This post is shows you 20 small backyard ideas.
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If you’re working with a small outside space, this post will give you all the inspiration to create a beautiful backyard, balcony or patio.
We have gathered together small backyard ideas to give you inspo to get creative!
From low maintenance backyards to cozy balconies – you’ll find all the inspiration you need in this list of 20 beautiful small backyard ideas!
How to make a small garden look bigger
One of the best ways to give the impression that a garden is bigger than it is, is with the use of mirrors. Large outdoor mirrors on the fences or walls in the outdoor space give the illusion that the yard, balcony or patio is actually bigger than it is by reflecting the space and the light.
Another way to make your yard look larger than it is, is by using plants to create depth. Placing tall plants at the back and smaller ones at the front gives the illusion of a deeper space.
What plants are good for small gardens?
With this in mind, what plants are the best options for smaller gardens and yards?
It’s important to remember that each plant needs different environmental factors (eg. soil, sunlight etc.). Therefore, if you have limited sunlight or poor soil, certain plants won’t work in your outdoor space.
- Dwarf versions of your favorite plants – if your favorite plants will survive and thrive in your outdoor environment.
- Ornamental grasses – are the perfect way to add texture to your small backyard without taking up too much space.
- Climbing plants – plant some climbing plants that can go into your garden soil or into planters. As they will stick to the walls, they won’t crowd the yard.
These are just a few examples of how you can make your small yard look bigger and also adding in some foliage too.
Achieve a beautiful, personalized backyard that you can relax in by recreating any of the 20 beautiful small backyard ideas showcased in this post.
Small backyard ideas
1. On a budget
Your backyard renovation and decoration does not need to be super expensive – proven with this idea!
Throwing down a rug, stringing up some lights and adding in some fun seating can drastically improve the space.
Redecorating does not have to break the bank to be beautiful.
2. Low maintenance
If you’re looking for low maintenance backyard ideas but still want some foliage in the space? Then planters are your friends.
Avoid having to constantly manage and control the growth of your plants by keeping them in planters (plant pots).
This is also a great way to add some color into your yard or balcony with the different color ceramic planters you can buy.
3. Pool
Just because your backyard is small, doesn’t mean you can’t dream up a swimming pool and have one installed.
Take inspiration from this gorgeous hotel private pool space – adding in decking around the pool area.
Add in a couple of loungers and build planters for the far wall.
This is the perfect example for using climbing plants or a small tree or shrub that can be grown against the wall.
Related: 14 Beautiful Valentine’s Mantel Decor Ideas (to recreate this year)
4. DIY
Something a little more simple to DIY for your outdoor space.
How great would it be to just reach outside and grab some fresh herbs for your cooking?
Recreate this DIY herb planter with a pallet, some paint and some mini chalk boards.
Make sure you write what’s been planted – otherwise you’ll end up with some very different flavors in your food.
5. Courtyard
Make this year the year of romanticizing courtyards!
Bare brickwork, cobbled stone floors and the night sky...
You could opt for painting an accent wall and hanging a large window-like mirror to make the space look bigger.
While a large olive tree may seem like a bad idea if you want the yard to look big – a tall one will actually take up less space as the branches are overhead.
Related: 30 Extra Small Bathroom Ideas (to transform your space)
6. Easy
This super easy backyard and garden design idea is really low maintenance.
Opt for decking and tiles to add two different textures.
By raising up the plants building a planter wall; one that could also house a small pizza oven you’re making such great use of the space.
7. Patio
The key with decorating a patio is to add in some greenery.
Nothing worse than staring at a brick wall everyday – particularly if you spend most of your week in an office.
Make you patio area a place to unwind – bring in some plants to completely change the look of your space.
Not convinced – try to imagine this patio without the plants – such a different vibe!
8. City
If you live in a city then your backyard is probably not too dissimilar to this urban yard space.
Depending on how you want the space to feel, you may opt for dark fence panels or lighter ones – or even painting them a different color.
This urban backyard look is super chic with its dark wood paired with grey decking.
Add in some folding outdoor dining furniture and some pillows for a pop of color.
9. With flowers
Even if you don’t have the space for flower beds, you can still have some colorful plants in your small backyard.
Hanging baskets and other planters can be used to house your favorite flowers to brighten up the space.
Climbing plants that will flower can also be a great addition that requires much less space.
10. For dogs
Make your backyard dog-friendly with a few changes.
Some artificial grass turf is a great addition to make your yard or balcony more appealing to your furry friend.
Some other great options to add more enrichment for your canine: non-toxic plants (make sure that they are durable against doggy investigations), pet-safe mulch, etc.
11. Balcony
We had to do a double-take when we first saw this balcony – it gives summer vacation vibes but spot the snow in the background!
This idea goes to show you that you can decorate your space regardless of the climate – it’s personal to you.
Many people use the bamboo privacy fences for the front of a balcony – here it’s used on the inner wall of the balcony and looks amazing.
12. With railway sleepers
This idea will take a little more DIY power to recreate.
Railway sleeper plant and flower beds are still an option for smaller gardens.
Making beds for your plants is the best way to keep the yard looking neat and avoid things getting overgrown.
13. For kids
This modern treehouse idea is every kid’s dream! and no tree needed.
Despite the size of the structure – the way it has been constructed, much less ground space has been taken up.
Opt for installing the treehouse in the corner of your backyard.
14. With Stones
Using stones and pebbles in your backyard is a great low maintenance trick.
Pebbles look great around stepping stones or tiles to make a pathway.
Pairing the stones with a decking space is an excellent contrast.
15. With decking
Decking is a great option for small backyards as it defines the entertaining space.
Whether you want to create a dining space for you and your guests or a lounge space with sofas to relax – decking gives you the flat surface to start.
With the level surface of the decking this makes it super easy to add in other decor to the space such as planters and pots.
16. With artificial grass
Artificial turf is a super easy way to level up your outdoor space.
Terraced gardens work best in small backyards as they give the illusion of more space due to the different levels.
This is another way to define an area for dining and entertaining.
17. With a pergola
Pergolas are great for small backyards as they can be used all year round.
Adding in extra blankets, fire pit, and a pergola cover can make it winterized.
For the summer, enjoy the pergola structure as the perfect canopy for hosting your guests.
18. Without grass
We’ve seen stones and pebbles used partially in a garden but here it’s used for the whole space.
This low maintenance backyard idea is perfect for hosting guests throughout the year.
Make your outdoor fireplace or fire pit the center of your yard space.
19. Ornamental
We believe a garden should be truly decorated with your personal style.
Ornamental gardens require additional decorations and ornaments such as lanterns, windchimes and other colorful decor.
Make sure you have plenty of lighting to enjoy your yard in the evening too.
20. Peaceful
We don’t know about you, but when we saw this backyard idea we loved how peaceful it looked.
With the warm lighting, comfy seating and greenery, it makes it feel like your living room has been transported into your yard.
This would be the perfect setting to host guests in the summer evenings.
Designing a small garden
As you can see from these gorgeous small backyard ideas, your outdoor space does not have to be dull.
With so many options of how to design and decorate, it can be difficult to know where to start – which is why we compiled this list of 20 small backyard ideas.
In embracing these creative small garden ideas, you’ll discover that even the tiniest spaces can transform into a luxurious space to relax and unwind.
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This post shows you 20 beautiful backyard ideas for small spaces.
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