30 Small Backyard Ideas to Maximise Your Space

Pocket backyards are common in suburban communities and inner city lots, however there are many things you can do to make the most out of your tiny yard space. Here are 30 awesome ideas that will transform your backyard into a comfortable, functional and impressive space for outdoor entertaining.

1. Trim Trees

When shopping for your shrubbery, be savvy and select upward growing trees. Green giant arborvitae, magnolia, cherry, maples, Persian Ironwood, and even bamboos can attractively line up your backyard, give you shade, and provide fresh air without taking a lot of space.

2. Murphy Picnic Set

Enjoy meals al fresco with a hideaway picnic set that you can fold up when not in use.

3. Side Gardening

Line your fencing with side gardens and leave the centre of your yard open. This format will create the illusion of space.

4. A White Backyard

Light colours give the illusion of space. White walls, furniture, and light hued plants create a cool and airy backyard.

5.The Skinny Pool

Who says swimming pools are limited to large backyards? A narrow lap pool is a great addition to a small backyard.

6. Mosaic Pathway

Introduce colour and shape into your backyard with a detailed mosaic pathway.

7. A Grassy Nook

Segment a portion of the yard to grow a lush patch of grass to relax on.

8. Vertical Box Gardening

Don’t let the lack of space stop you from creating floral garden beds. Vertical box gardens are popular throughout smaller spaces.

9. Water Feature

A unique and striking water feature will add a strong focal point to your backyard, de-emphasising the size restrictions of your yard.

10. Clean and Modern

Even the tiniest yard can be transformed into a comfortable outdoor nook. Introduced a minimalist aesthetic to your backyard with simple planters, cultivated plants and lean benches.

11. Corner Seating Hub

Create the illusion of a wider space by strategically placing your features in one corner of the backyard and leave the rest of the area open.

12. Diamond Pavers

Bring in some drama and depth into your pathways with diamond patterned pavers.

13. Plant Contouring

Keep in mind the shape of your garden when choosing plants. This vibrant cluster has the right height, complementing shapes, and a variety of delightful colour.

14. Classic Symmetry

You can never go wrong with the classic symmetrical garden plan.

15. Bricked

Give your backyard character and colour with brickwork. The warm red seen in brick flooring vividly contrasts against vibrant greenery, creating a lush mini forest.

16. Terrace Gardening

Fill every nook and cranny of your backyard with a terraced garden. Using timber framing helps to add a more rustic vibe.

17. Cultured Pergolas

Add a romantic quality to your small backyard with a choice of fragrant climbers. Adding a pergola with fragrant climbers like jasmine, roses, wisteria, or sweet peas will transform any yard into a dreamy space.

18. Square Pavers and Gravel

Square pavers and gravel keep the backyard neat and modern. The tandem also perfectly complement wood fencing and decking.

19. Asymmetrical Decking

A long and narrow backyard is ideal for the non-conformist asymmetrical deck plan. Create a nook, install strategic lights, and plant as you go along the length of your backyard.

20. Simply Lush

Transform a sparse backyard into an emerald forest by filling it up with green lush plants.

21. Fire and Water

Stay by the fire on nippy evenings, or take a dip during warm nights. This fire and water themed space is very popular among small backyard ideas.

22. A Live Wall

Rather than planting on the ground, save space by cultivating a live wall.

23. Neat and Squared

Among the popular small backyard ideas, the squared garden design is most suited to people who like order, simplicity, and poise.

24. Lawn and Nook

Love a lawn and a nook in your backyard? This modern backyard plan directly divides the area into two distinct spaces – with a generous side of greens.

25. A Round Patio

Turn a small corner space into an entertainment hub complete with a fire pit, a barbecue grill, table and seats. Keep things organised with a rough round patio.

26. Spa Themed Garden

Go ultra-modern and Zen with a water, wood, and stone garden. Cool and refreshing.

27. Pallet Patio

Creating a fancy backyard doesn’t have to be expensive. Recycled pallets can make a charming and bucolic patio.

28. Wood and Grass

This wood and grass backyard is made interesting with the irregular shapes.

29. Arbour and Swing Set

Add a touch of quaintness and romance to your small backyard by adding an arbour and swing set.

30. Fancy Wicker Furniture

Wicker pieces are timelessly charming. Bring in a fabulous and delightful wicker furniture to complete your backyard.

Do you have any sensational small backyard ideas that we haven't covered? Why not discuss it on our RenoForum!