12 Backyard Relaxation Ideas to Add to Your Yard

From romantic furniture to soothing fountains, these backyard relaxation ideas are major inspiration for those seeking serenity.

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Swing
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Swinging Bench

If you have a big backyard, a curved swinging bench hanging from the bough of a sturdy tree is a lovely feature to add to your list of backyard relaxation ideas. Imagine lying back on this swing, closing your eyes and listening to the birds and the breeze. Aaaaaah.

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waterfall
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Backyard Pond

Enjoy the soothing sound of trickling water in your backyard by installing a small pond with trimmed bushes and a small waterfall. It’s the perfect relaxing space for meditation.

Create a rippling, rock-lined stream with multiple waterfalls in your own backyard.

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wicker
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Hanging Chairs

Two hanging rattan chairs with pillows hanging outside provide a quiet place for two people to sit back, catch up, swing and relax in the backyard.

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Shaded Pergola

Another suggestion for your backyard relaxation ideas list is a shaded pergola. Enjoy a carefree meal with friends and family, sit back with a good summer read or spend time catching up with a friend with a cool glass of iced tea.

Also, check out these ways to create a wellness yard that are a major inspiration for those seeking serenity.

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water
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Backyard Hot Tub

Even if your view isn’t as spectacular as this lakeside locale, you’ll be able to relax your muscles and your mind while indulging in a soothing soak in your backyard hot tub.

Save $100s and update your outdoor spaces instantly with these easy and inexpensive one-day backyard projects!

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pond and pool
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Backyard Pool

Another great addition to your backyard relaxation ideas list is a pool surrounding by a wooden deck and lush greenery. A backyard pool alone is a wonderful place to relax, while the natural surroundings promote even more serenity.

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gazebo
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Zen Gazebo

A graceful wooden gazebo is the perfect place to comfortably take on your yoga practice in the backyard. Stretch and strengthen in the outdoors while shading yourself from the sun.

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sofa
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Outdoor Chaise Lounge Surrounded by Sheer Curtains

Add a ethereal look to your backyard with a garden gazebo featuring sheer white curtains and a pale pink chaise lounge. It’s the ideal private getaway right outside your back door.

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patio
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Backyard Fireplace

A covered patio with large, comfortable furniture and a lovely stone fireplace as the centerpiece is the place to cozy up with friends and family and enjoy the great outdoors even after the sun sets.

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hammock
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Luxury Oasis

Turn your backyard into a luxury oasis, taking a note from a hotel in Miami. Hang a hammock from a tree, install a life-size chess board in the ground, set up a comfy spot for summer reading and plant your favorite flowers. Customize your oasis with what calms you.

Read on for 13 more ways to achieve your own backyard oasis.

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spa
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Outdoor Spa Station

If you have a private setting, what’s more relaxing than showering in the great outdoors? This beautiful shower even features a shelf stand to display towels and spa goodies like a face mask, luxurious soaps and more.

You’ll also love these 11 products that make soaking in the tub even more soothing.

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lamps
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Candlelit Retreat

Grab a sofa, some large, comfy pillows and encircle with clusters of candles. Hang string lights above and you have yourself the most relaxing outdoor space to have a glass of wine, hang with your partner or curl up with a book.

Glass yogurt jars are perfect to use as candle containers and these DIY beeswax candles make great gifts!

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Alexa Erickson
Alexa Erickson is an experienced lifestyle writer who has contributed to Family Handyman, Reader's Digest, Martha Stewart, Bob Vila and Thrillist. She’s written more than 50 articles for Family Handyman on a range of topics, including home design, DIY home improvement projects, and storage and organization. Additionally, she runs her own website, Living by Lex, where she writes about home decor, travel, tech and more.