Designing your dream backyard can be quite the challenge, especially when you have a small backyard to work with. Not to worry, because we are here to show you 11 amazing small backyard ideas you can try right now to make your small backyard your own private oasis.
As the owner of a 1,200 square foot home, I also have a small backyard and can relate on the difficulty of making it feel like your own. It can be hard to navigate where to fit a pool, a patio or outdoor furniture when you have little outdoor space! Sometimes it is also hard to find inspiration that is relatable and realistic for your small backyard. So I am here to share with you the best small backyard ideas to make the most out of your space.
In this post you will learn all about the best small backyard ideas, how to maximize the space in your yard and the importance of having a functional backyard layout. Whether you are looking for small backyard ideas with pool or budget friendly tips to maximize your space, we have got some creative and beautiful ideas you can copy.
This post is all about small backyard ideas.
How Do I Maximize My Small Backyard?
Here are ways that you can maximize your small backyard:
- Plant your landscaping around the border of your yard
- Use any vertical space you may have
- Use smaller scale patio furniture
- Create a container garden
- Add lighting
Best Small Backyard Ideas
1. Small Backyard Ideas With Pool
We love this small backyard ideas with pool! This backyard feels like a private oasis with its tall privacy bushes and lounge chairs by the pool. We love that they did not sacrifice style in their yard because of its smaller size. They embraced the small layout and managed to fit a custom pool that suits the layout of their small yard.
BEST POOLS FOR SMALL BACKYARDS:
Our backyard is so small that we have difficulty finding a pool that will fit perfectly, especially an inground pool. These are the best pool options for small backyards.
- Long narrow pools
- Custom pools to fit your yards layout
- Semi in ground pool
We recommend the AQUASPORT 14AX (above ground) as the perfect pool for families that have a small backyard and want a fun pool! This above ground pool comes in various colors and has cute pool accessories that will make your backyard pool have a customized feel.
This small backyard pool idea is an absolute dream! We adore the different seating options for guests to hang out right by the pool.
The layout of your backyard is crucial in making it feel larger. In this idea, they built the pool right in the corner of the yard instead of the center, making it feel more spacious. The best idea for a small backyard pool is to get a custom pool that is measured perfectly to your yards size!
2. Small Backyard Ideas For Dogs
How cute is this small backyard idea for dogs! This gravel section of your small backyard can be the perfect wash station for your cute little pup! When you’re not washing your dog in this station, you can easily use the space for entertaining. Try adding a cute fire pit with chairs for when guests come over!
Does your dog love being outdoors? Try out this play pen in your small backyard. This fence is the perfect way to give your dog its own private outdoor space! You can also relax knowing that your dog is safe in its own space in your small backyard!
3. Simple Backyard Ideas
Love this budget friendly small backyard idea! The small deck in the yard creates an excellent space for entertainment. Add a cute outdoor patio set for guests to lounge and relax in.
GET THE LOOK:
This simple small backyard idea is very budget friendly yet simple. We love this affordable backyard patio set from Overstock for its high quality and various cushion colors.
We love this budget friendly backyard idea! This is an affordable DIY for your small backyard. This idea will elevate your simple backyard into a yard that looks professionally landscaped.
4. Landscaping for Small Backyard
Landscaping is crucial in your small backyard. In order to create the perfect landscaping design, you must first determine the overall layout of your backyard and what design you desire.
We recommend keeping the center of the yard open and clutter free. Add any landscaping, seating, sheds and pools along the perimeter of your small yard to make your yard appear larger.
In a small backyard, landscaping looks great along the fence line and in raised flower beds. Check out our post all about raised flower beds!
This cute small backyard idea features low maintenance landscaping. Add pots to your garden beds and fill them with your favorite flowers!
BEST FLOWERS FOR BACKYARDS
- Zinnias (my favorite)
- Marigolds
- Daffodils
- Pansies
- Geraniums
- Daylilies
These are beginner friendly and easy to grow flowers that will look great in any small backyard!
5. Small Backyard Ideas With Pavers
Love this pea gravel and large paver idea in for a small backyard. Make it cozy with warm string lights.
Check out this small backyard idea with pavers! Even though there is no grass in the yard, they still incorporated a lot of greenery to make it feel outdoorsy.
Again, you can see that many small backyards place their landscaping around the perimeter of the yard so that the middle on the yard is fully dedicated to entertaining.
6. Kid Friendly Small Backyards
We love this kid friendly idea for a small backyard! How cute is this chalkboard on the fence!
Kid friendly backyard ideas for small yards:
- Tire swing
- Corn hole
- Darts
- Backyard Sand Play
- Water Table
- Chalkboard wall on fence
- Start a veggie garden with the kids
Check out these cute vegetable garden ideas for small spaces!
Create a small backyard kid friendly backyard playground with this cute mulch pad. Split your small backyard in half by creating a small section of the backyard that this kids can go wild in! Having dedicated spaces in your small backyard makes it feel functional and intentional.
7. Cozy Small Backyards
Nothing says cozy like a cute backyard fire pit. Fire pits create entertainment spaces that your guests will instantly gravitate to. This is the perfect cozy small backyard idea that everyone can add.
How cute is this DIY porch swing with string lights! In a small backyard, try finding unique designs and ways to add cozy corners and seating. We show you how to make your own string light stand and hang string lights in your yard.
8. Small Backyard Ideas on a Budget
This small backyard makeover on a budget is easy and affordable. Creating a mulch patio is a great idea if you have an area of the small backyard with no grass or mainly dirt.
Don’t hire landscapers and try out this mulch patio!
BEST PLACES TO BUY MULCH ON A BUDGET:
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- Local Nurseries
The best place to buy mulch for your small backyard is definitely Lowes. Lowes has an amazing Spring sale every year and the mulch is only 5 for $10. That is a complete steal!
9. Small Backyard Ideas for Renters
Low maintenance landscaping in a small backyard is crucial when it comes to rentals. We suggest doing a simple landscaping the the yard with rocks. Rocks don’t require any upkeep and last for years to come. For landscaping in a rental yard choose perennials for the perfect plant that blooms year after year!
BEST LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS:
- Hostas
- Coneflower
- Hardy Hibiscus
- Perennial geranium
- Catmint
- Black-Eyed Susans
10. Very Small Backyard Ideas
In a very small backyard, the key to making it appear larger is by keeping the layout simple. Do not overcrowd the yard with decor and stick to that basics.
Make sure to scale the size of your outdoor patio set. Try an outdoor patio set that is long and narrow to maximize the space on your patio. Don’t forget to add your string lights for the cute cozy feel!
This tiny backyard idea is neat and polished while still functional. Even in the smallest of backyards, you can squeeze in room for a tiny shed or storage area.
BEST TINY BACKYARD SHEDS:
This small backyard shed is the perfect shed for a small yard because of how easy it is to assemble yourself. This is a great storage option for your backyard gardening tools, lawnmowers and ladders. This shed also is a great price at only $159.99!
We recommend this small backyard shed for its very slim size (5 feet wide and 3 feet deep). This is a great idea for small backyards in townhomes. Stick this slender shed against the siding of your home and hide all of your yard tools!
We love this small shed for your small backyard! This shed is unique because it has double door and is sun resistant! With over 500 positive reviews on Wayfair this is a great option for small backyard storage!
11. Cute Backyard Ideas
How cute is the small backyard landscaping idea with pots. We love the tall flowering trees against the fence that lead to a cute seating area.
This cute backyard idea is the cozy corner we all need in our small backyard.
GET THE LOOK:
Add this wooden privacy screen to your backyard oasis! This screen is ideal for a small backyard because it serves as privacy and a place to plant your favorite flowers!
To create a cozy corner in yard small backyard, try out a wooden pergola! This pergola is fairly easy to build and could be assembled within hours. Not a fan of the pergola? Add privacy to your yard with a gazebo!
This post was about small backyard ideas.
No matter the size of your small backyard you can create the perfect oasis for your friends and family. The main key ideas to focus on in a small backyard are creating a simple and sleek design, cozy seating and maximizing your space by designing a layout.
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