How to design a small garden: 7 tips and clever design ideas
Knowing how to design a small garden can completely change the way you perceive outdoor space. Even a small urban garden measuring 20 m² or even 10 m² can become a real haven of peace if it is designed properly. It’s not about the size, but about how you organize the space, plants, and furniture. Here’s a structured guide to creating a garden that suits you, is enjoyable to live in, and easy to care for.
1. Make use of every corner and divide the space into distinct areas
A pretty little garden should never be treated as a single, uniform space. The key is to clearly define different areas: a relaxation corner, a dining area, a vegetable patch, or a decorative area. This layout avoids a patchwork effect while giving the impression of spaciousness.
For a small 10 m² garden, or even for larger and smaller ones, start by analyzing the light and traffic patterns. The orientation and daily uses determine the position of the areas. A narrow paved path can guide the eye to the back of the property and make you forget the garden’s boundaries. A slightly raised terrace can help mark the dining area. A simple low hedge or wooden planters serve as natural partitions.
Fences also play a role. Rather than ignoring them, use them to give rhythm to the space: trellises, openwork screens, or decorative panels. They create perspective and give an impression of depth, even in a small space. The layout must allow different uses to coexist without hindering movement.
2. Make the most of vertical space by using walls, fences, and trellises
When floor space is limited, a good tip is to make the most of your vertical space. A vertical garden frees up space while creating an enveloping atmosphere. Walls can be used to support climbing plants, planters, or hanging modules.
A fence covered with jasmine or clematis structures the view and adds a pleasant scent. Metal supports or fine grids allow you to grow aromatic herbs or strawberries along the walls, while keeping the ground clear.
To accentuate the effect, arrange a few potted plants at different heights: on a narrow shelf, attached to a railing, or suspended from the ceiling of a pergola. This layering draws the eye upward and gives the impression of a larger space.
3. Choose plants, shrubs, and vegetation based on space and maintenance
A small garden can accommodate a beautiful variety of plants, provided you choose them carefully. To avoid overcrowding, limit yourself to a few well-selected varieties: evergreen plants as a base, a few seasonal blooms, and one or two structural shrubs.
Climbing plants are ideal for maximizing a green corner without encroaching on the ground surface. Virginia creeper or honeysuckle covers a wall and transforms the atmosphere. For borders, opt for low-maintenance perennials: lavender, heuchera, or hardy geraniums. They add color and texture without requiring much upkeep.
Also consider incorporating a small vegetable garden. Even in a city garden, a few containers can be used to grow cherry tomatoes, herbs, or lettuce. A raised vegetable bed installed along the walls frees up the central space while making gardening more accessible.
Add a dwarf fruit tree or one trained against a fence to complete the planting scheme without cluttering the space.
4. Optimize space with a good choice of well-designed outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture can enhance or overwhelm a space. In a small garden, every element must be optimized. Folding or stackable garden furniture is easy to store. A bench with built-in storage creates storage space while serving as comfortable seating.
Rather than adding too much furniture, choose a few well-chosen pieces: a round folding or extendable table, two lightweight chairs, and a custom-made bench along a wall. Everything should fit naturally without blocking the flow of movement.
If your garden is small, consider placing the seating area in a corner, sheltered from the wind. A shade sail stretched over the dining area eliminates the need for a bulky parasol. The goal is to open up the view while providing comfort.
5. Working with volumes: raising, shifting, structuring
Managing different levels plays a decisive role in designing a small garden. On flat ground, everything appears to be on the same level, which can flatten the visual impact. Creating slight elevations or shifts adds rhythm.
A small pond built into a terrace or a raised flower bed immediately catches the eye. A wooden platform defines a dining area. Slender steps mark the transition between two spaces without creating a barrier.
The goal is to break up overly straight lines and make the most of existing contours. Even a difference of a few centimeters between two levels is enough to structure the composition and reinforce the identity of each area.
6. Play with materials and use light colors
The choice of materials greatly influences the perception of space. In small gardens, light-colored surfaces reflect light and visually enlarge the area. Beige stone slabs, light-colored wood planks, or light-colored gravel soften the atmosphere.
Combine textures without overloading the space: wood, thin metal, natural stone, or composite. By varying the surfaces, you avoid a monotonous effect while creating smooth transitions.
Wooden or Corten steel borders discreetly delineate flower beds and guide the eye. For a decorative effect, play with contrasts: light-colored slabs combined with black planters or an anthracite fence behind bright foliage.
7. Optimize the lighting in your small garden
Lighting can radically transform the atmosphere of an outdoor space. A small garden that is well lit appears larger and more welcoming. The idea is not to flood the space with light, but to highlight key areas and volumes.
Install discreet wall lights along the walls to outline the contours. A few low solar bollards line a path without taking up space. String lights suspended above the relaxation area create a friendly atmosphere.
Highlight a sculptural plant or shrub with an adjustable spotlight. Low-angle lighting on a textured fence or green facade accentuates the contours and extends your evenings outdoors.
Design a small garden that reflects your personality with the right furniture
Designing a small garden requires thought, creativity, and a good understanding of space. By playing with verticality, perspective, plant selection, and furniture, a small garden can become a green haven that is just as welcoming as a large space. Now you know all the tips for designing a small garden.
At JML, we offer a selection of outdoor furniture suitable for small spaces: compact dining sets, benches, folding and extendable tables, and modular lounge sets. Whether you want to design a long, narrow balcony, design a large courtyard, or design a terrace, we can help you create a unique and functional space. We can also help you design your restaurant terrace or any other commercial space.
To discover our collections and find inspiration, contact our team, browse our catalogs, or visit our showroom. Together, we can turn your small garden into an elegant and comfortable living space.
