Feeling challenged thinking about backyard ideas for small yards? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered on this one. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your backyard space–without skimping on fun and functional factors. These small backyard garden ideas will let you maximize your space in no time. Find out which project among this list is going to be your most favorite!
Backyard Ideas for Small Yards: Fun & Functional Picks
1. String Lights
One of the simplest ways to make 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 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 your 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, so 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. Choose the perfect spot for your mini pond. Just make sure there aren’t any stray cats around.
Tip: Prevent the soil from rising by putting a layer of rocks on top.
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 toe board painted on a bench or table located in the backyard, so 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 in this DIY backyard makeover. 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. It’s fun to see those little creatures come from nowhere to cool themselves.
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 with bright colors, I guarantee it will make your backyard look so much happier. The painted cans and the colorful flowers make for a unique but affordable addition to your backyard.
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
Looking for backyard designs to make it look bigger? Trick eyes into thinking a small yard is larger by laying stone paving in a diagonal pattern. 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. There’s so much you can do with this kind of setup and space.
16. Add a Garden Mirror
A mirror is one of the oldest tricks in making a small space appear bigger. Placing one in your backyard will amplify the beauty it already has. 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. Place them strategically in certain parts of your backyard and revel at it everytime you pass by.
Want more backyard ideas for small yards? Try making a soda bottle garden! Watch this video below by World Clik for the full video tutorial:
I sure hope you were able to pick a few backyard ideas for small yards in this 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 into a backyard, no matter how small it may be.
Which backyard ideas for small yards are you planning to try? Tell us in the comments section below!
Up Next: 10 Creative Backyard Fence Ideas For Your Next DIY Project
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on April 19, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
