Narrow verandahs are one of Brisbane's most loved architectural features, and one of the trickiest spaces to furnish. Too much furniture and it feels cramped. Too little and it feels bare. Get it right, though, and a narrow Queenslander verandah becomes one of the best spots in the house.
Mary and Brian, a couple from Brisbane's southside, came into the Lume showroom with exactly this challenge. They'd just finished renovating their home and were looking for something to bring their front verandah to life.
The Challenge: A Classic Narrow Verandah
Their verandah was long and narrow, as most Queenslander verandahs are. They fell in love with a wicker lounge setting in the showroom, drawn to its timeless charm and the extraordinary comfort of the plush cushioning. The setting was perfect, with one problem: the coffee table that came with it was simply too wide for the space.
Easy fix, we said. Let's swap it out.
The Solution: Side Tables Instead of a Coffee Table
Instead of a standard coffee table, we suggested three of our smaller aluminium side tables. This turned out to be a brilliant space-saving idea for a few reasons:
- Each table can be moved independently to wherever it's needed
- Two or three pushed together form a longer surface when entertaining
- They tuck away easily when you want more floor space
- Their slim profile keeps the verandah feeling open and uncluttered
Mary, her daughter, and Brian were thrilled with the result. They added rugs, cushions, and accessories to really make the space their own, and the finished verandah was exactly what they'd envisioned.
Mary and Brian's Queenslander verandah - wicker lounge setting with side tables instead of a coffee table
Our Top Tips for Narrow Verandahs
Keep It Light and Airy
Stick with neutral colours for your main furniture pieces. White, natural wicker, light grey, and warm timber tones all keep a narrow space feeling open and bigger than it is. Save the bold colours for accessories.
Add Pops of Colour Through Accessories
Rugs, cushions, and small decorative pieces are where you can have fun. A patterned outdoor rug anchors the space and adds warmth, while cushions in your favourite colours bring personality without overwhelming the area. Keep it simple and don't overdo it.
Prioritise Flexibility
In a narrow space, furniture that can be moved, rearranged, or used in multiple ways is worth its weight in gold. Side tables instead of a fixed coffee table, stackable chairs, or a lounge setting with individual pieces you can shift around all give you options as your needs change.
Choose the Right Lounge Setting
Wicker lounge settings work beautifully on Queenslander verandahs. The natural texture complements the timber and character of older homes, and a well-chosen setting in a lighter colour will feel at home rather than out of place. Browse our outdoor lounge settings or our wicker lounge collection for options that suit the Queenslander aesthetic.
More Small Space Inspiration
If you're working with a compact outdoor area, our guide to the best outdoor furniture for small spaces covers everything from balconies to compact courtyards, with practical tips on choosing furniture that fits and functions well.
Not sure where to start with your own verandah? Visit us at our Brisbane showroom and we'll help you find the right pieces for your space.
