Planning a Comely Courtyard: Design Tips for Enclosed Outdoor Spaces

Enhancing an Existing Courtyard

Because a courtyard extends the house, it's typically furnished similarly. Consider these design aspects when refurbishing.

Enclosure. A courtyard feels like it has four "solid" walls—visual, not literal. A vine-covered trellis or hedge can enclose a small space (<10 ft square) without claustrophobia. An open roof or canopy adds enclosure while allowing plenty of light. A retractable awning or temporary winter roof extends usability and protects plants.

Find even more inspiration for your patio spaces.

Check out our tips on making your backyard more private.

Styles. The courtyard's style is partly set by its walls, but walls can be altered to create your desired setting.

Scale. Absence of a roof makes the space feel larger. Furniture that's comfortable on an open patio may look cramped in a walled courtyard. Fewer, larger pots work better than many small ones that dry out and blow over.

Views. The main concern is usually the view into the courtyard. Examine views from all windows (including overhead) and doors. If you have an attractive view out, cut a window in a courtyard wall to frame it.

Making a Latticework Screen

Adding a New Courtyard

When adding onto your home, plan a courtyard. It may not add as much cost as you think. For a study, extra bedroom, or attached garage, build the structure 15–20 feet from the house. Additional costs: one wall (no longer shared) and a connecting hallway. Then enclose with fence or dense hedge, plus courtyard costs.

Important Things to Consider

Consider sun orientation and entry/exit points from house and garden—more entries increase use. Ensure paving drains away from the house. Provide a partial canopy by extending roof rafters over the new structure.

Add on to an Existing Renovation

If your home is already built, plan a courtyard when adding on. This may not add as much cost as you think. For example, when adding a study, extra bedroom, or attached garage, build the structure 15–20 feet from the house. Costs: one unshared wall and connecting hallway. Enclose with fence or hedge, plus courtyard costs.