Small Backyard Patio Design Ideas Made Simple

Small Backyard, Big Impact: Patio Design Ideas That Wow

Simple small backyard patio design ideas, planned well, can help any size outdoor patio feel large. When you get outdoors to relax you want a beautiful space no matter how small or large it is. This is after all an added outdoor living space. This article will help you think “out the box” and add personality – not clutter – to your small patio.

Backyard Patio Designs

Small backyard patio design ideas do not have to be complicated or expensive – you can do some great things on a relatively tight budget. Planning your area is the most important place to start.

Make a list of the “must haves” on the patio and then a list of the “would be nice to haves” so it makes designing so much easier. Here are some of the small patio design ideas that you may want to add to your list

Any other ideas I’m missing that would be great to add to my list? Please comment below.

Small Patio Design Ideas Begin With a Blank Canvas.

The first thing you need to do is clear the area completely so that you have a blank canvas to start with. Look at the wall surfaces that you have available to use. See where there are natural boundaries and hard boundaries. Are there any trees hanging over that you could use to your advantage. How much sun and shade is in the area? Note if there are any areas you want to have for a specific purpose, like a coffee station or outdoor wet bar area. Define your relax area. Do you need a table and chairs or just some comfy chairs to lounge on. Are there any areas that need covering or dividing? What lighting is needed in each area or do you have a central light.

Choose a Theme for Your Backyard Patio Space

You may already have an outdoor theme decided if not, choose whether you like busy and bold or minamalistic and simple. Small spaces can look cute and stylish when they are “overdressed” however they can also look cluttered – so be very thoughtful.

Useful Natural Levels, Boundaries and Dividers

Can You Use Levels In Your Patio Design? Stone, gravel and planters make great defining areas. What natural boundaries can you use purposefully to make the area seem interesting? Sometimes a low or retaining wall and be used for seating, planters or “side tables.” Natural trellis dividers can add greenery and charm to any outdoor area.

Outdoor Furniture Choices

Choose your essential pieces of furniture first and then you can fill in after with other pieces once you you see them in your space. Small areas generally cannot handle too much outdoor furniture. If it’s an area for two or three people, comfy chairs are easy to find. For visitors and special occasions use fold away chairs for extra seating. There are so many wooden, steel and canvas options available. Purchase a lift top center table and use it for storage. Another great idea is to add a table with tuck under benches. This does not take up more space than the table surface and can provide movable seating for other occasions.

Patio Lighting Ideas

Outdoor Patio lighting forms the mood for evening entertainment. Here are a few pointers to think about

• String Lights
• Garden Lights
• Overhead Lighting
• Rustic Lighting
• Floor Lights
• Bright Lighting
• Subtle Lights
• Wall Lights
• Standing Lamps or Table Lamps
• Lanterns and Candles

Of course you may need a combination. Decide the areas that need strong lighting and then you can fill in at the end with lanterns and candles or outdoor table lamps. By doing this you will add charm to your outdoor space

Patio Wall Decor – Out the Box Thinking

Your wall decor for you small patio will be very important. Consider adding a mirror and a window box to one section. The beauty of that is that you get double the color and the space feels bigger. If the backyard is shaded and you may be able to reflect more light into the area. It’s a good idea to put the mirror on a wall that reflects garden or outdoors and not into your home. Shelving on the garden walls will give you an opportunity to put pot plants, lanterns, light boxes or ornaments to compliment your theme. It also pulls the yard onto the small patio, without taking up floor space. You could also attach a wall mounted fold out table onto the wall which could give you a desk space, art space or extra table for entertaining.

Pergola and Patio Beams

Use the beams to hang pot plants, stained glass windows, bench swings, wind chimes, bird feeders, outdoor drapes if you need privacy or shade. Open pergolas allow you to add growing summer greenery to shade the patio and in the winter when it dies back you can enjoy the sunshine. Your hanging pot holders could keep your herb garden sharing a gorgeous aroma in a beautiful environment.

Conclusion : Small Backyard Patio Design Ideas

Once you have completed your backyard porch design, take a step back and edit it. Take out unnecessary and bulky items and fill in the spaces to suit your small design needs. The area should feel comfortable and enticing and should be a place to relax and enjoy the outdoor living area