Dream Spaces: 10 Rooftop Gardens That Top the Lot
Kick back and let your daydreams run wild as you gaze upon this cool collection of rooftop gardens to suit any taste
When summer rolls around, as it will be doing before much longer, there’s absolutely nothing better than spending all day on a rooftop garden with friends, a fridge full of cold drinks, good music and never-ending views. Throw in a BBQ, and it’s officially a perfect day.
Although only some of us are lucky enough to have a rooftop garden, the rest of us can still take inspiration for the small outdoor spaces we do have – or at least indulge in a bit of wishful thinking. So take a break, make some mental notes, and enjoy at least imagining the perfect summer day-turning-into-night on one of these lovely rooftops.
Although only some of us are lucky enough to have a rooftop garden, the rest of us can still take inspiration for the small outdoor spaces we do have – or at least indulge in a bit of wishful thinking. So take a break, make some mental notes, and enjoy at least imagining the perfect summer day-turning-into-night on one of these lovely rooftops.
Tap into a Zen mood
Unfussy seating, natural wood and plenty of well-maintained trees and shrubs create a serene and harmonious retreat that’s perfectly suited for cups of green tea, some meditation and a mid-afternoon nap in the shade.
Unfussy seating, natural wood and plenty of well-maintained trees and shrubs create a serene and harmonious retreat that’s perfectly suited for cups of green tea, some meditation and a mid-afternoon nap in the shade.
Contemplate a bohemian escape
This charming and unpretentious terrace in Paris proves a stylish outdoor space doesn’t require loads of fancy lighting or perfectly manicured plants. A few shrubs, some low-maintenance seating options and a pretty, mustard yellow colour scheme make this terrace the epitome of laid-back chic.
Introducing boho glam: how to get the look
This charming and unpretentious terrace in Paris proves a stylish outdoor space doesn’t require loads of fancy lighting or perfectly manicured plants. A few shrubs, some low-maintenance seating options and a pretty, mustard yellow colour scheme make this terrace the epitome of laid-back chic.
Introducing boho glam: how to get the look
Enjoy the hottest bar in town
This is the kind of rooftop you take your date to when you’re trying to impress them. Strategic lighting, minimal furniture and well-maintained shrubs create a smart mood, and ensure the main star of the entire space continues to be the breathtaking views.
This is the kind of rooftop you take your date to when you’re trying to impress them. Strategic lighting, minimal furniture and well-maintained shrubs create a smart mood, and ensure the main star of the entire space continues to be the breathtaking views.
Channel urban royalty
This London penthouse features a rooftop that seems too cool to be true: a private hot tub, breathtaking views of the city skyline, and just enough space for a select few.
The candles are what give this space its magical glow, and we can all steal that idea, even if we don’t have the hot tub…
See more outdoor hot tubs worth soaking in
This London penthouse features a rooftop that seems too cool to be true: a private hot tub, breathtaking views of the city skyline, and just enough space for a select few.
The candles are what give this space its magical glow, and we can all steal that idea, even if we don’t have the hot tub…
See more outdoor hot tubs worth soaking in
Fall for the five-star hotel look
With stunning views of London and a sleek, hotel-like wraparound deck, this penthouse rooftop oozes sophistication and cosmopolitan glamour. Just imagine popping open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot while leaning back in one of those Bubble chairs. Well, a person can dream.
With stunning views of London and a sleek, hotel-like wraparound deck, this penthouse rooftop oozes sophistication and cosmopolitan glamour. Just imagine popping open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot while leaning back in one of those Bubble chairs. Well, a person can dream.
Covet a country-chic hideaway
There’s something undeniably charming and laid-back about this little rooftop deck in an old English country home. The large panelled windows give way to oversized cushions, a couple of flowers and not much else. It’s a perfect hideaway for escaping with a good book and a cup of tea. Or a jug of Pimm’s, your call.
There’s something undeniably charming and laid-back about this little rooftop deck in an old English country home. The large panelled windows give way to oversized cushions, a couple of flowers and not much else. It’s a perfect hideaway for escaping with a good book and a cup of tea. Or a jug of Pimm’s, your call.
Dream of this urban oasis
By combining natural wood, hanging lanterns, an embroidered rug and low seating, this rooftop channels a little bit of a Moroccan vibe, creating an otherworldly oasis in the midst of a bustling city. Lanterns can easily be hung from a trellis or pergola, or can be replaced with hurricane lamps for a similar effect. Go for white lamps and lanterns for a more pared-down look, or patterned ones for a more eclectic mood.
By combining natural wood, hanging lanterns, an embroidered rug and low seating, this rooftop channels a little bit of a Moroccan vibe, creating an otherworldly oasis in the midst of a bustling city. Lanterns can easily be hung from a trellis or pergola, or can be replaced with hurricane lamps for a similar effect. Go for white lamps and lanterns for a more pared-down look, or patterned ones for a more eclectic mood.
Embrace the perfect party pad
The intended use of this rooftop garden is very clear. It’s not made for enjoying leisurely sips of wine while finally having a go at War and Peace; it’s designed for its owner to throw the best parties of the year, or at least the weekend. Breathtaking views, LED lighting and flatscreen TVs make this rooftop feel like the kind of place where Rihanna would hang out. My invite probably just got lost in the post.
See more amazing entertaining spaces
The intended use of this rooftop garden is very clear. It’s not made for enjoying leisurely sips of wine while finally having a go at War and Peace; it’s designed for its owner to throw the best parties of the year, or at least the weekend. Breathtaking views, LED lighting and flatscreen TVs make this rooftop feel like the kind of place where Rihanna would hang out. My invite probably just got lost in the post.
See more amazing entertaining spaces
Be inspired by a fun-sized terrace
This rooftop garden in NYC proves that size isn’t everything. Select seating, a tiled floor and potted plants in ceramic pots create a relaxed space perfect for enjoying a beer or two with a few friends while planning the perfect night out.
TELL US
Do you have a rooftop garden or a garden with a view? Share your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more rooftop gardens
This rooftop garden in NYC proves that size isn’t everything. Select seating, a tiled floor and potted plants in ceramic pots create a relaxed space perfect for enjoying a beer or two with a few friends while planning the perfect night out.
TELL US
Do you have a rooftop garden or a garden with a view? Share your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more rooftop gardens
This rooftop is what people dream of when they think about winning the lottery. A position right by crystal-clear waters, a warm breeze and a tropical climate make this sun-drenched Miami rooftop a dream space for those looking to party like the young, rich and famous.
A mostly white colour scheme deflects the heat, while orange accents add a modern touch to the ensemble.