Backyard Patio Ideas: 100+ Tricks to Take Your Yard From Drab to Fab

An inviting alfresco living space can add major appeal to your home, especially if you tap into backyard patio ideas to truly transform your outdoor mojo. “The outdoor living rooms and dining rooms carry the interior style to the exterior spaces,” says Susan Skornicka, founding principal of Skornicka Designs in Ross, California.

Adding a firepit, zhuzhing up your pergola with some string lights, and swapping in new patio furniture are just a few examples of how homeowners can update an existing patio area without breaking the bank. You can likely tackle these patio design projects in an afternoon or over a long weekend. No matter your taste or design prowess, we’ve got more than one hundred patio design ideas from landscape architects and designers to take your backyard from drab to fab.

Covered patios for all types of weather

A beautiful space is wasted if you can’t enjoy it, which is where these covered backyard patio ideas come in handy. Adding an attractive cover to your backyard patio can be a smart investment to ensure you, your family, and your guests can enjoy the space year round, no matter what the elements have in store. No one wants to sit in the scorching sun, so anything that creates shades is a win when it comes to patio design. What’s more, a shady spot is what makes relaxing truly possible. Just like you have a reading nook indoors, why not create a little alfresco nook? Constructing or adding a structure that boosts the shade factor will also protect furniture, as the sun’s rays often bleach out wood and disintegrate plastics. Plus, no one wants to sit in a hot tub under the hot sun.

Designers know this, of course, and have shade solutions for any budget and space—from expansive overhangs to shade sails to whimsical outdoor umbrellas that would make Slim Aarons jealous. As with any project, you’ll need to first think of how you want to use the space. Do you want to go big with a gazebo, sunken outdoor living room, or domed ceiling, or would the addition of a few wood timbers, woven shades, or a prefab cover be enough to transform your space? Consider the following ideas for inspiration.

Covered patios afford homeowners the opportunity to play around with materials and textures. Bamboo structures give your space a tropical vibe, but if you add touches of black paint, then you’ve got a modern spin. Affixing outdoor fabric and draperies can help an area feel more enclosed and secluded, thus creating an outdoor extension of your indoor living space. Some designers even use outdoor fabric on the ceiling to create an almost palatial aesthetic. This design can also provide protection from natural elements like rain and wind, which means you won’t have to rush inside when a few drops fall upon your soiree.

For those after a more old-world feel, choose a pergola, a lattice, or a trellis to create a structure for cascading plants—like wisteria, grape vines, or climbing roses—to take hold. These options also allow for dappled sunlight to shine through, so they’re ideal for someone who isn’t looking to entirely block the sun’s rays.

For those looking to save on makeover expenses, look no further than large outdoor umbrellas. They are a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t require a big investment, and actually give you more flexibility since these patio covers are portable. From a design perspective, you’ve got plenty of outdoor umbrella options that fit every style—fringe, tassels, canvas, even outdoor-proof lace—to dress up your patio space. And, umbrellas don’t have to be a one-ond-done addition. A row of evenly spaced umbrellas in the same color or pattern can create a nice sightline, while alternating bold colors and patterns can provide an unexpected touch of whimsy to the right space.

A covered patio can often provide a surface on which to affix creature comforts like a ceiling fan. Fans are also a great way to keep pesky bugs like mosquitos and flies away. What’s more, the hum of the fan’s white noise can drown out disturbances like traffic, lawn mowers, and loud neighbors.

A covered patio often allows for a greater variety of lighting options. Most designers agree that good lighting is essential for any space. Opting for lighting that doesn’t require wiring makes it renter-friendly, and it’s not something that should be overlooked outdoors. Use the patio cover as an opportunity to try something dramatic like a chandelier or a series of pendant lamps that can act as a focal point. Simple string lights add a bit of whimsy and a touch of festivities.

A covered area will feel more like a room, so it’s important to make sure there is a focal point that draws you and guests to the area. This can be as simple as adding an attractive outdoor rug or a freestanding firepit, or going all out with an actual fireplace for a more formal look and feel.

Remember, covered areas also help protect outdoor furniture like couches, chairs, coffee tables, and other pieces in your sitting area from rain and other natural elements—and in turn, mold and mildew. This allows you to add nicer seating options, and gives you the opportunity to scout out the best outdoor furniture stores and shop for accessories that complement the backyard landscaping.

Any good host or hostess knows that covered patios are also great spaces for alfresco dining. The cover can provide a bit of protection from the elements for both food and guests and helps the space feel like a true extension of your home, acting as an extra room to enjoy. Make sure there is ample room for the table and chairs of your choice to fit under the shade, so all guests enjoy the same experience.

Small patio ideas to optimize space without sacrificing style

Bigger isn’t always better, and that’s especially true when it comes to designing attractive exterior areas. A property with a small backyard usually means you’ll have to have a small patio, but that’s not always a bad thing. A tiny footprint can often feel more intimate and may allow for unique landscaping ideas or bold design features. The trick is making the most of your outdoor living space through thoughtful choices and additions.

For your space, think about how you want to feel while you’re in it. Do you want to be out in the open, or secluded in nature? On a balcony, steel cable railing can make a space feel more open, while a carefully placed trellis or privacy wall can help muffle neighborhood sounds or stop neighbors from seeing what you’re up to.

Whether your goal is to create a unique space you want to utilize and enjoy day in and day out, or you just want a backyard patio that looks nice and clean, and needs little to no maintenance, read on for expert tips from top designers and architects to help you start the design process to transform your patio from tiny to terrific.

Designing a small patio often means you’ll need fewer materials, so you might be able to splurge on pricier pavers, outdoor floor tiles, or unusual plants. Your leftover budget might even allow for privacy fencing or screens, a coffee table for a sitting area, and enhanced outdoor lighting—all elements to make an outdoor space feel like an extension of indoor living.

For those who want to take their space to the next level and have a bit more time and money to invest, luxurious additions like teak flooring, glass fencing, or a bistro-style window can help make a small space feel like a carefully curated extension of your home.

Make the most of your small patio space by designing with your senses in mind. Use fragrant plants, natural stone, a trellis, or a colorful sectional to create a focal point that draws guests in. Help drown out noise from nearby roads and neighbors with water features such as fountains, cascading water walls, reflecting pools, and birdbath. Not only do they promote feelings of peace and relaxation, they also attract wildlife.

If you’ve got a small space, it’s all the more reason to invest in comfortable and weather-resistant furniture. All space—no matter how tiny—offers possibility, and this way, you’ll be more inclined to take advantage of what you have. Opt for vibrant throw pillows or a show-stopping coffee table to make your space feel more like an outdoor living room than an afterthought.

It’s only natural to find plenty of plants in outdoor spaces, but when working with truly small square footage, they can be more than just beautiful. Slim, tall plants like bamboo or evergreens can help soften neighborhood noise and while creating a cozy enclave that feels protected and private. Easy-to-care-for ornamental grasses offer a low-maintenance alternative that can add visual interest and a pop of color while also helping to define a space. When planning your tiny patio, think of ways that plants can do double duty.

If you have a truly tiny space, such as a small balcony or a tiny patch of yard in an urban landscape, decorating ideas are your best bet. You can choose bold and impactful pieces that will make a statement—like colorful furniture or an outdoor rug—or go with a minimalist approach of neutral colors for furniture and building materials that allow the surrounding plants and the view to stand out. For these smaller spaces, less is often more. You’ll want to avoid a cramped and cluttered feeling, so embrace functional elements like built-in benches with storage and select tables and chairs with a small footprint. Raise greenery and flowers off the ground with hanging planters, suspended from the ceiling or affixed to a nearby fence or a railing to keep floor spaces clear and open.

When decorating, interior designers encourage drawing inspiration from your living or bedroom spaces and infusing that style to the outdoor space for a continuous thread. Carry the aesthetic throughout the entire indoor-outdoor concept when choosing flooring, outdoor furniture, and greenery.

Concrete patio ideas for design sensibility and durability

The affordability and availability of concrete materials make it a top choice for backyard patios. Moreover, the versatility of concrete allows homeowners to create durable, lasting features and spaces that can fit in with any design aesthetic from modern, minimalist spaces to a relaxing countryside retreat.

If you’re after reasonably priced and low-maintenance landscaping ideas, concrete is also a winner. For one, concrete slabs cost about 15% less than laying pavers. Likewise, stamped concrete—which is a tad pricier, but can be made to look like limestone, slate, and flagstone—is an attractive stand-in for a stone patio. What’s more, a stamped concreted patio is not only more durable, but it typically requires less maintenance than natural stone options. Here, find 5 ideas for incorporating concrete into your backyard space.

Gone are the days of a boring concrete slab that turns blindingly bright when the sun hits it midday. Today, the popular building material comes in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns that cater to your style and needs. Treat concrete as a blank slate that is equally compatible poolside as it is beneath an outdoor fireplace or a chic pergola. When planning your outdoor patio, consider the various available styles and hues of concrete. For example, experts recommend choosing darker grayscale colors for an elevated, contemporary look.

For a minimalist feel that doesn’t make your concrete patio look too sparse or cold, add varying textures and colors to make the space appear inviting. The warm natural tones of wicker and wood can help soften a space, so they’re smart choices to consider when selecting outdoor furniture and outdoor dining pieces. Likewise, weatherproof rugs, throw pillows, and chic landscape design can all add dimension and visual breaks for the eye, which add to the overall experience.

Pairing concrete spaces with lush landscaping or low-maintenance turf can help soften the look and feel of a space and provide contrasting textures to create an inviting environment. While low-maintenance ornamental grasses can provide an unexpected pop of color when used as a border.

If you’re working with a large area, you can boost continuity in a space with multiple concrete features like a patio, firepit alcove, an outdoor family room, or the like. Connect them with a stamped concrete walkway made to look like tile, pavers, stone or whatever else suits your personal design.

Your use of concrete doesn’t have to stop at the floor. Modular concrete panels allow homeowners to construct a variety of features including privacy fences, benches, and barbecues. Likewise, adding a set of concrete stairs to connect two or more spaces will provide a seamless transition and help you and your guests move effortlessly around the backyard oasis you’ve created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a backyard patio can be a simple update or a serious makeover. Before your outdoor living dreaming takes root, think of how you plan to use the space in the long run. A pergola, water feature, hot tub, or an outdoor kitchen are all big-ticket items that have the ability to really upgrade your outdoor living space. Yes, these focal points can transform your space into an area you will want to be in, but so do smaller design touches like an outdoor rug, hanging plants, and a hammock. The key to planning a backyard patio is setting realistic expectations for your budget and the time it will take you to make the updates.

The more bells and whistles your patio has, the harder it will be to maintain. Something that looks like it’s out of The Secret Garden will require pruning and maintenance. But embracing the minimalist—or even brutalist design trends—creates less clutter, so the only thing you might need to do is weatherproof with outdoor furniture covers. A concrete patio, as opposed to a small patio with gravel, is also easier to maintain in all types of weather. Paver and concrete sealants will keep your favorite hang out mold- and mildew-free for a longer time.