7 Family-Friendly Small Backyard Patio Ideas
If you have a small backyard patio and a family that actually uses it, you want it to look good, but it also has to work hard. Ours does both, and I want to walk you through how we made that happen.
And there are other things like colorful summer fashion, our dining chairs on sale and more. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Our grandchildren and and their parents are here for four weeks and here’s how we made our small covered patio here in Jacksonville work for all of us.
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1. Anchor the Seating Area With a Rug
The recent change in this space was the striped indoor-outdoor washable rug under the main seating area. It reads as natural fiber from a distance but wipes clean, holds up to wet feet, and is soft enough for the grandchildren’s knees.
2. Give the Kids Their Own Corner
This is the change I’m most happy about, and honestly the one I’d recommend first to anyone with young kids in the mix.
We tucked a small white table with two simple slatted wood chairs into the corner of the patio, right next to a chair. A coloring book, a cup of markers, Play Dough and a little cordless lamp with a rattan shade, and that corner becomes the most popular spot with Louisa and Leo.
A few reasons this works so well:
- It’s sized for them.
- It’s adjacent to the adults. Kids stay close and feel included.
- It keeps the mess contained. Markers and coloring books on a dedicated kids’ table means they’re not spreading out across the coffee table tray or the dining table.
- The lamp was the right touch. The small cordless lamp with a rattan shade is practical.
3. Have the Safety of a Pool Fence Installed Until The Kids’ Swimming Skills Are Proficient
This gives us some peace of mind with toddlers (not shown but trust me, it is there when little kids are here).
4. Keep the Main Seating Comfortable
The main sectional has clean-lined wood frame furniture with sand cushions and graphic black and white pillows (striped lumbar). We like that the arms are wide enough to hold a drink. The round concrete drum is a coffee table in Summer and a fire pit in winter.
5. Set a Simple Table For Casual Meals
The pair of slim cordless table lamps are restaurant quality from Quince (six colors).
They aren’t cheap but they hold a charge and provide a good amount of light. And I think they are worth the investment. They get good reviews in spite of the price.
The outdoor woven bistro chairs are on sale.
6. Use Hooks and Think Vertically
With a small patio, the walls are not wasted space. We installed a long wood hook rail below the outdoor television, and it’s one of the most functional things in the entire yard.
7. Consider An Outdoor Television
There is a lot of sports viewing going on out here. Especially with World Cup Soccer right now.
Our small backyard patio is our favorite place to gather throughout the day.
Also…
Our Dining Chairs Are On Sale
And the beaded chandelier is 20% off.
Floral Outfit of The Week
I am having this Soelle Estate Print Skirt shortened a bit (a fairly normal thing for me when it’s not a petite size) but I wanted to show you in advance as it’s really pretty and may sell out.
Plus, I already washed the matching Camilla Shirt and skirt in cold water, tumbled dry for a few minutes and hung it up damp …and no ironing is needed.
More Summertime Attire
My one piece bathing suit • pareo cover-up • great sunscreen white mixed hat • polarized $50 sunglasses
Louisa’s soft and airy cotton gauze dress is on sale now ($16).
Louisa’s bathing suit • Alexandra’s hat (I have one and bought one for her) • Sardine sunglasses that really cut the pool glare and come in the cute Cabana travel Case + Microfiber Cleaning Pouch, 100% UVA and UVB Protection
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
Hi Mary Ann,
Your back yard is beautiful. The sofa and chairs from West Elm, what color is the fabric you chose for the cushions? Thanks
Thanks Sue. Pearl Gray
Marled Weave
Perfect summer post. Great style! I have a similar children’s table and it works great. I love that it is on your porch and the grands are included with their special area. Love the swimsuit and wrap! I put the sweet girl’s dress in my cart. Enjoy your family’s visit.
Mary Ann, your back patio looks beautiful and welcoming. I hope that you have a wonderful time with your grands for the next four week. What a fun summer!
Your patio and pool are lovely and inviting but what do you do about those Florida bugs that always found me when visit my parents? Your granddaughter is adorable and obviously having a good time.
Thanks, Syndey, The mosquitos haven’t really bothered us but this is the first year that the “no see-ums” have been getting to us.
Just curious about the fence around the pool, is it something that you can put up and remove as needed? I see you have a perimeter property fence which is usually code in most areas but the idea of having temporary fencing for when young guests are visiting seems like a great idea. Too many tragedies when toddlers can access a pool directly from the house…perimeter fences are great for keeping out neighbouring kids, dogs and for providing privacy but your idea addresses the little visitors of the house, especially when there is a pool in a smaller yard and putting in permanent fencing might not work. Great post Mary Anne!
Yes, we can take the mesh fence down when little kids aren’t here. It rolls up. I will have to take a photo of it sometime.
I love the dining room chairs! Could you share where you purchased the table?
Thank you for another great post.
Joan
Thanks! It’s from Crate and Barrel: https://go.shopmy.us/p-67615635
What a wonderful summer post, your ideas are always the best. I love your “fishy” placemats, do you have a source for them?
Swim time in that gorgeous pools looked so fun and loved all your outfits and accessories.
Happy Summer to you!
Thanks, Gail. I got those placemats at a French shop on Coronado https://www.francaise-shop.com/
Hi Mary Ann,
Lovely post thank you! Cannot wait for grandchildren and “my two” are talking babies now and timing so we are all very excited. Really like the ease of your back yard with the rug and the little table especially, it looks very chill and perfect for family gatherings! Have a wonderful 4th of July! Love the Sezane pieces very pretty, I wish I could wear that top lol!
Can I just say: I am addicted to 2-piece dresses! Aka, your matching skirt and blouse from Sezane. My brain says “one and done” when they’re worn together and the waist always hits exactly right. Then, of course, the 2 items also split up to create an instant capsule for travel. For the capsule, a 2-piece denim set always works, or change it out to a 2-piece white set or pull a color from the pattern of the first set. A single bag and one set of jewelers works with everything. Minimal decision making and your friends all ask just how you’re so put together.
Good thinking!
I was unable to read your post this morning. It wanted me to sign up for your emails, which I did (again), then it sent a link which looped me back. Cindy’s link brought me to your post. I’m not sure what Wordpress is doing.
Louisa is darling. It’s a lot of work taking care of our grandchildren but rewarding.
Your backyard is an oasis with the pool, covered patio, and some greenery. I imagine you spend a great amount of time out there.
I’m so sorry for the hassle, Joanna…it’s fixed now.