These backyard ideas for small yards will let you maximize your space in no time. Check out which projects you can tick off your list!
Backyard Ideas For Small Yards: Fun & Functional Picks
Feeling challenged thinking about backyard ideas for small yards? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered on this one. Here are my tips and tricks to make the most of your backyard space– without skimping on fun and functional factors.
1. String Lights

One of the ways to make a space look bigger is to draw the eye up, which is exactly what these string lights do. Instead of maintaining the focus on the size of your backyard, the string lights keep your gaze in a more vertical perspective, letting you notice how the space above wasn’t forgotten.
2. Tiered Herb Garden

Height truly is one of the key secrets when it comes to making the most of the small spaces. This tiered herb garden is a testament to this. Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing, but it also occupies less space. By the way, you can opt to put the tiered herb either along your house or at any corner of the backyard.
Tip: If you don’t have any boards available, you can use old crates and stack them up instead.
3. Fire Pit Lounge Area

Rearrange your lounge chairs to surround the fire pit. That way, it’ll be easier for everyone to gather around and talk. I’ve found that keeping most chairs together allows for a more central conversation — a must for intimate get-togethers.
4. Glow In The Dark Rocks

Don’t let your small backyard stop you from doing a little DIY project of glow in the dark rocks. I’ve found it best to lay the painted rocks in sunny areas. That way, they can recharge during the day and show off their magnificent glow at night.
Tip: I like lining my pathway with the glow in the dark rocks. That way, it follows a certain pattern and doesn’t crowd my backyard.
5. Mini Pond

Who says you need a huge backyard to have a pond? You can DIY one with this tutorial — it’ll even hold a fish or two. Just make sure there aren’t any stray cats around.
Tip: Prevent the soil from rising by putting a layer of rocks on top.
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6. Chalkboard For The Kids

Make your backyard more kid-friendly by painting a chalkboard for the little ones. I’d suggest keeping the chalk either inside the house or inside an outdoor cabinet, though. I mean, you wouldn’t want those getting wet under the rain, right?
7. Mini Putt

Practice your mini putt skills with this DIY putting green. One of the ingenious tricks I love about this project is how a hose was used to help mark the design of the putting green. It’s such a simple idea and yet so smart!
8. Outdoor Tic Tac Toe

Play a game of outdoor tic tac toe with the family. You could even have the tic tac board painted on a bench or table located in the backyard. That way, the kids could play against each other while you prep the barbecue ready.
9. Hopscotch Garden Path

Let your kids play a good old game of Hopscotch. You’ll soon realize they won’t notice the size of the backyard, as long as they’re having fun. Be sure to keep an eye on the kids as they play.
Tip: You can choose either chalk or paint to mark the numbers for Hopscotch. I recommend using the latter, as the numbers will stay on longer.
10. Dwarf Fruit Trees

Don’t ever let anyone say you can’t grow anything in your small backyard. These dwarf trees grow smaller than ordinary trees yet still produce regular sized fruit. Did I mention they also bear fruit faster than normal trees? Win win!
Tip: I recommend placing the trees along the edges of your backyard to maximize space.
11. Bird Bath
Birds will be flocking to your garden this Spring when you DIY a bird bath for them. They’ll definitely appreciate it on a sunny day.
Tip: Don’t forget to dig a hole to secure your bird bath. Once you’ve placed the bird bath in position, cover the base with the soil you’ve dug up from the hole.
12. Tin Can Flower Pots

Tin cans are another way to store your lovely backyard plants. If you paint the cans in bright colors, I guarantee it will make your backyard look so much happier.
13. Fairy Garden

Create a garden within a garden — a mini one that is. The best part is you can ask your kids to help you decorate with their toys. Also, don’t forget to put different types of plants to add texture and more colors to your fairy garden.
14. Diagonal Stone Paving

Trick eyes into thinking a small yard is larger by laying stone paving in a diagonal manner. It works because laying the stones out diagonally give an illusion of length in the yard.
15. Create Levels

Make your backyard look spacious and cozy with a presence of different levels. Integrating this design space will also give a sense of “bigness” to your backyard.
16. Add A Garden Mirror

A mirror is one of the oldest tricks to making a small space seem bigger. Simply position a mirror on a wall facing the center of the yard and you’re good to go.
17. Make A Vertical Planter

Again, the idea is to make the eye focus vertically and not horizontally. Make use of a vertical planter to free up floor space without saying goodbye to your favorite yard plants.
Want more backyard ideas for small yards? Try making a soda bottle garden! Press play below for the full video tutorial:
I sure hope you were able to pick up a few backyard ideas for small yards in today’s roundup! Remember, the size of your backyard shouldn’t hold your creativity down. There is a ton of ways to inject a little fun and functionality to a backyard, no matter how small it may be.
Which backyard ideas for small yards did you like? Tell us in the comments below!
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