If you always dreamed of having a garden room, but assumed that you did not have enough space, it might be worth thinking again! There are plenty of options for garden buildings in small spaces, and furthermore there are creative ways to make the best use of space within a small garden room.
Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of a compact garden space.
Choose the right shape and size and think tall
A garden room doesn’t have to be a rectangular box. It could be designed to fit into a corner, or even a lean-to shed or workshop that makes use of an existing wall or fence. Investigate the possibilities of height as well; in the UK it is permitted to install a garden structure up to 2.5 metres high, or 3 metres if it has a flat roof.
This gives you maximum ceiling height and you can make the best use of the vertical space with tall shelving for extra storage or wall-mounted digital screens. It’s also useful if you want to use the garden room as a home gym to give you some safe space for doing star jumps and so on without knocking yourself out!
However, check with your local authority before going ahead, because local planning restrictions may apply, particularly if you are in a conservation area or live in a listed building.
Make use of natural light
When selecting your garden building, maximise the amount of natural light with large windows or patio doors. Skylights can further maximise the amount of light without taking up any wall space. This will help your garden room to feel more open and spacious. Also install some strategically placed mirrors in the interior to reflect more light and garden scenery.
Think about the flow between indoor and outdoor space
Large patio doors that you can leave open in warm weather will help to make a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor space. Consider adding a wraparound patio or decking to extend the usable space, with a canopy or awning if room allows.
Use similar materials wherever possible, such as wooden decking for a timber garden building, or natural stone if you already have stone paths or a natural stone patio elsewhere in your garden. This will look visually appealing and create a sense of harmony.
Install multi-functional furniture
Avoid filling the garden room with lots of furniture before you have designed the layout. Consider built-in furniture options that make use of every available inch of space, such as wall-to ceiling shelving or cupboards. This eliminates the dead space above and either side of the furniture, maximising storage and minimising clutter.
When choosing other furniture, look for smaller versions rather than big bulky items. Consider the flow of the room and make sure that furniture doesn’t obstruct doors or windows. Look for foldable chairs and tables that can be stored when you don’t need them, and ottomans or sofas with concealed storage under the seat.
Modular furniture systems can be useful if you want to use the garden room as an office. These items can be reconfigured to adjust the floor space and allow for other uses, such as a gym or yoga space.
Zone the space
In a small room, zoning through the careful placement of furniture can help to keep it feeling well-organised and functional. For example, have a desk area for working from home, and a separate zone for crafts or hobbies, or just for chilling out.
Choose colours carefully
Too many dark colours and bold patterns can make the interior feel claustrophobic and too busy. Instead, opt for lighter colours and use accessories such as cushions to add brighter accents. Glossy or glass surfaces help to reflect natural light and enhance the sense of space.
Use underfloor heating
If you want to use your garden room all year round, or even on chilly summer evenings, you will need to consider heating. Radiators or portable heaters can be bulky and take up wall space. Consider installing underfloor heating, which will be concealed and provide a pleasant ambient temperature for several hours, even after the heat is switched off.
