20 Creative Small Backyard Decorating Ideas for Small Yards

Are you thinking of enhancing the visual appeal of your backyard? You don't necessarily need to have acres of land to have a visually appealing backyard. Even small backyard ideas and tweaks to your outdoor decor can achieve impressive results. You just need a bit of imagination and creativity with your backyard ideas.

The following are 10 creative backyard ideas that you can use to spruce up your landscaping:

Idea #1: Add Bold Colors to Your Backyard

Naturally, a small backyard doesn't give you many options when it comes to adding pops of visual interest as big backyards do. Using bold colors is an excellent way of making every inch of that space count. You can use the décor such as potted plants to add bold colors or get your inspiration from nature.

Flowers in bloom are a great way of adding a loud color pop to your backyard or any outdoor patio space. If you're looking for a pulled-together look, stick to 2 or 3 colors, but make sure the color scheme is cohesive.

Idea #2: Lay Colorful Tiles

Having colorful, eye-catching tiles can make a huge difference in small spaces. To capitalize on the visual interest, choose tiles with whimsical patterns and bright colors, especially for a gray and boring concrete patio. Also, try coupling them with neutral and timeless outdoor furniture. This will ensure your backyard doesn't overwhelm the eye.

Idea #3: Create a Focal Point Using Pathways

When a person first glances at a space, they tend to scan the entire landscape at once. This is one of the quickest ways of sizing up a space. You can change how people perceive a petite backyard space by giving it a strong focal point using pathways.

Create a path that cuts through the backyard using pavers or stones. This will give people a clear picture of the sense of movement in the area. If you divide your yard into sections for separate uses, a pathway would be a great way to clearly define the boundaries while adding the illusion of more square footage.

Idea #4: Grow a Garden to Brighten the Outdoor Space

You can use your precious backyard entertaining space to grow a garden if the climate is favorable. Grow some potted colorful plants, an herb garden, produce, and flowers to beautify your yard. One advantage of growing a garden is that it gives you a reason to go outside more often.

Transform all unused spaces in your backyard into gardening opportunities. Incorporating greenery won't take much of your area, but it can make all the difference when it comes to breaking the monotony of your yard, especially if it's made of bricks.

Idea #5: Cheat Small Space by Landscaping Vertically

Vertical garden is another simple landscaping idea for a small backyard. Since you likely won't be able to add width to your yard, you should go with a vertical approach when landscaping. Vertical landscaping encourages the eye to consider the height when looking at the small outdoor space of your yard. This makes the small backyard space feel more spacious. If you want to capitalize on the visual interest, use different varieties of plants with varying heights. You can create your vertical garden by merely stacking up planters gradually.

Idea #6: Add Functional Furniture

A great way of giving your small yard a new look is by giving it function. Start by thinking of new ways to implement functional furniture in the backyard. For example, you could decide to have one primary function or break up your yard into different sections for different purposes.

One way you can do this is by placing a large dining outdoor table, which transforms your backyard into an excellent area for summer dining. Another great backyard idea would be to build a plush seating area for relaxing, and then create a fire pit to give it a cozy feel as long as you have ample room.

Idea #7: Hang a Hammock

Whether you have trees or not, you can still hang a hammock in a tiny backyard. You can take advantage of fresh air even if you have a small patio. Just hang a slim hammock, and then add a pop of visual interest by using floor cushions, fun throw pillows, and a jute area rug.

Idea #8: Hang Some String Lights

It doesn't require a lot of effort to make your backyard feel magical, regardless of its size. Just hang some string lights and you're good to go. Rustic wooden furniture layered with sheepskin throws and pillows goes well with string lights in an outdoor area, too.

Idea #9: Make Use of Gravel

If your backyard is small, create a practical area you can use, even if this means forgoing grass. Gravel has a way of making a space look and feel sleek, edgy, and sophisticated. You can also add to the visual interest by building an al fresco dining room on top of the gravel bed.

Idea #10: Keep Your Tiny Backyard Ideas Simple

When the space available to create your outdoor oasis is limited, try keeping your backyard ideas as simple as possible. You want to avoid making your backyard look too cluttered. You can streamline your design by making certain décor items stay on the minimal side. Also, make sure your lawn is well maintained by cutting it regularly and practicing proper plant care.

Idea #11: Install a Water Feature

Water features can add a calming effect to a small backyard. You don't have to go big to have a significant impact. A small fountain or a pondless waterfall can make your space feel more relaxing and peaceful if you don't have room for a swimming pool or hot tub. You can also use a water feature as a focal point to draw attention away from the size of the backyard.

Idea #12: Use Mirrors

Mirrors can make a small backyard appear more extensive than it is. You can install mirrors on fences or walls, and they will reflect light and greenery to create an illusion of depth. However, make sure to use shatterproof mirrors and avoid placing them in direct sunlight to prevent glare.

Idea #13: Hang Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are perfect for small backyards since they take up minimal floor space but provide a lot of visual interest. You can create a living wall by hanging plants on a trellis or using a specialized system. Vertical gardens also provide an opportunity to grow edible plants, making them functional as well.

Idea #14: Create a Secret Garden

You can create a secret garden by using tall plants or a trellis to create a sense of enclosure. This will make the backyard feel like a private oasis, even if it's in the middle of the city. You can add a bench, a small water feature, or a birdhouse to create a relaxing spot.

Idea #15: Use Bold Patterns

Using bold patterns in your outdoor space can make a small backyard feel more vibrant and exciting. You can use patterned cushions, rugs, or outdoor curtains to add visual interest. However, make sure to balance bold patterns with solid colors to avoid overwhelming the space.

Idea #16: Add a Vertical Fire Pit

A vertical fire pit can be a great addition to a small backyard since it takes up less space than a traditional fire pit. You can build a vertical fire pit using bricks or stones, and it can be placed against a wall or fence to save space.

Idea #17: Install a Pergola

A pergola can add vertical interest to a small backyard and provide shade for outdoor seating areas. You can grow vines or plants on the pergola to create a green canopy. A pergola can also define different areas of the backyard and create a sense of separation.

Idea #18: Use Colorful Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs can add color and texture to a small backyard. You can use bright and bold colors to make a statement or choose neutral colors to create a cohesive look. Outdoor rugs can also be used to define different areas of the backyard, such as a seating area or a dining area.

Idea #19: Install a Hammock Chair

If you don't have space for a full-size hammock, a hammock chair can be a great alternative. A hammock chair takes up less space and can be hung from a tree or a pergola. It's a perfect spot to read a book or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

Idea #20: Use Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional furniture is a must-have for small backyards. You can use benches with built-in storage, tables that can be used as a cooler, or chairs that fold for easy storage. Multifunctional furniture will help you save space and keep your backyard clutter-free, in addition to turning it into a beautiful outdoor living space.

Bring Your Small Backyard Ideas to Life with Us!

As you can see, designing a small backyard can be a fun and exciting challenge, and with these ideas, you can transform your space into a beautiful oasis. At Absolute Home Services, we specialize in creating stunning outdoor spaces that fit any size and style. If you're looking to enhance your small backyard, call us today to schedule a consultation with our expert landscapers based in Burlington. Let's work together to make your backyard dreams a reality!