Best colour to paint fences to make your garden ‘appear bigger’

Gardening expert, Angela Slater, from Hayes Garden World , recommended dark colours for an average sized garden . 1. Black or graphite  The expert explained: ‘Generally, a fence painted in dark colours makes an average sized garden appear larger as it shifts the eye from the fence to the plants.’ ‘If you have a lot of plants packed into your garden space, you can get away with a black or dark graphite fence as it will provide a foil to the colours of your plants and make any light coloured flowers stand out; it will also give the illusion of depth to your plants. ‘If you have a lot of green in your borders, paint your fence in dark olive or French navy to tone in with your plants.’ 2. Pastels for small courtyards If you have a small courtyard, the fence would be better painted in pastel colours such as cream, soft blue, light olive or a light dusky pink. Best colour to paint fences to make your garden ‘appear bigger’ – avoid ‘oppressive’ space (Image: Getty) Make sure to pick a colour which suits the colour palette of your garden plants or even garden furniture. Angela said: ‘Painting your tiny courtyard in dark colours can make it look oppressive. However, if you are trying to achieve a jungle look to the space, then a dark olive or graphite colour would give the illusion of depth and really make the tropical flowers stand out.’ 3. Bright colours for themed courtyards For anyone who has a themed courtyard, such as Mexican, the expert recommended opting for a bright orange or deep yellow to strengthen the theme. Britons with a theme should also keep planting to a minimum of specimen plants and consider a small bistro set. Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea The expert noted: ‘A Provencal themed courtyard could be painted in sky blue and planted with a statement olive tree, lavender, rosemary and thyme. Opt for seating in a pale blue wrought iron to tone in with the walls.’ 4. Use an outdoor mirror Angela continued: ‘An outdoor mirror placed at the end of a path or at the end of the garden will make the garden appear as if there is another part to be explored.  ‘Better still, place an arbour covered with climbers around the mirror to further the illusion of a portal into another spacious garden.’ If you are looking to paint your fence, the experts at Checkatrade recommended painting a fence with a roller. Gardening planner (Image: EXPRESS) The experts said: ‘Put on some eye protection and old clothes. Then lay your plastic tarp on the ground to protect any landscaping or grass. To prep the fence, sand it down if it’s wood or use an orbital sander or sanding block if it’s metal. ‘Once your fence is dry, use your roller to paint the surface of the fence. Use slow and steady movements so the area is thoroughly coated. ‘Although using a roller is a quick way to go over your fence, there will inevitably be gaps you need to go over with a soft brush – especially for interlocking shapes or intricate designs.’ Once the fence is coated, leave it to dry before going over it with a weatherproof sealant or topcoat.