Ways To Create A Relaxing Backyard Space

Creating a relaxing backyard is a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you have a large or small outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to transform it into a peaceful oasis.

From adding comfortable seating to incorporating elements that entice the senses, here are some tips on how to create a relaxing backyard space that you can enjoy all year round.

Light Your Space

Backyard patio with lights on poles illuminating pathway

Creating a relaxing backyard is all about setting the right mood. One of the most important elements of this is lighting. With the right lighting, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make you want to spend more time outside.

string lights strung across the inside of a gazebo

Choose soft, warm lighting that will create an inviting atmosphere. A quick way to create a cozy atmosphere is to hang string lights. Attach string lights to structures or use free-standing string light poles that are especially designed for hanging fairy lights, colored flags, lanterns, etc.
You may also want to consider using colored lights to add a fun and playful touch to your backyard.

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Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting options until you find what works best for your space. Try placing lanterns on tables or torches around space perimeters. If you prefer not to have flames, there are LED options that are just as cozy.

Overall, lighting is an important element of creating a relaxing backyard. With the right fixtures and a little experimentation, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make you want to spend more time outside.

Cozy Furnishings

relaxing colors of orange yellow and green on an outdoor sofa and table

Cozy outdoor living space is not complete without the right outdoor furnishings. Choose furniture that is comfortable and supportive. Consider a mix of chairs and benches. Add durable cushions and pillows that compliment the style of your home and reflect your personal taste. Include thoughtful extras such as bolster pillows or chair neck pillows and place where they are easily accessible.

Fire Pit

Enjoy the warm glow of a Fire Pit on a summer’s eve or a chilly fall night. Combine with the most comfortable outdoor seating sets with fire pit tables so you can have a fun barbecue night with guests or an intimate dinner gathering. Then, for those cold nights, you can host a campfire using an outdoor fire pit cozily seated in Adirondak chairs roasting marshmallows and catching up with family and friends.

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Celebrate with friends and family in style and comfort with a rustic outdoor chiminea fire pit. Light up a couple of logs and enjoy hours of warmth without smoke wafting at you and your guests. The flue directs smoke and soot up and away to keep it out of your eyes while sitting around the fire. Host on the patio or backyard and experience a night of luxury.

Egg Chair

An egg chair can be placed in any patio area, garden, yard, or lake house for a wonderful place to sit, rest, and sway in the wind. It’s the perfect chair to make you feel like you’re floating on air, making it easy to lounge and relax after a hard day. Read a book or sitting and chatting with a friend, this versatile chair can be used in a variety of places including the patio, deck, front porch, or balcony. Can be used with a separate stand to hang from any area outside.

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Water Features

Bubbling water fountain on a tiled outdoor patio with chairs

Water features can add a soothing and tranquil element to your backyard oasis. Consider incorporating a fountain, pond, or pool into your design. Enjoy the soothing water sounds and serene atmosphere created by the streaming, flowing or bubbling of a water fountain. If you don’t have accessibility for an electric-powered fountain you don’t have to forego a water feature – there are plenty of solar powered options available for any taste.

Adding Water Features

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Maintenance: Water features require regular maintenance, so choose one that you can commit to caring for.
Size: Consider the size of your yard and the amount of space you have available for a water feature. Consider a tabletop fountain for limited space.
Style: Choose a water feature that complements the overall style of your backyard oasis.

Shade and Privacy

Table and chairs on an outdoor deck with umbrellas, elephant ear plants and overhead string lights

Shade and privacy are essential for creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space.

Here are some ideas for creating shade and privacy in your backyard:

small table and chairs on an outdoor deck with open umbrella

Umbrellas: Patio umbrellas are a simple and effective way to create shade in your backyard or block prying eyes from overhead. With an umbrella, you may still be able to enjoy your outdoor space even with a light rain.

Privacy: Do you want your backyard to be a private oasis or do you not mind your neighbors seeing in? Think about adding plants, screens, or fencing to create more privacy or see ways to hide a view without a fence.

Pergolas: A pergola can provide shade and privacy while adding functionality too. Cover your pergola with flowering vines for shade or fast growing annual vines for quick cover.

Candlelight

My favorite room in the summer is the gazebo. It’s an irresistible place to be every night to unwind with my husband, and candlelight is a must for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Use tea lights for a quick way to have a flame with little clean up or LED lights.

Hammock

Lay back and relax on the patio or yard in a comfortable hammock. A hammock is an amazing place to relax with a loved one and enjoy the great outdoors or spread out alone with a good book, watch the clouds float by, or take a nap. If you don’t have a couple of trees to hang your hammock you can use a portable stand and place it anywhere your heart desires. A hammock is a delight that makes relaxing outside everything you want it to be.

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Greenery

To create a relaxing space, plants and flowers add visual color and beauty. They also provide numerous benefits such as purifying the air, reducing noise pollution, and attracting beneficial insects.

To add variety and texture to your backyard, mix and match different types of plants. Consider using a combination of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers to create a layered effect. Many houseplants love to come outdoors for the summer, and can make instant cozy spaces around seating and gathering places.

To make maintenance easier, use mulch or groundcovers to help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. You can also use raised garden beds or containers to help keep plants contained and organized.

In addition to plants, consider adding some natural elements such as rocks and boulders, or interesting statuary and decor. These elements can help create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

By incorporating these elements into your backyard design, you can create a relaxing and inviting space that you can enjoy year-round.