garden doesn't mean small ideas. It just means being smarter about what goes where.
The simple styling tricks below help you to maximise your small outdoor space, so you can soak up the sun just like everyone else…
How to Use Vertical Space in a Small Garden
What you lack in floor space you can make up for in vertical space. By accentuating your space vertically it will create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is.
Instead of focusing on the floor, think about how you can use your fences, walls or railings to accessorise your space.
Climbing plants and hanging baskets are a great way to add greenery, a pop of colour and sweet smells to your outdoor area without using up extra floor space.
Wall art allows you to add your own personality to your space, as well as creating visual interest and adding texture.
Fairy lights or mounted solar lights will add warmth, as well as allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in the darker evenings. Our 3m LED Light Aluminium Frame Garden Parasols are a great way to introduce lights to your small space while also providing shelter during warmer temperatures. 24 pre-installed solar powered LED lights run along the canopy ribs of the parasol - did someone say multifunctional!
Container Planting Ideas for Small Gardens
You might not have flower beds but that shouldn’t stop you from creating your dream floral haven. By potting up your flowers and plants in containers it not only allows you to add greenery to your small space but it will also allow you to move them around as seasons change, so they can follow the sun or shelter inside in the cold winter months.
It’s important to note when planting in containers, that they shouldn’t be placed all the way around the edge of your outdoor area as this will make it feel more enclosed, instead place containers in an arrangement that leads the eye around the space to open it up.
A good tip for choosing plants is to look for different textures and heights as this will create depth. But always remember that less is more!
A Zonal Design Ensures Everything Serves a Purpose
When you have a small space, everything should serve a purpose. That’s why zonal designs are so important as they make the space feel more expansive and create calm by defining areas.
Outdoor rugs, plants and lights are great ways to subtly divide the space to create zones, whether that be for lounging, dining, etc.
Consider How You Utilise Your Outdoor Space to Choose Garden Furniture
Due to how important it is to have a streamlined space when your outdoor area is small, you should carefully consider what activities you use your garden for so that you are choosing the best furniture for your space.
Some small gardens will have enough space to create zones for separate dining and lounging, while in other more compact spaces you will need to choose which type of furniture best suits your needs.
Bistro Sets
If you enjoy sitting outside with your morning coffee, relaxing with evening drinks or dining watching the sunset - then a bistro set is for you. With enough space for 2 people, it allows you to enjoy alfresco dining with minimal space.
Champneys Outdoor Reclining Bistro Set
Enjoy both dining & lounging with one furniture set, ideal for compact spaces. The chairs' reclining function means they can be turned into sunloungers.
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Granchester Grey Rattan Balcony Bistro Set
Designed for balconies. The bistro chairs interlock with the table so they are neatly tucked away when not in use.
St Loy Natural Rattan Bistro Set with Table
This beautifully handwoven rattan bistro set's rounded shape and cream coloured back and seat cushions make your dining experience comfortable.
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Haymes Metal Indoor & Outdoor Bistro Set
The Haymes' slimline design allows light to seep through which visually expands your garden, so you can enjoy dining without worrying about space.
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Small Sofa Sets
Our small outdoor sofa sets' compact designs allow you to lounge outside in comfort despite the lack of space - with a range of different configurations and styles there's something for everyone.
Montebello Rope & Aluminium Sofa Set
Our Montebello sofa set is all about comfort with deep filled back and seat cushions. Not lacking in style, the striking thick handwoven rope design makes a statement in your small space.
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Pedra Rope & Aluminium Chaise Sofa
Sleek and modern, our Pedra chaise sofa set features a compact footstool that doubles as a coffee table thanks to its removable aluminium tray top. A versatile addition to your outdoor space.
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Montrose Silver Oak Aluminium Chaise Sofa
The Montrose is crafted from high-quality aluminium, so you don't need to worry about rust. The chaise design allows for restful lounging, while still being compact enough for small spaces.
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Manresa Rope Taupe & Beige Sofa Set
The Manresa's low slung silhouette and open weave detailing makes your space feel open, light and airy, as well as adding a subtle design accent.
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Please note: our small sofa sets aren't suitable for balconies.
Egg Chairs
Offering cosy comfort in a compact design, the cocooning shape of an egg chair helps to transport you to your own tranquil retreat even in the smallest of spaces. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book and a drink on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Lydia Geometric Rattan & Rope Hanging Chair
Stylish and modern, the Lydia hanging chair has been designed with an angled backrest for enhanced comfort while you relax in the sun.
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Deneb Light Grey Double Hanging Chair
Generously sized and cushioned, this double hanging chair has enough room for 2 people to snuggle up in.
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Garden Furniture Styles That Don’t Shrink Your Space
To make balconies or small gardens feel brighter and more expansive, you should choose garden furniture with open frames, slim legs or lattice designs that allow more light to seep through. Our Haymes garden furniture range's slimline design makes it one of our top picks for smaller outdoor spaces.
A light colour palette is another great way to make your space feel bigger as it will help to reflect more light. Use a small range of complimentary colours to maintain a sense of calm and order. But don't forget to include some colour within your accessories to add personality and visual interest.
Similar to light colours, garden mirrors will help to create the illusion of more space by reflecting light. A mirror can act as a stylish focal point, it will expand your visual space and add interest to small corners of your garden.
Textiles Make Your Outdoor Space Feel Intimate Rather Than Small
Accessorising your garden with textiles like outdoor rugs and cushions is a great way to change how you view your space, as well as adding comfort.
Soft furnishings will help to soften sharp edges, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a lived in feel. They are also a great way to subtly introduce colour, pattern and texture - injecting personality without overwhelming your small space.
Cushions will make your garden furniture more inviting. Their padding will help improve comfort during long periods of sitting, while also preventing your skin from having direct contact with cold or hot furniture frames. (Just remember to bring them indoors when you're not using them!)
Outdoor rugs bring cosy comfort underfoot that extends the indoor outdoors. They're also the key to providing structure in your outdoor space by defining zones which give each area of your garden purpose.
How to Protect Garden Furniture When There's No Space for Storage
When your garden is small, there's seldom space for a shed or garage which would provide handy storage. This is where garden furniture covers and compact storage solutions become essential to protect your garden furnishings from the elements.
Tailored outdoor furniture covers
The Great British weather likes to keep us on our toes and can cause damage to garden furniture if it's not properly protected.
Breathable, waterproof furniture covers are essential to ensure the longevity of your outdoor furniture when there's no space to store it inside.
One of the key things to look out for when it comes to garden furniture covers is ventilation - you don't want to create the damp environment that mould thrives in. That's why at daals our covers are designed with air vents to allow fresh air circulation under the cover.
A tailored fit is also essential. While there are plenty of generic waterproof garden furniture covers on the market, it is best to invest in a bespoke cover as it will provide better protection. Each of our garden furniture sets at daals has a cover designed specifically for it, with drawstrings for a secure fit.
Don't forget about soft furnishings!
Soft furnishings in your outdoor space also need a place to shelter from the elements. Cushions and outdoor rugs should be brought inside overnight or when rain is forecast.
Compact storage solutions
Maximising your small outdoor space involves keeping clutter to a minimum. But without a garage or shed this can be hard.
A storage box is a stylish solution for hiding away gardening tools, children's toys and more, when they're not in use, without taking up too much floor space.
Make the most of your outdoor space
Shop our range of garden furniture and accessories to enhance your small outdoor space.
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FAQs about styling compact outdoor spaces
Q: Can you have a sofa set in a small garden?
A: Yes! While you may think that your outdoor space doesn't have space for a sofa set, at daals we offer a range of more compact sofa sets with configurations to suit different garden layouts. A smaller garden just means you need furniture with a smarter footprint.
(Please note: our sofa sets aren't suitable for balconies)
Q: What furniture fits on a balcony?
A: Balcony gardens require compact multifunctional furniture, that's why bistro sets are the ideal fit. They provide enough space for 2 people to dine and relax outdoors while still allowing you to move around your balcony. Accessories like outdoor rugs and cushions are also great additions to your bistro set to give your balcony a more homely feel.
Q: What lighting works best in compact spaces?
A: Getting the lighting right in your small outdoor space will make it feel more welcoming and larger. The general rules you should follow are:
- Illuminate the perimeter of your garden to visually expand the space by drawing the eye outward.
- Don't rely on just one light, instead use multiple smaller lights at different levels to create depth.
- Highlight the vertical space to make it feel more expansive.
- Warm white coloured lights in small spaces are key as they're softer and more welcoming - you want a soft glow not to feel like you're being interrogated.
- Illuminate points of interest in the space, like dining sets, to guide the eye away from the garden's boundaries.
Q: How can I create privacy in a small garden?
A: When trying to create privacy in a small garden, it's important that you don't block out too much light and make the space feel even more enclosed. That's why trellises with climbing plants make a great privacy screen. The trellises maintain an openness with their lattice design while the greenery softens the edges of your space so it doesn't feel too boxed in.
