Brilliant Ways To Make Your Small Backyard Look Bigger On A Budget

If you live in a home with a small backyard, you may feel like there isn't anything you can do about it. And, while it may be true that you can't wave a magic wand and suddenly have more space, that doesn't mean that you're completely out of options. With a little creativity, a few supplies, and a small dose of patience, you can make the most of your small backyard by creating the illusion that it's bigger than it actually is. 

Not only will these ideas help you transform your small space, but they will teach you how to do it without spending a lot of money. Whether you choose one idea to incorporate into your yard or want to try a few, your space is going to look and feel amazing. Keep reading to learn about some great ways you can make your backyard look bigger without breaking the bank.

Since gardens tend to take up a decent amount of space, people with smaller backyards may run into two issues: feeling like they simply don't have enough space, or squeezing a garden into their yard and feeling like there's no space for anything else. Fortunately, a traditional garden isn't the only option. If you aren't working with a lot of room but still want to give your green thumb a chance to shine, a vertical garden could be the answer you're looking for. As the name suggests, vertical gardens are built in raised beds or pots that are arranged upwards instead of horizontally.

Because they focus on using vertical space, these gardens have a smaller footprint and take up much less of the space in your yard. The vertical design also draws people's eyes upwards, which creates the illusion of added height and depth. Plus, they can help conserve water because the plants help hydrate each other as water drips from one row to the next. On top of that, vertical gardens can also draw hummingbirds to your yard. 

Trees can bring lots of beauty and character to any yard, but they can also take up a lot of space, especially when they have low-hanging branches. Lower foliage can make your yard feel dark and somewhat crowded. But, by trimming those branches, you can make your small backyard look and feel more open. Fewer tree branches will also allow more light to enter your yard. Plus, you may also be able to repurpose the branches as home decor. 

Before deciding which branches in your yard need to go, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Professional tree trimming can be expensive, so in order to keep this tip budget-friendly, you'll need to take care of the branches yourselves. However, experts do not recommend trimming branches on your own if they are large or heavy, near power lines, or the tree appears to be decaying. If your situation allows you to take a DIY approach, use clean shears and trim small branches a few inches from where they join the larger limb.

Mirrors aren't just good for interior design; they can also be a great addition to your small backyard. By strategically placing mirrors in your yard, you can help the area seem larger and more appealing. Mirrors create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. Consider placing one on a fence or any other wall-like surface. Keep in mind that you'll want to position it so it reflects an appealing view of your yard. Since mirrors come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and designs, they could also be a great way for you to express your creativity and incorporate your personality.

Although adding a mirror to your backyard can be a great idea from a design standpoint, you want to look for one designed for exterior use. For example, The Arcus Garden Wall Mirror is made to withstand outdoor elements. It's important to keep in mind that the reflective surface could pose a threat to birds. When a bird sees its own image in your mirror, it may mistake it for a potential threat. This could result in it self-defense instincts kicking in, which may lead to it flying into the mirror. So avoid putting a mirror near a feeder or birdbath.

Adding lights to your backyard isn't just about illuminating the area. It can also have an impact on how big (or small) your yard looks and feels. For example, hanging a product like Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights on a fence can draw your eyes to the outermost borders. You can also add lighting to walkways and paths. Experts also suggest placing lights along the widest points of your yard, noting that this can trick the eye into feeling like the space is larger.

In addition to making your backyard feel more spacious, lighting can also help illuminate areas of your yard that tend to get darker than others. This helps make your entire space more visible. Plus, adding lighting can allow you to get the most out of your yard even after the sun goes down.

Landscaping plays an important role in how outdoor spaces look and feel. While you may be tempted to fill your backyard with a variety of plants, shrubs, and flowers, it's important to be mindful of what you choose to incorporate. Even though there are lots of beautiful options out there, the reality is that some plants take up more room than others and can ultimately lead to your yard feeling a little cramped and looking overcrowded.

Instead of filling the area with broadleaf plants and shrubbery that has larger leaves and may grow outward, think about mixing in some pieces that grow upward. Experts recommend shrubs like Clethra Summersweet and Beyond Midnight Bluebeard. However, it's important to consider what kinds of plants can thrive in your geographical area. You should also consider how much maintenance your landscaping will need to ensure that you'll be able to keep it up.

You might already be aware that sightlines are important to home design, but did you know that they can be equally important in your yard? To put it simply, a sightline is an imaginary line from a person's eye to what they can see. For example, seeing your backyard gate from your back door could be considered a sightline.

When sightlines are obstructed, it can give the impression that a space is smaller than it really is. For that reason, it's important to be mindful of the way your yard is designed to ensure that you're keeping them clear of bulky plants, shrubs, or other objects. For instance, trim bushes that are spilling over and obstructing the path to your back gate, shape the large hydrangeas that are blocking a portion of the garage entryway, and remove the bushy potted plants that are making it difficult to go up and down your stairs.

One of the cool things about sightlines is that they aren't necessarily permanent. If you're not happy with any of the sightlines in your backyard, you may be able to rearrange things to produce a cleaner and more visually appealing look.

Dividing up a small space may feel like a counterintuitive way to make it feel bigger. However, constructing distinct areas can actually be a great way to make your yard feel a little less cramped. That's because creating different sections can trick the eye into looking at each area individually instead of quickly seeing the entire yard at once. 

Dividing up your yard might sound like a time-consuming and expensive project, but the good news is that it doesn't have to be. There are lots of simple and affordable ways you can break up your space, such as rearranging furniture to create a nice sitting area or adding decorative barriers like FENCY's Metal Freestanding Privacy Screen. On top of helping your yard look a little more spacious, creating well-defined sections can also make your outdoor space even more functional.

On the surface, the goal of a pathway is to guide people through a space. However, they can also serve another purpose. Incorporating pathways into a small yard can create the perception of more space. For instance, if your yard is narrow, you may want to add pathways that curve. These will encourage people's eyes to move back and forth across the yard, visually expanding the width of the space. Another space-enhancing strategy is using a diagonal layout. These paths can stretch the longest length of the yard, from corner to corner, encouraging the eye to scan the full expanse. 

When it comes to adding pathways, you'll want to determine what kind of design is best based on the shape and size of your yard. Depending on how much time you have and how comfortable you are with DIY projects, you can really put your own spin on the design. Some people may choose to build elaborate pathways out of stone or concrete, while others may prefer to make them using mulch or gravel. You can even repurpose old bricks to create a beautiful backyard path.