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Home & Garden

24 decor pieces under $50 to upgrade your outdoor space

Outdoor space is a blessing, so let's make the most of it!

A family laughs around an outdoor fireplace Credit: Getty Images / M_a_y_a

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It's nearly fall, which means it's time for the leaves to turn and bonfires to burn, but... some of us are still stuck at home. Those of us who are lucky enough to have some outdoor space have got to be counting our blessings right now—but not all outdoor spaces are equal. There’s a huge gulf between an empty patch of yard, and a fully functional space for relaxing, entertaining, and gardening, or working outside.

The good news is that pretty much any space can rise to the occasion with some time and investment. Don’t worry—that investment doesn’t have to be huge. A few pieces of comfortable patio furniture, some attractive lighting, or the beginning of a grilling space can completely transform your backyard. To stoke your inspiration, here are 24 products under $50 that can help you take your outdoor space to the next level.

1. A classic swing to get the kids outside

Two images of a flat wooden swing
Credit: Home Depot

This wooden swing is the next best thing to a dirty old tire...on second thought, maybe this is better

Some of my best memories of childhood are of hurtling along on a rope swing, either in a backyard or over a body of water, feeling my body whip around in a way that was probably not totally safe. For a similar, but less precarious experience, check out this classic flat wooden swing that can attach with the included rope to a tree branch or separate swing set.

One reviewer calls this swing “perfect,” and mentions that it works great for their great-granddaughter. They also mentioned that the swing seat felt a bit slippery, but that adding a piece of anti-slip material meant to go beneath a rug solved the problem. One more word of caution—this swing only promises to support up to one hundred pounds of weight, so most of us adults and big kids should think twice before trying to recreate those childhood memories.

Get the Wooden Flat Bench Specialty Swing for Kids Playset from Home Depot for $13.53

2. A bug zapper to make your outdoor space actually usable

A man installs a bug zapper in the woods
Credit: Home Depot

For a serious bug problem, you might want to consider an electric solution

Depending on where you live, managing the insect population may be step one in your journey to create a functional outdoor space. No one is going to want to have dinner outside or take your work to the back porch if you’re in danger of being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

This bug zapper can help you spend time outside without being bothered by buzzing insects. It works by attracting bugs to the bright light, and then electrically zapping them—a sort of advanced flyswatter. Buyer Jeremy H was impressed by its performance, saying, "I don’t usually write reviews but decided to after how well this thing works. The night before last we were getting eaten by mosquitos in Florida and tonight after plugging this in, not a mosquito bite!” Other reviewers mention that the zapper makes a characteristic zapping noise when it gets a bug, so consider if that will bother you before making the purchase.

Get the 2000-Volt 1/2 Acre Bug Zapper Insect Killer from Home Depot for $25.84

3. A potted veggie garden that can work in any space

Two images of tomato plants
Credit: Home Depot

Tomatoes are one of my favorite beginner-friendly potted plants

Whether you’re a homeowner who plans to live out your days where you are or you’re renting an apartment with a small balcony, you can make a veggie garden work. If you’re expecting to move soon or working with limited space, this just might look a little different—but luckily, there are plenty of plants that are completely happy to grow in pots with a little TLC.

Home Depot has a fantastic selection of potted plants (or seeds and potting soil, if you prefer to start from scratch). My own yard is dotted with herbs, zucchini, and cucumbers from the Home Depot gardening section. When it comes to a manageable and rewarding experience growing produce in a pot, though, my favorite is tomato. Tomatoes can be fairly sturdy plants that bear fruit quickly—reviewer Sarah G mentions that she planted her tomato plants on March 30th, and saw fruit by early May. “Foliage is lush and aromatic,” Sarah says. “We’re expecting to harvest sometime mid-May.”

Get the 2.32 Qt. Tomato-Husky Cherry Red for $6.48

4. A birdbath fountain for some classic garden beauty

A green bird fountain
Credit: Home Depot

The green patina finish on this fountain makes it looks like it has stood in your garden for years

This fountain design is my platonic ideal of a birdbath. It reminds me of walks in the park with my grandmother, or hanging out in a botanical garden. This model is made of resin, compared to heavier metal, and while some reviewers report that the surface feels plasticky, the consensus is that it’s an amazing piece of functional lawn decoration for the price.

Reviewer ChiTownMarathonLady gives the fountain a thumbs up, recognizing both its strengths and limitations. Although she chose to replace the pump with a stronger one to increase the water depth, and also added decorative rocks to the base to aid stability, she still liked it. According to this reviewer, the fountain is easy to clean, quick to assemble, attractive to birds and people, and well proportioned. “I recommend the product,” she writes, “because it is a pretty fountain and makes a very soft, soothing water sound. The green patina color is also very nice looking (I rubbed some black acrylic paint on my fountain at the base and around the edge of the bottom tier to make it look more worn or old).”

Get the 3-Tiered Vintage Pedestal Water Fountain and Bird Bath, Green from Home Depot for $49.98

5. A hanging birdbath for an alternative look

Two images of hanging copper bird bath
Credit: Home Depot

This hanging basin offers a much safer place for birds to bathe than a grounded fountain

If you like the idea of giving local birds a bathing spot but aren’t so enthused by the look of a standing fountain, a hanging bath like this one might be for you. This gorgeous copper basin attracts all kinds of birds to bathe safely, without the threat of being interrupted by ground-dwelling creatures.

Reviewer Jmsz says they love the birdbath, and that they got the tri-chain setup after discovering an anchored basin had a tendency to tip over. Jmsz likes that this birdbath has three chains to keep it level, and suggests “getting the birdbath and not the anchoring basin. Have fun bird watching."

Get the Monarch Pure Copper Hand Hammered Hanging Bird Bath from Home Depot for $50.57

6. An outdoor umbrella for some quick shade

Umbrella
Credit: Three Posts

Like an erratic friend, you can't control the sun, but you can control how you interact with it

Ah, the sun. Serving up vitamin D, sustaining life... and, at the height of its power, making relaxing or working outdoors practically impossible. If your outdoor space is, like mine, entirely devoid of shade, you can only get so far before sunlight starts reflecting off your laptop screen, or sweat starts running uncomfortably down your spine. With the portable shade of a patio umbrella, the possible uses for your porch or yard suddenly multiply.

This umbrella from Wayfair has more than 2,300 reviews and a solid 4.2-star rating, with reviewers calling it reliable, colorful, and sturdy.

Get the Three Posts New Haven 9' Market Umbrella from Wayfair for $42.99

7. A classy rug that can withstand the weather

A taupe-colored rug on a deck
Credit: Home Depot

This quick-drying rug really ties the space together

If you’re looking to spruce up a deck, patio, or paved space, you can make a big impact with a small investment—an area rug can transform an outdoor space just as effectively as it can transform your living room. Not only is this minimalist rug a perfect neutral addition to any space, it’s also ecologically friendly, crafted entirely from upcycled bottles.

This material is stain-resistant and easy to clean, but customers especially loved one feature that’s critical for an outdoor rug: it dries surprisingly quickly, meaning it’s much less likely to be damaged by harsh or unpredictable weather. "What a great value,” reviewer Shelby6718 writers. “We have it on our deck, it's nice to have carpet under our bare feet in our seating area. If you have furniture, it stays down. I haven't had any issues with wind blowing up the corners.”

Get the Hover Image to Zoom Checkmate Taupe/Walnut 6 ft. x 8 ft. Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug from Home Depot for $25.30

8. A bright garden stool to add a pop of color, no matter the season

A bright teal metal side table in a living room
Credit: Home Depot

Whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, the bright pop of teal will liven up your space

Maybe you have vivid flowers blooming in your outdoor space, and maybe you don’t. No matter your setup, you don’t have to wait for the seasons to change to see color in your backyard. This teal garden stool can elevate a minimalist space with an inviting pop of color. Crafted from powder-coated steel, this stool can stand up to wind and rain without starting to rust.

Although this is marketed as a stool, most reviewers choose to use it as a cute accent table, using it to support drink trays, flower vases, and small sculptures. This doesn’t mean it can’t handle being used as seating, though. As buyer Kiki writes, this assembly-free piece is "true to the color, light-weight and non-ceramic so I don't have to worry about anyone breaking it, chipping it or cracking. It actually holds up to weight being sat on it."

Get the 19.4 in. Haze Teal Blue Metal Outdoor Patio Garden Stool from Home Depot for $49

9. A shade sail, to cool down the whole back yard

Cafe patio covered by three shade sails, connected to poles
Credit: Wayfair

These expansive shade sails remind me of sitting in a cafe on a busy European street

Patio umbrella not cutting it? Sometimes you’ve got to level up. These triangular sails, offered in multiple colors, provide ample shade when stretched across a patio or lawn. You can install them at home by connecting them to an adjustable cord or hook—just make sure you have a plan for where the hooks will connect.

An anonymous reviewer has more advice for installation, writing, "From what I can tell it is very well made. The tie-ons are hefty and well sewn. I recommend purchasing on the smaller side than you think you need and then use extension lines to help position it. I bought one that was way too big which leaves no flexibility and no elegant way to take up the slack." Other reviewers say that the connecting hooks are impressively durable, and that the colors run true and bright.

Get the 16' Triangle Shade Sail from Wayfair for $39.99

10. An elegant TIKI torch to bring the mood lighting

A blue glass torch lit outside, with a couple smiling in the background
Credit: Home Depot

These stunning torches can elevate a backyard event, or add ambience to a casual night at home

These gorgeous glass head TIKI torches look beautiful at outdoor events, but they can also add some functional style to your space for everyday use. Refilling the torches with 8 ounces of fuel can provide up to five hours of light—more than enough time for a potluck, jam session, or romantic at-home date night.

These torches come with a metal snuffer to make extinguishing the flames easy. Reviewer Greg likes that they’re "stylish and functional,” and mentions that “the tops come out easily so you can pack them up for rain without having to pull up the stakes." It’s an affordable and easy way of completely changing your outdoor ambiance.

Get the 64 in. Swirl Metal Torch with Blue Glass Head from Home Depot for $14.89

11. An individual fire pit for a cozy night

Small portable fire pit in a living room
Credit: Home Depot

This fire pit is on the small side, but some reviewers love the intimacy it offers

Unless you live somewhere you can dig your own pit, a backyard fire pit is likely to run up quite a bill. But if you’re looking for a portable fire pit that will liven up a small space, this option from Home Depot offers an amazingly good deal. With a compact, elegant design, this piece promises hours of coziness with a gorgeous antique aesthetic.

Reviewers love that the fire pit is easy to assemble, and that it makes it simple to have a sweet little bonfire regardless of space constrictions. "It is somewhat small, but does the trick!” writes one customer. “Assembly required, but it was pretty simple to put together! I have enjoyed having cozy little fires on the cool nights of late spring."

Get the 24 in. Ashmore Round Steel Fire Pit from Home Depot for $39

12. A stylish ottoman for some storage-conscious seating

Ottoman
Credit: Home Depot

What's better than an outdoor ottoman?

This simple ottoman is designed with the outdoors in mind. It's made from outdoor-friendly materials (polyester), meaning it can survive the elements without becoming discolored over time. It comes with a handle on its side so you can easily transport it around your outdoor area. The ottoman itself is also covered, so you can order different ottoman covers to add a different pop of color depending on the outdoor decor you've got going on this year.

Get the OVE Decors Marlowe Tropical Green Oxford Polyester Outdoor Ottoman from Home Depot for $29.99

13. Beautiful string lights to bring some magic to your back porch

String lights hanging outside
Credit: Home Depot

Sitting outside under my string lights is one of my greatest small pleasures

I couldn't write a roundup without giving a shoutout to outdoor string lights. Bright and durable, these are a far cry from the fairy lights that grace thousands of dorm rooms across the country. My own back porch is surrounded by these bulbs, and what makes them really noteworthy is how impressively and evenly they bathe my space in warm light. When the sun goes down and my yard goes dark, this strand provides all the light I need to relax on the back porch.

Like me, reviewer GardenLover finds this strand can easily replace other door lights. "Product is very sturdy and easy to use,” they write. “They're nice and bright. I don't even have to turn my outdoor lights on anymore. I plugged these into a timer so they go on/off automatically at dusk and dawn." On top of that, these are LED bulbs, which both means they’re energy-efficient, and unlikely to overheat. With these lights hanging up, you can stay up late with a mug of tea, a blanket, and a book, and truly enjoy the luxury of having outdoor space.

Get the 24-Light Indoor/Outdoor 48 ft. String Light with S14 Single Filament LED Bulbs from Home Depot for $49.97

14. Resilient throw pillows to bring your interior style to the exterior

Two images of yellow and blue throw pillows printed with an abstract design
Credit: Home Depot

Home Depot offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor throw pillows

For attractive and affordable outdoor throw pillows, I can’t recommend Home Depot enough. Home Depot has become one of my favorite sources for surprisingly budget-friendly home decor, and their outdoor options are no exception. The exterior of these pillows is made from sturdy, weather-resistant polyester, while the inside is filled with recycled material from plastic bottles—a green option that also hugely reduces the possibility of growing mildew.

I love this modern, abstract design, but Home Depot also offers similar throw pillows in solid colors, or printed with summery imagery. Whatever your style, be sure to check the build of the pillows—a good outdoor option should, like these ones, resist mold and water damage for years of use.

Get the Ikat Square Outdoor Throw Pillow (2-Pack) from Home Depot for $28

15. An anti-bug candle that can encourage ambiance while it discourages pests

Two images of a candle in a rustic container
Credit: Home Depot

If you don't mind the scent of citronella, this candle can take care of local pests

If an electronic bug zapper sounds a bit intense for your purposes, there is nothing wrong with an old reliable insect-repellent citronella candle. This is actually my preferred method of dealing with insects. Instead of killing bugs, it just encourages them to fly away, which feels fair—and to me, citronella is up there with sunscreen as a scent that shouldn’t smell good, but is so infused with summer and nostalgia, it kind of does.

No bug-repeller is perfect, but customers tend to be satisfied with this rustic looking candle. Buyer Lanie had great luck with the candle, writing, "I have had problems with mosquitoes on my front porch since summer began. I used the Cutter spray and the Triple Wick Citronella Candle to get the job done. It works! The candle burns for days and keeps the bugs away." Electricity-free pest control with a rustic appearance? Works for me.

Get the 20 oz. CitroGuard Triple Wick Citronella Candle from Home Depot for $6.62

16. These bestselling solar path lights to brighten up your space without increasing your carbon footprint

Lights stuck into the ground along a path
Credit: Home Depot

These solar-powered lights require minimal maintenance for fantastic performance

Even if you have limited space, these ground-level path lanterns can provide a beautiful and unique lighting around your yard. With five to a pack, there’s enough to lead from your backdoor to an outdoor entertainment space, or to brighten up the corners of your yard. Plus, the automatic on/off setting means you don’t have to remember to switch them off when you come inside, and the rechargeable solar battery saves money, energy, and the hassle of dealing with outdoor wiring.

Buyer Melanie is a big fan, writing, "Great lights! Cast a beautiful light, with the pattern on the lantern. They stay lit a long time.” Melanie notes being impressed with the price tag, and also explains that if you remove the grounding stake, these also make adorable table lights.

Get the Solar Grey LED 10 Lumens Path Light (5-Pack) from Home Depot for $19.88

17. A beautiful bamboo plant stand to keep your green friends happy

Bamboo ladder
Credit: unho

This ladder looks great both indoors and outdoors

Is it just me, or do potted plants have a habit of multiplying? I can’t resist picking up a new friend every now and then—and some of them, like my spider plants, are literally always having babies. If you’re in this position, and you don’t have a massive garden, you’ve probably had to consider where your potted friends can live. This stylish bamboo stand offers an indoor/outdoor solution, with a tiered construction that helps ensure every plant gets some sunlight.

This plant ladder has three shelves where you can display plants of all sizes, each of which can bear up to 32 pounds each. Reviewer Holly says it was easy to assemble and looks just as good inside as it does outside, so once the weather starts changing, you can bring your plant friends inside without worry about them surviving the winter.

Get the unho Bamboo Foldable Plant Stand from Amazon for $45.95

18. A sturdy bird feeder to attract new neighbors

Two images of birds easting from hanging feeder
Credit: Home Depot

By only dispensing a small amount of seed at a time, this feeder discourages attention from squirrels and other unwanted visitors

Just because we’re socially distancing doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy daily visitors. With this popular hanging bird feeder, you’ll start seeing avian neighbors you never knew you had. The locking lid makes it less likely squirrels will break in and start feasting on seeds not meant for them, and the automatically refilling design of the feeder prevents too much seed from overflowing in the tray.

Although Home Depot touts the supposedly squirrel-proof design, there are some squirrels who just won’t be stopped. Buyer FriendOfNature attests to this, writing, “After a month of use I can say that this is a great feeder. However, it is best used on a freestanding feeder station equipped with a squirrel baffle to keep the squirrels off.” Despite this, this reviewer is happy with the purchase, also saying that it’s easy to disassemble and clean. "All in all,” they write, “this is probably the best tube feeder I have owned and would highly recommend it as long as you are not hanging it from a tree or anywhere near a stationary object a squirrel can climb down or launch from."

Get the Copper Panorama Hanging Bird Feeder - 2 lb. Capacity from Home Depot for $15.99

19. An elegant patio side table to hold your drink in style

A glass-top side table
Credit: Home Depot

This steel and glass table will survive wind and rain, and look good doing it

I love the look of this glass-top side table so much, I’m tempted to get one each for my porch and living room. As the proud owner of a glass-top coffee table, I’m already a convert to this design—it’s super easy to clean, no matter what you spill on it, and will basically never get worn down unless you decide to pick it up and drop it.

Customers are with me on this, noting that the glass and steel body means it can withstand pretty much any weather conditions. Buyer UpgraderGirl says the table is the perfect size, and that “the finish seems it will withstand weather well. Easy to assemble and has easy leveling screws on feet." UpgraderGirl is just one of many reviewers who mention how simple the table is to put together, so you will not waste any time wrestling with this one.

Get the 18 in. Mix and Match Square Steel Outdoor Patio Side Table with Glass Top from Home Depot for $44

20. A funky welcome mat to introduce your personality before guests step inside

Cacti door mat
Credit: Wayfair

Who wouldn't love to be greeted by cacti?

Even if the only outdoor space you have is a few steps leading to the door, you can still infuse it with your personality and style sense. A few plants, some string lights, and this unique welcome mat can totally transform the space from a nondescript stoop to the entryway of a well-loved home.

Lots of reviewers mention that they live in a desert climate and that they love how the cactus image echoes their natural landscape—but even if you’re in a tropical rainforest, this quirky print is a fun way of personalizing your front door.

Get the Bungalow Rose Starla Cactus 30 in. x 18 in. Non-Slip Outdoor Door Mat from Wayfair for $29.99

21. A portable hammock to overhaul your relaxation game

A striped multi-color hammock
Credit: Amazon

If I was picking a single item off this list, I'd go with a hammock every time

Let me speak from my heart here. I got a hammock about one week into lockdown, and it has literally changed my life. I’d say it has multiplied the time I spend outside by two or three times, because suddenly I have a place where I can truly, truly relax. I can spend hours reading in my hammock, listening to birds sing, and watching the clouds float past. It has become, very quickly, one of my most treasured possessions.

I’m not the only one. Buyer Victoria Prince enthuses about this super bright and affordable hammock, saying it feels extremely sturdy and strong. “I've had it out continually (even through a hurricane and other storms in Florida heat and humidity),” Victoria writes, “and it has held up fine and kept its color. I wanted it more for aesthetic reasons than longevity, so if you want it to last longer probably don't leave it out when not in use; it's made out of cotton so while it's held up fine in the month or 2 I've had it I imagine it will start aging quicker from rain etc.” Victoria also mentions that the fabric has some stretch to it, and recommends starting out by hanging it quite high. With some care, this hammock can last you for years.

Get the Anyoo Single Cotton Outdoor Hammock from Amazon for $28.99

22. A weathered wall light that looks like an antique

Two images of outdoor wall lights
Credit: Home Depot

These elegant sconces will add a touch of character and class to even the newest and most neutral exterior wall

If you’re looking for a bit more of an installation project, check out these gorgeous wall sconces. Although this is a bit more of a project than just setting up some solar lawn lights or stringing up fairy lights, reviewers say it’s not a big challenge—especially relative to the reward of seeing these beautiful, weathered-looking lights brightening up your patio.

Buyer AMM is impressed with the price, saying, "these sconces are an excellent value. They are substantial looking, and the perfect size for a front entrance.” AMM says they installed the lights themselves without a problem and love how they look. “They are very bright and pretty and have substantially upgraded the exterior of my home!"

Get the Twin Pack 1-Light Weathered Bronze Outdoor Wall Lantern Sconce from Home Depot for $44.45

23. A resin storage bin to maximize your space

A storage bin on a porch
Credit: Wayfair

Neutral, unobtrusive, and sturdy enough to use as a side table, this storage bin is a great way to make the most of limited space

Finding attractive storage solutions is always one of the toughest parts of upgrading a space. Especially if you don’t have a garage or a shed, it’s easy for tools, blankets, and cleaning supplies to start piling up on your back porch (believe me, this is a constant battle in my life). For a simple, multi-purpose solution, take a look at this neutral 22-gallon deck box from Wayfair. The design is unobtrusive enough to blend in, but a little bit of extra space can make a surprising difference.

Buyer Jenny loves that it perfectly fits her four throw pillows, fulfilling the exact role she was hoping it would. “I never worry about it blowing open or anything,” Jenny writes. “It’s a great height and can be used as an impromptu side table or even extra seating. It’s great for small spaces that need a little extra storage. Assembly was super easy, with no tools required. You just snap it together and enjoy." Some reviewers say the box is great storage, but would hesitate to sit on it—whether or not that’s a risk worth taking will be up to you!

Get the Small 22 Gallon Plastic/Resin Deck Box from Wayfair for $47.99

24. A leaning garden trellis to give your plants something to climb

Two images of a wooden trellis
Credit: Wayfair

This leaning trellis makes a great support for any plant that likes to climb toward the sun

Throughout my life, whenever I have fantasized about my dream home, it has always included one very me (by which I mean very dramatic) feature: climbing roses. I’ve long assumed this is one of those things that’s reserved for homeowners, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With this gorgeous leaning trellis, you can encourage vines, green beans, and yes, roses, to climb up the side of your home. To me, there is basically nothing more beautiful.

Reviewer Maria is living my dream, writing, “I got these for climbing roses and I love them! They look great and are very easy to assemble. I’ve purchased three more of these trellises for other climbing flowers around my house.” Because you can disassemble these trellises, you can even bring them along with you through multiple moves. Who says you need to be a homeowner?

Get the Dalton Vinyl Lattice Panel Trellis from Wayfair for $47.99

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