Summer has arrived, and as always, I want to make the most of every precious sunny moment. My house is over a hundred years old and comes with what estate agents might optimistically call “a compact courtyard garden”. In reality, it’s a tiny 2m x 2m outdoor space that I’ve been determined to maximise since buying the house.
And I’m not alone — many of us in Ireland are dealing with balconies, patios and small gardens that challenge our creativity when it comes to outdoor living.
We also need to think practically about materials that can either withstand our damp environment without growing mould, or that can be quickly brought indoors and stored easily.
It doesn’t mean we can’t create something special — it just means we need to be a bit more creative with our approach.
Before you spend a single euro, be crystal clear about how you want to use your space. Don’t invest in a dining set if you never eat outdoors! Create a list of your actual needs and stick to it. When I planned my own tiny courtyard, I had three requirements: a large dining table for entertaining, a comfortable lounge spot for sunny days, and the ability to clear everything away quickly when needed.
Your priorities might be different — perhaps you want a cosy reading nook, a small herb garden, or a space to enjoy your morning coffee. Whatever it is, start with function before you think about form.
The absolute game-changer for small outdoor spaces is furniture that folds away. In my own garden, I had a fold-down table built from leftover cedar cladding that hinges on one wall and can be completely folded flat when not in use. This was a custom solution, but there are plenty of ready-made options available now, too.
The Tärnö dining set from Ikea remains a budget-friendly classic that folds away neatly, and you can easily customise it with paint to match your style. For balconies where space is especially tight, Søstrene Grene, Kave Home, and Sklum all have affordable wall-mounted folding tables built to withstand our climate — and they’re stylish enough to double as a design feature even when folded up.
For something more upmarket, the Bistro collection from Fermob is utterly gorgeous and comes in a range of beautiful pastel shades that instantly elevate any space. Made from steel, these pieces are perfect for surviving our Irish climate year-round.
Isimar’s range of folding furniture deserves a special shoutout too — its powder-coated metal pieces come in vibrant colours that can transform a dull space into something special, and they’re specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
When floor space is limited, think vertically! One of the best decisions I made in my own garden was installing a vertical garden wall. My friend Jonny Gannon (an exceptional landscaper — find him at gannonandassociates.ie) installed my beautiful garden wall using felt pockets nailed to a plywood board, which is then screwed onto the back wall.
The pockets function as plant pots, though they do dry out quicker, so they require more frequent watering. For balconies, railing planters can add greenery without sacrificing precious floor space.
If you love lounging in the sun but lack storage space, hammocks are a brilliant solution. I love the soporific sway of my hammock and use it regularly in summer. All you need are two sturdy hooks (I have one on each of my courtyard walls), and when not in use, hammocks fold down to practically nothing.
Just measure your space carefully before purchasing and make sure your mounting points are secure. Søstrene Grene has a gorgeous striped range in stock at the moment.
The right lighting can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a magical evening retreat, plus it looks great when you’re indoors too. Solar-powered options have come a long way in recent years, making them perfect for Irish balconies and patios where running electrical cables might be impractical.
I have solar festoon lights zigzagging my little garden and solar fairy lights entwined in the plants in my garden wall, which create an instant atmosphere. For a more subtle glow, solar-powered stake lights tucked among plants create lovely shadows and highlights. Just make sure to position your solar panel where it can catch maximum daylight.
For balconies that don’t get direct sunlight, look for solar lights with detachable panels that can be placed in sunnier spots. The Solar Centre offers a range of beautiful solar-powered outdoor lights that will charge during the day and automatically illuminate as evening falls.
Nothing ruins a perfect summer evening faster than being eaten alive by midges. Citronella candles remain popular for good reason — they work! I’ve found that positioning these strategically around the edges of your space creates a protective perimeter that most flying pests won’t cross.
For a natural approach, certain plants act as excellent insect repellents. Lavender, rosemary, mint, and lemongrass all help keep bugs away while adding beautiful scents and greenery to your space.
When space is truly at a premium, combining functions becomes essential. Built-in benches with storage underneath provide seating and a place to stow cushions and smaller items. I recommend having at least one built-in bench along a wall — it’s by far the best use of space for fitting people around a table.
Materials like treated wood or outdoor-rated tiles work best here — mine is made from the same tiles used in my downstairs bathroom, creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Don’t forget about awnings and canopies for weather protection. Retractable versions are ideal for unpredictable Irish weather and allow you to maximise your outdoor space even on cloudy days.
Options range from affordable manual systems to electronic versions with integrated lighting and heating. Munster Awnings have a fantastic range — they’re based in Cork but supply across Ireland.