Creating a small backyard patio space that reflects your interior style will make it an extension of your home. Living small doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on big style. Even the smallest backyard can become a serene sanctuary with the right patio design. Whether you’re working with a compact urban yard or a modest suburban space, creating a cozy, stylish, and functional patio is achievable.
Small patios can be big on style, comfort, and functionality with just a few clever design choices. Utilizing multipurpose furniture and incorporating a few standout design details can help bring your space to life. These small backyard patio ideas will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into the ultimate oasis, regardless of its size. Be sure to save your favorite ideas to Pinterest and get ready to transform your small patio into a dreamy escape.
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1. Layer in String Lights.
One of the easiest ways to transform your patio into a magical retreat is by installing outdoor mood lighting. Create a warm and inviting space by hanging string lights overhead or tiki torches to add a warm, ambient glow. Layer in some candles or hanging lanterns for added outdoor warmth. All of the outdoor furnishings, pillows and accessories were sourced from Target. (via Black & Blooms)
2. Build a Privacy Wall.
This mountain modern duplex in Basalt, Colorado, was designed to give views and privacy. The outdoor furniture was sourced from Cathers Home Furniture + Interior Design in Basalt, Colorado. Adding privacy to this backyard oasis is a cedar fence with a dark stain. You can also use lattice panels or tall planters to create a more private and intimate feel. TIP: You can also use your privacy features as a vertical garden wall for climbers. (via AXIS Productions)
3. Create A Place To Hang.
Adding a pergola to your backyard patio can help define the space and add vertical interest. Suspend hanging chairs to create a playful and comfortable outdoor living environment. You can also drape outdoor lights onto your pergola for ambiance. The Pod Hanging Outdoor Chairs were sourced from CB2. (via Lyrd Interiors)
4. Make Room for a Hammock.
If seating is limited, a hanging hammock or swing chair can add a touch of luxury and fun without requiring a large footprint. The pergola structure for the hammock was custom-built by a local carpenter in San Francisco, California. Be sure to either find a shady spot in your backyard for the hammock or create a shady spot (via Laura Frost Design)
5. Backyard Patio With A Shade Garden.
This charming backyard patio features three furniture groupings in this compact patio space. An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, bar seating for entertaining, and a cozy dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Perennials and bulbs were added to existing shade garden spaces, and new plantings were incorporated to provide more seasonal color and interest in the rose garden. New shade-tolerant shrubs and groundcovers were added under the large maple tree. A stepping stone path allows access to the lawn play area in the side yard. Comfortable lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and pillows by Elaine Smith were placed in the patio space. The flooring is random rectangular bluestone set on concrete. (via Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect)
6. Define With An Outdoor Rug.
Bring life, color, and comfort to a plain patio with versatile furniture. Define your patio space by using an outdoor rug to anchor your furniture and create a cohesive look. This adds a layer of comfort while visually separating your entertaining/lounging area from the rest of the yard. A privacy wall also helps to separate your space while creating a feeling of intimacy. (via Lowe’s Home Improvement)
7. Incorporate A Fire Feature.
Add a simple fire feature to your backyard patio, whether it’s built-in or movable. A pair of foldable Adirondack chairs can be easily moved around when you have company. The patio flooring is stamped and stained concrete. The size of this asymmetrical-shaped patio is approximately 12 feet by 14 feet. (via Ridge Creek Custom Homes)
8. Add Statement Tile Flooring.
Installing statement-making floor tiles is a quick and easy way to upgrade a basic concrete patio or cover uneven surfaces with style. You can also do a stencil concrete pattern on your patio to elevate your backyard patio space. (via Meridith Baer Home)
9. Create A Pergola Shade Structure.
Enhance your backyard patio by creating a cozy gathering spot sheltered by a pergola. This one is beautifully decorated for the fall season with pumpkins and mums. Add a trio of hanging lights suspended from the pergola to create an evening ambiance. A wooden dough bowl centerpiece filled with LED candles in varying heights adds a warm glow. (via Lowe’s Home Improvement)
10. Hang A Light Fixture.
This boho-chic backyard oasis in Hawaii features a covered teak lounge chair with a chunky cable-knit blanket, billowing curtains, and a hanging birdcage light fixture. Surrounded by a tropical backdrop, this is the ultimate spot to kick back with an evening cocktail or drink your morning coffee. (via Ashley Camper Photography)
11. Incorporate a Fire Pit Table.
A cozy seating area is created by surrounding a stone top fire pit with several swivel rocker chairs. The fire pit table adds both warmth and ambiance and works well on small patios. Natural tones, such as slate, gray, beige, and umber, give the space an elegant feel. Tommy Bahama Outdoor swivel rockers complete the look. (via Tommy Bahama Home)
12. Create An Alfresco Dining Nook.
If you like to dine alfresco, this is a budget-friendly way to achieve the look. Repurpose old chairs from a flea market or antiques store along with a wood table and bench (DIY your own with reclaimed wood). The overhead string lights are simple to install and relatively inexpensive to purchase, providing a wonderful evening ambiance. You can either plug them in or get solar-powered. For the flooring, stone pavers and gravel help to make this space low-maintenance. Surround your small patio space with greenery to create a sense of intimacy. (via Kakar House Of Design)
13. Hang Outdoor Curtains.
This backyard suburban hideaway is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The fire pit is from Lowe’s, and the sectional is from Dot Patio. The large wicker lantern is from HomeSense. Add soft, breezy curtains to a pergola or canopy to create a resort-style feel and provide privacy and shade. The curtains and rods, along with the cushions on the sectional, were custom-made for this project and sewn by Prestige Decorating in West Mississauga, Ontario. They specialize in window treatments and Sunbrella fabrics, which were used for the panels with cool lime green grommets. The pergola space measures 10 feet by 11 feet. (via Nicholas Rosaci Interiors)
14. Add a Small Water Feature.
A water feature brings the calming sound of running water to your backyard patio. The water feature is a cast iron sugar kettle bowl. It comes in various sizes. Adirondack chairs provide a comfortable way to relax and enjoy this backyard oasis. (via SHM Architects)
15. Create A Bali-Inspired Retreat.
This outdoor living space offers a Bali-inspired retreat in Orange County, California. Originally, this patio was simply a barren cement patch that was cold and uninviting. It has a basic stone and concrete patio floor, with concrete brick walls. There was some natural bamboo behind the wall, but otherwise no plants. Now it offers a welcoming oasis with built-in seating and cozy cushions. (via VEDA Design Group)
16. Add A Chandelier For Ambiance.
The compact backyard of a home in Boise, Idaho, got a complete refresh. Flagstone on the flooring with a small fire pit and a reclaimed wood table and chairs for casual dining. Suspended under a pergola is a chandelier to bring indoor style to the outdoors. (via Good Natured Homes)
17. Design An Outdoor Patio Bar.
This Lake Charlevoix, Michigan, home features an outdoor patio bar, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. This back patio, located on the lower level of the home, provides the ideal indoor-outdoor entertaining space. These comfortable teak bar stools allow for comfort and casual conversations in swimsuits. The windows easily open to allow conversations to pour in while the host prepares food or drinks inside. See the full home tour: Inside this stunning Michigan lake house with luxurious Americana style. (via Lantz Collective)
18. Add an Outdoor Bar Cart.
A mobile bar cart keeps drinks and snacks handy, and it can be wheeled away when not in use to save space. This outdoor area features a pair of wicker “egg” chairs with upholstered seats and a funky blue bar cart. The chairs are manufactured by Lane Venture, the Summer Garden Raymond Waites collection, Swivel Lounge Chair. The bar cart is from World’s Away. (via Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs)
19. Opt For A Boho-Chic Backyard.
This bohemian, eclectic backyard patio is situated in the Hollywood Hills of California. Antique furnishings, a patterned pillow, and a hammock help to create a laid-back atmosphere infused with charm. This patio is an inviting retreat for relaxing or entertaining, sheltered by lush greenery. (via Jared Frank Studio)
20. Create An Intimate Backyard Dining Oasis
This compact backyard space is perfect for intimate dining with family and friends. An outdoor area rug helps to define the space while making it feel inviting. The tablecloth helps to elevate the space — a basic Crate and Barrel white cloth that was customized with grosgrain ribbon. Grounding this alfresco dining space is a black and white striped area rug from Ballard Design. (via Scot Meacham Wood Design)
21. Add a Stock Tank Pool.
If you want a refreshing cool-down in the hot summer months without the hefty price tag, then a stock tank pool might be just what you are looking for! They are also great for small spaces, as you can’t fit a normal pool into them. This galvanized stock tank pool (6’ diameter by 2’ deep) from @tractorsupply got a black coat of paint (Behr Ultra Premium Plus stain blocking paint and primer in the exterior flat finish) and a custom-designed bench/pool deck (@homedepot using @preservawood). The look is fun and stylish. FYI: The chair is from World Market, the umbrella is from Amazon, the outdoor rug is from @eclectic_goods, and the beach towels are from @mayde_australia. (via @brimoysa / Instagram)
22. Backyard Bar And Grilling Station.
This small backyard entertaining space in Des Moines, Iowa, features a freestanding bar and grill setup, complemented by playful pops of color from the bar stools and outdoor rug. This setup is a simpler and more affordable option than a full-blown outdoor kitchen, and is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space in their backyard. (via DeGoey Designs)
23. Opt For A Gravel Patio.
You don’t need a deck to create a relaxing space for lounging and entertaining. Laying down pea gravel is a budget-friendly way to define a patio area. The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a simple patio using peastone with a granite cobble edging. The patio sits adjacent to the residence and is bordered by lawn, vegetable garden beds, and a cairn rock water feature. (via Skyline Landscapes)
24. Create A Cozy Nook.
If your backyard patio gets a lot of sun, then a shade structure such as a pergola will help, as it will also define the space. The curtains are hung from a rod system, allowing them to be open or closed as needed for additional sun protection and privacy. The hanging chair is the Zara Pod Chair; a similar hanging chair can be found on Amazon. Add a movable bar cart for convenience and entertaining. (via MASSIMO interiors)
25. Build A Fireside Retreat.
Create an intimate outdoor gathering space with a built-in fire pit. This fire pit has a 3′-6″ inner diameter with a 5′-6″ outside diameter, as the cap is 1′-0″ wide. It is about 16″ above the patio. The cap is Colorado Buff Sandstone from Lyons, Colorado. This is a round 5′ diameter outside with a 3′ diameter inside, making the width of the cap about 12″. For the flooring, the stained concrete is a Davis Color – San Diego Buff in a ‘sandscape’ exposed texture. It was sealed with a penetrating translucent sealer. (via Phase One Landscapes)
27. Add a Bistro Set.
Perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks, a small bistro set makes even the smallest patios feel luxurious and functional. Layer an outdoor rug to help define the space and give it an indoor-outdoor feel. (via @s.u.s.a.p / Instagram)
27. Relaxing Garden Escape.
Create a cozy sitting area surrounded by lush greenery. Add a few outdoor furnishings, lanterns, and string lights for ambiance. The outdoor rattan furnishings were sourced from Kasanova. Similar can be found at World Market. (via @s.u.s.a.p / Instagram)
28. Add An Inflatable Pool.
This New York City apartment was completely revamped, with just an 800-square-foot backyard. Spending just $500, this backyard oasis got a major upgrade! A garden surrounds the small patio area, with rugs defining the inflatable pool area. This backyard patio includes a Devoko outdoor patio furniture set, a green-and-white striped Minnidip umbrella, and an inflatable pool for cooling off from the hot summer sun. (via @meganzietz / Instagram)
29. Add A Colorful Rug.
Define your outdoor patio space with an area rug, such as this Monstera Jade Rug sourced from Ruggable (machine-washable rug). The outdoor furniture is from @article. (via @jcdesign1.1 / Instagram)
30. Add An Umbrella.
Black, white, and plants! Create a cozy backyard oasis for relaxing and entertaining with a small furniture set and outdoor string lights for ambiance. The fire table was sourced from Home Depot. An umbrella provides shade to this sunny backyard space. (via @brimoysa / Instagram)
31. Add A Cozy Fireplace.
Create a covered backyard patio and arrange furnishings around a fireplace focal point for a warm and cozy oasis that can be enjoyed throughout the year. (via @houseliftdesign / Instagram)
32. Swinging Patio Sanctuary.
This backyard patio offers a serene sanctuary, featuring a simple concrete pad accented with a textured area rug. A pergola helps to add shade and define the space, creating a feeling of intimacy. A swing bench and a hanging chair add a playful touch to this oasis, along with a pair of ottomans that can also double as seating. The fire feature can be found at Target. The addition of string lights will help to set the mood. (via @lifebyleanna / Instragrm)
33. Budget-Friendly Design.
This small apartment patio was redecorated for just under $400, featuring an egg chair from the @betterhomesandgardens collection at Walmart, a Moroccan pouf from @tjmaxx, and a rug from @safavieh. On the wall is a macramé sourced from Amazon. (via @karachildressinc / Instragrm)
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