How to Make Your Small Backyard Amazing for Summer

If you have a tiny backyard, you might think that you can’t enjoy it much during the warm weather. But don’t let the lack of space stop you from creating an outdoor oasis that suits your needs and style. Here are 20 ideas to inspire you to make your small backyard super awesome for summer.

1. Build Your Own Hot Tub

Who says you need a huge yard to have a hot tub? You can make your own DIY spa corner with an inflatable whirlpool hot tub and a wooden deck. Just lower the tub into the deck structure and add some string lights and decorations to make it cozy and inviting.

2. Install a Stock Tank Pool

If you want to cool off in the summer heat, but don’t have room for a regular pool, consider a stock tank pool instead. A stock tank pool is a large metal container that is usually used to water livestock, but can also be converted into a plunge pool. You can find them in different shapes and sizes at farm and ranch stores. A round 8-foot wide tank that is 2 feet tall can hold more than 500 gallons of water.

3. Divide Your Space Into Zones

One way to make your small backyard feel more spacious is to divide it into different zones for different purposes. For example, you can have a dining area, a fire pit area, and a lounge area with chairs facing the sun. This will create a sense of order and flow in your backyard, as well as provide more options for how to use it.

4. Make Furniture Out of Wood Palettes

Finding furniture that fits your small backyard and your budget can be challenging, but you can always make your own out of wood palettes. Wood palettes are cheap and easy to find, and you can use them to build benches, tables, planters, and more. Just add some pillows and cushions on top of the benches to create a comfortable seating area.

5. Choose Moveable Seating Options

Another idea for furnishing your small backyard is to choose seating options that can be easily moved and rearranged as needed. This will give you more flexibility and versatility in how you use your space. For example, you can use stools, ottomans, poufs, or bean bags that can be stacked, stored, or moved around depending on the occasion.

6. Hang a Hammock

A hammock is a classic way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and it doesn’t take up much space at all. All you need are two sturdy points to hang it from, such as trees, posts, or walls. You can choose a hammock that matches your style and color scheme, or go for something more colorful and fun.

7. Add Some Shade

If your small backyard gets too hot and sunny in the summer, you might want to add some shade to make it more comfortable and inviting. There are many options for creating shade in your backyard, such as umbrellas, pergolas, awnings, sails, or curtains. You can also use plants and trees to create natural shade and greenery.

8. Create a Vertical Garden

If you love gardening, but don’t have much horizontal space in your backyard, you can create a vertical garden instead. A vertical garden is a way of growing plants on walls, fences, trellises, or other structures that go up instead of out. You can use a variety of containers, such as pots, baskets, boxes, or bottles, to hold your plants and attach them to your vertical surface. You can grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, or succulents in your vertical garden and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature.

9. Add a Water Feature

A water feature can add a soothing and refreshing element to your small backyard. It can also create a focal point and drown out any unwanted noise from the surroundings. You don’t need a lot of space or money to install a water feature in your backyard. You can use a fountain, a pond, a birdbath, or even a DIY water feature made from a bucket, a pump, and some tubing.

10. Use Mirrors to Create Illusion of Space

A clever trick to make your small backyard look bigger is to use mirrors to create an illusion of space. Mirrors can reflect light and scenery and make your backyard seem more open and airy. You can use mirrors of different shapes and sizes and place them strategically on your walls, fences, or furniture. You can also use mirrored accessories, such as lanterns, trays, or planters, to add some sparkle and shine to your backyard.

11. Use a Rug to Define Your Space

A rug can be a great way to define your space and add some color and texture to your small backyard. A rug can also make your backyard feel more cozy and comfortable, especially if you have a hard or cold surface, such as concrete or tile. You can use a rug to create a separate zone for your seating area, dining area, or play area. You can also use a rug to tie together your furniture and accessories and create a cohesive look.

12. Use Lighting to Create Ambiance

Lighting can make a big difference in how your small backyard looks and feels at night. Lighting can also create a mood and ambiance for your outdoor space, whether you want it to be romantic, festive, or relaxing. You can use different types of lighting, such as string lights, lanterns, candles, or solar lights, to illuminate your backyard and add some charm and character. You can also use lighting to highlight your favorite features, such as plants, water features, or art.

13. Use Multipurpose Furniture

Multipurpose furniture can help you save space and money in your small backyard. Multipurpose furniture is furniture that can serve more than one function, such as storage, seating, or table. For example, you can use a bench that has storage space underneath, a table that can fold up when not in use, or a stool that can double as a side table. You can also use furniture that can be easily moved or stacked when not in use.

Conclusion

Having a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it in the summer. With some creativity and planning, you can transform your tiny outdoor space into an awesome retreat that suits your needs and style. Whether you want to relax, entertain, or play, you can use these 20 ideas to make your small backyard super awesome for summer. You’ll be surprised by how much you can do with a little space and a lot of imagination.