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
Ideal Home UK|August 2024
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
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

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

Bu hikaye Ideal Home UK dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Ideal Home UK dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

IDEAL HOME UK DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
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
Ideal Home UK

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
hometruths
Ideal Home UK

hometruths

KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME

time-read
2 dak  |
August 2024
Fresh & delicious
Ideal Home UK

Fresh & delicious

Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
NATURAL habitat
Ideal Home UK

NATURAL habitat

KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
"WE AREN'T traditional"
Ideal Home UK

"WE AREN'T traditional"

RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES

time-read
3 dak  |
August 2024
GROWING up
Ideal Home UK

GROWING up

ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
The shortlist PARASOLS
Ideal Home UK

The shortlist PARASOLS

Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
Weekend decorator
Ideal Home UK

Weekend decorator

CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW

time-read
3 dak  |
August 2024
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Ideal Home UK

The shortlist PICNICWARE

Everything you need for the perfect spread

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
Ideal Home UK

PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS

time-read
5 dak  |
August 2024