Tap into easy breezy backyard patio decor that will inspire your new vision for the perfect summer patio. Explore captivating looks and favorite summer products that will take your outdoor small outdoor space to a new level. These are 10 of our very best backyard small patio ideas for the summer.
Listed here are favorite featured products that we hope will inspire your look. If you decide to make a purchase through any links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
1: CREATE A cozy seating SEATING AREA
Get up close and cozy with a handful of elements. Make a small space truly shine with elegant sitting area topped with all the trimmings: a cozy throw blanket and soft cushions. The look of wood framing and rattan on this patio seating adds a beautiful earthy look. Neutral cushions add flare and style with soft muted colors.
Smaller couches like loveseats make perfect seating options for small patios with limited space. The combination woven and bamboo patio furniture featured above is designed with rounded edges giving the feel of elegant yet compact furniture.
Thinking about the shape and design of your outdoor furniture can help any small patio feel visually bigger when selecting the right pieces that add character without the clutter. The straight-edged wood coffee table is another great example of this. It has clean slim lines with a rustic wood finish. The perfect combination of earthy and contemporary all at once.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
SAND & STABLE
Halstead Couch
AT WAYFAIR
WEILAICHENG
Striped Pillow Cover
AT WAYFAIR
WEST ELM
Plank Coffee Table
AT WEST ELM
2: USE A FIRE PIT AS A FOCAL POINT
Choose a fire pit that has a bit of style and design to it. A cozy fire pit in the center of the seating area will add the feel of an outdoor fireplace. Note how this rounded stone fire pit has a simple yet attractive design that instantly introduces warmth. Neutral grayish-brown rattan patio seating offers ample comfort with a mix of couches and armchairs. The slate-like stone inspired colors are soft and neutral exuding an air of tranquility.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
LARK MANOR
Grey Patio Seating
AT WAYFAIR
BETTER HOMES & GARDENS
Round Fire Pit
AT WALMART
ARLMONT & CO.
Cantilever Umbrella
AT WAYFAIR
3: Incorporate a coffee table
Another one of my favorite small backyard patio ideas is the addition of a coffee table. An outdoor patio coffee table adds the element of welcoming to any space. An outdoor table creates a place for cocktails and conversations to unfold as your guests enjoy a nibble and nosh in the cool al-fresco air… Here crisp white patio seating sets the backdrop for elegant accents like a round coffee table and a dark woven jute outdoor rug.
Dress simple muted white colors with throw pillows and throw blankets to wake up your space while amplifying the comforting feeling of any outdoor area. Choose patio furniture made with durable outdoor fabric that can withstand the elements and care for it by covering when not in use (or when expecting severe weather).
STYLE IT YOURSELF
CRATE AND BARREL
Walker 2 Piece Chaise Sectional
AT CRATE AND BARREL
CB2
Terrazzo Outdoor Coffee Table
AT CB2
CRATE AND BARREL
Chatou Ink Black Stripe Throw Pillow
AT CRATE AND BARREL
4: outdoor rugs tie it all together
Just like the above title states, a rug really does tie a room together and your outdoor patio space is no exception. Adding an area rug outdoors is another great design element on our list of backyard small patio ideas. See how this beautiful rattan outdoor rug creates a stylish frame for all the other elements in the space to connect. It helps any small small patio space truly embody the idea of an outdoor living room.
The chairs and the coffee table all fit nicely together with touches of natural materials: rattan, wood, and the look of grey or taupe colored wicker furniture. Note how the woven pattern of the jute rug doesn’t compete with the straight line pattern of the wooden deck. With great furniture and the right accents, they all become one creating a beautiful patio space.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
BIRCH LANE
Gabor Patio Chair Set with Cushions
AT WAYFAIR
HIGHLAND DUNES
Lin Flatweave Jute/Sisal Rug
AT WAYFAIR
LATITUDE RUN
Sabatio Acacia Outdoor Coffee Table
AT WAYFAIR
5: Patio String LightS Add warmth and ambiance
Another way to style and inviting space is through outdoor lighting. Lanterns, candles, and especially the use of outdoor string lights all make easy ways to crank up the coziness as you prepare to bring indoor living outside for the summer. If you have a covered patio, it’s even easier to attach string lights to create instant ambient lighting. Pair warm orbs or lanterns with round globe string lights to style a cozy yet cohesive look.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
ALLEN + ROTH
Outdoor Incandescent Globe String Lights
AT LOWES
WILLA ARLO INTERIORS
Kingsbridge Glass Globe Lamp
AT WAYFAIR
BAY ISLE HOME
Corbridge Bamboo Outdoor Patio Daybed
AT WAYFAIR
6: Vertical Garden
Incorporating the look of a living wall adds a touch of fresh greenery to any outdoor space. Here clay pots are mounted throughout the back patio wall to bring the freshness and foliage of the summer garden directly into the patio space. Living walls are both visually stunning and useful! Fill your pots with fragrant herbs like lavender or rosemary to use in any recipes you like (they’ll also make the space smell divine).
Note how a pop of color is achieved on this concrete patio with colorful cushions that add a bit of blue. The theme is continued with the addition of a blue outdoor rug and a throw blanket with a hint of blue. Blueish-purple hydrangeas in the far left corner nod back to the colors in the space.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
WILLIAM SONOMA
Copper Wall Planter
AT WILLIAM SONOMA
POTTERY BARN
Westport Wicker Outdoor Sofa
AT POTTERY BARN
POTTERY BARN
Belinda Floral Printed Outdoor Throw Pillow
AT POTTERY BARN
7: Add A Water Feature
The list of backyard small patio ideas wouldn’t be complete without a water feature! The cool refreshing feel of a water feature adds so much character and style to any outdoor patio space. It can be something as simple as a bubbler fountain or a self-standing floor fountain made of stone.
Outdoor patio fountains add a calming sense of tranquility that only the soft sound of water can achieve. The modern look of natural stone also also adds a cool clean look to any space. Water features can also be further highlighted with ambient lighting at night creating yet another stunning focal point for your small backyard patio.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
CAMPANIA INTERNATIONAL
Arroyo Fountain
AT WAYFAIR
AUGUST GROVE
Evita Fountain
AT WAYFIAR
GARDENIQUE
Serenity Fountain
AT WAYFAIR
8: OUTDOOR DINING TABLES ELEVATE THE SPACE
There’s no better way to bring the indoors outside than al fresco dining. Create the light feel of open fresh air dining with a small or compact dining table set that fills a corner of the space. A hightop bistro style set is perfect when you need a small table for a smaller outdoor living space. Its vertical, taller design also has a slimming visual effect making it seem uncluttered and neat.
This leaves more space for areas dedicated to lounging and relaxing. You can get the most out of your backyard small patio space by planning the different areas that you’ll use for entertaining. A fire pit area, a lounge area, and if space allows, a dining area. Let your space multi-task for you so you can really get the most out of it. If possible, frame the space with colorful summer foliage by dotting with simple stone container gardens at far corners and edges.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
HAMPTON BAY
Haymont Bistro Set
AT THE HOME DEPOT
NULOOM
Diamond Helix Rug
THE HOME DEPOT
LATITUDE RUN
Pot Planter
AT WAYFAIR
9: Bring on the relaxation with Lounge Chairs
When possible if the floor space allows, it’s always a nice touch to include chaise style lounge chairs as part of your outdoor furniture set up. This is especially great for a small patio near a pool area. It’s also a nice idea if you simply have a small bright sunlit patio where you might enjoy taking in some sun with a tall glass of cold lemonade. Accent your chaise lounge chairs with a colorful cushion or your favorite beach towel.
This is actually one of my favorite best small backyard patio ideas for a tiny outdoor space (like a balcony). Instead of stuffing a furniture set there, choose a slim, modular piece of furniture like this and pair with a cool bar cart and an end table. You’ll achieve a super swank space with just a handful of pieces.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
JOSS & MAIN
Langley Wicker Chaise Lounge
AT WAYFAIR
SUNBRELLA
Sunbrella Green Outdoor Pillow
AT CRATE AND BARREL
BAY ISLE HOME
Kitts Floral Indoor/Outdoor Rug
AT WAYFAIR
10: Jazz up your small patio with a stylish Bar Cart
Make no mistake, a small backyard space is always a great place to set up a stylish bar cart! Refreshments are at your fingertips while guests are happy to self-serve as they continue their engagements and conversations in the same space. It’s also sooooo much easier for you, the host, when entertaining.
If well stocked, you’ll have everything you need at arm’s reach and lessen your trips back and forth from the kitchen. Don’t forget to give your bar cart a little personality by choosing fun bottles to display, great glassware, and of course, essentials like fresh ice, tongs, cocktail napkins, and garnishes ready to go.
STYLE IT YOURSELF
HOUSE OF HAMPTON
Stallings Metal Bar Cart
AT WAYFAIR
CRATE AND BARREL
Bash Gold Beverage Tub
AT CRATE AND BARREL
CRATE AND BARREL
Boozy Brunch Set
AT CRATE AND BARREL
I hope these small backyard small patio ideas inspire you to craft the very perfect look for your very own space this summer! There’s no better way to bring the indoors outside than the perfect patio set up!
Don’t forget about the garden either! Get those flower pots ready with these unique container gardening ideas. While you’re at it, set up the front porch with beautiful planters too when you try these ideas for front outdoor planters.
