Use... wood pallets

There are lots of clever ways to upcycle these timber structures for a compact space

SET UP A PRIVATE BAR To make your own little entertaining zone (right), cut the top section off a pallet to use as the flip-down surface and attach using two strong hinges and chains. Add a plank of wood to act as your serving board.

THINK VERTICALLY Save precious square footage on a patio or balcony by taking what you can off the ground. A wall or strong fence is an ideal spot to affix a slim shelving unit made from an old pallet (above). Attach ‘S’ hooks to hang plants and tools, and add little pockets to hold garden bits and bobs.

MAKE A LOW-LEVEL TABLE Garden furniture can be pricey and bulky, so make your own table for a bijou balcony or tiny terrace by stacking a couple of pallets on top of each other. Be sure to remove any nails sticking out first, and secure the pallets together with cable ties or twine.

KNOCK-UP A SIMPLE SOFA Create the bench base by stacking pallets to your desired height and securing them with screws. For the backrest, prop up a pallet in a vertical position and again screw in place. Add some cushions and you’ve got a great seat for sunbathing.

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GREAT IDEA Add a slim shelf to keep small glasses and bowls of nibbles on This bar folds down for entertaining and hides neatly away when not in use