Choosing the right small garden table for a small garden, patio, balcony, or courtyard might seem straightforward—until you try to fit it all in. Too small, and it’s underwhelming. Too big, and it disrupts the flow. So how do you strike the perfect balance?
Good design and style are at the heart of any great space—big or small. And in smaller spaces, garden furniture (especially your garden table) often becomes the centrepiece. Get this part right, and the rest will fall into place.
Here’s how to pick the best garden table—and make the most of your outdoor area, no matter how tight the square footage.
1. Start with the purpose
Before choosing any garden furniture, take a moment to think about how you truly want to use your outside space. Will it be your go-to spot for a peaceful morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening? Are you imagining relaxed weekend brunches, a quiet corner to curl up with a book, or somewhere to entertain guests occasionally? Understanding how you plan to enjoy the space will help guide your decision on the size and style of table you need—and just as importantly, what you can comfortably do without.
2. Measure carefully and then measure again
It’s tempting to rely on guesswork, but when it comes to compact spaces, every centimetre matters. Take the time to carefully measure your patio, balcony, or courtyard, and don’t forget to factor in practical details—like enough room to walk around the table, comfortably pull out chairs, and allow for door swings or any awkward corners. With accurate measurements and thoughtful planning, even the most compact outdoor space can feel functional, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.
3. Sketch out your outdoor space
Planning ahead not only saves time—it also helps you avoid costly mistakes and design regrets. Whether you prefer a garden planner app or good old-fashioned graph paper and pencil, sketching out your layout to scale is a smart first step. Add in the dimensions of your chosen furniture, play around with different placements, and visualise how everything will flow together. This process allows you to fine-tune your design before committing, helping you create a well-balanced space that feels open, practical, and beautifully put together. If you’d prefer, mark out the table dimensions on your patio with chalk or masking tape before buying to get a true sense of the final layout.
4. Make the garden table the focal point
In small garden design, less truly is more—and the right table can serve as the anchor for the entire space. Begin by selecting your table as the focal point, then arrange other elements like seating, planters, and lighting around it. Be sure to keep sightlines open to maintain a sense of openness, allowing the space to feel bigger and more inviting, even in its compact form.
5. Decide on a patio layout
Symmetrical layouts work well for modern, square patios, offering a clean, uniform look. On the other hand, asymmetrical designs can soften the space and create a more organic, relaxed feel. Ultimately, the shape of your outdoor area—and your personal style—should guide your choice, helping you create a layout that feels both functional and visually pleasing.
6. Think about furniture placement
Avoid pushing furniture up against walls, as leaving a little breathing room can make the space feel larger and more open. Keep key pieces easily accessible, ensuring they don’t block pathways or doorways. This simple adjustment allows the area to flow more naturally and maximises the sense of space.
7. Focus on outdoor table scale and profile
When it comes to tight spaces, it’s not just about size—it’s about how the furniture feels within the space. Opt for pieces with slim legs, open frames, and lightweight-looking designs to maintain a sense of openness. On the other hand, avoid bulky rattans or oversized lounge sets, which can easily crowd the area. The key is to create a feeling of airiness and flow, not overwhelm the space.
8. Opt for multipurpose furniture such as folding garden tables
Space-saving design is your best friend in small outdoor areas. Look for small garden tables or seating that serve multiple functions, such as our foldable bistro sets, benches with hidden storage, or garden tables that integrate planters or BBQs. In a compact space, every item should have a purpose and contribute to making the most of what you have.
9. Use design tricks to make it feel bigger
Even if your space is small, you can make it feel much larger with a few clever tricks. Opt for light colours on floors and walls to brighten the area, and use mirrors or reflective accessories to create the illusion of space. Incorporating tall, vertical plants, layering textures and tones, and keeping clutter to a minimum can all help add depth and openness. The goal is to visually expand the space, making it feel more expansive and inviting.
10. Draw the eye up
When floor space is limited, go vertical. Tall plants, eye-level decor, wall-mounted shelves, and hanging baskets are great ways to elongate the space and add visual interest, all without taking up valuable ground space. This approach helps create a sense of height and openness while keeping the floor area clear and functional.
11. Play with scale
Here’s a plot twist: don’t shy away from using one larger statement piece, like a striking garden table or a bold planter with a tree or shrub. While it might seem tempting to fill the space with lots of smaller items, this can make the area feel more cluttered. A single, bold choice can serve as the anchor in the space, elevating the entire look and creating a more cohesive, impactful design.
12. Let your garden furniture float
Avoid cramming everything into corners, as this can make the space feel cramped and disorganised. Instead, leave just a few inches behind your garden table or chairs to create a sense of openness. This small adjustment not only makes the area feel larger but also gives your layout a more intentional, balanced look, rather than one that feels rushed or overcrowded. It’s all about creating a space that flows naturally and invites relaxation.
13. Keep your colour palette simple
Stick to a foundation of neutral tones for your outdoor space, and then add one or two accent colours through plants or accessories. A cohesive, unified palette creates a sense of calm and openness, making even a small area feel more expansive and inviting. By carefully selecting accent colours, you can add interest without overwhelming the space, allowing each element to shine without competing for attention. This approach not only enhances the flow but also ensures your outdoor space feels harmonious and thoughtfully designed.
14. Look for inspiration
Need ideas? Inspiration is all around you. Explore social media hashtags like #smallgarden, #balconygarden, or #patioinspo to see how others are making the most of their spaces. Pinterest boards are full of creative designs, and Customer Photos on garden furniture websites (including ours!) offer real-life solutions that could spark your ideas. Magazines and garden blogs are fantastic sources for fresh ideas.
15. Break the rules
Ultimately, it’s your space—so make it truly yours. Don’t be afraid to embrace bold choices if that’s what excites you. If a large outdoor table, even if it takes up most of the space, brings you joy and suits your lifestyle, then go for it. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to designing your outdoor area; the only "rule" is that it should feel like an extension of your home, personality, and outdoor needs. Whether you prefer a cosy nook in the shade or a grand entertaining space in the sun, your outdoor area should reflect who you are, making it a place where you can relax, entertain, and truly enjoy yourself.
Our final thoughts for your outdoor space...
Creating a small outdoor space that feels both functional and beautiful is all about making thoughtful choices and embracing the design principles that best suit your lifestyle. Whether you opt for a minimalist approach or a bold statement piece, the key is to ensure your space reflects your personality and works for the way you live.
While we might be a little biased, we believe our 2-seater bistro tables, folding garden tables, and compact 4-seater outdoor tables strike the perfect balance for most spaces. These pieces are stylish, thoughtfully sized, and designed to enhance—not overwhelm—your small garden or balcony.
Even if you decide to go with something different to what we offer in the Lazy Susan range, we hope this guide has helped you feel more confident in designing an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and functional, no matter the size. And if you’re still unsure about which is the perfect garden table that would be the best fit for your space, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here to help guide you toward the perfect choice for your outdoor area.
If you have one of our small garden tables, we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
