5 Unique Small Garden Fencing Ideas

Limited space doesn’t mean that you can’t have attractive and secure small garden fencing ideas. Smaller gardens need security and privacy every bit as much as larger ones, so whether you’re looking for small front garden fencing ideas or solutions for the back garden, we have what you need.

Composite fences can be a great choice for many homes, but some people might prefer other options such as living fences full of greenery or decorative trellis fences. These fencing ideas for small gardens will help you make the most of your space, whether you want to make it appear larger or simply improve the look and security.

What to Consider When Buying Fencing for a Small Garden

There are several elements that you might want to consider when thinking about buying fencing for a smaller garden, including the following.

Aesthetics

Getting the look of your fencing right is very important as it will form a major part of the overall feel of your outdoor area, especially in a smaller space. Colour is an important element. Lighter colours can make a space feel larger, while darker colours can make it seem even smaller. However, some people may prefer the cosiness that this can provide. 

You might want to match fencing to existing colour schemes, whether this is the exterior of your home or decking you already have in your garden. You might also want to consider different types and finishes of fencing and whether you want to incorporate decorative elements such as fence topper trellises.

Durability

One of the main purposes of fencing is the extra security it offers and it should be tough and durable – not only to keep out intruders but also to withstand the weather. Your fencing will face variable weather conditions throughout the year and, depending on the location and positioning, may be subjected to strong winds. There are a lot of options when it comes to fencing materials, with composite fencing becoming more and more popular.

Made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, composite fencing offers a beautiful aesthetic matched with greater durability. It is not only tougher, but also more resistant to weather, rot and insect damage. Find out more in our composite fencing vs wood fencing guide.

Lighting

Just as light colours can make a space look bigger, so can fence designs that allow light through, such as slatted, picket or trellis fences. Solid fences can block out the light, which could have the opposite effect. Shorter fences might also be a good choice for smaller gardens for the purpose of letting in more light, though questions of privacy and security should always be considered.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of fencing is crucial as fence panels and infrastructure can face harsh conditions and could soon start to deteriorate. A smaller outdoor space will naturally tend to have less fencing to maintain, but it can still be a regular chore. If you’re looking for low maintenance fencing ideas, you might want to consider composite fencing. It is not only more durable and weather resistant than comparable wooden fencing, but it also has the colour and finish built into the panels. This means that it doesn’t need regular painting and staining, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Plus, fencing plays a key role in home security, keeping your garden safe and secure, meaning that proper maintenance is essential.

Space

In a smaller garden, making the best use of your space is important and choosing the right fencing can help you do this. Slatted or trellised fencing can avoid a feeling of being ‘boxed in’ by letting more light through, while lighter colours can also help maximise the feeling of space. Different types of fencing can be used in different sides or parts of the garden, though the overall look and theme should still tie together. Fencing can also be used to make different ‘zones’.

5 Small Garden Fencing Ideas

Smaller gardens can be just as attractive, welcoming and relaxing as larger spaces with an added feeling of cosiness and less maintenance to take care of. It’s important to plan properly though and to choose the right materials and features, including small garden fencing ideas.

1. Slatted Fencing

Slatted fencing, sometimes known as Venetian fencing, uses horizontal battens or slats rather than solid panels. This allows more light through, which could make it a good option for smaller gardens. The gaps between slats can also give an impression of greater space, essentially producing a subtle optical illusion. Slatted fences tend to be physically lighter than solid panels and can be easier to install and maintain.

Advantages of slatted fencing

• Provides feeling of greater space
• Lighter and airier
• Easy to install and maintain

Disadvantages of slatted fencing

• Not as private
• May not be as secure as solid fencing

2. Living Fences

A living fence, as the name suggests, is a boundary made from living plants. This could be a traditional hedge, but it could also be made up of closely planted trees, shrubs or vines that combine to form a largely unbroken barrier. They can be great for a natural look and for blurring the boundaries of your small garden.

Advantages of living fences

• Natural look and aesthetic
• Great for wildlife
• Naturally resistant to weather
• Generally a cheaper option

Disadvantages of living fences

• Can take a while to establish
• Needs trimming and maintenance
• Less secure unless very thick and high

3. Light Coloured Fences

Some people prefer the cosy look that a dark fence can give, but in general, lighter coloured fences may be the best choice for a smaller garden as they give a feeling of space. You could use lighter wood tones, but you could also choose white or shades such as soft grey and pale blue to reflect light and maximise the limited space. Light colours also absorb less heat, which can make the fence cooler to the touch on hot summer days and help prevent warping.

Advantages of light coloured fences

• Maximises the sense of space and light
• Absorbs less heat
• Cool, modern aesthetic

Disadvantages of light coloured fences

• May show up dirt more easily
• Could seem out of place in greenery
• May need more frequent painting or staining to stay looking good

4. Trellis Fences

A trellis is a cross-hatched design or section that adds a decorative feel to any fence. You can opt for an entire trellis fence or trellis fence toppers that sit on the top of solid fence panels. Trellis fencing can be ideal for small gardens as it naturally allows in more light and gives a sense of greater space. Trellis fencing can also look very aesthetically pleasing in its own right.

Advantages of trellis fences

• Decorative and attractive
• Lets in more light
• Maximises sense of space
• Can support climbing plants

Disadvantages of trellis fences

• May be privacy issues
• Can be less secure than solid fencing
• More fragile and may be prone to weather damage

5. Picket Fences

A picket fence is made up of vertical boards or pickets attached to horizontal rails. They tend to be quite short and have gaps between the pickets, meaning that they are relatively unobtrusive and let in plenty of light. This can make them a good choice for small gardens. Picket fences also have a unique homely aesthetic that many people like, but there is a trade-off in both privacy and security.

Advantages of picket fences

• Marks boundaries without blocking the view
• Does not block out much light
• Good for maximising sense of space
• Charming, homely aesthetic
• Relatively low maintenance

Disadvantages of picket fences

• Tends to be short, so offers limited security
• Does not offer much privacy

Find Quality Composite Fencing For Small Gardens Today

Even if you have limited space in your garden, there’s no reason why you cannot make the most of it and create a cosy outdoor area that’s a joy to spend time in. Choosing the right fencing can play a big part in this, but you can also check out our small garden ideas for more inspiration.

There are plenty of options for small garden fencing, which could include sturdy composite fencing or designs incorporating decorative garden trellis screens. Take a look at our whole collection to see how we can help you make the most of your small garden.