31 Things To Basically Transform Your Backyard Into A 5-Star Resort

Buzz Feed

31-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Take your outdoor space from meh to magnificent.
1. 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 Customer
Get it from Amazon for $35+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors).
2. 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).
3. 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.
amazon.com, amazon.com
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." — Cinema4
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 50 ft. or 100 ft. lengths).
4. 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 three colors and 1-, 2-, or 4-piece sets).
5. 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.
amazon.com, amazon.com
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_Shawn
Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in several styles and colors).
6. 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!
amazon.com
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 four light colors and packs of four, six, or eight).
7. 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." — MJ
Get it from Amazon for $19.30.
8. 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.
amazon.com
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 seven colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).
9. 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!)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
There is also a matching curved walkway, if you need one!
Promising review:"I went back and forth deciding whether I wanted to buy this. I was going to build my own walkway, but the labor involved and the price were more than I wanted to pay. So, this option looked appealing and some of the reviews were not positive. But, I absolutely love this walkway, and I've had it for well over a month now. It still looks like I just purchased it. I live in Florida so the weather is very harsh with heavy rains and extreme heat. This walkway has held up fine." — Jntqnn
Get it from Amazon for $74.63.
10. 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.
Promising review:"Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I'm getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." — Maegan
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in multicolor, black, or white).
11. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it!
Promising review:"These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" — Sara Bushendorf
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 13 colors).
12. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note... If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — It will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable and made very well!! It only took my hubby and I 25–30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" — Marash
Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in 16 colors).
13. 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.
Amazon
Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.
Promising review:"My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk ( it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." — J. Matheson
Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99.
14. 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." — Tabitha
Get them from Amazon for $5.99.
15. 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.
16. 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.
It comes with the insert!
Gift A Pillow is a family-owned small business in Ohio that makes personalized pillows for every occasion.
Promising review:"Great quality and they look great with our deck lounge chairs. Can't wait for warm weather!" — Jennie
Get it from Gift A Pillow on Etsy for $39.95.
17. A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you.
This swinging hammock chair comes with two cushions and installation hardware.
Promising review:"Back to basics — simple, chic, and comfortable. Perfect addition for the backyard, porch, or anywhere you'd like to lounge. There were no installation directions, but they do provide a number of options to work with based on your needs." — afytasuki
Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors).
18. 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).
Promising review:"I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." — Kathi
Get it from Amazon for $88.95+ (also available in 120-inch size).
19. 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.
20. 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.
amazon.com, amazon.com
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." — Michael
Get it from Amazon for $159.20.
21. 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.
amazon.com, amazon.com
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.Stone
Get it from Amazon for $69.49+ (available in six colors).
22. 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 $1,899.99.
23. A cedar backyard play set with all the bells and whistles so your kids and their friends are entertained for years to come. This thing has everything! Swings, climbing wall, picnic table, slide, sandbox, and more.
amazon.com
Promising review: "I ordered this kit, and delivery was fast. Came in four boxes. Assembly was not rocket science, but you will need to know your way around a drill and sockets and wrenches. The kit was well made. All wood arrived in great shape, all predrilled holes were precisely placed. Everything fit together very easily. It took me about 12 hours to assemble and I am very experienced with tools, but I just took my time and it looks just like the picture in the ad. My granddaughter loves it and can't stay away. This was a really great purchase. After a few days of use there is some normal wear on the wood on the rock climbing wall, so I'm going to seal it with Thompson's water seal. No biggie. Highly recommended." — Richard L Wilson
24. 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.
amazon.com, amazon.com
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 Media
Get it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).
25. 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." — Bellium
Get it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in two sizes; be sure to clip the $30 off coupon).
26. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Very fun for garden decor. Have held up nicely through summer rain storms and continue to shine bright. Worked really well for a garden party." — Melissa
Get a nine-pack from Amazon for $35.99.
27. 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.
Shop Cornhole / Etsy
Shop Cornhole is a small business specializing in unique and personalized cornhole sets.
Promising review: "We love our new cornhole set! We used it for the first time yesterday and were pleased with the quality and appearance of the boards. They're beautiful and I love the natural colors. We look forward to using it at my sister's wedding in a couple of weeks. Thank you!!!" — Vanessa Weseman
Get it from Shop Cornhole on Etsy for $183.99 (available in 20 bag colors).
28. 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.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I am pleased with this product so far. The cushions are comfy and it's a good height for sitting. Assembly was easy and didn't take long. I can't wait to enjoy more days on my porch with this set." — Kathrin Kimmons
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in four cushion colors).
29. 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.
amazon.com
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." — Z
Get 10 square feet from Amazon for $78.01.
30. 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 / Etsy
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).
31. 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.
Wayfair
Promising review: 'The fan is a beautiful color and adds a coastal feel to my front porch. It looks great while keeping me cool!' — Miranda
Get it from Wayfair for $279 (available in three colors).
Me to my neighbors after I *add everything to cart*:
Fox
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.