Want to spruce up your outdoor space but can’t think of any stylish yet functional backyard ideas? Looking for inspiration for your deck or patio and don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered!
At Outer, we’re on a mission to bring life back outside. We want you to fall in love with being outdoors right in your own backyard.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to make the most out of your outdoor space. We’ll break down our top space planning tips and share some amazing backyard ideas to make your outdoor space into your own private sanctuary.
Steps To Take Before Implementing Backyard Ideas
Measure Your Outdoor Space
Before we jump into figuring out what your backyard ideas might look like, you’ll need to know exactly how much space you have to work with.
Start by measuring your deck, patio, balcony, or grassed area — wherever you’re planning to set up your new outdoor space.
Once you know the total square footage of your backyard, you can start diving deeper into exactly what you want to use it for.
Assess Your Needs
Not everyone will use their backyard in the same way, which is why it’s important to think about how you plan on using your outdoor space before purchasing new furniture and accessories to fill it (we know — that’s the best part!).
Some questions to consider might be:
- How often do you have friends and family over at your place?
- Do you like to host big events or do you prefer smaller get-togethers?
- How many people will use your backyard on a day-to-day basis?
- Are you part of an active family or do you prefer a quiet space to relax and unwind?
Try to think about how often you’ll use your outdoor space, how many people you plan on having at any one time, and what activities you’ll use your backyard for the most.
Of course, you might find it’s a multifunctional space with an assortment of answers! After all, a couple of empty nesters are going to enjoy different gatherings in their backyard than those of a young family with a few little ones and a dog or two.
It’s all about how you see yourself using your outdoor space.
Create Multiple Zones
Whether your backyard is a sprawling country retreat or a cozy suburban oasis, consider dividing your outdoor space into multiple zones to help you get the most out of it.
If you have children or grandchildren, you might consider creating a kid-friendly area where they can have their fun separate from where the adults can talk and relax.
You could also create a dining zone in one area of your backyard, like a covered deck or patio, with a seating and lounging zone in another space. The possibilities are endless!
Creating these distinct zones allows you to play with different colors and styles in your outdoor space while still having a cohesive look and feel throughout your whole backyard using anchor pieces, like quality outdoor furniture.
Do Your Research
Don’t be intimidated by the word “research” — this is the fun part!
Researching backyard ideas can come in many forms, from browsing Pinterest for design inspiration to scrolling through the beautiful outdoor spaces created by real Outer customers.
Based on the measurements you’ve taken, the needs you want to fulfill, and the zones you might want to create, start gathering ideas for the kind of look and feel you’d like to achieve.
We’ve compiled a list of some fun backyard ideas to get you started. These ideas can be adapted to suit a variety of spaces from small patios to large grassed backyards. Check them out below.
10 Inspiring Backyard Ideas
1) Create Your Own Outdoor Cinema
Grab the popcorn and snuggle up in your own outdoor cinema!
This idea is perfect for families and couples alike. Picture yourself and your loved ones cozied up on your outdoor couch on a warm summer evening watching a movie together under the stars — what could be better?
We love this backyard idea because it’s easy to set up. Starting with a comfortable couch, like our Teak Outdoor Sofa (or our Teak Outdoor Corner Sectional if you need extra seating), you can build your cozy outdoor space around these staple pieces.
With Outer, there’s no need to worry about hauling your furniture undercover when you’re done with your movies. Our OuterShell™ means you can simply roll the built-in covers over your cushions so they’re always clean, dry, and ready for another movie night!
Whether your outdoor cinema involves a screen, a white wall, or simply a white sheet to project your movies onto, pairing that with some dimmable string lights, fluffy outdoor cushions, and soft blankets will have you movie-ready in no time.
Once you recreate this fun atmosphere, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed your outdoor space so much without it!
2) Make A Designated Play Area
As we mentioned earlier, creating a designated play area for kids is a great way to make the most out of your outdoor space and ensure that everyone has a favorite place to be in your backyard.
Keeping these zones separate allows adults to enjoy their own conversations while the kids have fun, too. It also stops messes from sneakily accumulating outside of a designated area!
Start with a small amount of seating, such as our Wicker Outdoor Loveseat, and then lay out an eco-friendly rug, like our 1188 Rug.
This creates a comfortable yet functional play and activity area that lets the kids have their own space in your backyard.
If you have a covered patio or deck area, try adding additional storage for board games and toys. This way, everything has a place to go when you’re packing up after a day of playing.
3) Chill In Your Poolside Hangout
With the weather starting to heat up, creating a luxurious poolside hangout is a must-have for summer.
Whether the space surrounding your pool is large or limited, opting for modular furniture allows you to choose the best configuration to suit your backyard.
Our Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs can be rearranged to create multiple seating options within seconds, making a seamless transition between a five-seater couch or three chairs and a loveseat, to name just a few configurations.
With Outer, there’s no need to worry about stains from pool chemicals or mold created by a build-up of water. All of our cushions are stain-, fade-, and mold-resistant, so you can focus more on enjoying your outdoor space and less on whose turn it is to clean the couch cushions.
Add a coffee table for drinks and snacks into the mix and you’ve got the ultimate poolside setup!
4) Cozy Up By The Fire
Marshmallows? Check. Chocolate? Check. Outdoor fire pit? Check!
We love outdoor fire pits any time of year, but particularly on those cooler nights when you can’t wait to get cozy, roast some marshmallows, and even camp outdoors with the family.
Fire pits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find one to suit any of the backyard ideas you can dream up!
If you’re short on space, we recommend looking for a fire pit that could also serve as a coffee table so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
Throw in some stylish outdoor chairs like our Teak Outdoor Armchair Conversation Set, decorate with warm accessories, and you’re good to go. Happy marshmallow roasting!
5) Make Space For Family Meals
The best memories in life are always those little moments you least expect, like talking and laughing together as a family around the dinner table. This is why it’s so important to make space for family meal areas in your backyard.
In addition to a quality dining set for family meals, consider creating a cozy seating area for after mealtime with our Wicker Outdoor L Sectional.
With the perfect amount of space for a small family or group of friends, this stylish sectional is a versatile addition to your outdoor dining area that will help you make the most of your outdoor space.
And in the case that more space is needed, Outer has plenty of modular options to choose from when building on an existing design. Whether you’re looking to add new chairs or an outdoor coffee table, we have everything you’ll need for small gatherings to family parties.
6) Get The Garden Growing
Of course, no backyard is complete without greenery. Transforming a part of your space into a garden isn’t only great fun the whole family can enjoy, but it’s good exercise for all ages, too.
Need some bright and vibrant flowers to bring out the best in your backyard? Maybe you’re interested in growing some tomatoes or cucumbers for an elegant and edible garden. The options are endless!
To integrate your living space further into nature, we recommend a teak outdoor armless loveseat for sitting by the garden and admiring the fruits of your labor or a 3-seat sofa to accommodate all the nature lovers in the family.
Plus, just imagine how perfect a full array of lush plants will look next to your collection of teak or wicker outdoor furniture.
For a space that cultivates new ideas, healthy living, and delicious food, the only question left is how many plants does your backyard have room for?
7) Enjoy Camping Under The Stars
Late nights spent in the backyard are some of the most memorable moments. Spending those late nights into the early morning is the only way it could get any better.
Having an open space to set up your tent is only the first step to the best backyard camping experience. Once some lights are strung above and your lightweight outdoor furniture is moved nearby, the late-night festivities can begin both inside and outside the tent.
Aside from gathering sleeping bags and pillows, remember to protect yourself and your family from nocturnal pests. Mosquitoes can easily be kept away with our insect-repelling lightweight throw blankets with Insect Shield® technology.
With everything in place, it’s time for campfires and scary stories before retreating to the sleeping bags for a good night’s sleep in nature. For added comfort in the tent, you can even bring some of your favorite throw pillows for everyone to enjoy.
8) Make Space For DIY Projects
Some of the best parts of the backyard aren’t defined by the products we place, but the activities we take part in. Clearing space outdoors can make any DIY project feel a little bit more exciting.
When it comes to carving pumpkins this fall, don’t be afraid to make a mess while gutting and carving. Compared to trying to keep things neat inside, outdoor cleanup is easy, so you can worry about making the best jack-o-lanterns instead of the aftermath.
And remember: Choosing the right outdoor furniture can help prepare you for when life’s memories are more important than life’s messes.
Thinking about going big with a project that will bring your family joy for years to come? Use your space to build an epic fort or treehouse that will be sure to fuel endless fun and imagination.
Turning your backyard into a craft lover’s paradise can be an extraordinary and simple way to spark everyone’s creativity. And getting the right table can help make sure you don’t lose track of tools and blueprints for every new project.
9) Keep Fun Going In The Winter
The backyard can feel like a forgotten wasteland when the snow comes down. But with the right outdoor furniture, a fresh bed of snow can mean more time spent comfortably outside.
Our wicker furniture makes for chill relaxation after snowball fights and igloo-building. Since our All-Weather Wicker is designed to withstand every element nature throws its way, it can take the harshest of winters and hottest of summers.
And who said being outdoors in winter means you have to be cold? Adding a hot tub to your backyard lets you enjoy the breathtaking view of a winter wonderland without having to feel the single-digit temperatures.
Don’t try crafting a snow couch to lounge on while you dry off from a dip in the hot tub. We recommend taking to the weather-resistant wicker furniture instead.
To keep your seat cushions plush and comfortable for the longest time, remember to store your cushions inside when winter starts to get freezing.
With Outer, it’s as simple as pulling out the OuterShell, connecting it to the bottom of the cushion, and bringing it to the warm indoors.
10) Host The Ultimate Backyard Party
It’s only a matter of time before your family, friends, and even your neighbors find out how amazing your outdoor space has become. Share the joy of your backyard by inviting everyone over for the ultimate outside party.
That means it’s time to bring out all of the games you’ve kept stored away in the garage: bean bag toss, ladder toss, croquet, and other favorite outside games can keep the festivities going well into the night.
11) Bonus: Mix And Match Ideas!
Can’t decide on how to make the most of your outdoor space for the next family night or an upcoming big event? Try a combination of these backyard ideas for an unforgettable experience that’s only steps away whenever the time is right.
A family barbeque can be taken to the next level with homegrown vegetables fresh from the garden, and backyard camping just got a lot more entertaining with an outdoor movie night to go with it.
So many of these ideas can go hand in hand. If you have the space for a swimming pool in summer with a hot tub in winter, then you’ve only maximized the amount of time you and your family can spend in the water.
At the end of the day, the best thing to do is to make sure you go with the options that your family will enjoy the most. Giving everyone a little of everything they love makes for an exceptional outdoor space.
Make The Most Out Of Your Backyard
From creating your own special place for movies under the stars to making memories at the family dinner table, enhancing your outdoor space so it feels like an extension of your home is what these backyard ideas are all about.
Choose modular outdoor furniture, like our Teak Outdoor Sofa and Wicker Outdoor Loveseat, and decorate with eco-friendly accessories, like our 1188 Rug, to really define your backyard zones.
Why Outer?
With Outer, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the world’s most comfortable, durable, innovative, and sustainable outdoor furniture. It’s been our passion from the start, and we continue to find new ways to make the outdoor experience the best it can be.
If you’re not completely sure that you’re sold on an Outer product, then stop by a Neighborhood Showroom to see a collection in action. You can also connect with an outdoor product specialist to learn more about our products from the comfort of your own home.
Even if you’ve seen your favorite sofa in person or received answers to all of your coffee table questions, you can still return any furniture you’re not 100% in love with at no extra cost during our risk-free at-home trial.
The design detail and construction process of our furniture are carefully considered through every step. But even though we’re confident in our creations, customer satisfaction will always be a priority.
So while you’re busy defining your outdoor space, you can be sure that you’re purchasing a product guaranteed to be designed for life outside.
Enjoy getting creative with your backyard ideas and be sure to tag us on social media @liveouter to show off your new outdoor space — we can’t wait to see what you come up with!