Garden Features in Courtyard Gardens

Courtyard gardens may be small, but they offer endless design potential. The right features can turn a compact space into a calming retreat, an elegant outdoor room, or a stylish extension of the home.

At Oliver Burgess Garden Design, we specialise in transforming these tucked-away spaces. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a tired layout, this guide explores the best garden features for courtyard gardens. Each idea balances beauty with practicality to help you get the most from every square metre.

Why Features Matter in Courtyard Gardens

Unlike larger gardens, courtyards rely heavily on built-in elements. With less room for sprawling lawns or borders, every feature has to serve a clear purpose – whether it's for seating, structure, lighting, or atmosphere.

Our approach to courtyard gardens is holistic. We design features that complement the architecture, reflect how the space will be used, and help the garden feel open and intentional. This starts with a clear understanding of how to overcome common courtyard design challenges.

Built-In Seating

Fixed seating works especially well in smaller gardens. It frees up space and helps define zones for dining or relaxing.

We often design:

• Floating timber benches to keep the space feeling light and open

• Corner seating built into raised planters or walls

• Low rendered plinths that double as seating and structural features

Built-in seating also allows us to play with height and integrate other features like lighting or storage.

Case Study: South London Courtyard with Floating Benches

In one of our recent courtyard designs for a series of townhouses in South London, space was very limited. The layout needed to feel clean, modern, and connected to the home’s interior.

We used floating timber benches fixed to the boundary walls. This kept the floor visually open and avoided bulky furniture. Combined with built-in planters, smooth concrete surfaces, and layered planting, the garden felt like an elegant extension of the indoor space.

This project is now live on our courtyard garden case studies, and shows how well-chosen features can define a courtyard without crowding it.

Raised Planters and Built-in Borders

Courtyards benefit from strong structure. Raised planters help define zones and bring planting up to eye level.

These features work especially well when:

• Space is narrow or enclosed, and greenery is needed at height

• Privacy is important, and taller planting helps screen views

• A low-maintenance solution is preferred, as planters are easier to control and water

They also support sustainable garden design by encouraging better water retention and biodiversity.

Water Features

A small fountain or water bowl can transform a courtyard. The sound of running water brings a sense of calm and helps soften urban noise. Even a modest feature can become the focal point of the space.

In compact layouts, we design:

• Self-contained water bowls

• Blade-style wall features

• Reflective water surfaces in modern courtyards

Water features like these are also helpful for enhancing seasonal interest, giving the space life and movement all year round.

Lighting for Mood and Use

Courtyards are often used in the evenings, especially for entertaining. That’s why integrated lighting is one of the most valuable features.

We suggest:

• Recessed uplights to highlight trees or walls

• Warm LED strips under benches or steps

• Wall-mounted fittings for ambient glow

Subtle lighting also helps distinguish different areas of the garden and adds visual rhythm.

Vertical Features

With little ground space to spare, vertical features are a must. They add greenery, texture, and interest while keeping the footprint small.

Options include:

• Living walls or vertical planters

• Trellises with climbing plants

• Textured panels or slatted timber screens

Vertical elements help soften fencing and make the garden feel taller — an important trick in many small garden designs.

Outdoor Kitchens and BBQ Areas

Even in a small courtyard, it’s possible to include outdoor cooking features. Built-in BBQs, pizza ovens, or compact prep counters can turn a garden into the ultimate entertaining space.

We design these features to be:

• Integrated into the layout, without dominating the space

• Weatherproof, using durable materials like stainless steel or porcelain

• Multi-functional, sometimes doubling as storage or counter space

These built-ins can also increase property value, especially when well integrated with the home.

Storage That Doesn’t Steal Space

Storage is often overlooked in courtyard design. But even in tight spaces, there are creative ways to keep tools, cushions, or bins tucked away.

Ideas include:

• Integrated bench storage

• Disguised cupboards built into raised beds

• Slimline fencing with hidden doors

These are part of the detailed planning that sets a good garden design apart from a quick makeover.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Heating

To get more year-round use out of a courtyard, we often design in fire pits or subtle outdoor heaters. These can be fixed or portable, depending on the layout.

A fire feature becomes a natural gathering point, especially in colder months. It also adds a warm glow that enhances the garden’s mood and atmosphere.

Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Courtyards sometimes feel enclosed or shaded. Mirrors and reflective materials can help bounce light and create the illusion of more space.

We often position:

• Outdoor-rated mirrors on boundary walls

• Light-toned tiles or cladding that reflect ambient light

• Water features that create movement and brightness

These subtle elements bring extra depth to the space — an important consideration in tight London courtyards.

Tailored to You

Every courtyard garden is different. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. The right features depend on how you plan to use the space, the surrounding architecture, and your maintenance preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance escape or an outdoor entertaining space, our courtyard garden design service can help you get the most from your space.

Final Thoughts

The best courtyard gardens feel effortless. But behind every simple, stylish space is careful planning and the right combination of features. Built-in seating, clever lighting, raised planting, and vertical elements are just a few of the tools we use to create gardens that work beautifully in small spaces.

If you’re planning a courtyard project in London, Kent, or the South East, we’d love to help. Explore our services in small garden design, planting design, and partial redesigns – or get in touch to arrange a site visit.

Let’s create something remarkable in your courtyard.