36 Ways To Make Your Backyard Look Like An “After” Shot On HGTV

36 Ways To Make Your Backyard Look Like An “After” Shot On HGTV

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-28 15:06

1. Turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis with some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights. 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

Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.

Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain, and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D Kelly

Get it from Brightech on Amazon for $34.99+ (available in warm or soft light).

2. Make sure you and a companion are comfortable with a three-piece rocking chair set. Soon you'll be spending more time outdoors than in, so it's essential to have a nice place to sit back and relax.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This set is beautiful, good quality — especially for the price and so sleek and bold looking! I ordered this twice because I was so thrilled with the first set I ordered!" —Amazon Customer 

Get it from Amazon for $114.99+ (available with three cushion colors).

3. Provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy with some natural reed fencing. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's lawn gnome keeps staring at you.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were weaved with wire that look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.

Get it from Amazon for $56.09+ (available in seven sizes and two colors).

4. Or use an artificial ivy privacy screen if you prefer something that'll add a little bit of greenery.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. 

Get it from Amazon for $69.99

5. If you need a beautiful place to sit, consider this pretty garden bench. 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 eight colors).

6. Place a customized outdoor pillow in your backyard seating area so guests feel welcome from the get-go. It's made from a burlap-like material, so it'll give major farmhouse vibes. 

Gift A Pillow/Etsy

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.

7. Make your backyard as inviting and stylish as a living room with an outdoor furniture set that includes a sofa, two chairs, and two ottomans. 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 $879.99+ (available in two colors and with or without arms on the side chairs).

8. Get ready to grow your own vegetables with a seeding start kit. This little setup is basically the pregame to a garden glow-up: it comes with everything you need to start a whole lineup of veggies, herbs, or flowers indoors before sending them out to thrive in the wild. Plus, it's way more fun than impulse-buying yet another sad basil plant from the grocery store.

amazon.com, amazon.com

The kit has space for up to 72 seedlings in cells measuring 1.5" x 1.5" x 2" each. Entire tray is 10" x 20" x 5". Recommended for use with a heat mat to promote germination. Once sprouts emerge, use a plant grow light or place near a well-lit window.

Promising review: "As an avid gardener, I've found this kit to be an essential tool for starting seeds and nurturing young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Each cell is sturdy and well-designed, ensuring proper airflow and drainage to promote healthy root development. The included greenhouse dome helps retain moisture and warmth, promoting optimal germination and seedling growth. Incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The included growing medium is pre-fertilized and ready to use, eliminating the need for additional soil amendments and saving time during the planting process. Highly recommend." —Blondie16

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

9. And use a pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year-round.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Pro tip: Many local libraries are participating in the seed library movement, offering free seeds to community members for gardening. Check your local library to see if libraries near you have one. 

Organo Republic is a small business that sells seeds. 

Each pack includes 1,300+ seeds consisting of zucchini, eggplant, beet, pumpkin, butternut squash, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, rapini rabe, celery, cucumber, kohlrabi, radish, bell pepper, cayenne pepper, okra, Brussels sprout, beefsteak tomato, and cherry tomato.

Promising review: "I purchased it for my mother as a gift, and I absolutely love the product. Huge variety and very affordable price! The package looks great, and each seed bag is individually labeled along with a QR that takes you directly to all the information you need pertaining to that type of vegetable. Love it." —V. G

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

10. Make sure you have a delicious spread of food every time you host meals al fresco with a two-burner griddle grill. No need to hurry into the house to get to cooking — with this you can stay outside with your pals and enjoy what's going on.

Amazon

Promising review: "My whole family and I recently went to Miami for a quick vacation, and we had a barbecue, so I decided to order this grill for my house so I can cook on my back porch. One of the best things about this grill is it’s so easy to move — anyone can move it from one place to another. My wife and I assembled this, and it took us about 35–40 minutes to put together, and it was so easy to assemble. I cannot wait to use this grill with my family and friends." —NP

Get it from Amazon for $149.99.

11. Illuminate your pathways with a pack of solar-powered path lights that stick right into the ground. 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 $33.59+ (available in packs of four or eight).

12. Keep everything you need to grow your garden in one place with a pretty potting bench. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There's also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging gardening tools. This bench really is a one-stop shop.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it’s easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans 

Get it from Amazon for $123.59+ (available in three wood finishes).

13. Instantly transform your backyard into a scene straight out of The White Lotus with a chic black and white outdoor rug. 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.

amazon.com, amazon.com

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).

14. Keep a tall table cooler combo in your backyard if you're short on space but not on beverages. Now you can prioritize keeping the chill vibes of outside going without needing to constantly run back into the house to fetch more beverages. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is sturdy, easy to assemble, and very nice decor. It has multiple uses as a table or cooler. Well made, looks nice. Highly recommend for outdoor cooler and table combination." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in graphite or brown).

15. Add some color to your outdoor space with a glassworks wind chime. Nearly all wind chimes are metal or neutral tones — which is fine! — but it's refreshing to find an option that has a bit more flair. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is definitely the most beautiful wind chime I've ever seen, and I love the sound too. The packaging was nice, all glass pieces were well protected. I will definitely consider buying again as gifts." —Anita J.

Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in 11 color combinations).

16. Make sure the party's always happening thanks to this tiny but mighty portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker. Over 134,000 reviewers gave it 5 stars, and often remark that the volume is "surprisingly loud." Oh, and showers won't be a problem because it's rainproof.

amazon.com

The speaker has 100 feet of Bluetooth range and can play up to 14 hours of tunes on one charge. It's splash-proof and rainproof, too.

Promising review: "Wow. When I opened the box and pulled it out I thought it was a bit small and surely wouldn't be that loud.... BOY WAS I WRONG!! This FREAKING ROCKS!!! Seriously don't hesitate BUY ONE! The reviews were spot on! Perfect pool side! Best money I've ever spent on Bluetooth speaker. The wife was skeptical and then I turned it on and she was like wow excellent purchase way to go!" —RIC78

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in eight colors).

17. Create huge bubbles with a set of massive bubble wands. Each kit comes with everything you need: the wand and bubble concentrate, plus a booklet of tips on how to make the biggest bubbles ever.

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "The wand is awesome, but what's even MORE awesome is that I just used regular bubble solution (way cheaper, found anywhere), and it worked just as well. Maybe better. Some people in reviews have said that you must use the packets that come with the wand, but I gave it a shot anyway with regular bubbles, and it worked just fine, with no noticeable difference." —Lauri

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in seven styles).

18. Try a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because when it becomes damp or wet, it doesn't warp out of shape.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m impressed with these. Assembly was very easy and took little time. I assembled them inside my house and moved them out to the garden afterward. These are good weight to them, even when empty. They feel and look like a high quality product. I used a staple gun and lightly tacked the liner up to the edges of the bed. This made the beds much simpler to fill with soil. A few days after filling with soil and seeds, we had six days of all-day, non-stop rain. The beds held up beautifully and show no signs of wear. I am currently growing a whole crop of gourds in the beds. These are performing beautifully. I am thinking I will buy one or two more. Highly recommended!" —Rae Ablan

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three sizes and colors).

19. Or really go all out with a tiered raised garden bed. I recommend planting taller plants on the lowest level (like tomato vines). That way you don't have to bend down too far to collect your bounty. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was one of the best purchases I’ve made on Amazon. It was easy to assemble and the finished product looks great in my backyard. I planted two tomato plants in the top tier and one in the second tier, flanked on each side with basil plants. On the lowest tier, I planted lemon cucumbers." —Lewis F. Celli

Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in two wood finishes).

20. And then make sure you track what you planted with some vegetable, fruit, and herb markers. You'll never look down at your garden and say "oh no! What is that?" again. Each stick is sold individually and there are over 40 popular fruits, vegetables, and herb names to choose from. There's also a custom option at no additional cost if the name you need isn't listed.

WoodNSparksCo / Etsy

WoodNSparks Co. is a small business based in Montana making wooden garden makers.

Promising review: "I am just thrilled with these!!! I plan to put a clear coat sealer on them. Thank you!!! These really are awesome!! Speedy delivery, too! Would definitely purchase again!!!" —highwayheavy1

Get it from WoodNSparks Co. on Etsy for $2.34 a stick.

21. Section off a special area of your backyard with some interlocking teak tiles. 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.

amazon.com

Bare Decor is a small business in Illinois making teak furniture and flooring.

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!" —Adazzle

Get 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $81.99.

22. Use a raised dog bed to give your pampered pooch a designated spot for lounging. Because it's raised, it will either detract heat when it's hot out or stay warm when the weather's chilly.

amazon.com

Promising review: "My dog loves this! He is 11 years old and I hate for his older bones to lay on the bricks or concrete. He loves this bed and we can easily move it from the back to front yard." —Kristin M.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five sizes and 10 colors).

23. Block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade with a triangular sail. A simple way to create a cool, relaxing area during those hot 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 faired 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 $23.99+ (available in many sizes and 16 colors/patterns).

24. Stick a solid copper drip- and bee-proof stake hummingbird feeder in the ground so you can be the pollinator all the hummingbirds visit. In no time at all your backyard will be a DIY aviary.

Copper Hummingbird / Etsy

Copper Hummingbird is an small business run by Nancy Higgins. In 2006, she invented a bee-proof, drip-free hummingbird feeder for use in the hummingbird aviary at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona where she was a zookeeper for 22 years! After receiving so many non-zookeeper requests for her feeders she decided to open up a public-facing shop.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these hummingbird feeders. The cup is smaller — about 2–3 days worth of feedings. This is perfect to keep the food from going bad by being outside in the heat, which is necessary to keep hummingbirds safe. I have two of the hanging-style feeders I bought last year. They are still in perfect condition. My most recent purchase was the flower stake feeder and I am loving it also." —haleygymcoach

Get it from Copper Hummingbird on Etsy for $34.50.

25. Consider a canopy swing that rocks and swings *and* provides you with shade. 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!! And it only took my hubby and I only 25 to 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 15 colors).

26. Keep warm on chilly nights with a gas fire pit table. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use it can be used as a table.

amazon.com

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 mins 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 $169.99+ (available in two sizes; be sure to clip the $30 off coupon when applicable).

27. Make your rusty patio furniture, railings, and mailbox look like new again with some rust-stopping spray paint. It goes on smoothly, holds up to harsh weather, and gives everything a clean finish that doesn't scream "I just spray painted this in a panic." Just a solid refresh that actually sticks around. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used this Gloss White to paint an old garden arch, gate and a trellis over a garden bench. It was just a dreary, tired black; the white changed the look and feel instantly. Definitely get the trigger grip accessory if your project takes more than one can — mine was eight cans and that grip was a great idea.The paint is a true bright white with a bit of a shine after it dries. I did have to do two full coats to completely cover the original black wrought iron, but there's no color bleed through as a result." —Dogs & Horses

Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in a variety of metallic colors).

28. After a long day, throw your feet up on an outdoor inflatable ottoman. It's fade- and water-resistant, and deflates for easy storage when not in use.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Just inflate the interior pouf and stick it inside the printed, water-resistant cover.

Promising 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 g

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in 18 fabric patterns).

29. Whip up a lounge chair out of thin air by simply catching the wind as you inflate it. The patented design uses "anti-deflation technology" that promises to keep it inflated for at least five to six hours, and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm not a small person, and I wasn't sure how it would hold me, but this chair is wonderful. I have used it all over! I took it camping, I took it to the beach, and I even sometimes blow it up and use it in my living room while watching TV. The hardest part is getting out of it gracefully!" —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $37.98+ (available in 21 colors and patterns).

30. Keep guests entertained with a cornhole set with major retro vibes. This will be the VIP when everyone's waiting around for their burgers to come off the grill during dinner time. 

Shop Cornhole / Etsy, Sally Elshorafa / Etsy

Shop Cornhole is a small business on Etsy specializing in unique and personalized cornhole sets. 

I recently moved into a home with a backyard that's great for entertaining, and as soon as winter ended, I knew I needed this cornhole set. It's surprisingly lightweight, nice to look at, and sturdy enough to handle a bunch of excited kids. Speaking of which, mine think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. A solid investment in our backyard fun! 

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 sisters' wedding in a couple weeks. Thank you!!!" —Vanessa Weseman

Get it from Shop Cornhole on Etsy for $249.99 (available in 19 bag colors).

31. Keep your lawn in great shape while providing your kids with entertainment thanks to this nine-pattern sprinkler. Just connect it to a hose and boom, it's ready to go.

Amazon

Promising review: "I love ALL my Dramm garden and yard products. They are made incredibly well and priced very reasonably and beautiful, to boot! This sprinkler has several patterns to choose from including a nice one that provides great coverage for a bed right in front of the house. Plus, it's just fun to play in. I love it!" —REB

Get it from Amazon for $21.47.

32. Or cool down on hot days with a splash pad that only requires a hose to work. It's designed for kids, but the the whole family — especially fur babies — can partake. All you do is plug your hose into it and then you've got yourself a private waterpark.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "My kids are LOVING this. I much prefer it to an inflatable pool because it’s much easier to set up and take down. No need to inflate with air — the water inflates it. Seems like it will be much easier to dry and store than a pool as well. They’ve been playing in it for about 3 hours now and haven’t grown tired of it yet. I love that it holds 1–2” of water and creates a mini pool — the perfect landing spot for our little slide. My only complaint would be that the holes for the water to spray out of are not all in the right spot, so some of them are angled to spray outward. I would definitely recommend!" —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six sizes and three styles).

33. Install a hanging hammock chair so you can enjoy long, lazy days in style. It comes with everything you need to mount it to your porch ceiling or tree, and reviewers say the whole process is easy peasy.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This hammock has been the perfect solution for reading books with my kiddos, plus they love to just sit in it and play! Even though the install instructions weren’t included, it was surprisingly easy to install and definitely feels sturdy enough to hold me and my two babies. I would definitely consider buying another one for the bedrooms and our outdoor patio. It easily detached from the hook so it can be taken down in a jiffy and stored away in the included storage bag." —Kaylie O.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors).

34. Bring major camping vibes to your backyard with a wildlife ring fire pit. Light this baby up and you'll be roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories in no time.

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).

35. To keep yourself occupied during those lazy summer days, try a pack of waterproof playing cards. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden showers. Just wipe down and voila! They're like new.

Amazon

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 $6.97.

36. And add some character to your backyard with a garden stake of Big Foot carrying a six pack of something tasty. Now you too can have your very own "beer" garden.

Arc Kraft / Etsy

Arc Kraft is a small business in Oregon that makes metal wall art and home decor.

Promising review: "Well made, arrived quickly, and will be a perfect addition to our personal beer garden (just a spot in the garden where we drink beer, LOL)." —Christy King

Get it from Arc Kraft on Etsy for $32.25+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

Me to my neighbors after I *add everything to cart*.

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The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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