Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have

If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.

- By Ellis Cochrane

Knowing how to make a poky outdoor eating space feel bigger is a little touch of magic that turns a compact garden into an oasis. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.

1 Use multipurpose furniture

As in other parts of the home where we're short on space, pieces that work hard are key. 'Benches with built-in storage or tables that extend to seat extra guests are excellent options for small spaces,' says Jeannette Hudson, furniture expert at Online Sofa Shop.

Cassandra Leisz, senior creative director at Ruggable, suggests that 'Outdoor coffee tables can offer storage solutions, and garden stools can be moved around between different zones for extra seating, or serve as tables.' This saves you trying to cram too many items of furniture into a small or enclosed space. Alternatively, 'Look for pieces that can be easily folded or stacked when not in use,' Jeannette suggests.

2 Be strategic with position

'Whatever its size, take a good look at your patio and consider its size, shape, existing features and any limitations, Cassandra says. 'This will help you decide exactly what you're working with. Placing certain items of furniture strategically can work wonders to make a small eating area feel bigger.

Consider the areas that get full sun -you may or may not want to be sitting in direct sunlight while you eat. Go for lightweight outdoor furniture so that you can move pieces around easily whenever you need to.

3 Utilise vertical space