Urban gardens need to work hard; often with very little space to play with. Take inspiration from our small garden design ideas to help you make the most of your town- or city-based paradise.
Space-saving furniture
Outdoor areas in towns and cities might not boast a big square metreage, but you can still maximize your enjoyment with a few clever tricks – namely furniture that gets smart with space!
Folding or stacking garden chairs are a great way to add extra seating when needed or they can be easily tidied away to free up floorspace when not in use. There’s a wealth of stylish modern stacking and folding furniture now available, from stacking dining sets in beautiful FSC™ Certified Teak to sleek classic director chairs that are designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation without compromising on style.
Round tables take up less space than similar-sized square or rectangular tables because their curved edge means there are no corners sticking out. They are also far more sociable, as everyone is facing one another. On the other hand, a square folding table offers the flexibility to fold up and store against a wall or in a corner when not in use, so think about the area you have to play with and what works best.
For a fun, informal garden you could even hang a hammock, which takes up no floor space, isn’t bulky and can be packed away easily, leaving the floor free for entertaining and creating a garden that almost functions on two levels.
Make room for entertaining
Keep seating low, comfy and plentiful with modular sofa units for relaxed entertaining. Softer seating can make your outdoor space feel bigger and avoids the limitations that more formal dining sets can impose on some small urban gardens. Handy extras like the side table on this Topaz corner daybed are an added bonus. Bring the look together with cosy throws, an outdoor rug and warm lighting for real atmosphere.
A modern aesthetic works well in urban spaces and can allow you to zone areas and make your entertaining area a focal point. Embrace hardscaping, clean lines, and play with height and textures, incorporating raised planters and aggregates that help you to blur the lines between your indoor and outdoor areas and balance the surrounding architecture with your haven. For a smart multi-use space, picture raised beds filled with low plants, such as echeveria, that can be covered by a removable topper and double up as a bench for extra seating when you’re entertaining. These can even be built out of wooden pallets for a bespoke look on a budget.
Make it work all year
With space at a premium, you’re unlikely to have much room for garden furniture storage, which is why it pays to invest in outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements and stay out year-round. Think hardwearing materials and low-maintenance sets that will continue to look great come rain or shine.
Visit our stockists
All of our outdoor furniture, pergolas and accessories are available to buy direct online but there are also some great deals to be had from our retailers, so find your nearest showroom today!
To find out more about our extensive product range, contact LifestyleGarden’s expert team.
