Get inspired with these top patio picks: Discover the Must-Have 5-Star Patio Items on Amazon, Find Unbeatable Deals on Quality Patio Items, and Compare the Top Outdoor Patio Furniture of 2023
As I write this, we’re just a few days away from Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. Sure, summer doesn’t show up on the calendar officially until nearing the end of June (who made that decision?!) but we’ve been full swimsuits and flip-flops in Florida for at least a solid month. I’m a person who likes all four seasons but nothing tops those first few days when the temperature breaks, the sun makes a regular appearance, and you dare not go out without sunglasses and at least SPF 50.
Right now, depending on where you live, you have anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get prepared for block parties, backyard BBQs and evening porch sittin’ so I’ve put together a list of items that’ll instantly transform your outdoor area. Looking for some additional privacy? Check out No. 33. Need to spruce up your media options? Peep Nos. 16 and 36. Want to add some fresh decor? Well, you’ll just have to keep reading because there’s a lot. Summer lovin’ happens so fast (thanks, “Grease”) but summer decorating waits for no one so get going!
Wet Your Plants
Nothing spruces up an outdoor area faster than freshly planted flowers. This wooden planter box is made from warm, natural, and solid acacia, a tropical hardwood that adds rich, earthy tones to any setting. You can use this planter indoors or out for everything from flowering annuals to succulents to herbs, and it’s lightweight enough to move into the sun or shade as needed.
Back It Up
Looking for a green backdrop for your next IG photo? These artificial grass wall panels are weather-resistant and have four to five layers of leaves for full coverage wherever you’re placing them. Use it for a baby or bridal shower, wedding or birthday party, or simply as a decorative element on your fence, patio, balcony, and more. The 12 panels cover up to 33 feet of space and come with easy-to-follow instructions.
String Me Along
String lights transformed my dark balcony into an inviting space where I love to hang out even after the sun has disappeared below the horizon. This 56-ft. set is solar-powered and waterproof with a dimmable remote control. These lights can be fully charged in six hours and will run for up to 20 hours. Enjoy eight modes, four brightness levels, and four timers.
Talk Trash
A trash can is a necessity outside; in fact, you may need more than one. But, they’re ugly — hideously ugly. This 33-gallon hideaway can conceal your trash can with a wicker-style design and hinged lid for easy access. Compatible with standard 30-gallon garbage bags, you’ll appreciate this resin cover that keeps a garbage can handy without looking like, well, garbage.
Stay Cool(er)
This might be my favorite buy on this list because it serves multiple purposes. Need a small table for a wine glass or canapé? Solved. Want people to stop running in and out of your house for ice or a cold beverage? This side table has a hidden surprise — a built-in seven-and-a-half-gallon cooler perfect for your favorite wine coolers, sodas, and bottles of brew.
A Light Touch
I’ve been around patio umbrellas all my life and they all have the same problem: They’re completely pitch-black to sit under once the sun starts going down. Ah, ah, ah, not anymore! This patio umbrella light slides right onto your existing umbrella pole with 28 LED lights and three brightness levels so you don’t have to stop the party just because the night is late.
Lay the Table
One of the best ways to add a pop of color to your outdoor space is through smaller pieces like this weather-resistant steel side table. Coming in at less than $40, you can choose from black or white (boring), green or gold (getting warmer), or yellow, red, or blue (that’s more like it). It’s durable, sturdy (holding up to 110 pounds) and rust-resistant.
Mat About You
This plastic patio mat is endlessly versatile whether you’re throwing it down for an impromptu picnic or you’re trying to dress up a boring space. And, do you know what’s even better? It’s reversible! The edging is heat-treated to prevent fraying, the surface is soft and durable and the entire thing is low maintenance. It also won’t hurt the grass or other surfaces. One side looks as pictured above while the other is a diamond pattern.
Going Green
If you like plants more than people, this multi-tiered plant stand deserves a place in your home (or outside it, anyway). Complete with three tiers to hold at least seven plants, this stand is made from natural wood with a wider width specifically designed for stability. Add lights, books, knick-knacks, and more to create a true focal point wherever you decide to use it.
Set It Off
Have you priced patio sets lately? If you have, take a deep breath. If you haven’t, just stay blissfully ignorant. This three-piece patio set clocks in at less than $89 for two chairs and a matching table made of rattan wicker. You’ll also get thin cushions in red, gray, blue, or beige, making it a complete set ready to go right out of the box.
Just Deserts
I love a little southwest desert inspiration in decor and this dangling ceramic pot set gives off southwest vibes in spades. This set of four mini planters comes in a coordinating mix of blue, green, orange, and brown with a jute rope to connect them all and a top loop you can use to hang it. Each pot is functional, too, and has a drainage hole in the bottom to let water drain as needed.
Put Your Name on It
This custom metal sign has more than 2,100 glowing reviews on Amazon, where you can personalize it and have it shipped right to your door in just a few days. Cut from heavy-duty 16-gauge steel, it’s finished with a durable weatherproof powder coating. This comes in five different finishes, ranging from black and copper to red and blue. It comes in sizes from 12 to 36 inches.
Throw Smoke
If you’re a smoker or you hang around people who smoke, you know the importance of having an ashtray nearby. But, why get just a plain ol’ glass one when you could grab this adorable turtle version (it also comes in a snail style). Made from resin and easy to clean, it’s heavy enough to stay put, won’t change colors or fade, and conceals ash, making it almost like art for your table.
Surf the Internet
You know what summer means: Now you can scroll through your phone outside instead of inside … if you have good internet, that is. This wifi range extender gives you wireless coverage throughout your property so you can connect up to 15 different devices from Bluetooth speakers to smartphones. This works with any wireless router, gateway, or modem and can be set up easily with a press of the WPS button.
Chime in Anytime
I have a love-hate relationship with wind chimes as in I love the way they sound but I usually hate the way they look. These are made from capiz seashells which are eco-friendly and give a natural, relaxing sound like a refreshing breeze off of the ocean. Choose from a wide variety of colors including turquoise, purple aura, white, and a USA-inspired version.
On the Mat
Just because you’re eating outside doesn’t mean you can’t make it fancy. These placemats are designed especially for a round table (although they work on a rectangle table, too) and come in colors ranging from pink to brown. Made from eco-friendly faux leather, they’re 100 percent waterproof, soft, and thick enough to withstand years of use. Wipe them down, wipe them off and even reverse them, if you like.
Candle in the Wind
There’s never a wrong time — or place — for candles, especially low-maintenance, flameless candles that have four timers and a coordinating remote control. This set includes nine real wax pillar candles: Two each of four-, five- and six-inch sizes and singles of seven-, eight- and nine-inch sizes. They give off a natural-looking light without fear of open flames or fire hazards.
Take the Stairs
This is one of those products that will have everyone asking, “Did you do something different out here?” but can’t put their finger on it. This purchase is a 16-pack of solar deck lights that give off warm LED light with a hard plastic shell and quality solar panel that can be installed quickly with either 3M tape or screws. These lights blend into the deck, with no concern about tripping, and are able to withstand the elements.
Pillow Perfect
Maybe you’re one of those people whose backyard is always on point and you just need a small tweak to be ready for a new season. These floral lumbar pillows are great inside or out. And, the best news is that you can buy coordinating pieces like a bench/swing cushion or chair pads to match. Durable and fade-resistant, these are actual pillows and not just covers. Sweet!
Stake a Claim
If you’ve ever gotten into growing herbs, you already know how tricky it can be to tell them apart. These bamboo herb garden markers help you easily identify plants with easy-to-read identification and durable construction that can withstand high temperatures and the elements. A pointed tip makes these easier to insert into the dirt. You’ll get tags for everything from basil and chives to cilantro and thyme.
Fountain of Youth
The sound of running water will do one of two things: Relax you or make you have to pee. This barrel and pump waterfall fountain is the perfect addition to a backyard or garden with a trickle of water that runs from the pump spout to the barrel tiers. This is made of rust- and weather-resistant plastic that looks like faux wood and it has a five-liter water capacity.
A Warm Welcome
If you’re short on space but love to celebrate the seasons, this interchangeable welcome sign belongs on your door. Round and made of high-quality wooden materials, this sign features artificial green plants and a variety of “ornaments” that can be changed out with the holidays from a pineapple for summer to a Christmas tree. The greatest part is you don’t have to change decor multiple times a year; just swap out the ornament.
Curtain Call
Add an air of romance and sophistication with the sheer outdoor curtains that allow natural light in but give you some added privacy as well. This set includes two curtains with eight rustproof grommets that fit standard curtain rods and allow for easy movement. These curtains are waterproof and have a linen look to them that screams “high-end.” Grab them in beige, blush, gray, plum and a couple more colors.
Take It for a Spin
There are wind chimes and then there are 3D wind spinners that have a mirror reflective design that turns things up a notch. Depending on the environment and light, this outdoor spinner delivers a unique look at all times while it picks up the colors of things around it. Laser-cut and rust-resistant, this spinner supports smooth, quiet rotation in the event that a jingly wind chime stresses you out.
Here’s Your Sign
Let everyone know that the good times are about to roll with this pair of metal signs designed for your patio, porch, pool and beyond. Styled with a vintage design, each sign is created by baking enameled ink into a tough coating on a thick steel blank and is equipped with four pre-drilled holes for easy hanging. Welcome friends and family to your hangout with a reminder to “chill, sip and grill.”
Power to the Patio
You never have enough outlets inside so you certainly don’t have enough outside. This outdoor power stake gives you six additional outlets with a six-foot cord for convenience. This also features multiple timers ranging from dusk to dawn to a certain number of hours to a repeat daily schedule. Thanks to the remote control, you can turn things on and off at a distance up to 100 feet away.
Don’t Bug Me
Candles are great for a beautiful setting but if you want to ward off flying critters from turning you into lunch, you need these citronella oil candles that freshen the air, purify the room, and keep bugs from buzzing around you and snacking on your skin. This two-pack has a burn time of up to 70 hours per candle, which is manufactured with soy wax for a clean, even burn.
Rock My World
Did you ever think you could buy up to 12 pounds of rocks on Amazon? This bag of river rock stones is a natural decorative addition to flower arrangements, water features, swimming pool areas, walkways, and more. A bag of these rocks contains a wide variety of natural colors and shapes and won’t deteriorate like mulch does. Side bonus: These rocks will help the soil retain moisture, too.
Yes, You Can
I enjoy ironic home items like this solar watering can that has “water” coming out in the form of twinkle lights. Add it to landscaping, a walkway, or a patio for a unique decorative piece made from hollow-carved metal sheets and a variety of colored lights. During the day, the lights absorb energy from the sun and then turn on automatically at night for six to eight hours. No wires necessary.
Light Work
You only thought you couldn’t do anything else to enhance your swimming pool but think again! These submersible LED lights attach with either magnets or suction cups with color-changing LEDs and a remote control. Fully waterproof (obviously), these are great for everything from pools and aquariums to boats and hot tubs. Adjust the colors and the brightness without going for a swim.
Bridge the Gap
Enhance your garden with a backyard wood bridge that’s equal parts decorative and functional. Place this piece over a small stream or garden walkway; its elegant, arched frame adds instant charm to any space. And yes, you can walk across it (or stand on it); it is designed to hold up to 400 pounds of weight. Not bad for just about $100.
Let’s Connect
Everybody doesn’t want to play a hot, sweaty backyard game but what to do for entertainment? Grab this supersized Connect 4 game that measures more than three feet wide and 32 inches tall. Set it up outdoors or in and enjoy 100 percent wooden construction that’s been hand-stained for a unique look. This purchase includes the wooden frame, 42 plastic coins and a carrying case.
On the Fence
We don’t all have large, luxurious backyards; some of us make do with a patio, porch or balcony. But, dang it, we want our privacy, too! This expandable faux ivy privacy screen is the ideal accompaniment to a more secluded setting with two-color leaves that provide a natural, maintenance-free look. You don’t have to water anything or trim anything; just wipe with water occasionally to keep it looking fresh.
Send to the Showers
You don’t have to be a millionaire to appreciate an outdoor shower … or to buy one, for that matter, since this Amazon-available version is just $160. It stands just over seven feet tall and holds more than nine gallons of water with a hot and cold adjustment that connects easily to your garden hose. With a sleek, modern appearance, this solar shower is a great addition to a garden, spa, or pool area.
Cushion Comfort
Repeat after me: I don’t need new outdoor furniture. All you really need are new cushions to give new life to existing chairs. This damask marine print is just ornate enough and just sophisticated enough to go with anything — and does! You can snag other matching cushions and pads for additional pieces of furniture. These are durable, and water- and fade-resistant.
Speaker of the House
It doesn’t matter what you’re doing outside, O.K.? Music makes everything better. Wait … what’s that? These don’t look like speakers? Oh, but they are — Bluetooth speakers that look like tiki torches with atmospheric lanterns. These are water-resistant and can be mounted on a wall or staked in the ground to give you hours of playback time that’ll make every get-together better.
Lights, Camera, Action
You can’t be everywhere at once and that’s where this outdoor security camera comes into play. Equipped with a 1080p wifi camera, night vision, sound/motion detection, two-way audio, live video and cloud/SD storage, it has everything you need to keep an eye on your outdoor space, your guests, kids, pets, food and more. Did I mention it’s dirt cheap? Because it is.