Introduction
Did you know, according to the Office for National Statistics, the average size of a garden in London is approximately 140 square meters, which is just over half the size of a tennis court? Small, right?! With this being the case, we understand how difficult it is to give your backyard design a refresh, keeping it stylish, but also affordable. Lucky for you, we’re here with our clever and affordable small garden ideas, sure to contain a look you’ll love! With competitive pricing across all our outdoor slabs and garden tiles, there is something for every budget, and we’d love to show some of them off!
So, How Do You Make a Small Garden Nice?
The all-important question: How do you make a small garden nice? There are an array of ways to do this, including the ratio of plants to patio, zoning, decorative displays, etc. But ultimately, “nice” is a matter of opinion. If you like the way your garden looks, then it looks nice. Let us share some of our ideas, and let us know if you find one that inspires you!
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Design
A clever trick for making your outdoor space feel larger than it is is to continue your flooring into your interior design. With this hack, the act of stepping from inside to outside feels seamless, and vice versa. Ensure you use a flooring that is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, like our Maddox Anti-Slip Tiles, for example. Thanks to their R11 slip resistance rating, these tiles make the perfect floor tiling for that harmonious scheme.
Above, Maddox Light Grey Anti-Slip Porcelain Floor Tile
Create a Zonal Scheme
By this, we mean to create different zones throughout the space you do have, creating a sectioned view for the eye. For example, creating a seating area in the garden that is separate from, say, the shed or flowerbeds. This separated view can trick the eye into thinking the garden is bigger than it is, while also creating a cosy atmosphere. This can also be done with existing pieces throughout the garden. Just a quick rearrange can make all the difference!
Above, Rosetta Dark Grey Stone Effect Matt Porcelain Outdoor Slab Tile
Tiered Garden On a Budget
Similar to zoning your garden into sections, creating separate tiers throughout the space can be effective at making your space look larger. Instead of just working on one level, adding tiers to your backyard can offer additional space for your zoning. An affordable way of doing this is to use repurposed sleepers! They offer a natural aesthetic for your garden space, creating the perfect higher level for things like flower beds or home-grown crops! Avoid sleepers that have been treated with harmful chemicals, instead opting for those from your local DIY store.
Above, Imperial Grey Chiselled Edge Stone Effect Italian Porcelain Outdoor Slab
Bold and Bright Patterned Outdoor Floors
Ever considered a patterned outdoor floor? We think you should! Patterned outdoor floors are consistently rising in popularity, showing you’re not afraid of a touch of colour and style, in and out of the home. Although patterns are considered to make a space appear smaller, we believe they perfectly complement outdoor spaces, where they perhaps won’t be as cluttered or overloaded. Our Hanoi Star Tiles are a must for those seeking that bold, out-of-the-box style.
Above, Hanoi Star Blue Floor Tiles. Image credit to: @Bethannaparnell
Keeping It Bright and Airy
The oldest trick in the book. Small spaces require light colours. To prove that theory, see our Carrara White Marble Effect outdoor tiles, a light, airy and whimsical marble, working effortlessly at opening your garden space up. Light colours reflect light around a space, which is how they make your design feel so much more luminous. Consider welcoming white or light grey outdoor slabs to replicate this, or, equally, light garden wall tiles, for a seamless overall aesthetic.
Above, Carrara White Marble Effect Large Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tile
Make Use of Your Wall Space
Struggling with where to put your garden? Consider utilising your wall space to welcome extra greenery. This can be in the form of a hanging basket for beautiful floral arrangements, or perhaps add a trellis to your wall for trailing plants! To welcome a seamless overall style, consider using garden wall tiles, covering your exterior walls to provide complementary designs. Outdoor wall tiles are a great way of adding a touch of personality and character. Ensure you use a strong, suitable adhesive that can be used on exterior walls when integrating these into your space.
Above, Erebor Natural Split Face Wall Tiles
Comfortable Seating Areas
If your priority within your small garden is somewhere comfortable to sit and relax, focus your energy on an outdoor seating area. Following on from our zoning point, creating a comfortable seating area is a must! There are a plethora of stylish outdoor furniture sets on the market today to suit any budget, so do your research to find one that matches your price range and personal style. Consider adding a fire pit or heating system, allowing you to spend those chilly evenings in the garden in comfort. Using patterned outdoor floor tiles to create the illusion of an outdoor rug is a durable way of zoning the seating area off, offering a cosy feel for your garden.
Above, Mischen Light Grey Decor Concrete Effect Matt Porcelan Outdoor Slab Tile. Image credit to: @hillsidecottage_portisaac
Conclusion
We hope our affordable small garden ideas have inspired you to breathe new life into your outdoor space, no matter its size or your budget! Whether you’re embracing seamless indoor-outdoor flow, experimenting with patterned tiles, or simply rearranging your layout, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with a little creativity. We’d love to see how you’ve transformed your garden using our tiles and slabs – so don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram, @Tilemountainuk, for a chance to be featured on our website and social channels!
