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Create a Backyard Escape

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Updated February 16, 2023

Every day is a vacation when you create an outdoor space to unwind and entertain. Turn your backyard into a relaxing escape with these trending covered patio ideas.

A collage of a patio furniture set and pergola, a potted plant and food on a grill.

How Do You Spend Your Time?

When planning a backyard escape, think about how you want to spend your time so you can get the most functionality and enjoyment out of your space.

If your family enjoys outdoor games and activities, then keep some green space for play. If you enjoy a larger crowd, you can pair open patio space with inviting seating to keep the conversations flowing.

You can also add a pergola with fabric panels for shade and position a few of your favorite chairs or loungers in a shady spot to create comfortable, resort-style relaxation. If you’re looking for covered patio ideas, try a shade sail.

These are just a few backyard ideas for transforming your outdoor space.

What Are Some Affordable Ways to Decorate a Backyard?

There are several affordable ways to decorate your backyard, as we’ve listed below. You can use upcycling to enhance these ideas by taking existing items and transforming them into new, usable decorations or functional pieces. Think of turning an old piece of furniture into an outdoor bar or reusing old pavers to extend your living space outdoors.

Maximize Your Floor Space

A paver patio with wicker furniture and potted plants.

Building a paver patio is a simple DIY project that makes a large impact on your outdoor space. The paving stones add a designed, architectural look to your space and the range of colors, shapes, sizes and styles means you can customize your outdoor living space to create something truly unique.

Create Conversation Pieces

Choose inviting furniture to transform your space into an outdoor living room. Think about accessories the same way you would indoors and add outdoor cushions, blankets and pillows for color and comfort. If you just need a place to relax in peaceful comfort, a hammock stand and hammock are a relaxing addition.

Add Warmth

A fire pit functions as a complementary focal point and promises cozy chats on cool evenings. A precast design requires minimal assembly, but you can also build your own fire pit. Check out all your options in our fire pit buying guide.

Have It Made in the Shade

Don’t let the hot afternoon sun exile you indoors. A pergola and some fabric panels let you create your own shade. Here, outdoor fabric attached to the top of the pergola helps beat the heat while the structure itself sets an area apart from your larger space. Can’t find the right pergola? Try this DIY design and make your own.

Update Your Outdoor Menu

Kebabs on a grill.

A backyard escape doesn’t mean you should rough it when it comes to meals. You can find grills to fit any outdoor space and expand your menu options well beyond burgers. Pancakes, bacon, vegetables, seafood, pizza and more are possible with the right features and accessories.

Add Natural Touches

A potted succulent plant on a patio table.

Whether your yard is an immaculate showplace or you simply have a well-tended lawn, container plants are a must for your backyard resort. Cultivate herbs for your cookouts, decorate with eye-catching annuals or keep attractive potted plants — you can do it all with containers. With all the plants and planters available, you’ll find endless combinations of colors, sizes, styles and textures to make just the right statement. Add the option of DIY planters and the possibilities really are limitless. Swap the plants out as the seasons change for year-round appeal.

Keep Everyone Entertained

A black and white cornhole board.

Don’t forget a place to play. A DIY cornhole game can entertain children and adults alike and is easy to set up, move and take down. Customize the boards and bean bags to fit your décor and style.

Add Privacy

Give your space a sense of seclusion. This vinyl privacy fence separates you from the neighbors while improving security and providing boundaries for children and pets. Complement your fence with a line of trees or shrubs. Many types will grow to provide even more privacy.

Light Up the Night

String lights under a deck.

When the stars come out, you don’t need to go in. Your backyard oasis can provide rest and relaxation at night with the right outdoor lighting. String lights are easy to hang and don’t just cast a soft glow to illuminate the space — they add a festive air to any gathering. If you don’t have outlets available, look for solar-powered LEDs.

How Do You Make a Small Backyard Feel Private?

A privacy fence behind a white chair and a potted plant.

Privacy screens are a great addition to yards of any size, but they’re especially useful in smaller yards where every inch is valuable. You can create privacy screens for your deck or get more small backyard ideas in our guides for Cedar-Slat Privacy Screens and a Woven Outdoor Privacy Screen.

How Can I Make My Yard More Inviting?

A gas fire pit set into a patio.

There are several simple ways to make your backyard more inviting.

  • Make comfortable places for people to lounge in like chairs or outdoor sofas
  • Install an awning or sail for shade and protection
  • Paint or stain your deck to customize it to your style and make it look more inviting
  • Install a custom fire pit or fire pit ring for warmth and conversation
  • Add a pathway or paver walkway to create a unique element or to match it with your home
  • Flowers and potted plants go a long way to bringing an outdoor space to life