Small Backyard Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

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You don’t need a sprawling space with an abundance of acreage to have a breathtaking backyard. If you want to amplify a smaller yard, there are plenty of ways to intentionally fill your space. After all, your outdoor areas are there for you to enjoy. From adding functional design elements to using different textures and materials, there are countless small backyard ideas to explore. Here are some of our designers’ favorite backyard makeovers to get you thinking about your small yard in big ways.

Maybe the only exterior design goal you have is to change the color of your exterior (if so, check out our paint visualizer service). Or perhaps you have a small yard and you’re not sure how to make the most of the space you have. Whatever your design dreams look like, our designers will work with you to make them your reality. Learn more about what we do.

Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

before-and-after rendering of a small backyard with a pergola and a balcony

#1 // Fill in the space you have

When it comes to small backyard ideas, it’s important to see beyond the noticeable limitations. Upon first glance at the before photo shown above, the space provided might not look like much to work with. However, our brick&batten designers are skilled at being able to look at a space and see its potential beyond what’s already there. We created multiple spots to relax outside, implementing a functional balcony on the upper level with a pergola-covered patio beneath. 

Adding charm to the aesthetic, we included warm string lights and climbing vines on the pergola. Our designers also included several plants and flowers to add to the yard’s appeal and create a beautiful landscape to surround the outdoor dining table.

Searching for a pergola for your outdoor space? Shop some of our favorites here and here. 

before-and-after rendering of a smaller backyard with a walkway connecting the patio and firepit

#2 // Infuse dimension

When our designers think about small backyard ideas, we consider how we can create the illusion of a dynamic space without having an abundance of room to work with. Here, we transformed the existing one-dimensional yard into a warm and inviting outdoor space with a layered look. Our designers added hanging chairs and an outdoor dining table to the patio space and a firepit area for lounging in the yard.

One of the ways we infused this smaller yard with dimension was through the lovely landscaping, full of different textures and colors. We also connected the patio to the fire pit space using permeable walkway pavers. The walkway is not only a functional way to get from one space to the other, but it adds depth to the yard.

before-and-after rendering of a small backyard with a firepit

#3 // Follow a layout that flows 

One of the key things to keep in mind when looking at different small backyard ideas is layout. Sure, it’s important to exhaust the full potential of the space you have, but you don’t want a yard that looks jumbled and cluttered. You don’t need a complete exterior for our designers to be able to create a rendering of what could be either. Here, we worked with the bones of a home to create a quaint backyard oasis.

First and foremost, if you have a deck and a backyard, consider ways to make the most of both spaces. Our designers created a comfortable lounge area on the deck and used wide stairs to lead down to the other backyard spaces. Closest to the house, we covered the ground with flagstone pavers to make way for a dining table. We also added a fire pit space, so the design offers multiple options for outdoor relaxation.

before-and-after rendering of a backyard with stones and plants

#4 // Plants & pavers

Just because your backyard is small doesn’t mean it needs to be one-note. This existing design had a small concrete space and a grass yard with a few dilapidated landscaping pavers. We transformed the space with a variety of plants, all with different spiky textures for some edgy intrigue. These plants complement the bold, modern aesthetic of the home.

Replacing the concrete slab, we added some permeable pavers on top of the grass, resembling a cobblestone look. The charming section of the yard was the perfect place to add outdoor lounge chairs to relax in. 

before-and-after rendering of a hardscaped backyard

#5 // Embrace hardscaping

Hardscaping is one of our favorite ways to approach small backyard ideas. In place of the existing blank space in the yard, we added on a back deck and hardscaped the yard beneath. From the deck to the fire pit, this hardscape was designed with entertainment in mind. On the deck, we added a bar on the left side. On the right, we incorporated a plunge pool — the ideal water feature if you’re low on space.

We hardscaped the yard with pavers, adding walkways on each side to connect the backyard to the deck and the house. We also weaved a mix of planters throughout the hardscape and incorporated a lounge space near the fire pit.

before-and-after rendering of a small backyard with a firepit and outdoor table

#6 // Accentuate impactfully

To bring small backyard ideas to life, it’s important to choose the right accents for your space. Though smaller, this existing backyard had a good amount of blank space for us to fill in. We added a dining table to the back patio, using an umbrella for shade and protection from the elements. Near the fireplace and back door, we used ground lanterns to infuse the design with character. We also incorporated clay pots and a climbing trellis in the backyard near the house.

before-and-after rendering of a backyard with an outdoor fireplace

#7 // Keep things cozy

Smaller backyards offer the opportunity to create a cozier, intimate space. We appreciated the coverage that the roof provided over the back patio, but we wanted to achieve a more open look. We replaced the solid roof with slotted wood to invite light and air through. Our designers also added an outdoor fireplace as the star of the backyard, adding plenty of ambiance.

Along with incorporating a space to relax by the fire, we included an outdoor dining table on the patio and warm light fixtures flanking the glass door. Bordering the back of the patio, we used symmetrical plants to create a subtle barrier between the grass and the hardscaped area.

before-and-after rendering of a small and simple backyard

#8 // Take a simple approach

Sometimes the best small backyard ideas are the ones that lean into simplicity. After all, a good way to make a space appear larger is by opening up the layout. We replaced the existing concrete on the backside of the home with sleek slabs, broken up with thin sections of pea stone. To give the illusion of more space, we dotted the edges of the house and patio with plants.

For outdoor lounging, we put a fire pit with surrounding chairs on the patio space, covering the area with a pergola to allow more air and sunlight to flow through and open things up. The pergola also serves as a way to define the patio from the rest of the yard, which adds another layer to the overall design.

small backyard oasis

Ready to take your backyard from tiny to mighty?

Transforming your small backyard into a functional, beautiful outdoor living space is achievable with the right ideas and design elements. Whether you choose to create a cozy oasis with lush plants and comfortable seating or opt for a more functional space with a compact dining area, the key is to maximize every inch of space. By incorporating intentional design elements, our designers can make the most of your small backyard and create a space that you’ll love to spend time in for years to come.

Are you officially inspired to go forth and conquer your wildest design dreams? There’s no need to waste another minute waiting. We are ready to help you every step of the way. Get started today!

Author

brick&batten Contributor

Mackenzie has been writing for brick&batten for three years, and most of her exterior design knowledge comes from renovating her own home. She purchased a log home that was stuck in the '90s and the previous owners were unable to keep up with exterior maintenance. From reimagining the landscaping and hardscaping to revamping the porch and logs, Mackenzie and her family approached the entire project DIY-style. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys cooking and spending time with her family of six on their farm, which includes cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She has been writing for 12 years and has explored a variety of materials from food writing to lifestyle pieces and, of course, virtual exterior design.