20 Small Patio Ideas To Spruce Up Your Backyard Without A Lot Of Space

Sitting on your patio and sipping a glass of wine while recalling the names of the constellations you learned in high school is a great way to unwind after a long day. Or, perhaps you like dancing underneath the stars to recharge your internal battery. But what do you do when your patio falls in the "small" category and threatens your vision? Instead of giving up on your dreams, look for outdoor patio ideas that can revamp your space, even if the square footage is extremely limited. For instance, create a striking, tiny oasis in the midst of your backyard garden or lay down some faux grass before arranging your chairs and tables.

Generally, patios measuring beneath 100 square feet are categorized as small. Although this will limit your options and you probably won't be able to host a lot of guests in your outdoor space, you don't have to remain cooped up indoors, either. Use a few tips and tricks to maximize your small patio space and take charge of the situation. If you need some more inspiration, check out our 20 ideas to spruce up your tiny backyard patio area.

Want something enduring and stunning to serve as the base for your patio? Consider installing a small concrete surface. To begin, choose the right thickness. While 4 inches is a safe bet, don't forget to check your building codes and the required permits. Moreover, consult with an expert to figure out the best course of action for your patio, depending upon your needs and the quality of soil. Expect to shell out anywhere between around $2,000 and 5,000 for a pro, or DIY a concrete patio that'll add style to your yard. Because your space is small, the price for a concrete patio should be on the low end.

Tired of looking at your stone or concrete patio day-in and day-out? Want to enjoy a green yard but possess a black thumb? Get some artificial grass for your yard and roll it out to get your way without breaking a sweat. For instance, you could purchase the Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass on Amazon. Although a little expensive, especially if you opt for a premium-quality faux grass, this option is more budget-friendly than ripping out your old flooring and renovating it. Plus, it's a quick way to prettify your tiny yard and enjoy the feel of grass beneath your toes.

This idea is perfect for homeowners looking to connect with nature from the comfort of their yard. All you have to do is pick a spot surrounded by pretty flowers and bushes and build a patio-like structure in the area. However, if you aren't comfortable pulling out garden beds to build a haven for yourself, use areas where you have just removed all the weeds, considering the contractor gives the green signal. Get earthy- or neutral-toned furniture and furnishings to help the space blend in seamlessly with your precious garden.

If a patio in the midst of blooming plants isn't in the cards for you, style your small patio to incorporate other elements that bring you joy. For instance, blend in gorgeous outdoor features, like a stone fountain or a sculpture, to make your patio stand out. Weave in live plants (or faux ones if maintenance is a problem) between the contemporary features to create a striking design. You may even turn the plants into real-life art pieces by pruning them regularly — just imagine a laughing elephant or a horse galloping into your yard.

Accommodating the varied needs of your partner, kids, and yourself in a small patio might seem impossible. After all, how will you ever fit in the dining table you scored at an estate sale with a comfy couch for your partner to work on their tan? Throw in your kid's desire for a reading nook, and you're bound to disappoint a party or two. Or, so you think. Instead, you can use area rugs to demarcate the small space into multiple zones. You could also use freestanding dividers between the areas, too. But be sure to brush up on your Tetris skills beforehand to nail the look.

Pergolas are an affordable and stylish backyard upgrade that'll let you enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about inclement weather. So, install a compact pergola over your small patio to bask in the shade while feeling the breeze on your skin. Plus, an elegant structure will make your small patio stand out and keep your outdoor furniture protected. Just ensure you choose a pergola that's covered all the way and doesn't feature gaps between the beams. Grow gorgeous climbing plants like roses around the pergola to relax in your slice of heaven.

If you're determined to make the best of what you've got, take inspiration from this fenced-in patio. A few seating options, some colorful throws, and a beautiful rug are enough to make your small patio shine. Moreover, pop in a few plants to add life to the enclosed area. But steer clear of types that grow large fronds or need space as they mature. You'll likely be either staring at the fence or the exterior of your house, but at least you'll have a place to relax in fresh air. Also avoid inviting too many people to your cozy patio or it could get claustrophobic real soon.

Even a very small space can accompany a fire pit surrounded by a few chairs, which will really make your limited square footage both useful and extra cozy. If you eagerly await the arrival of spring and summer to enjoy your patio again, buy an electric or smokeless fire pit to take advantage of the small space year-round. But if you aren't too keen to spend money or like the old-school version better, create a DIY fire pit in your yard with rocks, stones, and bricks.

Turn your small patio into the prime spot for your family to gather around and decompress with a few comfy-looking furniture pieces. These should entice people to sink in and stay. Throw in a swinging chair and a hammock to increase your chances of success. Bonus points if you prettify the space with season-appropriate cut flowers and evergreen plants as well. Outdoor lights and a high-speed fan will only make the space look more inviting. When the temperature drops, drape some throws over the seats to keep their comfy promise intact.

Need an easy way to bring your boho decor full circle? Invest in some high-quality wicker furniture for your small patio. You may want to splurge on these items, since you won't need very many furniture pieces to fill your small space. Wicker furniture is available in multiple styles and designs, so you have your pick of options to match your aesthetic. However, steer clear of natural wicker furniture pieces, since they're best suited for indoors. Go for synthetic resin wicker instead. Since they're made of PVC or polyethylene, they can endure the harsh realities of being positioned outdoors.

If you don't have the space or the budget to accommodate a swimming pool in your yard, add an inflatable hot tub to get the best of both worlds. This will make your small patio more enticing, especially during the hot summer months. Plus, you have the flexibility to deflate the tub and store it in your attic if you need more space on your patio for a large party or gathering. During the extra cold months, you can use the spot that typically houses the hot tub for a portable fire pit or heaters to enjoy your patio whenever the mood strikes.

If your yard barely has any space for a patio (let alone a decent-sized one), you'll have to get crafty and carve a small nook for yourself. Turn a critical eye around your yard and determine areas you might be willing to sacrifice. While it might be tempting to simply plop a few chairs in the grass to claim the areas, build a dedicated patio to prevent your lawn furniture from turning the grass brown. Choose among concrete, stone, or wood options based on your preferences and budget. Finally, sprinkle in a few solar lights to make your patio glow at night.

Do you like solving puzzles and take great pride in beating your personal best time and again? Showcase your love in all its unhinged glory with paver patios. Since paving stones are made of concrete, porcelain, clay, or natural stone, you have the option to pick the ones that rock your boat. But that's not the most interesting part. While time- and effort-intensive, their installation is DIY-friendly. This means you're free to choose the paver patterns that will add interest and texture to your patio. Pavers are the ideal solution for a small patio, since they can easily be customized to fit your space.

Just because your patio isn't the grand structure you always imagined it'd be doesn't mean you have to leave it looking sad. Brighten up the space with lights to chase away the gloomy shadows and make the area emit warm and inviting vibes. Feel free to choose any type of lighting you're comfortable with as long as it's bright enough to illuminate your yard. In case you don't have outlets where you want them, go for weatherproof battery-operated lights instead. Solar lights are a good alternative, too.

This idea is for pros who maintain their work-life balance like they were born to slay the concept. Simply apply the same logic to your yard to figure out the best patio-to-garden ratio and get to work. This means you must consider the importance of both areas and make your move. For instance, if you love gardening but seldom sit outside to enjoy the sun on your face, let your plants have the lion's share of the space — or vice versa. Remember, it'll be expensive and tiring to reverse your decision, so consider all angles before diving off the deep end.

Do you love all things custom and want this to translate to your patio too, no matter how small it is? Decorate your floor with patterned tiles or your space with mosaic furniture. The print, color, and design options for patterned tiles are endless, so be prepared to go down a Pinterest-fueled rabbit hole. You'll also have to choose one pattern over the hundreds you add to your board, so let your ruthless side shine. Want to create bespoke furnishings, too? Avoid spending your hard-earned money and reuse the broken dishes in your home to DIY a mosaic table.

In case you're craving a taste of the outdoors and your work from home setup makes you feel like you're chained to your desk, get a spare chair and table for your yard and save a few measly square feet for yourself. Of course, you'll need a sturdy base to avoid traumatizing the grass underneath. The simple move will make your home office more interesting. Plus, now you'll be able to participate in the my-office-for-the-day trend on a regular basis and let loose once you're done or need a break.

Don't have enough space to spare for a chair and table? Hang a hammock instead. This way, you won't have to worry about buying a comfortable seat or prettifying your existing table. Additionally, you can work and relax in the hammock whenever you want. Moreover, if you lack perfectly placed trees for your hammock, try TikTok's woodworking DIY. Win-win-win! However, there's one disadvantage of this idea: the hammock can comfortably hold only one person at a time, unless you spring for a double or extra-large version.

This small patio idea is perfect for you if you like hosting your friends and family. Arrange your furniture in such a way so that all the pieces face each other to foster communication. Think of it as a square-shaped arrangement where the person facing you will be your conversation partner for the day or night. To keep the design interesting, pick your seating options, rugs, and other decorative items with care. If you're really limited on space but want to include extra seating, try adding outdoor poufs or ottomans.

Finding it difficult to get time off work or wrangle your partner and child's schedule to take that coveted trip to the Amalfi Coast? Embrace Amalficore to bring a summer coastal look to your patio. Fill your small patio with vibrant plants (choose good-quality faux ones if you identify as a black thumb), earthy hues (neutrals and pastels work, too!), and textured furniture, including wood and rattan. Go the extra mile by housing your precious plants in terracotta pots and picking coastal style covers for your throw pillows. Don't forget to add a string of lights to set a romantic tone.