Bonjour and welcome to our Art of the Home photo gallery of backyard bridge ideas. We hand picked them just for you…hope you enjoy the visit!
Gardens have long been a source of relaxation for homeowners. A stroll in a garden filled with flowers or even just staring at your green-filled backyard is already a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are one of the lucky ones who has a stream or an artificial pond, a backyard bridge would be an excellent addition that could also serve as the focal point of your landscape. Even the tiniest of gardens can accommodate a mini bridge that will give an attractive architectural element to the backyard. As shown in the photos we shared below, garden bridges come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and design. It can be customized (or DIY’d) to fit any homeowner’s preference.
For small backyard owners, a mini bridge is a visual treat. And why not put hands to work by DIY landscaping river rocks, mossy greens and LED lighting in strategic spots to get an instant evening garden party star. The more popular serene Japanese bridge designs with its arched structure and koi ponds give off that feeling of relaxed zen while European stone bridges take you back to bygone eras with its classic design. Wooden or iron bridges can be turned into its modern versions with color – green or blue to make it blend with nature around it, red’s pop of color is a popular Japanese inspiration while white maintains the traditional
For small backyard owners, a mini bridge is a visual treat. You can surround it with rocks and boulders, trees and flowering shrubs, mossy greens, and LED lighting in strategic spots. You can put it over streams, ponds, artificial water features, even over a flower garden! The traditional Japanese bridge design with its arched structure over a small artificial stream or koi pond will give off a feeling of complete zen while European stone bridges will take you back to the old world era with its solid and rugged design. When it comes to color, painting your bridge green or blue will make it blend with nature, red is the go-to color for Japanese-inspired bridges, and white or natural wood remains a favorite choice for traditional or cottage bridge designs.
So please join us as we explore and take a look at the following charming backyard bridge ideas we think might inspire you. Who knows, one may just be right for your backyard. Enjoy and beautiful day to you!
1. Shinto Crossing…
The Little Plus: the arched bridge in the traditional Japanese style. The rich reddish tone of the cedar wood ensures it stands out against the simplicity of the adjoining building and the surrounding trees and shrubbery. And the bronze giboshi or bridge post tops — a lovely finishing touch. Notice how the stone steps are guarded by handrails that takes inspiration from a tachi kake (Japanese short sword horizontal display rack), the weathered garden rocks, and the Japanese maple tree…what a nice place to be!
2. The River of Dreams…
The Little Plus: the serene pond and the wooden arched bridge –simple design, timeless look. And the surrounding stone landscaping with the palm trees and low-lying shrubs framing the whole tableau give a tropical-like ambiance. It’s lush, vibrant, and exotic…wouldn’t you like to have this oasis in your backyard?
3. A Touch of History…
The Little Plus: the rustic stone bridge overlooking a small brook. It’s gently arched, has a lovely weathered look, and would just get more and more beautiful with the passage of time. And how about the stone garden lantern or kasuga-doro at the end of the bridge? It lends an old-world touch that speaks of culture and tradition. Flowering plants and ornamental trees make everything picturesque. With all this subtle charm, walking around here will feel as if you’ve gone back in time.
4. A Walk in the Woods…
The Little Plus: the arched wooden log bridge –made of sturdy cement, but looks like real wood. The craftsmanship and attention to detail will take you back to memories of camping trips in nature parks with friends and family. And notice the retaining wall made of multi-colored stones, you can sit by the edge and dip your toes into the water…plouf!
5. Floral Flair…
The Little Plus: the simple wood bridge with smoothened bar railings blending in with the screen of tall and sturdy trees. Unlike traditional bridges built over water, this design takes a earthy twist by overlooking a large patch of colorful flowers! The perfect backdrop for a warm afternoon stroll, or even for taking photos of you and your loved ones.
6. It’s All Water Under the Bridge…
The Little Plus: the rustic short bridge made of wood posts and metal railing. Underneath the utilitarian bridge is a little stream tumbling down natural rock formations that looks like miniature waterfalls. Notice how the clever use of underwater lighting emphasizes this effect, it will surely draw your eyes. It’s a short walk but the sight will make you stay longer.
7. Let’s X the Bridge When We Get There…
The Little Plus: the simple wooden bridge that could easily be a weekend DIY project. . The crossed railings give a country-garden look, and the natural stain calls back the stone retaining wall –a nice contrast to the Japanese maple tree growing close by. Shrubbery with pastel colored flowers and bright green leaves complete this idyllic picture. And please mind the radishes as you step of the bridge, thanks!