Find Creative Furniture For A Small Patio
Photo via @scotthansenrealtygroup
Need to maximize space on a small patio? Start with your outdoor seating! Large patio sets take up a lot of space and can be hard to move, so a good small backyard patio design idea is to invest in hanging or portable patio furniture. Wooden folding chairs and tables and hammocks are a few options for lightweight, space-saving patio furniture that can easily be moved and stored depending on what you need on a particular day. Consider some DIY patio furniture projects for a fun and inexpensive weekend activity. Another small patio idea is to use convertible outdoor furniture that has multiple useslike an outdoor ottoman that can be used as seating or a small table.
Tropical Rattan Lantern Backyard Ideas
The tropics are calling! We LOVE backyard lighting ideas that make your space feel like an escape from the day-to-day, and these rattan lanterns understood the assignment. Handwoven and featuring sleek black accents, theyre the perfect finishing touch to a boho backyard retreat.
Plus, you can display them on a table or the floor, or hang them from their handles for extra charm. Just dont forget to snag some flame-less pillar candles to get that warm glow of candlelight without the fire hazard. Talk about the dreamiest of backyard ideas!
Incorporate Levels In Your Patio Design
Photo via @houzz
Create a unique and dynamic backyard patio by raising your patio up, building a raised deck to add some height, or lowering your patio seating area for a sunken look. A raised patio may be necessary if the main floor of your home sits a few feet above ground level, and it can be a great and inexpensive alternative to pricey landscaping to even out any sloped or uneven ground. A sunken patio is a great backyard patio idea if you want your outdoor living space to be sheltered from the wind. You could even combine the two for a stylish, multi-level backyard patio!
Read Also: How To Clean Aluminum Patio Table
Seek A Unique Backdrop
Playing up firewood adds a focal point even when the fire isnt burning.
A unique backdrop can drastically change a space, even if your furniture is much simpler. In the case of patios with fireplaces or pits, stacking firewood thoughtfully doubles as storage and display.
Create Verticality With A Bar Table
Garden furniture with a narrow silhouette draws the eye up, allowing for a sense of a larger space.
A bar table and a few stools generally have a smaller footprint than your typical set of table and chairs, making them an ideal selection for a small patio. An added bonus is that their atypical height will make this space feel especially distinct from an indoor dining area.
Recommended Reading: Retaining Wall Ideas For Backyard
Break Space Up With Levels
A multi-level backyard creates depth and can break things up visually. Levels additionally allow different spaces to serve different purposes. This might look like a slightly elevated or sunken patio, a large, raised planter or container garden, or a dining space with a shrubbery border to transition to a small upper yard.
Keep It Functional And Family
If you’re looking for patio ideas with a more traditional design direction, why not use garden furniture to set your desired atmosphere? Consider teaming wooden benches with relaxed soft furnishing for a patio haven that’s very shabby chic. Or, by contrast, set out a vintage-style iron bistro set with slatted chairs and patterned seat covers to capture an effortless French farmhouse look for lazy Sunday lunches outdoors.
If you have a brand-new kitchen extension, but the garden beyond doesn’t quite match up , a little streamlined modern furniture can work wonders.
Don’t Miss: Can You Grill Under A Covered Patio
Paving Stones And Edging Ideas
Add a beautiful walkway or path throughout your yard with new pavers and edging. Stones and slabs are available in multiple sizes and colours, letting you perfectly frame your lawn or flower garden and create eye-catching walls and dividers. With many styles, materials and colours to choose from, you can create a beautiful feature in your yard with flagstone, slate and more, then accent it with some elegant pathway lighting.
Design With Modern Materials In Mind
Streamlined, modern materials work beautifully in a small backyard. Play with timber panels, steel-framed doors / windows and oversized pavers for a contemporary aesthetic that is still very much grounded in nature.
Color is important, too. Opting for light greens, silvers and grays will help create a sense of spaciousness, while highly reflective, shiny leaves can add light and shimmer, providing a greater depth of field in the planting scheme.
Don’t Miss: How To Remove Grass From Lawn
Open Up With A Bistro Style Window
Indoor-outdoor living is made much simpler with a bistro-style window, much like this one by Sanders Architecture.
A bistro-style window makes it easier to transport refreshments from inside to the backyard patio while also adding a truly distinct charm. Locating an outdoor space adjacent to an indoor bar or kitchen not only has obvious functional benefits but also allows life to bridge between indoors and outdoors, Sanders says.
Bohemian Patio Rug Backyard Ideas
Hello, wow factor! For backyard patio ideas focused around color, it doesnt get much cooler than a vintage-inspired outdoor rug.
Inspired by Turkish textiles, this one adds a boho touch to any space and looks SO GOOD surrounded by greenery.
You can up the free-spirited backyard vibes with a few cushion poufs and decorative planters. Or keep things sleek and modern with an elevated wooden table and chairs.
Gorgeous and versatile, copper backyard fire pit ideas reigns supreme. Not only is a copper fire pit totally eye-catching and trendy, but this one multitasks as a coffee table, grill, and serving tray.
Its working overtime to make sure you win the best backyard in the neighborhood award.
Plus, its created by Terrain, one of our favorite places for unique and eye-catching backyard ideas. Just peep their other fire pit essentials, like this twig marshmallow roasting stick!
Also Check: How To Repair Mesh Patio Chair Seats
Small Backyard Design Ideas From The Experts
Whether you have a big budget or not, taking a simple approach can be enough to transform even the tiniest of verdant spaces into an inviting and relaxing spot for all to enjoy.
If you’re not sure where to start, landscape designer and owner of How to Hardscape , Mike Pletz, recommends keeping your small backyard design simple and setting your goals for your space early on. ‘Making a smaller outdoor plot look great involves knowing what you want to use that space for and how to incorporate all of that in an aesthetically pleasing way while making the most of that space’, he advises.
How Can A Landscaping Professional Help With Your Backyard Patio
Hiring a landscaping professional is a great idea for heavy projects like installing pavers, pergolas, shrubs, and trees.
If you really want to take your aesthetics to the next level, theres nothing like a professional landscape designer to bring that wow factor to your outdoor space.
Main Photo Credit: Pxfuel
You May Like: How To Build A Screened In Porch On Existing Patio
Use Creative Lighting Solutions
When the sun goes down, outdoor living has just started. However, youll want to make sure youve incorporated plenty of lighting options so you and your guests arent left in the dark. Usually, outdoor spaces have an overhead light. While this is great for security and to illuminate the entire space, these lights are sometimes harsh and the fixtures are outdated.
Luckily, this is an easy upgrade, and one that you can change yourself. Now its time to consider lighting options that are more fun. String lights give off a soft glow and add character to your outdoor space and lanterns and electric candles are fun design additions that double as lighting options.
Make It Modern With Contemporary Colours
Grey is still one of the most popular colours in all aspects of interior design. Take the colour into your patio ideas by way of polished concrete or grey porcelain tiles. Go one step further and co-ordinates the colour scheme with grey shutters and doors.
Add a glass-topped table and finely woven chairs to achieve an almost weightless feel, and look crisp and fresh against all the garden’s greenery. Finish with a modern large white parasol to both visually zone the dining space and provide shade on sunny summer days.
Don’t Miss: Cedar Gazebo With Aluminum Roof
Happy Campers: Sitting Next To The Fire
If you ever sat with your friends or family around a campfire, you probably remember the feeling of closeness associated with it. Recreating it in your garden is not that hard, as evidenced by the small backyard patio ideas with a fire pit for example, this one.
Tell new stories around the fire and create fresh memories right where you live!
Small Patio Deck With Stone Fireplace
If you have a small patio or deck, you might think that your design options are limited. But with a bit of creativity, you can turn even the smallest outdoor space into a stylish and functional retreat.
One of the best ways to use a small patio is to create a multi-purpose space. For example, you can have a seating area for relaxing and entertaining around a stone fireplace and a cooking area for grilling.
Don’t Miss: Hot Tub And Gazebo
Additional Small Backyard Ideas
Still havent found your ideal small backyard setup? Here are some more small backyard ideas that are perfect for enhancing your space:
- 27.Go for a Greenhouse: Are you an avid gardener? A mini greenhouse is a great way to breathe life into your small backyard
- 28. Create a Kid Zone: If you have children, you can convert a section of your small backyard into a small playground or build a treehouse. There are plenty of ways to make your small backyard kid friendly.
- 29. Go for Gravel: Gravel can be easier to maintain than grass and give your backyard a nice rustic look.
- 30. Personalize your Fence: In most small backyards, the fence is a major player. Give your fence some personality by decorating with lights or adding fence planters.
- 31. Opt for Foldable: Folding chairs give you the freedom to keep your backyard open and spacious when youre not enjoying it.
- 32. Grill Out: If you want to host cookouts, let the grill or outdoor kitchen be the focal point of your backyard.
- 33. Use your View: If your backyard has a beautiful view, let it shine! Dont take attention away from your view with added greenery or too many lights.
- 34. Take Advantage of Windows: Backyard-facing windows can double as bars and places for plants and greenery. If you open up your windows, they can become part of your small backyard design.
- 35. Play Some Tricks: Straight lines and uniformity make spaces seem longer and larger than they actually are. Keep this in mind when crafting your small backyard space.
Install A Trellis Arbor Or Pergola
Adding a structure like a trellis, pergola, or arbor can also create a nice focal point while providing shade and support for greenery to grow above ground level. Arbors are great for spaces that cant handle a lot of greenery but can still help create a nice landscaped feel. Strategically placing one of these structures at the entrance of your backyard can help draw the eye, create a welcoming feeling, and direct the flow of traffic into your backyard.
Bare pergolas can also be covered with climbing vines to help create more shade and feel cohesive with the surrounding landscape.
Also Check: What Is The Difference Between French Doors And Patio Doors
Metal Mesh Seats Small Backyard Idea
The best small backyard ideas revolve around statement pieces, but you cant forget about the key basics that serve as the foundation of an unforgettable space! These small metal seats and matching table are simple and dont take up too much space perfect for building the rest of your design around.
Now that youve got your seating sorted, spice up the rest of your small backyard or patio with a vibrant outdoor rug and some potted plants. And dont forget about the most important finishing touch: a couple of refreshing summer cocktails!
Wrap Around With Steel Cable Railing
In this Tyreus Design Studio small balcony space, a hillside lookout spot is created thanks to steel cable railing.
Bringing the illusion of less confinement, steel cable railing helps a small outdoor space feel less cavernous and add a modern flair. We use steel cable railing systems when we want the railing to be less visible, less of a separation between spaces, and low-maintenance, Tyreus says.
You May Like: When To Dethatch Your Lawn
Small Paver Patio Ideas
There are reasons why so many people create their small patios with poured concrete. Once you pour the patio, its durable and a safe non-slip surface. If you find the look of concrete unpleasant, you can apply several finishing treatments. You could etch into it, stamp it, or apply a faux finish. You could even tile your small patio with a natural stone tile to improve the look and maintain a non-slip walking surface.
If you want something else, you can lay stone pavers to build your patio area. You can choose from flagstone, cobblestone, cut stone, or veneer stone. The one you choose will depend on your budget, your small patios size, and the look youre going for.
Stone and concrete pavers typically have space between them thats filled with Irish moss or pea gravel. Flagstone will create a continuous and almost smooth surface for your patio. Traditional pavers are the most versatile when it comes to laying them in unique patterns and designs. However, they also create the most varied surface. This is something to think about if you have guests with mobility issues.
For more paver ideas, check out The Top 60 Best Paver Patio Ideas .
Make It A Patio For Two
A simple patio by Lichten Architects gives residents a quiet place to relax outdoors.
A patio can be designed for just two people, Lichten notes. Make the petite enclave cozy with two chairs and a table to put down your libation of choice. Small size doesnt have to be a limitationsetting up your space for just two people can help create a feeling of intimacy.
Read Also: How To Level A Sloping Concrete Patio
Cozy Up With Heating Accessories
An enclosed patio can help you set a comfortable temperature in your backyard through barriers and curtains. However, it may be challenging to completely block off the cold air from entering the area during the coldest times of the year. Fortunately, you can fight the cold breeze with heating accessories like portable heaters and firepits.
Measure the space in your backyard and find a heater best suited to cover the area. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, consider getting an energy-efficient space heater to save money and conserve energy. Choose the heater based on its safety features, area coverage, and functionality.
Another way to add heating to your backyard is through a firepit. If you choose to add a firepit to the space, learn the areas legal requirements and operate it safely, especially if you have children or pets.
Add Cozy Lighting To Your Backyard Patio
Outdoor lighting is one of those backyard patio ideas that will craft the perfect ambiance for a date night, casual evening with friends, or just a little calming me time.
Options: You can brighten your outdoor space by hanging paper lanterns or string lights from awnings or pergolas. A few LED rope lights would look great along railings or fences. Even a simple candle holder can create a comfy vibe.
Effort: This is an easy DIY project for anyone with a knack for home decorating. You may want professional landscape lighting if you want to upstage your neighbors, but most of us can hang a string light.
Cost: A roll of LED rope lights will cost anywhere from $25 to $70, depending on how much you need. You can find paper lanterns for as low as $25, but dont expect much durability from the cheaper ones. A glass lantern will run about $200. If your heart is set on that professional lighting installation with buried cables and underlighting to make each shrub glow, expect to drop about $4,000.
You May Like: How To Put A Roof On A Gazebo
Fire Pit Ideas Diy Brick Stone Or Gas Designs For Backyards Big And Small
A coffee table that doubles up not only as a fire pit but also as a drink cooler and barbecue… That’s our kind of fire pit garden. Nod to luxury a little more by choosing the finishing rattan weave as above or surrounding fabric to suit your outdoor sofas and armchairs too.
Jonny Brierley, CEO of Moda Furnishings recommends, ‘If you are hosting guests in your garden in the evening, make sure the fire pit is lit before guests arrive. This creates a wow factor as they step into the garden, and also helps them to relax more quickly.’
‘Firelight is said to create a more intimate setting, allowing guests to relax and talk, letting their guards down at the end of the day. The fire provides a visual, psychological comfort from which you and your guests will benefit.’
Consider a wall-mounted fire pit and let it zone your backyard space, creating a little separation from say, splashes from the pool. This fire pit acts as a barbecue too and that surrounding disk is not only cool but will also protect your wall from ash and discoloration too.
This clever Sigmafocus design folds up when it’s closed, so it takes up limited space making it ideal for a smaller backyard.
This fire pit setup will make you feel like you’ve gone for the glam option at Glastonbury, or like you’re living it up at Coachella. The light that fire, turn the music up and keep dreaming in your backyard.
Adding candles and other sources of light to the fire pit mix is a surefire way to create a super cozy setup.