Make warm weather entertaining more effortless and enjoyable by maximizing a small backyard. From budget-friendly accessories to landscaping, modern patio decor, lighting, and more, there are a variety of stylish weekend projects and upgrades that will help you elevate your outdoor space without a total renovation.
Check out these small backyard ideas for inspiration.
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01
of 27Paint Your Backyard Patio
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Paint a concrete patio with rainbow stripes for a DIY makeover that will give a small backyard a lift. This is an easy and affordable weekend project that the whole family will have fun doing together.
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02
of 27Hang a Hammock
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Create a small backyard oasis with a few simple elements. Lay a drought-friendly gravel patio, string up a hammock, and add some Mediterranean plants such as succulents or potted olive trees for a relaxing feel.
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03
of 27Landscape the Edges
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Give a small backyard a lush feel by planting all around the perimeter of the lawn. Plant a variety of greenery and flowers at staggered heights to add texture and volume without encroaching on valuable space.
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04
of 27Use Modern Patio Furniture
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Make your backyard patio look as modern as your interior with a few simple decor choices. Stick to neutral shades of black and white and decorate with plants in modern vessels to connect it to the outdoors.
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05
of 27Hang String Lights
Credit: HausChic
Drape the fence with budget-friendly string lights to make a small backyard into a cozy gathering space after dark. Set it up like an outdoor living room with a rug, seating, and a small coffee table.
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06
of 27Plant a DIY Vertical Garden
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Plant a DIY vertical herb garden in a small backyard that is both decorative and useful. Enjoy your favorite fresh herbs while adding greenery to a backyard space that doesn’t encroach on a small lawn.
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07
of 27Install a Stock Tank Pool
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Refresh your backyard with a budget-friendly stock tank pool. Paint it to match your exterior paint color or outdoor decor scheme to help it blend in.
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08
of 27Add a Small Fire Pit Area
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If your small backyard includes a spacious deck, consider setting up a fire pit conversation area. Choose a spherical shape and surround it with sleek black chairs for a chic modern look.
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09
of 27Hang Pergola Curtains
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Hanging outdoor curtains around your pergola is an easy way to make it more comfortable and stylish. Use outdoor fabric or spray cotton fabric with weatherproofing spray like these DIY patio curtains from A Beautiful Mess.
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10
of 27Set Up Movie Night
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Bring movie night to a small backyard with a simple DIY set-up. Hang a sheet on the side of the garage or garden shed to act as a projector screen and create seating for the whole family by lining up rows of garden benches or chairs.
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11
of 27Install a Mini Greenhouse
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If you love to garden but have a small backyard, consider setting up a mini greenhouse or potting shed. Whether you build your own or purchase a ready-made model, style it with plants and garden accessories so that it is both beautiful and practical.
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12
of 27Install a Birdhouse
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Create a focal point in a small backyard with a birdhouse. Use it to anchor landscaping and match it to the style of your home for a charming look like this white farmhouse design.
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13
of 27Set Up a DIY Potting Bench
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Set up a DIY potting bench on the wall of your garage to create a dedicated spot to plant seedlings. Hang a pair of floating shelves on the wall for space-saving vertical storage.
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14
of 27Build a DIY Gravel Patio
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Building a DIY gravel patio is a simple project that can help you maximize a small backyard. Use it to anchor a fire pit area with a DIY banquette to match the style of your backyard if you’re feeling ambitious.
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15
of 27Create a Dining Area
Credit: HausChic / Christopher Lee Foto
Set up a dining table in a small backyard to host warm weather meals. Choose a classic style of furniture that will blend in with the surroundings and allow landscaping to take center stage.
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16
of 27Plant Raised Garden Beds
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Define the edges of a small backyard patio with raised garden beds. This gravel patio has an easy DIY stock tank garden planted with herbs that smell as good as they look.
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17
of 27Set Up an Outdoor TV
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If your small backyard includes a covered patio, set up an outdoor TV to create a place to watch the game. Use a stylish TV stand or console table that matches outdoor furniture for a polished look.
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18
of 27DIY a Potting Bench Bar
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Clear out your potting bench and stock with glassware, bottles, and an ice bucket to turn it into a makeshift outdoor bar when entertaining. Repaint a thrifted bench black for a chic look.
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19
of 27Include a Hanging Chair
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Install a hanging chair from a backyard pergola for a breezy feel. Decorate the floor of a backyard patio or deck with potted plants and woven lanterns for a boho-style look.
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20
of 27Try a Portable Hot Tub
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Set up a portable or inflatable hot tub on a small backyard patio to create a luxury feel without the cost and commitment of an in-ground model. In this backyard space, a portable hot tub has black siding to match the home exterior to prevent it from becoming an eyesore.
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21
of 27Install a Backyard Fountain
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Add charm to a small backyard with a water feature like a fountain. Purchase an affordable, lightweight fiberglass or resin fountain to anchor a fenced-in garden or to create a centerpiece in a smaller yard.
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22
of 27Add a Pizza Oven
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Make outdoor entertaining more fun with a small outdoor kitchen. Build a DIY brick pizza oven, or set up a small backyard grill station that’s ready to fire up when you are.
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23
of 27Decorate With Flowers
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Decorate a farmhouse backyard patio with botanicals for a fresh feel. Fill vases with flowers from the garden or the supermarket, hang a dried floral wreath on the wall of the house or the back door, and decorate an outdoor sofa with floral print throw pillows.
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24
of 27Install an Outdoor Shower
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Add luxury to your outdoor patio with a simple outdoor shower. Use it to rinse off after a dip in the pool or simply to cool off on a hot day.
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25
of 27Hang a Mirror
Credit: Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona
Hang a mirror on the side wall of your house to give your patio an indoor-outdoor feel. Use inexpensive benches to create a u-shaped conversation area, and decorate with colorful plant pots and affordable outdoor lanterns.
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26
of 27Plant an Arbor
Credit: @ladylandscape / Instagram
Create a sense of grandeur in a small backyard by using an arbor to define spaces. Plant climbing and flowering vines that will turn it into a lushly landscaped feature.
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27
of 27Use Multifunctional Furniture
Credit: Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Margaret Rajic
Set up a square table on a small backyard patio for a multifunctional space for meals and entertaining. Use it as a cafe table, a dining table, or a card table for games.