15-05-2025
31 Cheap Ways To Upgrade Your Outdoor Hangouts
Some solar-powered stair lights that'll keep your stairs from turning into a tripping hazard after dark. They're waterproof, they charge themselves (bless), and they'll make your stairs look like the runway your guests deserve.
Promising review: "Where I live, it's so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don't fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —BrookeGet it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes).
A hammock chair to bring some serious vacation energy to your porch or backyard. It comes with two plush cushions and all the hanging hardware, so you can set this up quickly and get to lounging immediately.
A hanging solar lantern that'll turn even a sliver of an outdoor space into an enchanting retreat. The warm LED glow casts mesmerizing patterns at night, all powered by an efficient solar panel that charges during the day (and illuminates for at least eight hours after dark). Plus, it's waterproof.
An outdoor rug for an instant (and cheap!) way to make your outdoor space look pulled together. The bold floral print brings the color, it folds up when you don't need it, and it costs less than a round of drinks.
Promising review: "Love this outdoor rug and it's reversible. White where the yellow is on this side. I love it ... the yellow is a beautiful, bright color. Just magical." —BarbGet it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes).
An inflatable pool that costs less than a beach day and delivers way more chill. It holds 156 gallons, has a bench for grown-up lounging, and even includes a cup holder, because hydration is key (even if it's via margaritas).
A colorful three-piece patio set if you're dealing with limited space but want a cozy place to enjoy your morning cup of joe or a meal al fresco. The bright color will create a nice focal point in an otherwise drab area of your outdoor space.
Promising review: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." —Judith J. Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in five colors).
Or a three-piece folding wood bistro set that comes with the cushions. This is such a timeless look; you can put this anywhere and it's sure to look amazing.
Promising review: "I recently moved and have a small front patio. The rules of the complex are neutral as far as furniture is concerned. And so I spent forever looking for something that would fit the color scheme, plus be cute and comfortable. I am so so happy with this purchase. The table and chairs are not only a good size, but they are tall! I myself am almost 6 foot tall, and to not have to lean over with a patio set is really cool. The cushions are very comfortable, and the setup was extremely easy. Highly recommend." —Ashley kGet it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in two colors).
A pack of wildflower seeds to turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard.
Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes).
A wood patio set that's cute enough to impress your guests and comfy enough to keep them lingering. The slatted acacia wood and crisp cushions give it a clean, modern vibe, and the table is juuuust the right size for a couple of cold bevvies and a snack bowl. It's proof that functional doesn't have to mean boring.
Promising review: "I was looking for some nice small chairs to put on our front patio. We had camping chairs out there before and they looked awful from the street. We ordered this little set and it has been perfect. They have great street appeal. They are extremely comfortable. The cushions are firm and supportive. We easily sit out here for an hour or two now each day. Cat and human approved." —Vik Get it from Amazon for $74.99.
A set of solar wind chimes for bringing a little glow and gentle sound to your outdoor space after dark. The charge during the day, then kicks on automatically at night with soft, color-changing light.
Promising review: "Ok so I absolutely LOVE this! So much so I have bought two more for gifts, lol. They shine wonderful amounts of light. The whole unit is lightweight. Hangs well and blows nicely in the wind. I could watch it for hours... and have. I see more orders in my future." —Fairy girl Get it from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in eight shapes).
Some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist.
Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).
A colorful small raised garden bed that costs less than takeout and looks like it came from a Crayola collab. It's tall enough to save your back, compact enough for small spaces, and colorful enough to count as decor. A cheerful little upgrade for anyone flirting with the idea of gardening.
Promising review: "I searched all over for a planter small enough to fit on my porch. I'm so happy I came across this one. There really isn't anything out there right now that's 1. This size, and 2. This price. It's exactly what I was looking for, and I was able to plant six herbs in it. Assembly was easy but it helps if you have an extra hand to hold the pieces together. It's made out of metal and feels very sturdy. It has a drain hole, which is a plus. I highly recommend this, especially if you are limited on space." —ChristineGet it from Amazon for $45.99.
A quilted hammock because sometimes the only outdoor upgrade you need is one that lets you lie down and ignore your responsibilities. It can hold up to 450 pounds, comes with a pillow, and is a good excuse to cancel your afternoon plans.
You can get the canopy here and the stand 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." — it from Amazon for $67.40+ (available in seven colors).
A fade-resistant outdoor umbrella so you can relax without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs.
Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well ,and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $35.74+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).
And a clip-on light for your umbrella, because sometimes a great day on your balcony turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination.
A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. 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 three-piece wicker chair and table set for under $100 that doesn't look like it came from the dusty clearance corner of a big-box store. You get two cushioned chairs, a glass-top table, and the undeniable satisfaction of leveling up your outdoor space without blowing your budget.
A pack of solar-powered garden lights to turn your yard into a wind-powered light show. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required.
A flexible adjustable mister so you can make sure you don't overheat when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go.
Or a misting system if you're already sweating just thinking about summer and want maximum misting in your outdoor space. This easy little setup connects to your garden hose and mists a fine spray that can cool the area by up to 20 degrees. Perfect for patios, play spaces, or wherever else you'd rather not melt.
An outdoor inflatable ottoman so you can kick your feet up after a long day. It's fade- and water-resistant, and deflates for easy storage when not in use.
Just inflate the interior pouf and stick it inside the printed, water-resistant review: "Love these! Ordered two more. The fabric is very nice and sturdy especially for outdoors. The inflatable part appears to be good quality. How to: Place inflatable inside of cover before inflating it. Do not inflate to full capacity or it will look like an inflatable and will not rest in a nice flat position. Far nicer than I imagined. They look great flanking my outdoor rattan sectional." —Cali gGet it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in 13 fabric patterns).
Some interlocking teak tiles if you want to easily upgrade your balcony's flooring. 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 is one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil which repels water.
Bare Decor is a small business that sells teak tiles and accessories for outdoor spaces. Promising review: "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!" —AdazzleGet 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $81.99.
A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that'll clip right onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent out on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.
Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All lights work, which is great. Better than could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $23.69+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20).
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.
Or a privacy screen if you have nosy neighbors, a less-than-pleasant view, or just want some reprieve from whatever's outside your balcony, but don't want to cover your entire view up.
Promising review: "Super easy install. What truly made me feel like this was a great investment was the ability to put additional zip ties through the product, as it was a weaved fabric. It can get windy sometimes and I was able to secure additional zip ties where needed." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and nine colors and patterns).
A Thermacell mosquito repellent so you can actually enjoy your time outside without constantly swatting at the air. It creates a 20-foot protection zone without any sprays or smells, and it runs on a rechargeable battery. Just turn it on and let it quietly do its thing while you relax.
A simple outdoor plant stand that's not just a stand, but an opportunity to declare your undying love for all things leafy. This stand holds up to 60 pounds and will keep your planter off the ground, which is necessary if you use a planter that has drainage holes.
Promising review: "This plant stand is elegant looking and plenty sturdy for large plants. I will be purchasing more. It is simple to assemble — just screw on the legs!" —Grace MartinGet it from Amazon for $8.99.
Or a pack of five outdoor plant stands of various heights so each one of your plant children has an opportunity to shine. Plant stylists say putting plants into groups of three, five, or seven is the visual sweet spot, so this is a win-win.
Promising review: "This was a great pack! Five plant stands. You can mix any of the tops with the legs of different varying heights. I needed this option to put them all in front of my bay window so my plants could get some winter sun. I needed a short, large top stand as well as a tall, small top stand. And the little stoppers on the feet keep them from sliding or knocking over when the cats decide to play." —Thrifty but not cheap Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
A splashy version of Twister because it's way more fun to watch your kids (or your friends, tbh) wipe out when you're slipping around right next to them. This hose-powered game turns everyone into a soggy, tangled mess, and honestly, it might be the most chaotic bonding experience $11 can buy.
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.
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 $16.99+ (available in 50 ft. or 100 ft. lengths).
A wooden wall-mounted trellis for adding some vertical greenery to your exterior walls. From potted plants to air plants, this trellis will provide you with everything you need to help your garden grow vertically.
And some vegetable and herb markers so you can stylishly keep track of what herbs you've planted in your garden. Each stick is sold individually and there are over 40 popular vegetables and herb names to choose from. There's also a custom option if the name you need isn't listed.
Lemon Studio is a woman- and family-owned small business based in Chilliwack, Canada that makes beautiful objects for the home with a laser engraving review: "The plant stakes are great! They show up really well in my herb garden! Thank you!" —Judy Davis Get it from Lemon Studio on Etsy for $3.33 (available with all the common herbs and vegetable names with the option to add a custom name).
