Residential Firepit & Seating Wall
Inspiration for a small transitional backyard brick patio remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and no cover

San Luis Obispo Woodland Garden

Erik Jones Landscaping

Backyard patio with large flagstone pieces. Irish moss, blue star creeper, scotch moss, and mini mondo grass are a few of the plants growing between the stones. This yard has over 60 Japanese Maples and lots of ferns and other shade plants Erik Jones

West Coast English Retreat

Verde Fine Gardens

Photo by Samantha Robison
Small transitional backyard stone patio photo with a pergola

Sandy House- Outdoor Shower

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: 41 Degrees North Construction, Inc. Landscape Architect: Wild Violets (Landscape and Garden Design on Martha's Vineyard) Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

Thigpen Residence

Chris Corbett Design

Neil Michael - Axiom Photography
Inspiration for a small modern courtyard shade patio remodel in Sacramento

Contemporary Patio

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago with a fire pit and a pergola

Granite Kitchen & Granite Fire Pit

Granite Huggers

Patio - small craftsman backyard stone patio idea in Dallas with a fire pit and no cover

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Small backyard stone patio fountain photo in DC Metro with no cover

A Midsummer Night's Dream in Mechanicsville

Outdoor Dreams

Patio - small rustic backyard concrete paver patio idea in Richmond

East Dallas Minimalism

AquaTerra Outdoors

This recessed, wood burning fire pit is a great destination to hang out with friends and family on a cool fall evening. Photography Credit: Wade Griffith

Zelkind Residence

Revive Landscape Design

Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography
Patio kitchen - small contemporary backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in San Diego with no cover

Chicago Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

Trellis & Firepit Area - North View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Small trendy backyard patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Laurelhurst Garden

Howells Architecture + Design

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Oriflamme Gas Fire Table with Outdoor Furniture

Heikke Nielsen

The Oriflamme Hammered Copper gas fire pit includes a metal lid, fire glass and a propane tank. Not only is this gas fire table beautiful, it is also functional with its unique height and burner style that allows this table to sit at standard coffee table height and burn up to 64,000 btus with the hidden propane tank or up to 90,000 BTUs with natural gas. This gas fire pit is truly unique and sets itself apart from the rest.

4th Street Townhouse, Park Slope

Harper Design Build

Small trendy backyard stone patio photo in New York with a pergola

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Patio kitchen - small industrial backyard brick patio kitchen idea

Firepit

Embassy Landscape Group

concrete pavers, flower pots, retaining wall, lake view
Example of a small classic backyard concrete paver patio design in Kansas City with a fire pit and no cover

Clay Street

LANDIBLE | landscape architecture

Photo by Mary Muszynski
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in San Francisco with no cover and a fire pit

Small Patio Ideas

Having a small patio doesn’t have to be a negative — a compact area is ideal for creating a cozy and intimate outdoor retreat. Of course, you’ll have to use space wisely, but with carefully selected furniture, plants and decor, your small backyard will be full of charm. While you search for small patio ideas for your home, keep the following design tips and guidelines in mind.

1. Pick One Function and Run With It

When considering your patio design, it’s often best to choose one purpose for your backyard, whether it’s planting a garden, having a dining space or a spot to read and lounge.

2. Hang a Hammock or Swing Chair

Even if your patio is on the very small side, you can hang a hammock or swing chair and create your own private nook.

3. Potted Plants Galore

If you live in an apartment, you may not be able to plant your own garden. Not to worry — simply arrange as many potted and hanging plants around your patio as possible for a lush garden escape.

4. French Bistro Dining Set

You can still dine in your small outdoor patio with a petit bistro-style dining set. Whether you’re having a summer breakfast or some evening drinks, you’re sure to enjoy the old-fashioned charm.

5. Add Some Shade

One of the easiest ways to add a cover to your patio is with a shade sail, which can be attached to your roof, a tree or a fence to create a cool spot. Alternatively, you can plant lush and leafy vines around a wooden pergola or arbor.

6. Hang String Lights

Good lighting is key in a small backyard, and will make the space inviting for intimate get-togethers in the evening. Set a festive mood by hanging string lights across your yard.

7. Install a Water Feature

Adding a fountain, bird bath or trickling water feature is an ideal small patio decorating move, as it doesn’t have to take up much room, but goes a long way in creating a serene and relaxing backyard.

8. Add a Fire Pit

Ambiance, warmth, backyard s’mores — with all this a fire pit can add quite a lot to any outdoor space.

9. Incorporate Color

If you’re in need of some budget-friendly small patio ideas, simply add comfort and color to your yard with vibrant throw pillows or an outdoor rug.

10. Enjoy a Cozy Couch

Having an outdoor sofa in your yard will instantly make the space feel more inviting. If you have limited room, opt for an outdoor loveseat and a lounge chair or two.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a small patio renovation or are building a designer patio from scratch, Houzz has 10,860 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet and Krueger Architects. Look through patio pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a small patio design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful small patio photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.