HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTDOOR FURNITURE FOR SMALL SPACES
We all love our gardens and want to spend more time in them, enjoying the tranquility, fresh air, and the chance to socialise in a relaxed space. Turning your garden into an additional 'outdoor room' is easy, and a whole industry has grown up around outdoor furniture.
But what if your garden is small? How do you maximise your space without compromising your aesthetic or over-cluttering? And what should you consider when choosing the right furniture for a small outdoor space?
This article will introduce you to the concept of outdoor rooms and the considerations you need to factor in when you're expanding your indoor space outwards. We'll give you a few ideas along the way on the kind of furniture to choose and how to create your very own outdoor space for dining, chilling out with friends, or socialising with the family. Keep reading for some essential tips that can turn any patio or garden into the perfect outdoor space, no matter how small.
The concept of ‘Outdoor Rooms’
The idea of 'outdoor rooms' dates back to ancient civilisations and was especially popular with the Romans and Greeks. It was revived in modern design in the last century, emphasising the idea that spaces should flow naturally into one another and that the garden can become a part of the overall décor plan.
Today, outdoor rooms can encompass anything from a relaxed lounge area to an outdoor dining space and kitchen with pergolas, fire pits and water features. With a little bit of thought, your garden can become an extension of your interior.
Retaining your garden
However, while you may want to create an additional outdoor living or dining area, it's important to retain at least part of your garden. If you're working with a small space, achieving a good balance between the two can be tricky. Adding planters around an outdoor living space can keep that connection between your space and the natural environment. A bird bath can also strengthen that connection with Nature. There’s nothing more charming than watching the birds take their morning bath in the sunshine!
Top tip: If you have a small garden to start with, consider going up rather than out when it comes to additional planting. Wall-mounted planter frames let you utilise space that would otherwise be wasted, adding some much-needed greenery without taking up any precious deck space.
How much space do you have to work with?
Before you start browsing the website for that perfect lounger or a fire pit for those cosy evenings under the stars, measure up exactly how much space you have to work with. Also consider how the item interacts with your indoor space. For example, you don't want to position a fire pit right next to the entrance to your home, as the smoke could travel through the entire house!
Top tip: Look for furniture that is easily stackable or has multiple uses, such as ottomans that provide additional storage space, as well as seating or nesting side tables that can be dotted around when required and stacked away when not in use.
Think about your layout
Draw a rough diagram of your space that includes measurements, and start visualising how you want your outdoor room to function in correspondence to your indoor space. Consider how you want to move around the space and what you want to achieve within the constraints of a limited area.
Top tip: Remember that you’re working with a small space, so things need to be proportionate to the space you have. It’s no good trying to squeeze a huge L-shaped sofa into a tiny decked area. Not only will there be very little room for anything else, but it’ll look out of balance and forced.
What you need versus what you want
You may want a luxurious three-piece sofa with a solid wooden base and plush bolsters, but something lighter and more refined will serve just as well, such as a metal outdoor sofa with a bench seat and cosy cushions. Not only will it look more proportioned for a smaller space, but the cushion covers can easily be washed and the whole thing stored easily when not in use. You can also change the cushion covers for brighter, more vibrant fabrics to add more impact in a smaller space.
Think about how many seats you need, as opposed to how many you'd like. Stacking chairs can always be brought out if you have an outdoor party. But if the normal number of people using the space is just four or five, that's all the seats you need.
Creating the indoor-outdoor flow
A great way to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow is to fit glass patio doors that can be fully opened between your living room and the outdoor living space. Try linking the two spaces together using design elements that are mirrored in both rooms or choose colour schemes that flow from one area to the other.
Using lighting to make a space seem larger
If you’re using your outdoor space at night, clever lighting can add interest to even the smallest area. Uplighting or standing lights can bring a floodlight ambience to a space, while candles add a softer, more relaxed mood without taking up any extra space.
Top tip: Add solar-powered lights to your garden that store energy during the day and illuminate in the evening. Combined with the backlighting from your interior and a cluster of candles, you can create a truly magical atmosphere.
Finishing touches
It's the little outdoor decor extras that can transform an outdoor space. Choose wisely, and you won't take up any extra room. So consider adding items like rugs and mats. Not only will they protect the surface of your deck or patio, but they’ll also make the space feel more cosy.
A compact rectangular firepit is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. There is nothing quite like chilling out in front of an open fire as you gaze up at the stars.
For outdoor dining, keep things simple yet elegant with table runners and placemats that can be used both indoors and out. Keep that natural connection, too, with textiles and materials with a raw, organic feel, such as braided jute and rattan.
No matter how you choose your outdoor accessories, it's there to be enjoyed. Keep it simple, uncluttered and elegant, and you'll have a stunning outdoor room that is as much a part of your home as your living room!