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These Cheap Things Make Your Backyard Look Surprisingly Expensive
Want to upgrade your outdoor area? These things will give you an aesthetic upgrade for cheap.

Whether your outdoor space is a sprawling, wooded lawn or a tiny urban balcony, it’s still your retreat from a bustling world and deserves all the care and attention you can give it. So if you’ve been hoping to give your yard a luxe-looking makeover, but the suspected price tag gives you pause, don’t sweat it. As it turns out, there are tons of easy ways to make your outdoor space look chic, inviting, and expensive. To prove it, the list below is full of simple yet impactful open-air upgrades that are super affordable to boot.
1Fence Post-Topping Solar Lamps For Chic Outdoor Lighting
Add these minimalist solar post lights to your outdoor fencing or railings for a simple touch that makes a big difference. They come with all the screws and brackets you’ll need for setup and can power up for a full eight hours at night after charging during the day. The LED bulbs run around the perimeter of the post cap, creating a gentle glow that feels sophisticated and not too harsh on the eyes, either.
- Available colors: 3
2Protective Spray That Keeps Your Outdoor Furnishings Looking Fresh
An easy way to make your backyard look more expensive is to keep the things you already own in pristine condition, and this outdoor sun and water shield can help. All you have to do is spray it on and it’ll create a coating that protects everything from upholstered furniture to awnings to grill covers. It can help to slow fading caused by UV rays as well as prevent water damage from rain and snow.
3Tabletop Citronella Torches That Can Help Keep Bugs At Bay
Dress up your outdoor space and make it a less annoying place to be all at once with these tabletop citronella torches. These torches come with an attractive blue and white tie-dye design in three different yet complementary patterns, all with glass bodies and fiberglass wicks. Just fill the torches with a citronella fuel of your choosing to deter flying insects and amp up the ambience.
4Vinyl Siding Hangers For Decor & More
If you’re looking to add more storage or create extra space for decorative hanging plants, these vinyl siding hangers are for you. These hooks are made from durable stainless steel and slip underneath a section of siding, so you won’t need any tools to install them. Once in place, you can use them to support holiday decorations, string lighting, or anything else that catches your fancy.
5Whimsical Solar Bulbs That Look Like Glowing Fireflies
If you’re going for a unique outdoor space, opt for unexpected touches like these firefly lights. While they look like varied clusters of multiple lights, they’re all attached to a stake, meaning you can set them up in one easy motion. You can bend them into your desired shape and watch them sway with the breeze for a dreamy, romantic effect
- Available colors: 4
6Striking Solar Wind Chimes That Look Like Balloons In Flight
For even more original lighting ideas, try these solar wind chimes. They feature six hot air balloon figurines, each with a solar bulb inside that will automatically light up after charging in the sun. And while they don’t ring like bells as traditional chimes do, when they sway in the wind, they look just like balloons rising up over the horizon.
- Available colors: 2
7High-Pressure Washer Nozzle To Deep Clean Your Deck
Scour away years of buildup and grime with this high-pressure washer nozzle. Once you hook it up to your pressure washer and high-pressure hose, you can choose between five different nozzle attachments, each with a different width of spray depending upon the project you’re tackling. And thanks to the added safety handle, you’ll be secure from unintentional water streams going off unexpectedly.
- Available colors: 6
8Jungle-Themed Doormat To Liven Up Your Back Door
Add some personality and flair to your front or back door with this coir doormat. It’s made from natural coconut husk to help wick away debris from shoes and won’t slide around underfoot thanks to its rubber backing. Better yet, the palm tree print feels so fun and inviting, which is exactly what you need from a welcome mat.
9Cozy Hammock Chair For Swinging, Relaxing, & More
Make your backyard a relaxing paradise with comfortable and stylish furniture like this hammock chair swing. It’s made from a breathable cotton-blend fabric and comes with a sturdy steel hook and a spreader bar for easy setup. Once in place, it can support up to 500 pounds of weight, making it a sturdy option with an effortless coastal vibe.
- Available colors: 11
10Super Bright BBQ Light For Grilling Your Food To Perfection
A yard that’s full of thoughtful details looks more expensive, which is where this clip-on grill light comes in. It attaches to the side or top of your grill with its vise-style clamp that creates an adjustable fit. Once in place, you’ll get more than 100 lumens for a bright field of vision that makes it easy to prep and grill, even at night. Just rotate the bulb as needed to get the perfect angle.
11Trendy Wireless Lamp With A Minimalist Glowing Filament
Reach for striking decor like this magnetic filament table lamp to make a bold, extravagant statement in your outdoor space. This funky little lamp is rechargeable and powers up via USB-C cable, so you don’t need a plug nearby to operate it. The most unique element, however, is the LED filament, which stands upright thanks to a magnetic bead that connects it to the top. Just shake the bulb and the bead will move, creating a custom, swirly design as the filament settles and curls around itself.
12Standalone Garden Hose Holder That Neatens Up Your Yard
Keep your yard accessories tidy and look good doing it with this staked garden hose holder. It features a structural, geometric design that’s easy to set up — just drive the stakes attached to the rustproof metal body into the ground. Once in place, you can wrap your hose around it for a neat look that prevents your hose from getting tangled.
- Available colors: 2
13Clip-On Flower Boxes That Easily Attach To Railings
Breathe new life into your outdoor space with these railing planters that make adding more greenery so easy. Each of the planters comes with two side hooks that you simply loop over the side of your railing or trellis to set up. They’re even equipped with drainage holes so that your plants will have all the air and water circulation they need to thrive.
- Available colors: 2
14Rustic-Looking Coasters Made From Natural Materials
Protect your patio furniture while matching the vibe of the outdoors with these wood drink coasters. They’re made with a round wooden base and feature a spiral of absorbent cotton rope on top. And thanks to the grippy nonslip pads on the underside of the coasters, they’ll stay put to help prevent sliding and spilling.
- Available colors: 13
15Sleek Bug Zapper That’s Safe To Use Both Indoors & Out
This handy little hybrid bug zapper is well worth your money, since you can use it both inside your home and in your backyard. It utilizes UV light to attract bugs and an electrical current to zap them into oblivion. And since it has a classic, lantern-like shape, you won’t recoil at the thought of displaying it in your space.
16Open-Frame Solar Lanterns With A Modern Farmhouse Vibe
For outdoor lighting that’s equal parts rustic and modern, opt for these hanging solar lights. Each bulb is filled with a twirled-up strand of LED string lights for a diffused, romantic look when powered on. The frames are made from sturdy iron and feature a geometric cage that adds a striking accent to these energy-efficient lights.
17Snap-On Umbrella Light That Illuminates Your Outdoor Dining Area
Whether you’re gathering for dinner or drinks, ensure you and your guests can properly see each other with this patio umbrella light. It comes in two pieces and easily snaps around the pole of your umbrella for perfectly angled downward lighting. It runs on batteries and features three brightness modes to choose from depending upon your needs.
18Disposable Wine Glasses That Look Like The Real Deal
If you love the look of glassware but hate the shatter hazard, these unbreakable stemless wine glasses are a great way to get the same feel with less stress. The boast a diamond-like hexagonal shape with a high-end reflective gold accent that runs around the rim. As one Amazon user who gave these glasses a five-star review wrote, “These stemless glasses elevated my party to a soiree. Really beautiful.”
19Instant Edging Insert That Mimics Genuine Stone
Why spend tons on custom landscaping when you can create the same high-end look with less cash using this faux stone edging? Each edging strip is 4 feet long and comes with the stakes you’ll need to set it in place. It’s great for offsetting a path, creating a protective boundary in a flower bed, and much more. And thanks to the textured surface of the resin bricks, it looks so realistic, too.
- Available colors: 5
20Angled Weeding Tool To Help Your Patio Look Its Best
Getting a luxe look isn’t just about what you put in your yard, it’s also about how you maintain it, and this patio crack weeder can help. It features a high-end looking beechwood handle and an angled blade that’s perfect for grabbing weeds from between paver stones and in sidewalks. The tool has both a serrated edge and a straight blade edge for added versatility.
21Hardy Seed Mixture To Cultivate Grass In Shady Areas
Ensure your whole yard looks lush and even with this dense shade mix, a special grass seed mixture specifically for shady areas where grass won’t grow. Because it comes with fertilizer mixed in, all you have to do is rake the ground, apply your seed, and water it. The result will be durable grass that can thrive with as few as two hours of sunlight a day.
22Clever Solar Spotlight That Blends In With Its Natural Surroundings
If you want to lean heavily on the natural vibes of your outdoor space, this solar rock light is a great option. Its solar panel charges up its battery during the day so it can throw a precise, angled spotlight at dusk. It has a run time of up to eight hours on one charge and boasts a lifelike resin coating shaped like worn and weathered stone. Don’t let the weathered look fool you, though, because it boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, making it quite durable.
- Available colors: 3
23Fluffy Pillow Inserts With A Waterproof Coating
Comfortable outdoor seating is a must in any well-cared-for space, and these waterproof throw pillows can help get you there. They come with a special repellent coating to help keep the fluffy microfiber filling inside lofty and soft. They come in a variety of sizes, ensuring you can get the right pair for optimal outdoor lounging.
- Available sizes: 16
24Waterproof Shams That Give Your Porch A Pop Of Color
For a colorful accent, display your pillow inserts in these waterproof outdoor pillow covers. They come in a variety of hues ranging from bold to neutral, making it so easy to cultivate the perfect vibe based on your style. And not only are they water resistant, but they also feature hidden zippers that won’t interrupt their clean, crisp lines.
- Available colors: 10
25Stainless Steel Grill Cleaner That Won’t Shed Bristles
Keep your barbecue pristine with this grill scraper. Unlike traditional brushes, this scraper can’t shed bristles that may wind up making their way into your food. This handheld tool is made from sturdy stainless steel and features a range of grooves to achieve a tight fit on a variety of grill grates, so you can scrape away residue. On the end, there’s even a bottle opener for extra functionality.
26Grippy, Attractive Stair Treads That Provide Extra Traction
Add a smart decorative touch that also serves a purpose in the form of these stair treads which are safe to use both indoors and outdoors. They not only shield your stairs from the negative effects of excess foot traffic, but they also provide additional grip and traction for more stability. And because they’re made from rubber, they’re super durable as well.
- Available colors: 7
27Stick-On Solar Fence Lights With A Color-Changing Option
Add depth and dimension to your outdoor lighting with these solar fence lights. Not only will they glow in a traditional warm white hue, but they can also be used in a color-changing mode for a fun and unexpected look. Simply apply them to siding or fences using the included 3M adhesive tape. Once charged up, they can run for an impressive 12 hours at a time.
- Available colors: 2
28Homey-Looking Flower Buckets That Add Loads Of Charm
Make your yard instantly more inviting with these galvanized flower buckets. Constructed from durable alloy steel, these buckets have rope-like handles perfect for hanging in a range of spaces. They boast a vintage-looking white finish that’s also weather and rust resistant. For even more flair, they come emblazoned with whimsical French text that translates to, “The Bird Garden.”
29Classic-Looking Pathway Lights That Are Simple To Set Up
Perfectly accent walkways and more for a refined touch with these solar stake lights with a classic lantern shape. Just drive the stakes into the ground and you’ll have an instant glow that can run for up to eight hours at a time. And because they’re waterproof, they can easily stand up to inclement weather and more.
- Available colors: 3
30Privacy-Enhancing Faux Ivy For An Instant Garden Retreat
Cultivate the quiet solitude you crave no matter how close the neighbors are with this artificial ivy privacy screen. It can be trimmed to size and is fully customizable, as it has multiple panels that lock into place based on the dimensions of your space. Because of the dense placement of the overlapping leaves, it provides instant privacy — no seeds, sun, or water required.
- Available colors: 2
31Dimmable String Lights That Can Stand Up To The Elements
If you’re looking for lighting that’s durable yet classic, these outdoor string lights are a safe bet. Not only do they boast shatterproof bulbs that can stand up to snow and rain, but the warm yellow glow provides plenty of illumination. And because they use LED bulbs, they’re energy efficient as well.
- Available sizes: 50 feet, 100 feet
32Highly Rated Waterproofing Sealant For Your Outdoor Surfaces
Keep replacement and renovation costs down with this water sealant that helps your surfaces last longer. Simply spray it on to clean surfaces and you’ll create a protective coating that helps shield wood, brick, concrete, and more from water and UV damage, ensuring it looks its best even over time. It’s highly rated as well, with nearly 4,500 Amazon reviewers weighing in to give it an impressive 4.5-star overall rating.
33Portable Fire Pit That’s Perfect For Roasting S’Mores
Create a cozy evening outdoors even if you’re far from a campfire with this tabletop fire pit. All you have to do is fill it with a fuel source like isopropyl alcohol and light it up to enjoy a moody open flame shielded by the two minimalist glass panels. It’s a fan favorite, with a 4.7-star overall rating after nearly 2,000 reviewers weighed in.
34Spacious Deck Box To House Your Outdoor Accessories
Keeping your backyard tidy is an easy way to make it look more expensive, and this resin deck box can help. It boasts an impressive 31-gallon capacity, making it ideal for storing lots of clutter, be it yard tools or pool toys. It’s both water and UV resistant, ensuring its longevity. Better yet, its multiple panels snaps together with ease for simple setup.
- Available colors: 3
35Sturdy Grill Cover To Protect Your Barbecue From The Elements
Keep your grill looking as unblemished as possible with this protective grill cover. It’s made from thick and durable fabric that protects against both UV damage and water damage. To ensure you get the ideal fit over your particular grill, it also features an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a tight seal. Just hose the cover down whenever it needs a cleaning.
- Available colors: 3
36Shady Sun Sail For UV Protection As You Relax Outdoors
Enhance the comfort of your yard or patio with this heavy-duty sun shade. It’s easy to set up thanks to the stainless steel D-rings that act as a secure connection to posts, roofing, or fences. Plus, it blocks out up to 87% of UV rays to help protect you from the sun as you lounge. And since the material retains its breathability, rain will seep right through it, so you won’t need to worry about it pooling up and warping the shade.
37Shatter-Proof Straw Plates In Pretty Pastel Colors
Add a festive pop of color to your backyard gatherings with these unbreakable wheat straw plates. They maintain the refined look of more fragile dishware, but thanks to their eco-friendly construction, they won’t shatter or break, making them ideal for outdoor dining. They’re super practical for indoor use as well, since they’re safe to use in both the dishwasher and microwave.
38Charming Utensil Caddy With A Classic Wicker Finish
Keep your utensils off outdoor surfaces and perfectly organized with this patio table caddy. It’s made from woven water hyacinth and comes with four internal compartments: one long rectangular compartment for plates or napkins, plus three smaller square ones for forks, spoons, and knives. And thanks to the attached handle, it’s easy to transport from place to place.
- Available colors: 2
39Low-Maintenance Outdoor Rug That Creates Attractive, Defined Spaces
Help ground your patio furniture with this outdoor rug. It comes in a range of colors and dimensions to offer up visual interest as well as create defined areas for socializing or relaxing. Most importantly, it’s super easy to clean, since all you have to do is spray it down with some water and soap, then rinse it with an outdoor house.
- Available colors: 8
40Attractive, Unbreakable Pitcher With Lots Of Practical Details
Make your outdoor meals just a touch more refined with this slim 64-ounce pitcher. The Tritan construction ensures it’s unbreakable, while the narrow design allows it to fit both in refrigerators and on tabletops without taking up too much space. And not only is it dishwasher safe, it also has a large mouth for easy filling.
- Available colors: 4
41Striking Iron Side Table With A Unique Perforated Design
Level up the look of your patio furniture by opting for less expected choices, like this outdoor side table. It boasts a barrel shape with a series of cutouts that create an attractive pattern while maintaining its monochromatic look. And since it’s made from durable iron, you can be sure it’ll stand up to normal wear and tear.
- Available colors: 3
42Stackable Solar Brick Lights That Let You Line Your Yard With Gentle Illumination
Lighting can make a space safer at night and also enhance the atmosphere, so opt for unique options like these solar brick lights for lighting you can customize. Whether you want to stack them to create a structure, use them to line a pathway, or just scatter them around your garden, they give off a warm glow that’s so welcoming. They boast a pretty, leaf-like pattern that becomes more visible when they power on at night for even more visual interest in your outdoor space.
- Available colors: 2
43Fast-Acting Cleanser That Removes Stubborn Wildlife Stains
A clean space always looks more elevated and cared for, so use this bird and spider stain remover to take your space to the next level. It’s specially formulated to break down residue left from bird and spider droppings, and it couldn’t be simpler to use. All you have to do is spritz it on your desired surface, give it a minute to marinate and sink in, and then buff and rinse it away.
44Flexible Stepping Stones To Create A New Walkway In Seconds
Hardscaping costs can easily add up, but with these outdoor stepping stones, you can create custom pathways on the cheap and in under a minute. Just plop these rubber tiles into place in your desired configuration and you’re all set. They boast an attractive, swirly pattern with an open design that’s easy on the eyes and won’t obstruct drainage when it rains, either.
45Dazzling Net Light That Creates A Starry Sky Effect Anywhere
Whether you live in a city and can’t see the stars or it’s simply a cloudy night, this pergola light net gives you a celestial look anywhere you hang it. Once in place — be it strewn across hedges or suspended above a patio — these lights boast several different modes, including twinkling, flashing, glowing, and more. And thanks to their IP44 rating, they’re waterproof as well.
46Durable Vinyl Placemats With A Classic Linen Look
Get a traditional look with the convenience of modern materials with these water-resistant woven placemats. They’re ideal for both spills and surprise rain showers, but most of all, you’ll love the classic woven look that comes in a range of neutral hues. And since they’re heat resistant up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, you can even place warm dishes on them while protecting your surfaces.
- Available colors: 19
47Stick-On Paper Towel Holder That Stays In Place With Magnets
Equip your outdoor space with all the necessary cleanup supplies using this magnetic paper towel holder. It features a flat panel in the back that sits flush against metal surfaces like grills, patio tables, and more for easy access. It’s made from durable stainless steel and can be oriented either horizontally or vertically, depending upon your space’s dimensions.
- Available colors: 8
48Elegant Solar Lanterns That Cast A Stunning Shadow Pattern
Don’t just light up your space, make it a mesmerizing oasis with this outdoor solar lantern. After it’s charged up during the day, it can run for up to eight hours at night, all while creating decorative patterns on your surfaces thanks to the perforated construction of the shade. As one Amazon user wrote, “I didn't expect to love these as much as I do. They have a subtle light (not too bright but definitely visible in the dark) and I love the pattern that they display across my outdoor tables. [...] A nice touch to evenings outside.”
- Available colors: 5
49Clever Self-Watering Planters For Low-Maintenance Greenery
Create a backyard space that’s teeming with life without the hassle, thanks to these self-watering planters. They come two to a set and feature snap-on trays that hold any excess liquid after you water them, allowing their roots to suck up additional hydration as needed. Display them like pots or use the included metal chains to suspend them for an enchanting hanging garden effect.
- Available colors: 8
50Highly Rated Plant Stand That Lets You Create Impactful Displays
Create a living “wall” with this plant stand that lets you stack your greenery for a gorgeous display. It’s made from durable, corrosion-resistant iron and is ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. This stand comes in three-tier and five-tier options and has nonslip feet for extra stability. It’s also beloved by Amazon reviewers, nearly 2,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an excellent 4.7-star overall rating.