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Seven small outdoor area ideas

A high angle shot of an outdoor dining area complete with wooden dining table and canvas seats, wooden benches in a corner with Buddhist sculptures
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor space. Be it a courtyard, balcony, deck or yard, every space is packed with the potential to become the perfect destination for relaxing, enjoying and entertaining. You simply need to think outside the box.

1. Get smart with storage

There's no room for clutter in a small outdoor space, so include smart storage. The best option is a storage bench, which doubles up as seating and a place to store cushions.

2. Plant vertical gardens

Make the most of available wall space and plant a vertical garden. This will add life and colour to your outdoor area without taking away valuable floor space. Once your vertical garden is filled with soil and water, it can be quite heavy, so make sure it is properly anchored to the wall.

Vertical garden filled with herbs and other flowering plants.

3. Create an edible container garden

No space is too small to grow food. Pop some veggies and herbs into pots to create a compact edible garden. Lots of veggies are suitable for containers, including eggplants, beetroot, lettuce, peas, sweet peppers, and tomatoes. Citrus trees and herbs also grow well in containers, and will add a fresh scent to your outdoor space.

4. Go for a small but mighty BBQ

You don't need to have a huge space to enjoy outdoor entertaining. There are lots of compact BBQs, such as the 2 & 3 burner, portable and kettle BBQs, which are especially designed for balconies, courtyards and other small areas. Remember to measure up before you buy and, if it's a gas BBQ you're after, consider where you'll store the gas bottle.

Outdoor dining setting with kettle BBQ, and plant-covered privacy screens.

5. Plant some privacy

Want to add some privacy without detracting from your design? Or do you need something to help liven up a dreary wall? The solution is a living trellis. Simply install some wire cables to fixed points. Then, pop in some creeping plants that will grow up the wire. It can take a couple of months to completely fill in the wires, but it'll be worth the wait.

Garden archway with creeping plants growing all over it.

6. Save space with furniture

Easy-fold outdoor furniture is a great space saver. Look for settings that can be conveniently packed away when not in use. Hammocks and hammock chairs are another stylish and comfy space-saving option.

7. Keep it simple

When it comes to making the most of your outdoor space, remember: less is more. Stick to a simple colour palette and high quality finishes. Keep the layout clean and uncluttered. And remember the golden rule: if in doubt, leave it out!

These big ideas are just the beginning. With a little creativity and planning, it's easy to make the most of your outdoor space – whatever its size. You can check out some more great ideas for outdoor privacy here.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. 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. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.
Please note: Our range of engineered stone products is no longer available. Our team members can help you with our wide range of alternatives to suit your project, and we're working closely with our suppliers to introduce new options soon.