--- title: "14 Ways to Make Your Small Yard Feel Bigger" description: "A yard's amenities, plants, and fencing Ior lack thereof) can go a long way to making it feel more spacious. See our tips and tricks." date: "2026-07-01" modified: "2026-07-01" authors: - name: "Jennifer Noonan" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/make-small-yard-feel-bigger/" categories: - "Exterior" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Outdoor Living" tags: - "News" --- # 14 Ways to Make Your Small Yard Feel Bigger ![Small urban backyard garden with a herringbone patterned paver patio, a hexagonal shed, cedar horizontal fencing, and relaxing furniture.]() *Photo: typepng via Adobe Stock* You might think that keeping a small yard open and loosely planned would make it feel bigger, but the opposite is true. The key to a more spacious feeling is all in the organization. Define the spaces in your small yard and make their purposes clear. Delineate a dining or lounging area with a stone patio, or separate the [play area]() from the dining area with plantings. All of a sudden, it looks like there’s so much more space. ## Play Up the Side Yard ![A stone path winds through a colorful potted plant garden space.]() *Photo: nurdin via Adobe Stock* Side yards are often ignored, or just relegated to garbage can storage. Used correctly, however, this precious square footage can help you expand your usable space. Incorporate the side yard into your landscaping plan by planting a [culinary herb garden](), or add a slim cafe table for a morning coffee retreat. Surely, you can find room for those garbage cans in the garage. ## Create a Destination ![Small yard with modern garden design that includes black stones and a large fountain.]() *Photo: ZenArt via Adobe Stock* A small yard will feel more grand if you turn it into a destination. Create an outdoor room with a nicely arranged patio set and grill. Or add a special feature like a [fountain](), fire pit, or cozy reading nook to make this tiny spot worth the visit. ## Frame a View ![Wooden swing hanging on pergola in blooming garden during summer.]() *Photo: Lubos Chlubny via Adobe Stock* Architectural features like arbors or pergolas are favorite accoutrements in small yards. Use one to frame a view, hang a swing, or even plant a climbing garden. The height of these backyard structures gives the illusion of more space, while the features themselves add interest and character. ## Select the Right Trees ![A beautiful small, urban backyard garden featuring a tumbled paver patio, flagstone stepping stones, and a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials add color and year round interest.]() *Photo: Joanne Dale via Adobe Stock* You can [plant trees]() in a small yard as long as you choose species that grow up instead of out. Taller, thinner shapes, such as columnar evergreens, and dwarf varieties of shrubs will give you lush landscaping without eating up all your space. ## Make the Space Multi-Level ![Cozy seating area in the backyard with a fire pit and comfortable seats in tiered yard. ]() *Photo: Alina Tymofieieva via Adobe Stock* Incorporating terraced landscaping helps to designate spaces, making a small yard look bigger. Elevate your dining area, or sink a conversation pit around an [fire pit]() or outdoor fireplace. Terracing can also carve out more space for plantings, while a lower [retaining wall]() can double as bench seating. ## Skip the Fence ![Well kept garden at backyard with trees, bushes and flowers.]() *Photo: Iriana Shiyan via Adobe Stock* With the neighbors close by, you may feel the urge to put up a [privacy fence](). Try to resist. Your yard will appear bigger if the eye can take in the plantings and trees beyond your property line. With a continuous view, the unobstructed greenery can all seem part of the same landscape. ## Garden Vertically ![Modern small garden design with a green wall, lawn and seating area.]() *Photo: piai via Adobe Stock* Filling a small yard with shrubs and flowers is a surefire way to clutter the space. Instead, [grow your garden vertically]() with hanging baskets, wall-mounted flower pots, or stacked crates of greenery. You’ll add color without taking up precious ground-level real estate. ## Stick with Small Furniture ![Empty wooden table and chairs on outdoor terrace during summer day.]() *Photo: Ekaterina Elagina via Adobe Stock* Not only does bulky [patio furniture]() take up lots of space, it also overwhelms a tiny backyard. Stick with smaller pieces instead—preferably ones with a see-through pattern, which lets the eye travel further. ## Buy Items That Do Double Duty ![Convertible picnic table with food items on top of the table.]() *Photo: Durasheds* When shopping for a small yard, it's a good idea to buy patio furniture that’s versatile and functional. For example, collapsible chairs and portable fire pits can be stashed inside the garage whenever you need more space. Double-duty pieces (like a [bench]() that converts into a picnic table) also create less clutter, making your yard appear bigger than it is. ## Texturize Your Yard ![A small yard garden with native grasses, flowering perennials, and a small boulder arrangement.]() *Photo: P.G via Adobe Stock* It’s true that layers of [plants](), shrubs, and garden features add interest to a yard. Thankfully for homeowners with limited space to spare, texture also creates the same eye-catching affect. Combine a handful of plants with a variety of textures, like wispy [ornamental grasses](), coarse Canna lilies, and delicate cosmos. When arranging your flower beds, place the bolder varieties near the front to create an illusion of depth. ## Create Curves ![Colorful shrubs and bushes against a wooden panel fence. ]() *Photo: dean via Adobe Stock* Garden features at 90-degree angles sometimes look blunt and unsatisfying. To add depth and dimension, rely on winding and curving lines instead, whether it’s for a [garden path]() or landscape edging. The swirling shape draws the eye, creating a sense of movement and opening up the space. ## Store Junk in the Garage ![Organized garage with open door revealing sunny backyard. ]() *Photo: BerkahStock via Adobe Stock* If you can help it, don’t clutter your yard with clunky sheds or storage bins. Keep yard tools, outdoor equipment, and children’s toys in the [garage]() instead. As a result, your property will look larger and cleaner. ## Blur the Lines ![Small house with sliding doors opening to wooden deck, garden and manicured lawn.]() *Photo: miss irine via Adobe Stock* Take a cue from warm-weather dwellers by merging your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Transitional features like large glass windows and sliding doors create a seamless boundary, giving the illusion of a bigger [backyard](). ## Author A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()