25 Small Backyard Patio Ideas That Make A Big Impact

Time for a makeover.

Maximizing a compact space like a small patio can be tricky. It usually ends up not just being underutilized, but entirely under-appreciated. We get it. There are lots of questions: What are my top priorities? Will I overcrowd it? How do I add something unique?

Outdoor spaces are meant to be enjoyed, so we’ll let you in on a little secret: Small spaces often have the most potential. All you need is a little inspiration. Here, you'll find ideas for covered patios and detached spaces alike to help bring your small backyard patio to life this season.

Related: 71 Porch And Patio Design Ideas You'll Love All Season

Lay a Brick Patio

Keep it simple with a brick patio that can easily transform into various outdoor entertaining set ups from a simple sit down dinner or garden party to afternoon tea and relaxation.

Related: This Couple Turned House Plan 1825 Into Their Lakefront Dream Home

Kick Your Feet Up

Comfortable wicker furniture provides a space to relax, rain or shine, on this covered patio while a fireplace creates the opportunity for year-round usage. To create a seamless connection from the sunroom inside, the patio is painted the same color (Benjamin Moore’s Linen White) with a classic haint blue shade on the ceiling.

Related: Step Inside A 1920s Texas Home That's Filled With Meaningful Art And Family Treasures

Make it Work

Could you use a project space more than a patio? Turn it into one. A galvanized sink always comes in handy, whether as a potting station or a place to wash your dog.

Create a Tiki Bar

This poolside patio is complete with a simple, covered outdoor bar. Collected vintage rum bottles play up the island vibe while a sink and under counter ice maker provide extra functionality.

Related: This Caribbean-Inspired 1920s Home In West Palm Beach Is Bursting With Color

Swing It

There are few things quite as Southern as a porch swing. Swaying the day away is even more tempting when paired with a bench-turned side table, basket of essentials, and warm rug underfoot.

Related: The 14 Best Porch Swings Of 2024

Hang String Lights

Don't let a lack of lighting be the reason you don't properly enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Here, strands of lights hung above the patio create an inviting atmosphere for grilling out and dining.

Related: 10 Outdoor String Light Sets from Amazon That Will Transform Your Porch

Go Green

As it turns out, all you need to create your own magical getaway is an iron pergola and a canopy of wisteria, which envelopes you in the very best way. (Not to mention, keeps the sun out of your eyes.)

Build a Fire Pit

A casual outdoor gathering space for family and friends is always a bonus, especially when it's outfitted with a cozy fire pit. From cocktails to s'mores, you can enjoy a fire pit patio year round.

Related: 2020 Idea House: A Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Hideaway

Lay Down Stone

Turn an unused part of the yard into a permanent entertaining-ready space. Light-colored pavers compliment the home's color palette while creating a distinct and established feel.

Lounge in Color

We believe covered patios are nothing if not an opportunity to add an unexpected color. Paint a playful shade on the ceiling, then incorporate complementary accessories and neutral furniture to balance it out.

Lean into Nature

You don't need pavers or brick to create an inviting patio. This rustic version is simple yet inviting thanks to the large dining table. Add string lights or candles to elevate the space.

Establish an Outdoor Kitchen

Why just have a grill when you can create an entire outdoor kitchen? With a sink big enough for washing dishes, storage to keep pots and dining essentials, and an overhanging roof to protect from the rain, this stone patio is a fully functioning outdoor kitchen. Plus, it keeps all the mess outside!

Related: 15 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For Outstanding Al Fresco Entertaining

Put it on the Shelf

The possibilities are endless with a simple shelf. Turn it into a gardening station, a bar, a spot for all the citronella candles you burn in the summer, and more. The best part: It doesn’t take up any of your ground space.

Build an Arbor

Add height and definition while keeping the patio open and airy with an arbor. The structure is beautiful on its own, but even more so with some climbing flowers and a lantern or two.

Take a Seat

Even in the tiniest of spaces, you can usually fit an iconic bistro set—which just so happens to be foldable so you easily clear the space as needed.

Stripe Away

Make a statement from the ground up by painting or staining stripes onto your decking. It's a much more playful and longer-lasting alternative to an outdoor rug and easier to accomplish with less square footage.

Create a Botanical Oasis

Surround your patio with beautiful greenery and classic plantings like blue hydrangea blooms for an inviting al fresco dining space.

Go Bold

Combining patterns and colors, like these geometric green cushions with rainbow throw pillows and pale blue siding, breathes life into even the smallest spaces.

Sit Back and Relax

While we love screened-in porches in the South, sometimes it's nice to soak in springtime sunshine or light a fire on crisp fall evenings which is when a patio makes more sense. Be sure to outfit your stone patio with comfortable seating.

Related: Peek Inside An Alabama Backyard Retreat Built For Embracing Nature

All Grown Up

Growing the garden of your dreams doesn’t have to take up the patio or lawn if you have siding to spare. Made of planters hung on a wall, the vertical garden is exactly what it sounds like—and a fantastic way to maximize your backyard.

Make (A Dining) Room

Who doesn’t like to dine al fresco? Half of this narrow porch is dedicated to a teak dining set, thoughtfully chosen to keep the space from looking crowded by complementing the surrounding wood. On the other side is a seating area to keep the conversations flowing after dinner.

Fire Away

Petite patio or cozy corner? We’ll let you decide. Invite loved ones to curl up by the fire, a focal point for everyone to gather around, even on cold winter nights.

Add Style

Those more focused on fashion rather than function can channel their inner magazine stylist by creating a vignette. A vintage pitchfork, trio of lanterns, and metal bucket tell a rustic story along the planter overflowing with petunias, and can also be used for outdoor activities.

Up Your Alley

Make the most of a narrow space with a pebbled path and simple yet effective landscaping. Chairs and a bench are essential, and make it feel even more like your secret hideaway.

Make a Bed

The star of this setup is the bed swing, which creates plenty of seating. If you need more though, just grab the pouf, bench, or garden stool, which fit effortlessly into the small footprint and make it feel more eclectic.

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