No matter the size of your backyard, you can turn it into a place where you can relax, unwind, and have fun.
A cluttered backyard with broken patio furniture, unused wooden logs, and damaged electrical appliances can make it look untidy.
Instead of using your backyard as a dumping ground, you can convert it into a relaxing retreat where you and your family can enjoy.
1. Swinging Bench
Imagine lying back on a swinging bench with your eyes closed.
With the breeze blowing gently and birds chirping in the background, you may soon fall asleep. 
Plus, you don’t need to spend a fortune to install a swinging bench. If there is a sturdy tree in your backyard, use one of its branches to tie the ends of the swing.
Place a cushion on the bench so that it doesn’t hurt your back if you sit for hours.
2. Hanging Chairs
The concept is similar to a swinging bench but hanging chairs are more comfortable.
Get two rattan chairs and hang them from a swing stand. You can also use the branches of a sturdy tree if you don’t have a swing stand handy.
Keep a few pillows in the hanging chairs and a small table on their side. It will be the ideal place for two people to sip coffee, chat, and relax.
3. Shaded Pergola
There are tons of designs for shaded pergolas on the internet. Pick one that you think will suit your backyard the most.
A shaded pergola can become an added dining space for your family.
If you want to enjoy a big, fat lunch during the fall or in spring, use the shaded pergola as your dining space.
Alternatively, you can use the space to sit and chat with your friends while enjoying a can of chilled beer.
Make sure you keep lightweight tables and chairs so that you can move them inside the house in case there is heavy rain.
4. Perfect Patio
A patio can be a welcome extension for your house, urging you to come to the backyard and enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze.
Consider adding patio furniture that matches the color of your home’s exterior.
This will make your backyard look like an extension of your house. Apart from patio furniture, you should also add a few potted plants.
You can make the backyard greener by installing artificial grass also. It would be very relaxing to step on to the grass and spend time reading a book or listening to soft music in your leisure time.
5. Retreating Yurt
If you have enough space in your backyard, you can set up a yurt. It will not only become your favorite place to smoke cigars peacefully but also an entertainment area where you can play cards with your friends. Select from the well-insulated yurt covers to keep the interiors warm during winters.
Keep a few bean bags so that you and your friends can slouch and talk for hours. Many homeowners use their yurts as an additional guest room so that they can accommodate guests during get-togethers.
6. Portable Fireplace
If you don’t have a fireplace in your house, you can create one in your backyard.
The sound of wood crackling as they burn, the smell of fresh coffee, and some light music can make your winter evenings peaceful.
Moreover, you may not need to break the bank to arrange this setting.
Just get a concrete block where you can burn wood. Add patio furniture around the fire pit. And bring some seasoned logs.
You can also install sidewalk lights around the backyard to create a warm ambiance.
7. Hammocks
Like hanging chairs, hammocks allow you to relax in your backyard for hours.
Get a couple of hammocks and tie them to parallel trees in the backyard.
Hammocks are widely available at pocket-friendly prices. You should buy the ones that come with wooden ends on both sides.
These usually hold the ropes tightly. Unlike chairs, hammocks will let you lie down and relax. The soft breeze and shades of the trees above may make you fall asleep in no time.
8. Hot Tub
Soaking in a hot tub after a tiring day can be very relaxing.
It lets you unwind from the stress at work within a few minutes.
To set up a hot tub, you will first need to create a shaded pergola. Buy a round hot tub with a diameter of approximately 6 feet.
Install the hot tub right under the pergola. Make sure you check the installation instructions; otherwise, the hot tub may not produce warm water. Connect the hot tub to your home’s water supply.
Check whether the water heats up or not. Once it does, you can sit and relax in the tub after coming from work.
9. Water Feature
The sound of trickling water, a rustling of leaves, and chirping of birds will make you feel as if you are in a forest. If you find a 3-by-3 feet corner in your backyard, convert it into a water feature. This can be anything, such as a koi pond, fountain, wading pool, or birdbath.
These hardly take up any space and can transform your backyard into something extraordinary. Add patio furniture and light up the backyard with string lights.
The backyard will look so impressive that you may want to spend more time outdoors than indoors.
10. Zen Gazebo
Many people find yoga to be relaxing. And a wooden gazebo can be the ideal place for your yoga practice. The shaded gazebo will protect you from the sun while you stretch your body to keep it fit and active.
All these ideas can transform your backyard and make it the most relaxing place in your house. But you may need professional help in setting up some of these units.
Our landscape architect at Big Easy Landscaping, we can not only help in installing some of the structures mentioned above but also provide additional ideas to make your backyard a relaxing retreat. Let us be a part of the incredible makeover of your backyard so that you can spend peaceful hours in it in the future.
