Bradley Spencer from garden furniture experts Royal Finesse explained that a simple £15 trick can make a small garden feel more spacious: painting the fence a lighter colour.
Paint your fence to create space
"We don't all have as much space in our gardens as we might like, but that doesn't mean we can make the most of what we do have," said Spencer. "Making your outdoor space look and feel bigger than it really is might just mean giving your garden fence a new coat of paint."
He added: "Lighter colours such as an off-white or light grey help reflect sunlight and can soften the edges of your garden to the eye, making it feel more spacious. Similarly, earthy tints such as a soft brown or green are great for creating a harmony between the natural colours found in your garden and its boundaries."
A tin of fence paint can start from around £15 in many hardware stores, offering a quick and cost-effective way to refresh your garden.
Preparation tips
Before painting, ensure the fence is properly cleaned and prepared. Strip away grime or peeling paint using a jet washer or a stiff brush with soapy water. After cleaning and drying thoroughly, lightly sand the fence to smooth out imperfections before applying paint.
Alternative techniques
For those not keen on painting, Spencer suggests other methods. "Making good use of vertical space can go a long way, such as using climbing plants on walls to maintain a good amount of free floor space," he said. "Mirrors can also be used tactically, ensuring the reflection showcases more visually pleasing parts of the garden rather than the bins or a dead-end. Finally, try not to clutter your garden with junk, ensuring items such as garden furniture are practical and versatile, as well as maximising available space."
