When the weather is just right, there’s nothing better than hosting an event in your backyard. From birthday parties to cookouts to quiet nights around the fire pit, there’s something magical about spending time outside with family and friends. If your outdoor living space needs a little love, we can help.
We’ve compiled 50 photos of backyards that provide the perfect setting for making memories. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy update or a bigger DIY project, you’re sure to find inspiration for a backyard that beckons you and your guests to some quality time outdoors. If you’re looking for more yard decorating ideas, browse our home decor for personalized touches like outdoor pillows and flower pots.
Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by category. Click the photo for a larger view.
A bright tablecloth is an easy DIY backyard idea that can make any patio table look fresh and inviting.
Photo By: Atta Girl Says
For a creative spin on a concrete patio, opt for a curved edge rather than a rectangular shape.
Photo By: Creatively Living Blog
Use a coffee table and throw pillows for some DIY backyard seating that's both unique and comfortable.
Photo By: Mrs Rollman Blog
Looking for backyard ideas that don't require perfectly manicured grass? Check out this combination of sand, stone and cacti.
Photo By: Almost Makes Perfect
For a DIY backyard project your kids will love, paint their playhouse to match your home—sophisticated yet fun!
Photo By: Cupcakes And Cashmere
If you have a pool, include the colors in your decor. An umbrella and painted gate compliment blue water perfectly.
Photo By: Ramshackle Glam
For backyard ideas you can enjoy in the winter, add a fire pit and warm throws to your patio.
Photo By: Lehman Lane
For an eye catching DIY backyard, pick a bold color to incorporate in your furniture, decor and more.
Photo By: Rustic & Refined
A little painting can be a simple DIY backyard project that takes wooden patio chairs to the next level.
Photo By: Thrift Diving
Balance out bright patio furniture with neutral, patterned pillows for a modern backyard that pops.
Photo By: Within The Grove
Patio furniture can be both beautiful and multipurpose. For your next DIY backyard project, build a bench that opens to provide out-of-sight storage.
Photo By: Sabrina Smelko
For a backyard that's both classic and eye-catching, stay true to one color while mixing materials and fabrics in your furniture, table runner, umbrella, throw pillows and more.
Photo By: Designing Vibes
Who says porches have to be built from wood? A bright, colorful tile like this one will infuse fresh personality into your backyard.
Photo By: Tessa Neustadt
Via: Emily Henderson
Create a backyard that's both inviting and comfortable by adding an outdoor chiminea for warmth during cold seasons.
Photo By: Clari Michele
Who says swingsets are for kids? This DIY backyard project replaces swings with hammock chairs to provide a unique and comfortable seating area.
Photo By: Pretty Handy Girl
This DIY backyard waterfall provides a unique centerpiece for the patio and is sure to become a favorite talking point for guests.
Photo By: The Interior Frugalista
Filling your patio bench with pillows of various sizes and colors is an easy way to bring indoor comfort to your outdoor living space.
Photo By: Liz Marie Blog
Remember to consider how your backyard will look once the sun goes down. This unique lighting highlights the waterfall in an entirely new way after dark.
Photo By: The Navage Patch
Are you working with a smaller space? Make hanging pots your next DIY backyard project to fill vertical space when horizontal space is limited.
Photo By: Swoonworthy
This DIY backyard idea—layering brightly colored rugs—only takes a few minutes but will completely transform your patio.
Photo By: Brittany Makes/The Vintage Rug Shop
When it comes to backyard lighting, string lights will never go out of style. Add them to your seating area for a soft, attractive glow.
Photo By: Sugar & Cloth
A DIY fire pit looks great in your backyard and gives guests something to do—like roast marshmallows for s'mores!
Photo By: Seeking Alexi
Neutral patio furniture and pillows let your greenery shine—from grass and potted plants to the trees next door.
Photo By: The Art Of Doing Stuff
Chandeliers aren't just for indoors! This lime green chandelier is the perfect touch for a DIY backyard dining area.
Photo By: Hey There Home
This DIY backyard idea presents a creative and colorful spin on the classic trellis. Bright flowers and greenery in hanging pots add an unexpected pop to any backyard.
Photo By: Making Lemonade
Sometimes, less really is more. This minimalist approach to decor allows the beautifully stained table, bench and deck to take center stage.
Photo By: The Chronicles Of Home
A DIY backyard cabana invites guests to curl up on your patio with a good book or a glass of lemonade.
Photo By: Duke Manor Farm
These DIY backyard posts serve to hold hanging flower pots and string lights. Anchor them in a large planter for a base that is both beautiful and functional.
Photo By: I Should Be Mopping The Floor
For a modern spin on the backyard picnic table, use a bench on one side and minimalist chairs on the other.
Photo By: Falling Waters Landscape
A hammock is a quick and easy backyard idea that turns even the smallest patio into a cozy getaway.
Photo By: Megan Pflug Designs
If you're unsure what to plant in front of your windows, opt for a peaceful sitting area instead. It's a simple yet attractive way to use the space.
Photo By: Stacy'S Savings
Hanging jars make for an easy DIY backyard project that only takes a few minutes and immediately dresses up bare tree branches.
Photo By: Jenna Sue Design
A DIY backyard garden is the perfect way to use empty space, enjoy a new hobby and grow fresh vegetables to share with guests.
Photo By: Gorgeous Shiny Things
Center a larger backyard around a DIY fire pit—it's both aesthetically pleasing and functional for get togethers on autumn evenings.
Photo By: The Inspired Room
For a simple DIY backyard idea that is pleasing to the eye, mix flower pots and planters of various sizes, colors and patterns.
Photo By: Unskinny Boppy
Keep an eye out for unique pieces that can serve as a side table on your patio—this is a simple way to update your backyard without buying all new furniture.
Photo By: Robb Restyle
If you decide not to plant grass in your backyard, use bright flowers and colorful decor to bring the space to life.
Photo By: Young House Love
While a DIY backyard birdbath is beautiful in its own right, it also provides hours of entertainment once your neighborhood birds discover the addition.
Photo By: Robin'S Nesting Place
If you don't have room for a traditional garden, this DIY pallet garden allows you to grow delicious and beautiful herbs in any size space.
Photo By: Diy Show Off
If you enjoy gardening, you'll need a space for your supplies that's both functional and beautiful. This DIY backyard worktable is the perfect solution.
Photo By: Centsational Girl
There's no such thing as too many flowers—breathe life into your backyard by mixing a wide variety of colors and types.
Photo By: Organized Clutter
Build your own birdhouse for a fun DIY backyard project that provides rustic decor and a space for your local birds to call home.
Photo By: Sadie Seasongoods
Take advantage of large shade trees in your backyard by stringing up a hammock between their trunks.
Photo By: Facci Designs
DIY window planters are a fun and classic way to dress up your home, and the flowers will be enjoyed whether you're inside looking out or relaxing in the backyard.
Photo By: House 214 Design
Place your patio furniture against the edge of thick bushes and trees to create a space that feels like a secret getaway.
Photo By: Migonis Home
Keep neutral patio decor interesting by mixing patterns and adding a subtle pop of color in a throw pillow.
Photo By: Rambling Renovators
Are you tired of fighting with Christmas lights? This beautiful DIY decor features greenery instead—the final look is beautiful, seasonal and simple.
Photo By: Clean And Scentsible
Dress up your yard for Halloween by lining your walkway with a variety of jack-o-lanterns.
Photo By: Ben Starr
