If your backyard is short on square footage, you may long for a bigger space to start a garden, entertain friends, or simply relax with your loved ones. Fortunately, smaller yards have benefits of their own. They are easier to maintain, and less time spent on upkeep means more time for fun and relaxation.

What matters most is not how much space you have but how you use it. Small yards can be as functional as larger yards when you learn creative ways to maximize your minimal space.

Put your deck to work

Add built-in planter boxes around the edge of your deck to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers. Most vegetables do not need a large space to grow, and gardening in raised planter boxes makes weeding and harvesting vegetables as easy as walking out on your deck.

Adding a wooden arbor above the deck will not only add beauty to your outside space, it will also provide plenty of space for hanging baskets and additional gardening options. Tomatoes, strawberries, peas, peppers, and beans generally grow well in hanging baskets.

Choose the right outdoor furniture

Rather than the popular over-sized outdoor chairs and tables, choose smaller wooden benches and simple wooden chairs that will take up less space on your deck and in the yard.

The same holds true for a fire pit. A small fire pit will work as well as a larger one and will fit perfectly in your little space. A few slender wooden benches arranged around a fire pit will make for a cozy space for entertaining and relaxing.

Design a pretty pathway

If you love the look of a great walkway lined with plants, don't let your small yard keep you from creating the look you love. Use individual blocks or stepping stones atop gravel to create a small pathway through the backyard. Make sure to curve the pathway for added charm.

Plant succulents and ornamental grasses along the pathway. These plants require little to no maintenance and will add years of beauty to your backyard.

No backyard is complete without a little ambiance. Line the pathway with evenly spaced solar lights. Space the lights about two feet apart to avoid adding too much clutter to your yard. Less is more when lighting a tiny space.

Get smart about outdoor decorating

When it comes to adding accent pieces to your backyard, choose wisely. Having too many decorative items will distract from the natural beauty of the yard. Select only a few items that make a big impact.

For instance, a uniquely designed outdoor decorative water fountain placed along the pathway or in a corner of the deck will add beauty to your backyard and provide the soothing sound of a waterfall. Outdoor water fountains can be purchased in a wide variety of designs and sizes and can make a huge impact in your small backyard.

If desired, choose a small garden statue or two to tuck in among the succulents and plants to add a touch of whimsy.

Making the most of every square foot of your small backyard will help you design an outdoor space where you can enjoy gardening, entertaining, and relaxing with your loved ones. You may even find your friends longing for a smaller yard like yours that is fully functional and easier to maintain than their larger ones.