We can't all have a sweeping rose garden, Olympic-sized swimming pool, or a state-of-the-art tennis court in our backyard—but a small backyard is still a backyard (and even rooftop terraces and modest balconies count in our book). Indeed, you don't need acres on acres to create a charming space conducive to alfresco entertaining, gardening, romance, and pensive solo hangs in the great outdoors. We gathered a plethora of beautiful and small backyards to prove it. So keep reading for small backyard decorating and landscape design ideas that'll help you get the most out of yours.
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1
Erect a Sauna
A small two- or one-person sauna will transform a small, lack-luster backyard into a luxurious oasis. Plus, installing a free-standing sauna outside will allow you to avoid of all the fuss of sufficiently ventilating your interiors. You can buy one prefab or you can take notes from this outdoor sauna by Alexander Design and create a more architecturally unique structure that beautifies the garden.
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2
Make It Count
This exquisitely-designed patio by Robson Rak proves that you don't need a ton of square footage to make an outdoor space memorable. Choose outdoor fabric in an offbeat, sophisticated color and then spotlight chic materials.
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3
Rethink Your Layout
While this backyard definitely isn't pint-sized, designer Jenn Feldman tells us it was difficult to fit the pool in given regional restrictions regarding property lines. So she made it work by planting ficus trees to tighten up greenery (other plants would be too deeply rooted to work with the desired pool depth) and opted for smaller floor cushions instead of loungers. She also installed a swimming jet so the occupant could still do "laps."
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4
Incorporate Things You'll Actually Use
This modestly-sized London backyard by Applied Studio manages to pack in a ton of functional value, from the small herb garden to the footpath and picnic area. The real highlight, though, is the indoor/outdoor structure. One half is a little relaxation and meditation area and the other is a small sauna.
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5
Make It Feel Lived In
A pergola enhances the intimacy of a small space and allows you to get more use out of it since it lets in just the right amount of sun. Twisty branches and flowering vines scale this pergola on Wendy Wurtzburger's 1840 property, making the structure feel like it grew from the ground beneath it. The mossy brick ground contributes to the flow and proves that brick really only gets better with time.
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6
Craft a Story
Think of your garden as an organized procession, advises Hollander. Stone steps will give your outdoor space some structure and lead your guests in the right direction, no matter how big or small your garden is.
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7
Forgo a Lawn
Ditch grass and instead opt for a natural stone for an old-world charm, like Wendy Owen did here (especially if you can incorporate greenery through climbing ivy and a hydrangea bush). Not only will it be easier to maintain, but it will also make it easier to use furniture, whether you opt for loungers or a patio dining set.
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8
Add Colorful Accents
A corner fountain puts the finishing touches on this idyllic brick patio by Kingston Lafferty Design. Blue patio furniture breaks up the warmer tones from the exposed brick.
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9
Convert a Parkway
What is now a beautiful patio used to be the parking area! If you don't need the extra space for a car, then convert it into something you'll actually want to look at and use. Gary McBournie gave this saturated red brick patio a second life with a central sculpture and plenty of lush gardens. The red hue warms up the gray shingles and blue shutters on his Nantucket property.
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10
Set up a Gazebo
If you want to carve out a stylish hang area that feels truly transporting, opt for a backyard gazebo. This one from April Powers is also a post-swim hang area—the ideal compromise when you don't have the room, budget, or desire to build a full-blown pool house. The crawling vines, sheers, and camouflaging paint color allow the gazebo to blend right in with the garden environment, while the bench and coffee table ensure comfort and function.
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11
Make a Mini Greenhouse
Leanne Ford built this A-frame garden shed to function as an outdoor playhouse for her daughter and plans to turn it into a greenhouse once she outgrows its current use-case.
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12
Nurture Your Kids's Hobbies
A treehouse and a skateboarding ramp? Talk about landscaping dreams come true for a family home with active kids. Designed by Cuff Home in Los Angeles, this backyard is both a beautiful garden and a fun park. And they both fit in the relatively small backyard!
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13
Install an Outdoor Shower
If you only have room for one exciting thing in your backyard, make sure to choose something you'll really love (and that could drive up resale value). Outdoor showers can dramatically increase the value of your home—according to a 2018 report from Realtor.com, homes with outdoor showers tend to list for nearly double the asking price of others. Take a cue from this small backyard by Akin Atelier and its rustic yet luxe outdoor showering area.
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14
Pick Statement Greenery
If you only have a small patio, use smart furniture that's super comfy and can seat a several people. Here, a simple daybed does the trick. Then, add greenery and a couple of outdoor throw pillows for color and impact.
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15
Make It Multipurpose
If you can't fit a separate garden, greenhouse, and dining space into your outdoor area, design your backyard in a way that makes all of them possible in one contained spot. Take notes from this patio designed by Studio Ashby. This terrace is a dining space, a romantic relaxation spot (hello, hanging chair), and a garden all at once.
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16
Embrace Coziness
The best part about a tiny backyard is that it's inherently cozy. One well-designed sitting area is all you need for a dream backyard. Get inspired by this fire pit area at a property designed by Alexander DB.
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17
Break Things Up With Levels
A multi-level landscape design can create the illusion of a larger backyard. It breaks things up visually and allows you to designate each level to a different purpose. In this 2LG studio–designed yard, the bottom level is a dining patio, and the shrubbery border helps transition to the upper yard.
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18
Compromise, Compromise, Compromise
So you would love a swimming pool, but there's not enough room... You'd love a sprawling outdoor lounge, but simply don't have the space... A well-designed deck and tasteful freestanding hot tub can be just as covetable, as proven by this outdoor area by Regan Baker Design.
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19
Be Resourceful
When your backyard is actually a small balcony, you'll need to get crafty. Turn it into a small garden with plenty of plants, but leave space for a coffee table (or bistro table if that won't fit) and a small settee or stool with throws and pillows to warm things up.
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20
Don't Overdo It
In this backyard designed by Arent & Pyke, a sleek garden bench under the trees is enough to complete the look. If you have a nice shady spot, simply pull up a bench, add a colorful throw pillow, and call it a day.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in backyard design and landscaping, I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. With a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in small backyard decorating and landscape design, I can provide valuable insights into making the most out of your limited outdoor space.
When it comes to small backyard design, it's important to remember that size doesn't determine the potential of a space. Even a rooftop terrace or a modest balcony can be transformed into a charming area for alfresco entertaining, gardening, romance, and peaceful solitude. In fact, I have gathered a plethora of examples of beautiful and small backyards to demonstrate just how amazing these spaces can be.
One concept that can greatly enhance a small backyard is the addition of a sauna. A small two- or one-person sauna can turn a lackluster backyard into a luxurious oasis. Installing a freestanding sauna outside eliminates the need for ventilation inside your home and allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of a sauna experience. You can choose to buy a prefab sauna or take inspiration from the outdoor sauna designed by Alexander Design, creating a unique structure that adds architectural beauty to your garden.
Another important concept in small backyard design is making the space count. You don't need a large area to create a memorable outdoor space. By choosing sophisticated outdoor fabrics and highlighting chic materials, you can create an exquisitely-designed patio that leaves a lasting impression. This design approach, as showcased by Robson Rak, proves that even a small patio can be visually stunning.
Rethinking your layout is another key concept in small backyard design. Sometimes, regional restrictions regarding property lines can make it challenging to fit a pool into a small backyard. However, by strategically planting trees and opting for smaller floor cushions instead of loungers, you can still create a functional and enjoyable outdoor space. Designer Jenn Feldman successfully incorporated these ideas while installing a swimming jet for "laps" in a backyard that had limited space for a pool.
Incorporating things that you'll actually use is an essential concept in small backyard design. Applied Studio's modestly-sized London backyard exemplifies this concept by packing in a ton of functional value, including a small herb garden, a footpath, and a picnic area. The highlight of this backyard, however, is the indoor/outdoor structure that serves as a relaxation and meditation area, as well as a small sauna.
Making a small space feel lived-in is another important concept in small backyard design. A pergola can add intimacy to a small backyard and allow you to enjoy the right amount of sunlight. By using twisty branches and flowering vines, you can create a pergola that blends naturally with the surroundings. Wendy Wurtzburger's 1840 property showcases how mossy brick ground and a well-designed pergola can create a charming and inviting outdoor space.
Crafting a story with your garden is a creative concept that adds structure and direction to your outdoor space, regardless of its size. Stone steps, as suggested by Hollander, can provide a sense of organization and guide your guests in the right direction. Whether your garden is big or small, this concept can add depth and character to your outdoor space.
Forgoing a traditional lawn is a concept that can greatly benefit small backyards. By opting for natural stone instead of grass, you can create an old-world charm and make it easier to maintain the space. Wendy Owen's backyard showcases how incorporating climbing ivy and a hydrangea bush can bring greenery to the space without the need for a traditional lawn.
Adding colorful accents is a concept that can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of a small backyard. A corner fountain, as seen in Kingston Lafferty Design's brick patio, adds a finishing touch to the space. Additionally, incorporating blue patio furniture breaks up the warmer tones from the exposed brick and adds a vibrant pop of color.
Converting an unused space into something functional and visually appealing is a concept that can transform your backyard. Gary McBournie's patio, which used to be a parking area, has been converted into a beautiful space featuring a central sculpture and lush gardens. The red brick patio complements the gray shingles and blue shutters, adding warmth and character to the Nantucket property.
Setting up a gazebo is a concept that can create a stylish hangout area in a small backyard. April Powers' backyard gazebo serves as a post-swim hangout spot, offering a compromise for those who don't have the space or budget to build a full-blown pool house. The crawling vines, sheers, and camouflaging paint color allow the gazebo to blend seamlessly with the garden environment, while the bench and coffee table ensure comfort and functionality.
Creating a mini greenhouse is a concept that can add charm and functionality to a small backyard. Leanne Ford's A-frame garden shed serves as an outdoor playhouse for her daughter, with plans to convert it into a greenhouse in the future. This concept demonstrates how a small backyard can accommodate multiple purposes and evolve as your needs change.
Nurturing your kids' hobbies is a concept that can transform a small backyard into a dream space for a family home. Cuff Home's backyard design in Los Angeles features a treehouse and a skateboarding ramp, providing ample opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. This concept highlights the importance of considering the specific needs and interests of your family members when designing a small backyard.
Installing an outdoor shower is a concept that adds both luxury and value to a small backyard. According to a 2018 report from Realtor.com, homes with outdoor showers tend to have higher listing prices. Akin Atelier's rustic yet luxurious outdoor showering area demonstrates how this concept can enhance the overall appeal of a small backyard.
Picking statement greenery is a concept that can bring life and vibrancy to a small patio. Even with limited space, smart furniture arrangements can provide comfortable seating for several people. By adding greenery and outdoor throw pillows, you can incorporate color and create a visually impactful space.
Making a small backyard multipurpose is a concept that maximizes the functionality of the space. Studio Ashby's patio design showcases how a single terrace can serve as a dining area, a relaxation spot with a hanging chair, and a garden all at once. This concept allows you to enjoy multiple activities in a contained spot, making the most of your small backyard.
Embracing coziness is a concept that takes advantage of the inherent charm of a tiny backyard. One well-designed sitting area, like the fire pit area at a property designed by Alexander DB, can create a dream backyard. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable and inviting space to relax and unwind.
Breaking things up with levels is a concept that visually expands a small backyard. By creating multiple levels, you can designate each area for a different purpose. In the yard designed by 2LG studio, the bottom level serves as a dining patio, while the shrubbery border helps transition to the upper yard. This concept adds depth and visual interest to a small backyard.
Compromising is a concept that allows you to create a desirable outdoor space, even if you can't have everything you want. If space doesn't allow for a swimming pool or a sprawling outdoor lounge, a well-designed deck and a tasteful freestanding hot tub can be just as covetable. Regan Baker Design's outdoor area demonstrates this concept, showcasing how a small backyard can still be functional and luxurious.
Being resourceful is a concept that applies to small balconies, which may have limited space. By cleverly arranging plants and leaving room for a coffee table or bistro table, you can create a small garden area. Adding a small settee or stool with throws and pillows can also enhance the cozy atmosphere of the space.
Finally, not overdoing it is a concept that highlights the beauty of simplicity. A sleek garden bench under the trees, as seen in Arent & Pyke's backyard design, can be enough to complete the look. If you have a nice shady spot, adding a bench and a colorful throw pillow can create a tranquil and inviting space.
In conclusion, small backyard design is all about maximizing the potential of the space and creating a charming and functional outdoor area. By incorporating concepts such as adding a sauna, making the space count, rethinking your layout, and embracing coziness, you can transform even the smallest of backyards into a delightful oasis.
