Spring is here and the ideal time to get your backyard ready for those summer gatherings. But if it’s looking more drab than fab, and you don’t have the budget for a grand renovation, some simple workarounds can make a big impact on a small budget. You’ll be glad to know that you can invest in some cheap yet chic products that will instantly transform your outdoor space, and make it look stylish and inviting.
Even a small yard can feel transformed with the addition of the best solar lights and some well-placed soft furnishings. You can also use affordable fixtures on the walls and underfoot with the best outdoor rugs.
Luckily, we’ve done all the work for you and have spotted some great, backyard buys — all under $50. So, if you want to get more for your buck, check out these 7 cheap Amazon products that will make your backyard look more expensive.
1. Solar lights
Solar lights can make all the difference to an outdoor space. Not only will they automatically illuminate your backyard or porch once the sun goes down, but can add instant warmth and ambiance.
Be it path lights, step, wall-mounted or even string/fairy lights, you can choose from a wide range available to suit your yard. You can even get Edison-style lights like this Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof Solar LED Outdoor String Lights ($29, Amazon), that will brighten up your space, and add vintage style.
Before you install them though, you might need to know how to best place solar lights.
2. Tall planters
Whether you have a sprawling backyard, or small patio, tall planters can really elevate your outdoor space. Tall planters are great for growing your favorite plants or even small trees — and come in different heights, shapes and sizes to best suit your backyard.
You can even buy planters with a built-in drainage system like these Kante Tall Round Planter Set of 2 ($27, Amazon), that come with an inner pot and removable handles for easy access. This ensures your plant is getting proper moisture absorption, optimal soil moisture and oxygen levels for healthy growth. What’s more, tall planters can make great, decorative features, and are also ideal for growing plants on a balcony.
3. Outdoor rug
If you want to give your backyard or patio an instant upgrade or add a splash of color, investing in outdoor rugs can add a lot of style.
Since there are plenty of sizes, materials, designs and shapes available, you’ll need to buy the right size rug for your backyard. It's essential to measure up your outdoor space for the right dimensions — this will avoid ending up with an overwhelming rug too large for the space, or an undersized one.
If your outdoor space is compact, you can opt for a circular, outdoor rug like this Cekene Round Outdoor Rug ($24, Amazon), which will still exude charm. You also need to consider durability, weather resistance, and ease of cleaning when buying an outdoor rug.
4. Lanterns
Outdoor lanterns can really add ambiance and style to your backyard or patio. Be it hanging lanterns to place on trees or walls, or standing ones for decking, these affordable items can instantly make your backyard look expensive.
Depending on your needs, outdoor lanterns are either solar-powered or battery-operated and designed to be weatherproof and durable. Popular choices include rattan lanterns like this Pearlstar Outdoor Solar Lanterns Light Rattan Bamboo Lamp ($34, Amazon), that add a tropical feel to illuminate your outdoor space. You can also find other stunning, lantern designs made from metal or plastic.
5. Patio side table
If you enjoy relaxing in your backyard with a cold beverage or hosting guests, a side table can be a convenient place for items. Best of all, there are a great choice of affordable, side tables available, that can make your backyard look expensive.
Side tables like this Small Rattan Wicker Coffee Table ($40, Amazon), are practical yet stylish, and also give those, glam holiday vibes. Such patio tables are usually easy to assemble and lightweight to move around your backyard.
6. Seat cushions
Soft furnishings are not just limited for our living rooms, or indoor spaces. Why not spruce up your outdoor seating areas with bright seat cushions?
Similar to rugs, outdoor cushions instantly add bold color and style to your seating area, and can be accessorised with lightweight blankets or throws.
Outdoor seat cushions are usually waterproof, and can withstand outdoor conditions, and so easy to maintain. You can opt for a bold color to suit your outdoor furnishings, or keep it neutral, like this Downluxe Outdoor Chair Cushions ($41, Amazon), which are cozy aswell as stylish. Alternatively, you can always opt for large, cozy cushions to place on seating areas, as long as you remember to take indoors after use.
7. Vertical wall planter
If you’re running out of backyard space for plants, or have a small patio, living walls are a clever use of vertical space, and can make a stunning backdrop. There are easy ways to grow a vertical garden, but the more common way is to use fabric pocket planters that can be securely fixed to any wall, fence or even shed.
In fact, even if you don't want to cover the entire wall, you can find living wall planters with different numbers of pockets to suit your space, much like this Active Gear Guy Vertical Hanging Outdoor Wall Planter ($28, Amazon), for compact spaces.
If you are buying several wall planters, remember to space them out evenly on the wall or surface of your choice, ensuring each row is neatly tucked underneath the one above.
More from Tom's Guide
