Homeowners with small outdoor spaces may find it difficult to design a comfortable but stylish backyard that can be used year-round. While a small area may seem restrictive, they lend themselves to cozier arrangements of furniture and decor that create an intimate and relaxing setting.

Whether looking for a place to entertain guests or a retreat to sit back and relax, here are five tips to help create your best outdoor space no matter the square footage.

1. Embrace Minimalism

A minimalistic look is a go-to option when designing for a yard on the smaller side. Too much clutter can make a space look and feel small. Less is more when you have the right pieces. This backyard in Birmingham, Michigan has a clean and modern outdoor area for family and social gatherings. The furniture used isn’t big or bulky for the space, leaving enough room to comfortably move around. The homeowners chose modern pieces that stand out on their own, negating the need for extra décor. With a monochromatic color scheme of black and white, the pop of red from the side table is all that’s needed to complete the space.

2. Use Multipurpose Furniture

Having dual-purpose furniture is key when decorating a smaller area. While a full sectional may take up a lot of space, a simple outdoor sofa with built-in storage can help you make the most of your square footage. In addition, side tables and ottomans can also serve as extra seating for larger gatherings. This North York outdoor space includes a raised patio with an attached pergola. Beneath is a large modern sectional with seating for 6+ people. Most sectionals can be separated and rearranged depending on the preference of layout. The center table doubles as side tables and extra seating.

3. Bring the Lights

The warm glow of hanging lights can make a small space feel cozy and comfortable, especially during the evenings into the night. This Mississauga, Ontario backyard has a unique pergola with built-in lights to set the mood. Four lanterns at each post help to enhance the intimate feel underneath the canopy.  The item that brings everyone together is the firepit table in the middle. It provides both light and warmth during the colder days and nights.

4. Add a Pop of Colour

If you want to add anything to a space that’s already tight, try adding colour. The purpose here isn’t to make the space seem bigger, but to make it cozy and inviting. You can add touches of colour, patterns, and texture through plants, furniture, or accent pieces. This backyard in Oakville is a great example of adding the right amount without overdoing it. The texture of the seating adds visual interest to the space. The pattern of the throw pillows pops and match creatively with the canopy fabric. Finally, the potted flowers inject touches of pink completing the space perfectly.

5. Consider Versatile Shade

There is something about adding an overhead covering to an outdoor space that makes it feel a bit cozier than the open sky. With the flexibility of having a versatile retractable shade, the canopy can be retracted to let the sunshine in and extended if rain threatens to ruin the mood. Homeowners in Vaughan doubled up on shade by adding outdoor curtains to their ShadeFX retractable shade structure. The curtains add an extra layer of weather protection. More importantly, they give maximum privacy when needed and create an intimate living room feel.

Don’t let the size of your backyard hinder you from turning it into a space for you and yours to enjoy. Hopefully, these tips will be the catalyst in how to creatively make your space work for you. It is the perfect excuse to invest in custom and unique furniture or decorative pieces that enhance your outdoor space for years to come.

How do you style your small space? Let us know in the comments below.