16 Small Garden Design Ideas

Last Updated: 19/11/2019

If you love to be in the great outdoors but your garden is barely bigger than a shoe box, you might think there's not a lot you can do to enjoy your outdoor space.

But think again! There are loads of small garden tips, tricks and ideas that you can easily follow to turn your yard into a peaceful haven. Some will give the illusion of a bigger garden, while some will simply allow you to enjoy the things you thought you couldn't in such a small space.

Ready to learn how to turn your small plot into an attractive and welcoming oasis?

Here are our top small garden design tips...

1. Use the height to attract eyes up

While you might be restricted in terms of floor space, there's no limit to how high you can go (within reason). Use climbing plants, hanging baskets and trees to attract eyes upwards, taking attention away from the confines of your small garden.

This prevents people from looking on a single level across the entire garden as one, and can also help to offer some privacy from neighbouring yards.

2. Make every inch count by using all of your available space

With space at a premium, it'd be foolish to have dead space. Instead, give the impression of a spacious and full area by using every available inch of space. Use walls and fences to grow plants, and place containers and plant pots in the very corners. Take full advantage of the space you do have.

3. Give the illusion of length with diagonal paving

It's funny: Just making a few small changes can make such a difference in the way our eyes see something.

With a straight path, the eye is drawn straight to the end of the garden. But with a diagonal pathway, the line of sight (and the length of the walk) changes to the longest available distance – making the garden feel bigger.

Swap the straight lines for a diagonal pathway, or if your garden design doesn't allow it, a curved walkway can have a similar effect, by making people believe they are walking over a larger area and making a longer journey.

4. Use small furniture sets to save space

There's no better way to enjoy your garden than relaxing in it alone or with friends and family. A good garden furniture set lets you do that, but in a small garden, size is key. Choose a smaller set to save space.

It can also help if your furniture is easily packed away when not in use – that way your garden looks uncluttered.

5. Compartmentalise and divide for a sense of mystery

You might think that an open area is the best way to create the illusion of space outdoors – and while that might be true in some cases, it can also be the case that dividing your garden up into sections provides the same results.

Having several different areas can add a sense of mystery and adventure to the garden. As people move from one section to the other, the garden feels bigger than it is. Use fencing or hedges to create different areas in the garden, with decorative garden arches acting as focal 'doorways' into each part.

6. Use pastel colours for a welcoming and spacious feel

It might be tempting to pack your flower beds with bright and vibrant colours – and this is fine in moderation. But too many warm colours such as reds and oranges can create a feeling of intensity and intimacy. This will make your garden feel small and enclosed.

On the other hand, pale and pastel colours can help to create a visually appealing garden that feels big and spacious. Add lighter coloured flowers, and perhaps paint an ugly wall in a pastel shade to turn it into a more attractive feature.

7. Layer up to create depth and interest

The key to creating a spacious looking garden in a restrictive space is layering. Use plants of different heights and textures, and set them on different levels in flower beds or pots. Similar to the idea of using climbing plants and hanging baskets, layering will help to keep eyes moving up and down, so visitors are tricked into believing the garden is bigger than it is.

If you're going for a complete re-design of your yard, try having ground levels of different heights to achieve the same effect on a larger scale. For example, you could perhaps have a lawn with a sunken patio at one end and a raised decked area at another. 

8. Small stones = big space illusion

Whether it's paving or decorative, the size of your stones and tiles can have a great impact on how big your garden looks. If your garden is small, use smaller stones and tiles as they'll give the impression of a bigger space.

9. Create a wall of mirrors

Using mirrors to create an illusion of space is an old school trick that's been used indoors for decades. But who's to say it can't work outside as well? After all, your garden is really another room of your house.

Hang some mirrors on a garden wall to create a sense of additional space. This will also reflect natural light back into the garden, again helping to make things seem bright and spacious. Your wall of mirrors will look much more attractive than a dreary concrete or standard brick wall.

10. Use openwork lattice fencing to allow the eye to see further

Fencing can help to keep the boundaries of your garden, as well as divide it up into sections. But solid fence panels can make the yard feel enclosed, which is not what you want in a small garden.

Instead, use lattice style fences that act as borders and dividers, but still allow the eye to see through into the rest of the garden and beyond. This will help your garden feel more open and spacious.

11. Trim and prune to avoid overbearing bushes

When your garden is tight for space, you don't want it to become an overgrown wilderness. If you have bushes, hedges or fast-growing plants in your garden, keep them trimmed and cut back to avoid them from taking up valuable space.

12. Put things away to keep the garden clutter-free

The last thing you want a small garden to be is cluttered. With space at a premium, keep it tidy by putting things away in a shed or garage when they're not in use. That can be anything from your garden furniture to garden tools and equipment.

If you're really struggling for space, a garden bench that doubles up as a storage unit is a great space saver!

13. Create a calming oasis by appealing to all the senses

As well as making it visually appealing, make the most of a small garden by also making it smell and sound pleasant. A garden that appeals to all the senses will become a perfect relaxing environment.

Add scented flowers in containers and beds, with a small water feature in one corner. The gentle trickling of water will make for a relaxing sound as you unwind in your garden. If you're feeling really adventurous, hit the sense of taste by planting a small vegetable plot or fruit tree!

14. Attract wildlife to create a vibrant haven

A garden that's buzzing with the activity of wildlife is a wonderful sight, so why not attractive some natural beauty to your garden?

Even a small garden can become a wildlife haven – add a range of flowers and plants and see colourful butterflies and bees enjoy your yard. A bird table is also an easy way to attract various birds to your garden.

15. Use plant pots and containers to bring a touch of colour

If your garden is all concrete, breeze blocks and paving slabs, it can quickly become very boring to look at. The gardens of many rented properties are found in this condition – mainly because it's easier to maintain.

But you can always use plant pots to create a vegetable plot, or bring colour in with some interesting flowers in containers. This is an easy way to add colour and interest to a small garden when you can't do much else in terms of design.

16. Introduce low walls

Instead of adding more chairs into your garden, why not surround a feature with low walls. Whether it be a flower bed, fountain or statue, a low wall will set off the feature and add additional seating for barbeques and gatherings.

What are your small garden tips?

If you have a small garden, it doesn't have to become a forgotten part of your home. Just try a few of the tips above, and you'll soon be enjoying the relaxing environment of your outdoor space.

Do you have any top tips for a small garden? Share them in the comments below!