13 Small Garden Furniture Ideas to Maximise Outdoor Space

Even a small outdoor space can feel welcoming with the right setup, and small garden furniture plays a big part in that. These pieces are made to fit where you need them without getting in the way, offering a smart solution for more compact areas.

From bistro sets to benches with cushions, there’s plenty to choose from that suits smaller spots. You can switch things up as needed, move them around with ease or pack them away in seconds.

Take a look below for small garden furniture ideas to give your outdoor space a quick refresh.

1. Foldable Bistro Sets

Foldable bistro sets are ideal for small garden furniture solutions in compact spaces like balconies, narrow patios, or small garden corners around 2.5m x 2.5m. With a table size averaging 60cm and two chairs, they provide a cosy area for coffee or meals without overwhelming the space.

The beauty of foldable bistro sets lies in their convenience. They easily fold flat, allowing for quick storage in tight spots like behind a shed or tucked in a corner. Made from lightweight materials such as steel, wood or rattan they are easy to move around.

Remember to measure your space and leave 50-60cm around the small garden furniture set to ensure comfortable movement.

2. Bench with Storage

A bench with storage is a smart way to maximise both seating and storage in a small garden. As part of your small garden furniture collection, it offers a comfortable place to sit while keeping outdoor essentials neatly stashed away.

Perfect for gardens around 10-20 square metres, such as compact patios or small balconies, it helps you make the most of every inch of your space. Before you buy, take measurements to ensure the bench fits comfortably. On average, these benches are about 1.2 to 1.5 metres long, so make sure there’s enough room to move around without crowding the area.

3. Corner Sofa Units

Corner garden furniture units are a perfect solution for small garden spaces, offering both comfort and versatility without overwhelming the area. Designed to make the most of corners, these units can turn an otherwise underused spot into a cosy relaxation area.

If you have a garden or patio that measures around 3m x 3m, a corner sofa unit will fit neatly, providing ample seating without cramping your style. Corner garden furniture sets often come with modular components, so you can adjust the layout to suit the size and shape of your outdoor area.

In addition to seating, many of these small garden furniture sofas come with built-in storage solutions, perfect for stowing away cushions or outdoor essentials. This added feature helps to keep your garden looking tidy and free from clutter, solving the common problem of lack of storage in smaller spaces.

4. Hanging Egg Chair

The hanging egg chair is an excellent addition to any small garden furniture setup, bringing a touch of comfort and elegance to outdoor spaces. Its unique, suspended design allows you to enjoy a relaxing experience while saving valuable floor space. Perfect for gardens, balconies, or even compact patios, this chair provides a perfect spot for unwinding after a long day.

Typically, a hanging egg chair has a diameter of around 1 metre, with a base footprint of approximately 1.5 square metres. This makes it ideal for small garden furniture arrangements in spaces around 3m x 3m, allowing you to add seating without overcrowding the area.

5. Cube Dining Sets

Cube dining sets are perfect for small garden furniture needs, especially if you’re limited on space. These sets are designed to fit neatly into smaller areas, typically requiring only around 2m x 2m of space. Their clever design allows the chairs to tuck into the table, saving space when not in use. This feature makes them ideal for gardens or patios where storage and flexibility are key.

If you’re working with a tiny garden, a cube dining set offers a compact yet stylish solution. It provides seating for four to six people without crowding your outdoor space. Some models even include hidden compartments for storing cushions or other small garden essentials, further maximising your space.

6. Trolley or Bar Cart

A bar cart or trolley works brilliantly as part of a small garden furniture setup, especially in outdoor spaces around 10 to 15 square metres. Its slim, vertical build makes it easy to slot beside compact seating or in awkward corners that often go unused. Look for versions with wheels so you can shift it around based on where the sun lands or where guests are gathered.

For entertaining, a trolley is ideal for serving drinks and snacks without cluttering your main seating area. It creates a designated drinks station that keeps everything from glasses to ice buckets within reach. As part of your small garden furniture setup, it helps maintain a clean, open layout while still being functional and stylish.

7. Parasols

A compact parasol instantly adds shade without making a small garden feel crowded. For spaces around 2m x 2m to 3m x 3m, a parasol with a canopy of 1.8 to 2.2 metres fits comfortably over a bistro table or a pair of chairs. It blocks out harsh midday sun and makes the area more usable during warmer months.

Half parasols are a clever fix for slim patios, balconies, or gardens that back onto a wall or fence. Their flat side sits flush against vertical surfaces, so you get coverage without sacrificing valuable floor space. This type of small garden furniture suits awkward layouts where standard umbrellas would get in the way.

For convenience, look out for features like crank handles, tilt mechanisms, and UV-resistant canopies. These details save time and effort, especially in outdoor spaces where setup needs to be quick and storage simple. Matching a parasol to your existing small garden furniture can also help tie the space together.

8. Outdoor Pouffes or Floor Cushions

Outdoor pouffes are a practical choice when traditional chairs or sofas feel too bulky for small spaces. Perfect for compact patios, balconies, or gardens under 4 square metres, these small garden furniture pieces offer flexible seating without eating up floor space.

Most pouffes measure around 50 to 60 centimetres in diameter, making them ideal for corners or gaps that usually go unused. If you’re tight on storage, opt for pouffes with a hollow interior or go for stackable floor cushions that can be kept in a garden storage bench or a weatherproof outdoor box.

Many outdoor pouffes can double as a side table or footrest, especially when paired with a sturdy tray. For even more versatility, floor cushions are a great option. Standard sizes are about 60 by 60 centimetres with a depth of 8 to 10 centimetres, offering comfort without making the space feel crowded.

Small garden furniture like pouffes and floor cushions works well in laid-back seating zones. Create a low lounge area by layering different heights and colours, and pair with fairy lights, lanterns or a compact outdoor rug to soften hard surfaces like decking or stone.

9. Bar Set

A compact bar set with an integrated grill is a perfect addition to smaller outdoor spaces. These sets typically fit into areas around 1.5m x 1.5m, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or snug garden corners. With a sleek design that often includes fold-down or stackable stools and a slim prep counter, you can have all the functionality of a full-size grill without taking up much space.

10. Folding Recliner or Sun Lounger

Folding recliners or sun loungers are an excellent solution for small garden furniture. These chairs offer the flexibility of lounging in comfort while not taking up too much room when not in use. Typically, a folding recliner or sun lounger is around 1.5 to 2 metres in length, and when folded, they can easily be stored in a cupboard or a shed.

For smaller outdoor spaces, such as balconies or tiny backyards (usually under 10 square metres), this type of small garden furniture can be a real game-changer. You can bring it out when the sun’s shining, stretch out for some relaxation, and fold it back up to free up space for other activities.

11. Hammocks

Hammocks are a brilliant space-saving option when it comes to small garden furniture. Perfect for tight gardens, balconies, or even narrow side yards, they provide a comfortable place to relax without taking up any ground space. For average outdoor areas measuring around 1.5m x 2m, a traditional hammock can easily be fitted using trees, strong posts, or a wall-mount setup.

Freestanding hammocks are ideal for renters or anyone without fixed supports. Many compact designs are made to fit areas as small as 2.5m x 1m, giving you flexibility without compromising on comfort. Lightweight frames or foldable versions also help keep things practical for year-round use.

12. Sofa sets with fire pit tables

Sofas with fire pit tables are a smart choice for anyone working with a small garden. They create a central social spot without needing extra furniture, making them perfect for patios or decks around 3x3 metres in size. A typical corner sofa set measures roughly 180-220cm per side, fitting snugly into tight layouts without feeling overwhelming.

These small garden furniture sets pull double duty, providing both comfortable seating and a source of warmth for cooler evenings. Many fire pit tables come with removable lids, transforming them into dining surfaces when needed, which helps eliminate the need for a separate table and frees up valuable floor space.

For compact spaces like balconies, roof terraces, or slim garden corners, options with slimline frames and under-seat storage are worth considering. Lightweight aluminium or rattan builds are weather-friendly, and integrated storage keeps outdoor cushions and blankets tucked away neatly, helping you maintain a clutter-free setup even in smaller spaces.

13. Inflatable garden chairs

Inflatable garden chairs are a space-saving option that works well in gardens smaller than 5 square metres. Designed to be lightweight and easy to set up, they offer a practical seating solution without taking up permanent floor space.

Their compact size, usually around 100 centimetres wide, makes them ideal small garden furniture pieces for balconies, patios, and slim outdoor walkways where traditional chairs wouldn’t fit.

A key advantage of inflatable garden chairs is how easily they can be packed away. For anyone dealing with limited storage in flats or small homes, this is a game-changer. Once deflated, they can be tucked into a cupboard or even under a sofa, freeing up your outdoor area when the small garden furniture isn’t in use.

Modern designs of inflatable garden chairs don’t compromise on comfort. Many now feature supportive backrests, textured surfaces for grip, and even cup holders for added convenience.

With these small garden furniture ideas in mind, you can create a setup that’s both practical and comfortable. Whether you’re after a cosy reading spot or space to entertain, the right pieces matter. You can also take a look at Wowcher’s exclusive garden furniture deals to build your dream outdoor space.