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31 Things To Improve Your Outdoor Space

31 Things To Improve Your Outdoor Space

Buzz Feed21-05-2025
A black and white outdoor rug so chic it'll instantly transform your backyard into a scene straight out of The White Lotus. Not only does it add a touch of pizzazz to your outdoor space, but it's also made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements.
Hauteloom is a small business in Georgia that sells rugs for the home.Promising review: "Delivered exactly as described. This is a really beautiful outdoor rug that adds coziness and pop to my deck. I put heavy items around the perimeter of the rug for a day to help flatten the edges. Great price for a great quality rug." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $35+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors).
A narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair — without eating up half your patio. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots.
Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It it gorgeous and doesn't take up too much space on the patio. It was very easy to put together and the instructions were clear and simple to read. This chair is very sturdy and doesn't seem like it will unravel or break. The cushions are very plush and the covers unzip and can easily be cleaned in a washing machine. Overall, this purchase has been so worth it." —Evelyn Ndidi Get it from Amazon for $118.50+ (available in four styles).
Some waterproof and shatterproof (and dimmable!!!) outdoor string lights so enchanting they'll turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting.
Promising review: "I have two strings of this for my rooftop. They work so well and are so lovely. The dimming option is perfect, as these can be real bright." —Cinema4Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
A wicker patio set that turns your outdoor space into a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of nonfiction...or just zone out while doomscrolling TikTok.
Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It's lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams Get it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in six colors and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets).
A very pretty garden bench, because folks need a beautiful place to sit. Whether it's strategically placed on your porch or plopped down in the middle of your garden, it's sure to turn heads with its unique design and available colors.
Promising review: "Its sturdy construction and classic design make it a standout piece for any patio. The robust cast-iron and steel frame ensure longevity, while the generous size accommodates comfortable seating. Elevate your outdoor space with this timeless and reliable garden bench." —Zhang_ShawnGet it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in several styles and colors).
A pack of solar-powered path lights that stick right into the ground so your pathways are always beautifully lit once the sun sets. Because they're powered by the sun, you never need to worry about running out of battery or turning them on at night. It all happens automatically!
Promising review: "These are great lights, we use them in our front and backyard. They are long lasting and create a resort-like appearance." —Michele Get it from Amazon for $41.99+ (available in three light colors and packs of four, six, or eight).
A bottle of grass seed specifically designed to repair damage to your lawn caused by pets and sun. Using a combination of mulch, seed, and soil, you simply sprinkle this over your problem areas and let it do its thing. Within weeks, those bald spots will be gone.
Promising review: "Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass is truly a lifesaver for my lawn! I had numerous dead spots caused by my dogs' urine, and I needed a solution fast. After applying this magic dust as directed, followed by watering, I was amazed by the results. The dead patches transformed into lush, green grass in no time! This product definitely lives up to its promises and works wonders for repairing damaged areas on the lawn. Just be sure to follow the directions closely for best results. I highly recommend Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for anyone looking to revitalize their lawn effortlessly." —MJGet it from Amazon for $19.30.
A colorful three-piece patio set for when you're dealing with limited space but want a cozy place to enjoy your morning cup of joe or a meal outside. The bright color can create a nice focal point in an otherwise drab area of your outdoor space.
An outdoor furniture set that includes a sofa, two chairs, and two ottomans because your backyard should be just as inviting and stylish as your living room. The sofa and chairs offer ample seating for guests, while the ottomans serve double duty as extra seating or a spot to kick up your feet.
Promising review: "This patio furniture is great for the price. One of the better known brands would sell a set like this for about $2,500–$3,000. It took a long time to put together by myself, but it was well worth the effort. My sister is on the market for patio furniture and I recommended this set to her." —Ant Rico Get it from Amazon for $799+ (available in two colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).
An 8-foot wooden pathway to create a cute way to get around your outdoor space. No more stomping around your backyard barefoot, only to realize you have to walk across a patch of bark or stones. (Ouch!)
A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs whenever you want. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery to really make a big visual impact.
A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly.
A canopy swing that rocks and swings *and* provides you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so when you're all tucked in you'll feel weightless.
Some color-changing inflatable pool balls so your pool is always the place to party. They're solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a single charge.
A pack of waterproof playing cards to keep yourself occupied during those lazy spring days. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden spring showers. Just wipe down, and voila! They're like new.
Promising review: "These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet and they won't soggy up and tear it just become a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them but you can't." —TabithaGet them from Amazon for $5.99.
A gorgeous teak and powder-coated aluminum dining set that'll make you want to eat all your meals al fresco. The spaciousness means no one has to fight for elbow room, and the durable materials mean you won't be scrambling to cover it any time there's a chance of rain.
I set this table up on my deck last summer, and let me tell you, my family practically lived at it. We ate at it every single day while the weather was nice, and even kept using it deep into winter — right up until frostbite became a real threat. The seats? Shockingly cushy. The table? Sleek, sturdy, and a breeze to clean. It's a total showstopper that somehow blends in beautifully with my deck and garden. I love hosting dinner parties, and am so looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer so I can serve meals outside on this again. Get it from NewAge for $2,299.99.
A customized outdoor pillow so guests feel welcome when they come over to enjoy your beautiful backyard. It's made from a burlap-like material, so it has major farmhouse vibes.
A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you.
A portable 100-inch movie screen for hosting an outdoor movie night. Now that a lot of movies are premiering on streaming services instead of exclusively in theaters, you can have your own red carpet opening night (ball gowns and tuxedos optional).
A sleek three-piece rocking chair set so you can spend lazy days rocking it out on your porch. Soon, you'll be spending more time outdoors than in, so it's essential to have a nice place to sit back and relax.
Promising review: "This set is beautiful, good quality — especially for the price and so sleek and bold looking! I ordered this twice because I was so thrilled with the first set I ordered!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $114.99.
A pressure washer to make grimy surfaces like new again. From stained decks and concrete to outdoor furniture and cooking equipment, this will help tackle difficult cleaning tasks that you thought couldn't be remedied.
Promising review: "This power washer was easy to use and did the job well. I used it on my driveway, paver path and patio. The attachments for soap and the various angle heads snap on quickly and are conveniently stored on the unit. Some assembly is required out of the box, but it is simple and only requires a screwdriver." —MichaelGet it from Amazon for $159.20.
A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a long nap outside. Each hammock can hold up to 450 pounds, so grab a loved one and get to snuggling.
You can get the canopy here!What's included: One pillow, two chains, and two S-shaped hooks. Promising review: "There is nothing more comfortable than being cradled and rocked in a hammock that is comfortable with its padded quilted canvas, built-in pillow, and the size built for two. The craftsmanship and anchors give you a secure feeling." —Just.Rob.StoneGet it from Amazon for $69.49+ (available in six colors).
A well-designed modern shed that gives your backyard a sleek and chic storage solution that doesn't scream "plastic eyesore." With its weather-resistant resin construction, steel reinforcement, and wood-like texture, it's as sturdy as it is stylish. Plus, the double doors and roomy interior means you can finally stash everything from bikes to bulky lawn equipment without playing an intense game of Tetris.
Get it from Keter for $1,595.99.
A triangular sail to block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade. A simple way to create a cool, relaxing area during those hot spring and summer days.
The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel compliments our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC MediaGet it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).
A gas firepit table so you can keep warm on chilly nights. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use it can be used as a table.
Promising review: "My favorite purchase for our deck. I LOVE this fire table. Good size, great value compared to what is out there. Packaged nicely. My husband put together alone in 30–45 minutes with no frustration and easy to follow directions. Puts out a decent amount of heat. Enough rocks to adequately cover. Just add your propane tank. I love that it has a lid as well. You will find sturdier fire tables, but not at this price. Excellent value." —BelliumGet it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in two sizes).
A set of eight solar-powered jar lanterns filled with string lights to create a whimsical outdoor experience every time the sun goes down. The battery life can be maintained for more than 500 cycles of charging, so these will be the star of the show for at least a few summers.
A retro-style cornhole set for keeping guests entertained. This will be the VIP when everyone's waiting around for their burgers to come off the grill before lunchtime.
A small wicker couch and matching ottoman with storage to provide you and your bestie with a place to comfortably sit when it comes to enjoying a cocktail at sunset.
Some interlocking teak tiles for sectioning off a special area of your backyard. No tools or glue are required; the tiles just snap together. Teak is also a preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It's one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil that repels water.
Promising reviews: "Living in Hawaii, you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle"Bought these in 2016, and with one application of teak oil per year, they still look great in 2023. They have been subjected to full weather for 7 years and still look amazing. Lightly power wash them once a year to remove grime, takes about 30 min." —ZGet 10 square feet from Amazon for $78.01.
A wildlife ring firepit if loving the great outdoors is part of your personality. Soooo many firepit designs are an afterthought, so try this one if you want to add a little pizzazz.
FiveMetalDesign is a Wisconsin-based small business creating metal ring fire pits featuring intricate designs. Promising review: "This is EVERYTHING they said it would be. Always hard to tell if something will look as amazing as the picture. In this case it's as great or better than the picture. Fast delivery, great friendly service! I highly recommend this company. Best purchase yet on Etsy!" —pjmklm2004 Get it from FiveMetalDesign on Etsy for $196+ (available in four sizes).
An outdoor ceiling fan for adding a bit of tropical flair to your space while providing you with that island breeze you so desperately seek in the warmer months.
Promising review: 'The fan is a beautiful color and adds a coastal feel to my front porch. It looks great while keeping me cool!' —MirandaGet it from Wayfair for $249 (available in three colors).
Me to my neighbors after I *add everything to cart*:
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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