20 Small Backyard Ideas To Create Your Dream Outdoor Space

Small backyards have many perks: They require less effort to maintain and cost less to landscape. One of the biggest perks is that tiny backyards make it easy to create an intimate setting. This can work to your advantage by helping you entertain friends and family.

Check out these small backyard ideas to create a functional space that inspires you.

20 Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas

There are a plethora of options to consider when landscaping your small backyard.

1. Take On Traditional Landscaping 

Looking for landscaping ideas for your small backyard? There are plenty of landscaping ideas that can give your backyard a lift.

First, assess your backyard and consider what you want. Would you prefer to gather at a firepit with your friends or see a backyard kitchen as soon as you step outside? Your vision will dictate how your space gets landscaped.

Consider putting in hardscaping first, such as a sidewalk or patio. Hardscaping can help guide your plantings. Start with planting shrubs and tall plants near the back of the house, then add shorter plantings, including edging plants and ground cover. A professional landscaping service can help you determine the right plants and hardscaping for your space.

2. Design A Patio

A backyard patio can be a beautiful addition to a small backyard. A patio is a paved outdoor space used for dining or recreation, usually adjoining a home at the ground level. You can use brick, concrete, flagstone, pavers or tile for a patio.

Does your home require a sleek, modern design or a cozy, rustic feel? While your patio may be small, you can still choose a style that matches your home's aesthetic.

3. Add A Patio Covering

What about patio coverings? You can certainly put a simple covering, such as an umbrella, over a table, but you can also consider more permanent patio coverings.

You can choose from a few types of permanent patio coverings. For example, a pergola has columns that support a roof grid of beams and rafters, while a gazebo has a pavilion structure, often shaped like an octagon. These coverings provide protection from the elements.

4. Cultivate A Garden

Having a garden in the backyard can add beauty and function; not only will your garden look beautiful, but it will also provide fruits, vegetables and herbs you can eat.

Consider the amount of sunlight and rainfall your garden might get, as well as the best fruits, vegetables and herbs you can grow in your area. Test the soil, add compost and nutrients and loosen the soil in new beds. Mulch your garden and pull weeds regularly.

5. Add A Vertical Garden

Of all the small backyard landscaping ideas, this one might be the champion. Because a smaller backyard may not have room for a regular garden, a vertical garden is the perfect space-saving alternative. It'll also add an intriguing green wall to your space.

You can consider growing climbing beans, peas, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes and even squash in your vertical garden.

6. Purchase Outdoor Furniture

There are many kinds of furniture appropriate for a smaller space. Why not add outdoor dining room tables and chairs, picnic tables and more to your space?

Just make sure you don't overwhelm your space with the furniture you place there. Consider adding multipurpose furniture to make the most of your space, such as benches and ottomans with storage space inside.

7. Add A Small Water Feature

A water feature can provide beautiful, relaxing sounds while serving as the focal point of your small backyard.

What appeals to you: a tranquil fountain or a small koi pond? A defining focal point can draw visitors' eyes and balance your yard. Whatever you choose, make sure it speaks to your aesthetic.

8. Consider A No-Mow Lawn

A no-mow lawn sounds exactly like what it is: a yard you don't have to mow. A no-mow lawn can drastically cut down on lawn maintenance, and in a space that doesn't have a huge footprint, you may not want to bother with a push mower, anyway.

What might you use for a no-mow lawn? Sand, gravel, wildflowers and even artificial grass can add beauty and visual appeal to a small yard.

9. Install A Fence

Fences can provide privacy and enhance a backyard’s landscape design and aesthetics. For example, a natural wood or a wrought iron fence can improve the visual appeal of your home. Combined with other elements and landscaping, a fence can fit right in your backyard.

10. Turn Up The Heat With A Firepit

A firepit on a cool night: Could there be anything better? A firepit can provide warmth and add to a backyard’s style. It can also be a focal point of a small backyard, just like a small water feature.

You can build a firepit yourself or purchase one. If you plan to build it yourself, you can make a rock, paver or brick firepit. You can also opt for a propane or natural gas firepit. Check out prefabricated firepits and DIY kits to add a major boost to your yard.

11. Incorporate Outdoor Decor

Weather-appropriate decor, such as umbrellas, rugs, cushions and trellises can inject personality into your space. When incorporating outdoor decor, ask yourself: What decor makes you happy?

Place items in your backyard that make you feel good, offer pops of color or just make you laugh (think of a silly statue). Why not turn your backyard into something you enjoy?

12. Add Outdoor Lighting For Ambiance

Outdoor lighting types run the gamut. You can choose any combination of spotlights, floodlights, uplights/downlights, step lights, garden lights and string lights. Here's the definition of each:

• Spotlights: Spotlights point in one direction and draw attention to one thing.
• Floodlights: Floodlights illuminate items from above and brighten large areas.
• Uplights/downlights: These lights cast light upward or downward, respectively.
• Step lights: These lights are added to steps to illuminate them.
• Garden lights: Garden lights illuminate specific plants that you love.
• String lights: String lights hang from one area to another to highlight your yard.

Lights can help move people from area to area or highlight your favorite parts of your yard.

13. Build A Pool Or A Hot Tub

A pool or hot tub offers a tremendous draw to your backyard. You may think pool parties are out of the question in a small backyard, but that's not true.

Lap pools, wading pools and plunge pools all offer smaller alternatives to traditional pools. Lap pools are long and skinny and don't take up as much space as traditional pools. Wading pools can be just 1 – 2 feet deep, and plunge pools are the perfect option for cooling off on hot days.

14. Set Up An Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens can offer amazing focal points for small backyards. For example, you can entertain friends and neighbors around a pizza oven or a simple grill. All you might need is a few cabinets, a small prep space and a seating area. An outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be large to upgrade your backyard vibe.

15. Include Potted Or Hanging Plants

Hanging and potted plants can bring pops of color to a small backyard landscape and make a space feel cozy and inviting. Check out the best plants for container gardening, and consider color, foliage, texture and structure before you start planting. Think about which combinations might look best bundled together, and consult a garden center if you need an expert eye.

16. Build Or Transform A Shed

If you need a place to store your tools, a simple shed isn’t your only option. Consider a cute shed with curtains and furniture, too. A she shed in your small yard can garner "oohs" and "aahs" from people who visit while also offering space to recline, dine and relax.

Or, if you simply need a place to put your gardening tools, a garden shed is a practical, space-saving alternative.

17. Bring The Entertainment Outdoors

Your small space can offer the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience for your family. Whether you love playing video games, watching movies or playing chess, you can customize your outdoor space to fit your family’s lifestyle.

18. Create Zones To Break Up The Space

Homeowners can break up a small backyard into different multiuse zones. For example, you might add a pathway or a row of potted plants to separate a seating area from a children’s play space. A designer can help you explore different ways to create distinct areas.

Homeowners can break up a small backyard into different multiuse zones. For example, you might add a pathway or a row of potted plants to separate a seating area from a children’s play space. A designer can help you explore different ways to create distinct areas.

19. Prioritize Comfort And Coziness

You can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting with the right type of furniture. Think of furniture you've seen that makes you want to plop down with a book or sit and chat with a friend, then add that furniture to your backyard. If you're looking for a bargain, search Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

20. Make Your Front Yard The Backyard

If you don't have room in your backyard, why not move these elements to the front? You can create zones, conversation areas and add fencing and plantings to turn the front of your home into a cherished space. Consider working with a designer to make your vision come to life if you're not sure where to start.

Tips For Bringing Small Backyard Design Ideas To Life

You've got great ideas, but how do you bring them into reality?

Work With – Not Against – Your Yard Size

Don't let the size of your space keep you from creating the backyard of your dreams. Think of the positives: You may not have to work as hard to make a smaller backyard cohesive.

However, the size, shape and layout of your yard will be key to creating a design plan. These factors may impact your ability to push out your space toward your neighbors. To avoid a hodgepodge of scattered design concepts, consider working with a designer who knows how to optimize your small space.

Determine Your Style

What aesthetic or vibe are you going for? Your backyard should be an extension of your home and your personality. Whether you're going for a coastal chic or fancy farmhouse style, all elements of your yard should reflect that style.

Find small backyard inspiration on sites like Houzz or Pinterest and mimic that in your own space.

Consider Functionality

How will you use your space? Do you need room for kids to play football or soccer? Or do you need a space for family movie night?

Considering your needs is the key to creating and implementing any design. After all, style isn't everything – together, functionality and style fit the bill.

Have A Set Budget

Whether you’re hiring a professional or making your backyard transformation a DIY project, you’ll want to set and stick to a budget. You can spend thousands of dollars on your project, but unless you've earmarked a specific amount to spend, creating your dream outdoor space can put a serious dent in your finances.

The Bottom Line: A Little Bit Of Small Backyard Inspiration Can Make A Big Difference

You want your backyard to be your oasis, and it's important to remember that a small backyard isn’t as limiting as you might think.

When trying to create the right outdoor space, consider all the elements you want to incorporate, including hardscapes, softscapes, outdoor furniture, water features, outdoor entertainment, outdoor cooking and more. If you're unsure about how to tackle your project, consult a professional for help. There are literally thousands of options, and a designer can help you zero in on the right plan for your backyard.

Ready to undertake a big project in your small backyard? Consider a refinance and secure funds to create the outdoor space of your dreams. Start the approval process with Rocket Mortgage^® today.