Poolside fire pit and barbecue with dining area. Stone limestone pavers with porcelain veneer throughout. Studio H Landscape Architecture
Patio - small contemporary backyard stone patio idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Westgate House

Ken Tanaka Studio

Inspiration for a small modern courtyard concrete paver patio remodel in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Lawler Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

This compact pool maximizes the small backyard with all the features of a larger backyard. Photography: Wade Griffith
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard concrete patio kitchen remodel in Dallas with a pergola

Front Entry Patio Beloit WI

Terra Yard Creations

Front Entry Patio
Example of a small classic front yard concrete paver patio design in Other with no cover

Backyard Sauna and Shower

Alex Crook Photography

Photo by Alex Crook https://www.alexcrook.com/ Design by Judson Sullivan http://www.cultivarllc.com/

Oceanview Properties

Decks by Kiefer LLC

Free-standing pergola with molded columns and overhead lighting, situated within an exterior alcove on a New Jersey beachfront property
Inspiration for a small coastal side yard brick patio remodel in New York with a pergola

Small Backyard Renovation

Water & Earth Landscape Design

Couch view
Inspiration for a small modern backyard brick patio kitchen remodel in Richmond with no cover

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Small Patio

Landscape By Design

Patio - small transitional side yard concrete paver patio idea in Dallas with a fire pit and an awning

Casa Blanca 2

GINA FRAY DESIGN Interiors & Exteriors

Inspiration for a small mediterranean side yard patio remodel in Phoenix

Lake Oswego Craftsman

Chinick Landscaping & Nursery

Design by Candace Chinick. This compact back yard provides privacy, alley driveway access, seasonal color and plenty of greenery to soften the concrete patio.

The Wingood Project

Pratt Guys

This Callahan backyard kitchen features an outdoor brick oven for baking pizza.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Jacksonville with no cover and a fireplace

Naperville Private Residence

CB Conlin Landscapes Inc.

Lower-level reclaimed Purington clay brick patio with natural stone steps, lush shade plantings and vintage street lamp.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Chicago

Westside El Paso Contemporary Outdoor Living

George Ocampo

Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come. Phase II complete...welcome to outdoor entertainment. Movies on the lawn with the family & football season will never be same here. This backyard doubles as an entertainment destination. Cantilever seating, lounging & privacy fence wraps up a party/cozy space. Plenty of room for friends and family

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Patio kitchen - small industrial backyard brick patio kitchen idea in Other

Patios & Walkways

Hoy Landscaping Inc.

A retaining wall can be a superb detail to add when trying to create curb appeal. The natural stone is an easy go-to for naturalistic color and aesthetic.

Hammered Copper Gas Fire Table with Outdoor Furniture

Heikke Nielsen

The Oriflamme Hammered Copper Gas fire table includes metal lid, fire glass and propane tank. http://www.allbackyardfun.com/fire-pit-tables/gas-fire-tables/oriflamme-gas-fire-pit-hammered-copper/

Renovation

Pica Painting & Design LLC

Lewise Salvador
Patio kitchen - small traditional backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in San Francisco with a pergola

Back Patio

B. Jane Gardens

Ryann Ford
Example of a small trendy backyard concrete patio design in Austin with a roof extension

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

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 10,898 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including CB Conlin Landscapes Inc. and George Ocampo. 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.