Give Your Yard a Makeover With Backyard Design Ideas for Your Space

By Mary Henn

Updated on Oct. 28, 2024

Host the best summer parties with backyard design ideas that instantly transform your outdoor space.

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Lately, there’s been renewed interest in backyard transformations and makeovers. With the appeal of staying home and relaxing with close friends, many people want a backyard entertaining space that feels like a private retreat or an extension of their home.

And there are a few key backyard ideas and backyard trends that instantly revamp your outdoor space into a hangout spot that neighbors, friends and family can enjoy together. Keep reading for our top backyard design ideas of the season.

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Backyard design ideas can be as simple as upgrading a patio space with a rug. This Wayfair outdoor rug brings indoor home design elements to your backyard with its natural, distressed charm and woven construction. It comes in 11 size options of rectangular, square, round or runner. When picking an outdoor rug, look for one like this that’s water-resistant and holds up to high traffic.

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Nothing says backyard get-togethers like gathering around a fire pit. We like smokeless fire pits for backyard use, like the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. It’s portable and durable, plus there are a ton of accessories to help take your party to the next level. Did we mention that it’s on sale now?

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Plan on having people over this summer but need to make your yard feel like home? We love the way this Wayfair outdoor sectional immediately adds coziness to any backyard space. This solid wood set comes with a three-seater sofa, an ottoman, a coffee table, and water-resistant cushions. It’s the perfect setup for lounging and sipping iced tea.

Also, check out these ways to create a wellness yard that are a major inspiration for those seeking serenity.

$38.89 at Amazon

Outdoor string lights are a backyard trend that adds whimsical charm to any summer night. These patio string lights with Edison bulbs are waterproof, heatproof and an absolute must-have for any outdoor space. String them from a pergola, fence or post for an intimate ambiance.

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Talk about an instant makeover, interlocking deck tiles are a quick, easy and affordable way to transform your backyard into an oasis. Save time and money and install these deck tiles over a weekend. They’re made of solid fir wood so everyone will think you had them professionally laid. This is a great, non-permanent option for renters too!

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What’s the difference between a pergola and an outdoor gazebo anyway? Put simply: Pergolas have a slatted roof, while gazebo roofs shade you completely from the sun. Either will revamp your yard and turn it into a more relaxing space. This Purple Leaf Pergola comes with a sliding canopy, so you can have it both ways.

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Want to take your backyard design ideas to the next level? A hot tub under the stars is the way to do it. An affordable option that doesn’t require professional installation is the Aquarest Spa. It’s a weather-resistant, plug-and-play hot tub that you can set up in your backyard as soon as it arrives at your door.

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Keep your backyard living space comfortable and private with outdoor shades. The Coolaroo Outdoor Shade is a roller shade with a smooth hand crank. Plus, it blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays and is ideal for balconies, patios, pergolas and decks.

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Plan on hosting backyard dinner parties? You’ll need the right patio furniture for the perfect outdoor dining escape. This Polanco Acacia Outdoor Dining Table does just that since it seats up to six and is made of solid wood with powder-coated metal legs. We love the way it looks, and we love its price tag even more ($336!).

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Our executive editor, Megan Wood, spotted this patio egg chair on social media. Now, the Better Homes & Gardens Wicker Egg Chair is making big waves as the perfect outdoor chair that fits into almost any backyard design scheme. Place it next to a backyard pool or hot tub for resort vibes, or style it under a pergola for an outside reading nook.

$169.99 at Amazon

Turn your backyard into a movie theater with an outdoor projector. We’ve tested the GooDee HD Movie Projector, and it’s a quality budget option to host movie nights on the lawn. This is a big hit for the whole family—queue up kids’ movies for summer sleepovers or binge TV shows outside after they’ve gone to bed.

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An outdoor bar is one of the best backyard design ideas because it’s a fun way to enjoy the space. This Canora Grey Powe Outdoor Bar Set is ultra-affordable and has under-bar storage for bottles, glasses and cups. Its all-weather, hand-crafted wicker is lightweight, durable and easy to maneuver.

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If you have kids, you’ll likely want them to have a space to call their own that complements your yard. These days, backyard swing sets don’t have to be an eyesore. This freestanding outdoor playhouse gives off treehouse vibes without the tree.

It’s a wooden home with all the essentials for hours of play. It has an adorable side porch with stairs, windows, a play kitchen and a cushioned bench. This awesome playset is for kids of all ages, so get outside and have a little fun this summer.

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