5 Backyard Design Ideas for Small Spaces

If you only have a small outdoor area, styling it can be a challenge. Whether you have a garden, courtyard, terrace, or patio, you need to strike the right balance between design and function, so it’s essential to choose your furniture and decor wisely.

With a bit of creativity, it’s entirely possible to turn your compact backyard into a fun and welcoming area for your family to gather. Below, you’ll find five outdoor design ideas to help you maximise your space and get the most out of your backyard — just in time for summer.

Think vertically

Instead of opting for traditional planter boxes and shrubbery, consider using vertical space for your greenery. For example, small yards are the perfect place for a live plant wall, hanging flower pots, or vertical gardens. With these space-saving options, you can save valuable floor space for furniture while also incorporating nature into your backyard design.

Invest in multi-purpose furniture

It might be tempting to style your outdoor area with a large, statement piece of furniture (like a sun lounger), but you need to be strategic about how you’re using your limited space. Start by thinking about how you’ll primarily use your backyard, whether that’s for outdoor dining, entertaining, or working. From there, invest in versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a dining set that works for eating al fresco and working from home.

Open it up with mirrors and lighter colours

Inside the home, interior designers have several proven tricks for making a small room seem larger. In particular, they often use mirrors and light-coloured paint to reflect light and open up tight spaces. You can apply these simple techniques to your outdoor areas as well, making them seem less cramped.

Make it comfortable for all seasons

The best outdoor spaces are ones that can be used year-round. Make sure that your furniture is designed for all types of weather, including sunny and rainy days. In winter, embrace the cosy nature of your outdoor area by bringing in comfortable touches like a fire pit, plush pillows, and soft blankets.

Use space-saving lighting

Similarly, you’ll need to be smart about your lighting choices in a small backyard or other garden areas. If your space doesn’t have built-in lighting, you can invest in affordable solutions like battery-powered string lights, lanterns, or lamps. It’s a simple addition but an important one to ensure that you can use your outdoor areas at any time of day.

As more people move into inner-city apartments and high rises, small outdoor areas are becoming the norm. Luckily, these five ideas can make your backyard or balcony feel larger than it is, so you can enjoy more time outside.

If you’re thinking about moving and need help creating a beautiful outdoor space, get in touch with the team at Pabs. Our professional property styling are experts in interior and exterior design and can transform your backyard into an attractive space that potential buyers will adore. Call us today on 1300 926 512 or visit the Pabs website to learn more.