Garden Furniture Ideas for Small Spaces

Choosing the right garden furniture for a small space can seem like a challenge. You don’t want to overpower your space or make it feel cramped. However, you still want to be able to relax, soak up the sun and maybe even dine in your garden.

All of that is possible, even if you have a small garden. Not every home has a large garden. Perhaps you live in the city and have a balcony or maybe you live in a new build with a more compact outdoor space. 

Regardless of size, we have something for every garden. We know that many people feel that with a smaller garden they will have to compromise on style and comfort. That is just not true. There are so many options available from comfy bistro sets and garden recliners to compact corner sets and hanging egg chairs.

Know your space

We recommend that you measure your space before you begin searching for garden furniture. It’s vital you decide where you would like your furniture to go and measure a footprint for your furniture. 

One common mistake is that people will buy furniture that fills up every inch of their measurements. They forget to take into account any free space they might want. Free space allows you to comfortably move around the furniture and pull out any chairs or sofa pieces.

Mapping out your garden helps you play around with the layout and decide what works best for your space. We always tell our customers to write down any measurements and sketch out a rough footprint of their garden and where they imagined the furniture going, allowing for plenty of space to move around the furniture you are thinking of purchasing.

Doing this will help you find the right balance for your garden - there’s no need to go for the smallest set or to go for the largest set and use up all your space. You want a comfortable space for seating with enough room for you to enjoy your garden.

Space saving hacks

Many garden chairs have handy features that help you save space in your garden - especially when it comes to storage. Stackable dining chairs offer a versatile solution for maximising outdoor space. Their design creates an efficient storage solution when they’re not in use, whether by stacking them neatly in a corner or hanging them on a wall-mounted rack. 

Maximise your space by using foldable garden furniture such as dining tables, chairs or even hanging egg chairs. When not in use you can easily fold them and tidy them away.

Opt for lightweight furniture so it is easier to move around so you can make full use of your space.

Garden furniture that can stay outside all year

In smaller gardens, you might not have enough space for storing cushions during winter months. We think that all weather fabric solves this problem.

Outdoor fabric furniture is designed to stay outdoors all year. Yes, even the cushions. This means that during winter you don’t need to remove the cushions and find a space to store them. Ideal for a smaller garden as many don’t have the room for a shed or a cushion box.

Multipurpose garden furniture

When choosing furniture for a small space it is important to think about function. Outdoor furniture needs to work for your space and your needs. Consider what you want to do in your garden, is it relaxing or dining? 

If the answer is both then you need multifunctional patio furniture.  

Compact sofa sets

Many of our customers tell us they don’t have the space for a sofa set in their outdoor space. This is not always the case. Many people have more space than they realise.

Corner sofa sets are perfect for relaxing and dining - you can really get the most out of your garden. Some corner sets come with adjustable tables, meaning you have a coffee and dining table in one! These sofa sets also take up less overall floor space whilst providing more seating than other sets.

A small garden sofa is another compact option. When in use, spread out and make yourself comfortable. When finished, many of these can be stacked or bundled to take up much less space, ideal for smaller spaces.

Modular garden sets

Another versatile range of furniture is modular furniture sets. Modular sets give you more freedom and allow you to customise your seating arrangement.

Modular garden furniture is perfect for small outdoor spaces as you can arrange the set in the configuration that best suits your garden.

Intimate Al Fresco dining

One of the primary motivations driving our customers to purchase garden furniture is to enjoy outdoor dining experiences. For smaller spaces, you have a couple of options like bistro sets and bar sets.

Bistro sets 

Garden bistro sets are perfect for small gardens, they have everything you need without overpowering your space. Bistro sets provide the perfect balance of style and functionality. They allow you to enjoy alfresco dining or morning coffee without sacrificing precious square footage.

Whether nestled on a balcony or tucked into a corner, these versatile sets create intimate retreats where you can unwind and savour the outdoors.

Bar sets

Garden bar sets are a savvy solution for small gardens, offering a contemporary and practical space for outdoor entertaining. Perfect for cosy gatherings or solo relaxation, these sets typically feature tall tables paired with matching chairs, maximizing vertical space without cluttering the area. 

Unwind in a hanging egg chair

Hanging egg chairs bring a whimsical touch and comfortable seating to your garden. Their suspended design creates a sense of airiness and visual interest, which makes them an eye-catching focal point.

Similar to bar sets, hanging egg chairs make use of your vertical space without overwhelming your garden. We think that hanging cocoons are the perfect place for curling up with a book or simply just enjoying your surroundings.

Soak up the sun on a lounger

Sun loungers have a streamlined design, they seamlessly fit into any outdoor space. The adjustable backrests allow you to lie down and soak up the sun without taking up the space that a large sofa would.

However, sun loungers are traditionally long and can be too big for compact gardens. If you want the option of reclining we would recommend garden recliner chairs. Recliner chairs are a smart choice for anyone seeking comfort and style in a small garden setting. Chairs are lightweight and easier to move around your garden.

Don’t be afraid to break the rules

Less isn’t always more. Your garden is your space, if you want to add lots of plants and accessories go for it! Make your space your own.

Many people will advise against adding multiple accessories to a smaller space as it can make it feel ‘busy’. We disagree, if you want lots of plants and flowers or garden accessories just do it. It’s your garden and adding your style will help make it feel inviting.

Perfect finishing touches

Even if you have a compact balcony you can transform your space into a relaxing haven with accessories such as scatter cushions, lights and planters.

We think that adding accessories makes your garden feel cosier and more inviting. Many of our customers opt to use scatter cushions to soften their garden. They tend to go towards patterned scatter cushions that contrast their furniture and help draw the eye towards their outdoor furniture.

Another popular accessory choice is garden lights. Lighting enables you to sit in your garden for longer and lounge under the stars.

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Have further questions about different types of garden tables we stock? Our friendly, knowledgeable team are always on hand to help, just give us a call or visit one of our showrooms displaying Garden Furniture in Wakefield & Newcastle Outdoor Furniture.