25 Small Garden Design Ideas for your new garden in 2024

Looking for new garden design ideas? When designing a small garden? The smallest of gardens, tiny terraces and even petite patios may require a little more thought than larger spaces, but even the tiniest plot can be transformed into an elegant outdoor retreat with a bit of originality.

The biggest advantage of a small garden is that they are very low maintenance and they are great spaces to be creative with. The smallest addition, from colourful cushions to stylish garden lighting will have a dramatic effect.

If you are looking to design a small garden on a balcony, or you want to add that comfy garden furniture, or to be surrounded by lush greenery we have plenty of ideas, even if you are working on a budget to inspire you.

Here are 25 great and easy to implement garden design ideas you can try:

Garden Design Idea 1. Trick the eye

In the small garden space is at a premium so create an illusion of space by using strategically placed mirrors.

They can be used to visually double the amount of space you have and increase light levels in darker corners.

Use a long sheet mirror to keep the look urban and complement it with linear fencing. The sense of privacy can be enhanced by using ornamental grasses, potted evergreens and even climbing plants.

2. Try reaching for the sky

Inspiration can be gained from the use of a vertical living walls or hanging plants to make the most of the space. The addition of horizontal fence panels can turn the side of the shed into a decorative living wall. This idea could also work on a stretch of bare fence or wall, or the side of a balcony. Any of these small garden ideas can turn your space into a vertical garden, for smaller plant pots and baskets.

3. Make the most of your shed

A shed multifunctional shed can work in a smaller space. You could use the shed to store those soft furnishings in the winter, then once summer arrives open out the front to create a bar for garden parties and alfresco dining.

4. Add different levels

Different levels can make a small garden very interesting. This can be a sunken terrace area and a raised lawn. Ledges and steps will help open up how you can use the space, adding in concealed lighting, extra spaces for plant pots to be arranged or area for those extra guests to sit.  Almost everyone that has an outdoor area is looking to utilise it and Teckwood’s composite decking is the perfect solution.  https://teckwood.co.uk/the-benefits-of-decking-in-your-garden/

5. Use low walls that can double as seating

You might only have room for a couple of chairs so consider adding raised beds surrounded by decked walls. It will create extra places for people to sit, the addition of some colourful cushions that match your plants will make that small space look bigger.

6. Fix planters under the kitchen window

In a really small garden you could add a simple trough directly under a window, a small area to grow those herbs that you use daily, or even to add a touch of colour. Just reaching out to grab what you need, how perfect?

7. Paint walls a neutral colour

Bring the outside inside. Neutral colours can make the most of a small garden the same way it can with a small room indoors.

Neutral colours are often used to make the most of a small space because of its brightening and lightening properties, and gardens can benefit from this too.

By adding a splash of colour using soft furnishings to a neutral coloured wall and garden furniture will create a beautifully summery scheme that has a serious cool feel.

Our Blog, why choosing the correct colour for your decking, provides an excellent insight into your options. https://teckwood.co.uk/decking-colour-why-is-choosing-it-important/

8. Go tropical

This is our personal favourite!! If you have a small internal courtyard or small outside space, look for the added wow factor.

Go for big “leafism” and add tropical varieties hardy enough to withstand the vagaries of the British weather and plant up your own jungle oasis.

The instant wow factor can easily be achieved by using palms and banana trees. You will however need to be aware that some may need a bit of protection over the winter.

By adding slate or wood chippings moisture will be retained in the summer to make maintenance easier.

9. Get creative with shelves and hooks

Clear up your floor space by adding shelves that lanterns or plant pots can be added too. Shelves and hooks are not intended just for inside use, recycled peg rail or key rack could become the perfect place to hang outdoor lighting.

10. Change the focus to furniture

You can create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is by strategically placing white garden furniture towards the back of a paved area. Planting large shrubs to partially obstruct the view will make you think there is more beyond to see. Try varying plants at all different heights and in all areas – with climbers and ramblers, evergreen shrubs, sculptural grasses and ground cover.

11. Try to squeeze in a small dining table

If you have limited space do not let it stop you from enjoying alfresco dining. Look to invest in a compact dining solution such as a half-sized table. It could easily fit directly against a wall.

12. Paint backdrop or fence

Cleverly painted backdrop will draw the eye and could create an illusion of extra height and space. A two-tone colour treatment can jazz up any expanse of garden fencing. By using dark colours you can make more of a statement and it will also compliment green foliage beautifully.

13. Use every available piece of space

In your small garden space think about how you can use every inch to its full potential. Often a courtyard area has the potential to feel very enclosed, simply by the nature of looming brick walls. By using clever corner seating it will not only use the space most effectively, but the right design can help to hide a large portion of said imposing walls. This in turn will distract from the walls and create the illusion of a larger space.

14. Plant a garden in pots

If you do not have the space create a lush garden lawn or have an abundance of flower beds add lots of pots, filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to tall and bushy trees. Add some colourful garden furniture and you will have created the perfect spot to enjoy a summer’s day.

15. Carefully use pretty soft furnishings

If you are looking to make the most of a cosy garden you will need careful planning. A simple garden bench can be a stylish way to make an impact, choose a modern design and give it a colourful makeover by using soft furnishings to make it perfect for summer.

16. Elevate plants different levels

Your small garden space can be dramatically altered by adding plants to a vertical shelving unit or even an old wheelbarrow. It can create extra space to showcase the exotic potted plants and useful garden accessories. The height gains more space, more effectively and draws the eye.

17. Put out extra seats

Have those extra seats ready in the shed when needed. You could even look to invest in a few oversized floor cushions for when you have guests over. They are so easy to pile one on top of the other when not in use, ideal for easy storage.

18. Make use of a mini greenhouse

Some of the smallest modest gardens have space for a small greenhouse for growing plants and possibly a few miniature tomatoes or lettuce. You could use a cabinet-style design greenhouse and fix against a wall in a sun-drenched spot outside or a free standing unit.

19. Carefully use a living wall

20. Use colourful furniture and soft furnishings

Even the tiniest terrace or balcony can benefit from a small garden design and can be transformed into something exceptional. Add comfortable seating to create an ideal outside room. Not all colours need to match to make the space special. By using bright hues like the orange and pink can go really well together.

21. Make room for those little feet

Look to add an ingenious small space that will appeal to both the design conscious and the fun conscious. A playhouse that blends seamlessly with the garden perimeter would be perfect. You could even add a green roof so that it blends in with the environment. It could also be used as a storage area.

22. Play with colour

We Brits love to get out in the garden whatever the weather, but even if your outdoor space is limited there is no reason why you cannot light it up into a vibrant alfresco dining area. Choose a small round table and chairs and a large parasol. Dress the table with colourful pressed glass tableware to brighten up a sheltered spot. Or even add a parasol or pergola for the extra luxurious touch.

Playing with colour is also included in our Blog titled, 21 Show Stopping Garden Ideas, which can be found here https://teckwood.co.uk/21-show-stopping-garden-decking-ideas/

23. Trail plants up a fence

Make use of a fence to add colour and greenery. Climbing plants and trellises are a great solution for small gardens, as they lift flowers and foliage up off the ground. A pretty fence will do a lot to detract attention from a teeny plot – after all, if you or your visitors are focusing on beautiful roses or a hot-pink trellis, who’s going to notice a garden’s dimensions?

24. Rethink seating

Choosing outdoor furniture that folds or stacks when not in use is a great way to save on precious space in a small garden. Mix and match your colours for a bright looking garden scheme.

25 . This is your space

Why don’t you share a few of your ideas and images here, contact us and send us your garden design ideas and we will add them to this post.

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