When it comes to outdoor furniture ideas for small spaces, every decision counts. Whether it's your choice of material, silhouette, size, shape, or color — being able to design a space you'll actually want to spend time in often comes down to the select pieces you choose to furnish it with.
Yes, the chair may look cool, but is it going to make you feel cramped when you squeeze it into that tight corner? Likewise, a table may be able to fit all your friends and family around it... but will it actually fit in your small outdoor space?
So, to help you find the best garden furniture for small spaces, tight corners, awkwardly-shaped nooks, and barely-there balconies, we've listed the ideas to keep in mind while shopping for your small garden (with help from experts, of course) below.
1. Bigger Can Sometimes Be Better
Small space means small furniture, right? Not always. Believe it or not, sometimes you're better off getting one larger garden sofa to seat everyone, rather than multiple individual chairs.
That's because lots of furniture makes a small space feel cluttered quickly, whereas one sleek piece, although it may take up more room than a single chair, will feel more streamlined.
What's important, though, is ensuring that the size of your outdoor furniture for a small space makes sense. "Better yet, modular pieces like stackable seats or nest tables bring flexibility to the equation," says Andy Wu, an outdoor living expert and the founder of Backyard Oasis. "You can reposition them to your requirements or store them when you want to open up space. It's about finding a balance between form and function, with your furniture complementing the space, not fighting against it."
2. Rather Than Size, Focus on Shape
While of course finding furniture that fits the size of your space is important, Andy notes that choosing the best shape is often more critical.
"Boxed-out, angular furniture with hard edges cuts up a small space in a way that creates a sense of claustrophobia and fragmentation," he explains. "But rounded-corner, low-profile, and minimal-line furnishings, such as a round bistro table or a chair with a rounded back, are open and accessible."
It's often the little details that make the biggest difference, too. "I recommend choosing furnishings with tapered legs or open framework so that light can travel through, extending that sense of space," Andy adds. "Not only are such shapes practical but they also trick the eye into seeing more space than there actually is, making them an all-out space-saver for smaller outdoor areas."
3. Don't Forget to Look Up
When space is at a premium, as it is when it comes to most outdoor furniture ideas for small spaces, don't just look at what you've got in front of you — look up, too.
That means finding furniture pieces that are potentially taller and slimmer. Bar tables that encourage people to stand around them, bar seats you can style along a floating counter rather than a large table, hanging chairs and swing seats suspended from above to save floorspace...
“Using height is one of my favorite ways to create the illusion of more room," says Chloe Barrow, interiors expert at Laura James. "In small gardens, it’s about making use of tall surfaces, such as fences, walls, railings, and even ceilings if you have an overhang."
That could mean hanging string lights or trailing plants from a pergola to draw the eye upward and make the space feel more expansive, she says. Or "Even something simple like attaching lanterns to a tall trellis can shift the focus and give your garden vertical character."
4. Swap a Dining Table for a Bar Area
And part of that may also mean swapping a long dining table for a bar area in order to make the most of your compact space, rather than sticking with the classic garden table and chairs option.
"Bar tables take up less floor space and keep the sightlines open, which can make a small area feel more spacious," says Chloe. "They also create a relaxed, sociable vibe for events like weekend brunches or evening drinks without the bulk of traditional dining furniture."
Looking for outdoor furniture ideas for a really small space? "Taking it a space-saving step further, you can even opt for fold-down bar stools if storage is tight, or stools that fit completely underneath the bar,” adds Chloe.
5. Create Clear Zones to Avoid It Feeling Cluttered
When designing a small garden, just because space is tight, don't skip establishing separate zones. “Creating clear zones within a small outdoor space is so important for making it feel functional rather than cramped," explains Chloe Barrow.
And it can be relatively easy to do — try using an outdoor rug to signal a seating area, or styling a planter as a subtle divider between a lounging corner and the bar area, she adds.
"Creating the illusion of different ‘rooms’ outdoors will help massively," says Chloe. "It’s all about creating a sense of purpose in each part of the garden.”
6. Opt for Open, Breathable Furniture Styles
Did you know that the material your outdoor furniture is made of can actually contribute to how big it looks?
“Woven and rope materials are ideal for outdoor furniture in small spaces as their naturally open structure means you can see right through them, tricking the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is," explains Chloe. "This is going to keep the look of your garden feel open and uncluttered." Magic.
Andy Wu agrees, adding that heavy wooden garden furniture or wrought iron pieces can be big and bulky, dominating a small space and making it feel cramped.
"I recommend choosing lighter materials instead, which will keep the space open and airy," he says. "Aluminum is a winner since it's rust-proof, easily movable, and often features slim, sleek lines that won't overpower the space. Resin wicker is another good option, offering the look of natural wicker without the worry since it's also weather-resistant."
7. Pick Furniture in Bright Neutral Colors
“Choosing light, fresh colors can do wonders for opening up a compact garden," says Chloe. "Soft white, sky blue, and trending butter yellow all reflect light beautifully and bring an airy feel that’s ideal for spring and summer."
"These tones also pair effortlessly with greenery, helping furniture blend in rather than block the view of the garden," she adds.
8. Embrace Built-In Furniture
Another common misconception when it comes to outdoor furniture ideas for small spaces is that you need pieces that can easily be moved around or even packed away. And while that can definitely be beneficial in some circumstances, don't overlook built-in furniture completely.
Award-winning landscape designer Molly Wood is an advocate for built-in benches. "There's something about the permanence of built-in structures — they can simplify the space and make you feel anchored," she explains.
Built-in bench seats and banquettes become part of the outdoor architecture, almost disappearing into the space. And if you're going to commit to one, it's worth properly committing, says Molly. "Do not make your bench seat too narrow — it will feel like a punishment," she adds.
9. Save Floor Space With a Swing
When it comes to coming up with outdoor seating, a small space doesn't mean you can't have big ideas.
"Don't forget the vertical solutions," says Andy. "An outdoor hanging chair provides seating without taking up vital floor space. Innovative products like these keep the space open, eliminate the clutter, and optimize the functionality."
Plus, it's bound to make your outdoor area more inviting.
10. Multifunctional Makes Everything Easier
When selecting garden furniture for small spaces, anything multifunctional is going to make your life much easier. A bench that moonlights as additional storage? A coffee table that is also the perfect height to be extra seating? Yes, please.
Andy Wu is a big advocate for using multifunctional outdoor furniture for small spaces. "Fold-away tables are clever as they can be spread out for a party with guests and then folded back up, reclaiming your space," he adds.
When it comes to outdoor furniture ideas for small spaces, it's often the little details that make the most difference. But don't think you can't still make your outdoor area feel like an oasis, it's just about picking the right pieces.
But one simple thing you can do to ensure a small outdoor area doesn't feel cramped is to remove anything that doesn't need to be there. If you need help working out the things to throw out of your garden, don't worry — we've written a definitive list.
