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Before investing in outdoor furniture, it’s important to get the measurements right. Measure the available space, then use painters’ tape to map out where the key pieces will sit. Make sure you leave enough room to move around your furniture.
Do you prefer sit-down dining or casual relaxing? With the right planning you can have both – even in a small area. Start with a casual zone – a comfortable and inviting sofa or lounge chairs where you can chat with guests or chill out on your own. “You’ll get so much use out of the space,” says Tilly.
If there’s enough room, create a separate dining zone with an outdoor table so you can enjoy meals outside as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. It’s also handy as a buffet table for no-fuss barbecues and bring-a-plate parties.
If the view around your area isn’t fabulous, improve it! Make plain walls more appealing with garden wall art and use garden screens and screen panels to spruce up the surroundings of your small outdoor space. “They help define the area as a room of its own, but add a textural dimension,” says Tilly. Remember to fix them securely in place for safety.
Want to create a balcony garden or just add more colour to your outdoor entertaining area? A collection of potted plants adds instant greenery and draws the eye. Choose rounded outdoor pots to bring softness into the zone. Vertical gardens and hanging wall baskets can also bring your wall to life. Plus, pots and portable planters give you the flexibility to rearrange your space down the track.
A barbecue is a must-have for entertaining outside, and for small outdoor spaces, portable options are your best bet. Go for compact portable BBQ with a trolley that can do double-duty as a bar cart. Bonus points if it’s easy to wheel away and the stand can be folded up and stored when not in use.
Ambient lighting adds cosiness and maximises how much you can use your space throughout the party season and beyond, right into the cooler months when the days are shorter. It’s hard to relax with mozzies around, so add some elegant and practical citronella candles. To keep the vibe going when the sun goes down, some party lights will set the mood perfectly. “Twinkling lights add a touch of celebration to every occasion,” says Tilly.
Style your outdoor space as you would your living room, with soft layers and cushions in a palette you love. This is your chance to play with trending colours, materials, shapes and forms. Get started with these expert tips.
You don’t want too much sun and heat to spoil the enjoyment of your outdoor area. Our buyer's guide to shade options has you covered with shade ideas for any backyard, including portable options like umbrellas and shade sails that are easy to install and ideal for smaller spaces.
For a quick and easy way to create a new deck for your small backyard or patio, use modular decking panels. Find more great outdoor living and decking ideas to help you transform your space, or pop into your local Bunnings and let us inspire you.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
