10 Fantastic Patio Wall Ideas to Define Your Outdoor Space

One of the great unsung heroes of the landscaping world is the humble retaining wall. More than just holding back the earth and letting you literally carve out a larger space, a wall can have a particularly beneficial relationship with your outdoor living space. A wall can improve a patio even on a flat property by providing more seating capacity, creating a cozy feeling, and adding vertical interest. Here are our favorite examples of how a patio and wall can work together. In this article, we’ll cover the best seat wall ideas, patio sitting wall ideas, patio retaining wall ideas, and other patio wall ideas. Let the inspiration begin!

1. Textured Walls with Integrated Lighting

Source: Techo-bloc

Regardless of the purpose of a patio wall, there is a wonderful opportunity for it to become a focal point. Integrated lighting embedded into the structure of the wall not only lights the space but showcases the beautiful texture. These gorgeous Techo-bloc precast stone blocks add a very rich textural quality to the space. A retaining wall can be part of any vertical patio feature such as an outdoor kitchen, bar, or outdoor fireplace. Even on its own as a simple wall, incorporating lighting will give the masonry surface a dramatic presence after dark.

2. Preserve the View and Add a Cozy Feel

Source: Unilock

Walls don’t need to be tall to be useful in an outdoor living space. In fact, they can become “part of the furniture” without having a monolithic feeling. Notice in this example how a semi-circular seat wall wraps around the fire pit. For just one or two people, this seat wall can provide an intimate enclosure that preserves the view of the surrounding landscape. For a larger party full of friends and family, it provides overflow seating and a spot to sit and chat near the fire. Even though this wall makes the space feel much cozier, it also keeps the stunning view intact. A taller wall would block the view of this luscious landscape. The gorgeous precast blocks from Unilock are the perfect combination of texture and color to fit in beautifully with the surroundings. This is a great example of how a patio wall can be used on a flat backyard.

3. One Material Throughout Creates Unity

Source: Techo-Bloc

Just like in interior design, it’s important to work towards unity in your landscape as well. This doesn’t mean monotony where everything is the same. Just like a rug can tie the room together, wall materials can too. You can choose a single masonry material such as these gorgeously rustic Techo-bloc precast concrete blocks with a naturally-inspired texture. In this cozy backyard, these materials are used throughout the outdoor living space, including the fire pit, retaining wall, and steps. There are even more possibilities to enhance the look of the patio by using the same masonry material in water features, an outdoor kitchen, and pillars.  

4. A Multi-Level Landscape

Is your landscape is steeply sloped? Great! It’s a perfect opportunity to create a gorgeous and dynamic outdoor living space with the help of retaining walls. These structures will hold back the earth above and behind the wall while expanding usable space both above or below the wall. Terraces are nothing new — they’ve been used for thousands of years for agriculture — and they are infinitely useful in making an outdoor living space dynamic and increasing vertical interest. The lush plantings on each terrace soften the look while integrating the wall into the landscape; and yet, because of the addition of a little Roman fountain, it’s also very much part of the patio. Don’t those steps beckon you in the most delightful way to explore what’s above?

5. A Cozy Fire Pit Vibe  

Source: Unilock

The perimeter of this fire pit area is surrounded by a low seat wall with generous coping, keeping space for plantings or comfy seating. The curves work together to create a warm embrace with an organic feel. The space just begs friends and family to gather. Even if your backyard is pancake-flat, this is a way to add a vertical dimension without blocking your views.

6. A Defined Patio

Walls separate spaces. But, they don’t have to be in-your-face about it. They don’t need to be tall to get the job done. A low seat wall creates a visual barrier that helps define the space, as in the case of this cozy firepit nook. Imagine the other side of this patio, with a low wall creating a cozy dining space or seating area with upholstered furniture. These walls help make each section of your patio feel more intentional. 

7. Double Duty

A social space works best when it has its own space. There is no better way to provide definition to your social spaces than with a wall. As you can see in this backyard, there is lots of room for friends and family to move about and hang out in different areas including a slightly sunken fire pit area flanked by a low wall. It’s a dynamic patio that is clearly separated into different activity areas. Imagine this space full of people: with four distinct hangout zones, there’s always somewhere enticing to be.

8. Dazzling Water Features

A patio wall can be a way to incorporate outdoor lighting into your patio, but it also presents another opportunity to make the space even more interesting. This elegant sheer-descent waterfall pours directly out of the wall, creating a mesmerizing scene. With lots of incredible ideas to combine water features and lighting within a patio wall, you can create a dazzling yet soothing feature that washes the environment with gorgeous visuals and white noise.

9.  Vertical Dimension  

Just because a yard is flat, doesn’t mean your patio has to be two-dimensional. Of course, there are plenty of ways to add a vertical dimension such as trees, plantings, and shelter structures such as a pavilion or pergola. Patio walls can also add that gorgeous vertical element and make an otherwise ordinary landscape feel much more varied. Notice how this landscape appears vibrant and layered due to the low walls that separate various sections of the patio. Lush plantings and a tasteful waterfall add vertical dimension along with wonderful sounds and visuals.

10. A Functional Work of Art  

There are so many ways to incorporate artwork into a landscape to create dramatic visuals. Have you ever considered the potential of a wall? Masonry can do double duty as art and a functional structure. In an abstract expressionist manner, notice how the masonry wall in this outdoor living space takes on an elegant and detailed presence. The intricate textures and random shapes of the natural stone veneer contrast with the clean, straight lines of the design and the living space. You can always add function to your landscape with a patio wall, but don’t discount the ways you can add artistry and creativity as well!

Let’s just say that patio walls open up possibilities. Carve out more outdoor living space. Add seating. Add artistry. Add dimension. Add fun features. Light the space. And, tie the whole space together. What’s your style: rustic, traditional, or modern? There’s a wall that will fit!

Image courtesy of Techo-bloc & Unilock