• Parklets transform underused urban spaces into inviting areas.
• When designing these gathering spots, the greatest success comes from developing parklet ideas that balance aesthetics and practicality.
• Customizable commercial solutions allow designers to create parklets that fit site specifications, accommodate diverse needs, and remain vibrant and functional over time.

Urban zones are often sorely lacking in comfortable spaces. To give community members a place to stop, sit, and rest a while among all the hustle and bustle, municipalities and business owners are looking for clever solutions. That’s where parklets come in.

The best parklet design ideas merge form and function. In small spaces, that means every element should serve more than one purpose. The goal is to achieve the perfect blend of visual appeal, durability, safety, and comfort.

What Defines a Parklet?

Parklets frequently take over existing parking spaces or other underutilized spots, either in lots or along curbs. These compact outdoor spaces enhance streetscapes while offering functional amenities.

For restaurants and business places, parklets provide extra seating. In public spaces, they promote gathering and connection and take the sharp edges off sterile industrial architecture.

All parklet ideas should begin by addressing:

• Seating: Benches, chairs, or integrated planter seating
• Greenery: Trees, shrubs, and flowers in planters to add color and life
• Accessibility: Layouts should be welcoming to everyone

Fresh Parklet Design Ideas

Whether you’re designing for a downtown office zone or a neighborhood bistro, these eight parklet ideas can help you create inviting urban oases.

1. Define Boundaries

We mentioned earlier that multifunctionality is a key factor in the top parklet ideas. To that end, commercial planters define the perimeter of your parklet and serve as natural dividers, all while introducing greenery. 

Tips for picking the perfect planters:

• Planters in lightweight materials like fiberglass are easy to reposition, and they’re weather-resistant.
• The overall aesthetic of your parklet can determine your choice of material. Think clean-lined planters for modern spaces, or faux wood when you’re after a rustic look.

You can take the idea of parklet multifunctionality one step further by planting small trees in planters, so they also add shade to the space.

2. Create Flexible Seating

Seating is central to all successful parklet design ideas. The kinds of parklets that attract people include a mix of seating styles and configurations to accommodate individuals, couples, and groups.

Consider adding benches along the edges—this maximizes seating space and helps define the parklet’s borders. Options with built-in storage can hold umbrellas, extra seat cushions, plant care supplies, and more. Again, maximizing functionality is a critical parklet idea for making the most of compact environments.

3. Incorporate Shade and Shelter

Thoughtful parklet ideas for protection from sun and rain encourage people to linger while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Ways to provide shade and shelter include:

• Pergolas: Permanent structures that add architectural interest while providing cover.
• Retractable Awnings: If your parklet is adjacent to a building, these mounted adjustable coverings can provide shelter when needed. Yet they can retract fully to open up the space.
• Umbrellas or Shade Sails: Pieces that aren’t stationary, so they can be repositioned as needed throughout the day.

In commercial spaces, umbrellas, awnings, shade sails, and other pieces can also pull double duty as marketing tools. Many can be ordered to feature logos or other promotional elements.

4. Add Pops of Color

Color is an often overlooked – but highly effective – tool amongst parklet ideas. Bright seating or richly patinaed planters can make the space stand out.

For a more subtle, flexible way to incorporate eye-catching color, consider seasonal plantings. A rotating palette of vibrant foliage and blossoms keeps things feeling fresh.

5. Include Artful Touches

Picture your parklet as a cultural showcase. Murals, sculptures, and other creative installations increase visual appeal and make the space memorable.

This is one of the most engaging parklet ideas, because it can reflect the community’s personality and spark conversation. As with seasonal plantings, your parklet could feature rotating displays to keep the space feeling dynamic.

6. Light the Parklet

With lighting, your parklet will transform from a daytime retreat into a nighttime gathering spot. Adding illumination is an impactful parklet design idea because it enhances both ambiance and safety.

Options include:

• Overhead string lights
• Solar-powered path markers
• Integrated lighting within planters (some planters even feature add-ons like accessory pockets to hold lighting and power connections)

7. Address Sustainability and Accessibility

Sustainability is increasingly important in modern parklet design ideas. Think about using:

• Recycled materials in furnishings and decking
• Adding native, drought-tolerant plants
• Using self-watering planter reservoirs to reduce water waste

Accessibility is also central to parklet ideas. Spaces should be inviting to all members of the community, so be sure to include wheelchair-friendly entryways, level surfaces, and sturdy handrails.

8. Plan for Easy Maintenance

Finally, no list of parklet ideas would be complete without addressing maintenance. Choosing durable materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and plantings that require little care simplifies upkeep. Artificial greenery can be a great option for maintaining curb appeal when live plants would be difficult to sustain.

Think long-term. Remember that a beautiful parklet must stay functional and attractive through changing seasons and frequent use. The less maintenance required, the better.

Bringing Your Parklet Ideas to Life

Designing a successful parklet means balancing creativity with practicality. By exploring diverse parklet design ideas and incorporating multifunctional elements, designers can make the most of limited space and craft areas that are both functional and inviting.

Planters Unlimited provides commercial-grade planters, site amenities, and even made-to-order parklets to help realize your vision. With durable materials and versatile finishes, our products enhance parklet aesthetics while ensuring they hold up well over time. We’re excited to help designers bring their parklet ideas to life!