Over the last couple of years, a lot of people have invested more in their outdoor spaces. A backyard oasis can do a lot of things: furnish a space for relaxing and/or dining, provide shade, create ambiance, and function as a place for entertainment. But you don’t have to install a pricey in-ground pool or spend tons of money in other ways to create a space that people will want to spend time in. To help prepare your outdoor space for the season ahead, we’ve rounded up some products that can help turn it into your personal oasis. (If you really want to spruce things up, check out these DIY Pergola Kits.)
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: The Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools
‘Matthew Mead’s Backyard Style’
$30 from Amazon
If your brain doesn’t conjure up an image when you think of a “backyard oasis,” then this book might be just the thing to get those creative design juices flowing. Its 192 pages are filled with ideas for both large and small backyards.
Best Choice Rope Hammock
$60 from Target Shop Now
As far as hammocks go, this one from Best Choice is both affordable and well-rated. Imagine curling up with a book in an inviting cotton hammock. Or perhaps just taking a nap and enjoying the breeze after hours of grueling yard work.
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MistyMate Cool Patio 30 Deluxe Misting System
$56 from Home Depot Shop Now
When temperatures heat up, what better way to keep your outdoor space cool than with a home misting system? This gadget is designed to provide a cool environment for your favorite outdoor areas by delivering a continuous stream of ultra-fine mist, cooling ambient temperature by as much as 30 degrees.
Related: 23 Sprinklers and Other Water Toys to Turn Your Backyard Into a Water Park
HyperGear Waterproof Outdoor Wireless Speaker
$50 from Amazon Shop Now
Nothing says “relaxing backyard space” like a bit of music to create the right mood. And if you’re going to bring the music outside, it’s much easier to do so with a wireless and waterproof speaker.
Darby Home Co. Chaise Lounge
$95 from WayfairShop Now
Comfortable seating is essential for a backyard oasis. While many backyard chaise lounges can run upward of $200 (or much more), this well rated option comes with a price tag of less than $100. It’s available in about a dozen colors and is both water- and mildew-resistant.
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Garden Treasures Wood-Burning Fire Pit
$99 from Lowe’s Shop Now
This 21-pound steel fire pit measures just under 30 inches in diameter, small enough to fit on a patio but large enough to swallow an armload of firewood for an all-night campfire. Nearly 800 people give it an average score of 4.3 stars out of 5, though it’s worth pointing out that some otherwise-satisfied owners say assembly can be tricky and the lid may not fit snugly.
Related: Patio Heaters and Fire Pits for Staying Toasty Outside
Solar String Lights
$28 from Amazon Shop Now
Make evenings in your backyard slightly more festive and magical by adding some waterproof string lights. These have the added bonus of being solar powered so they won’t add to your utility bills and you won’t have to replace batteries.
Taotique Projector Screen
$20 and up from AmazonShop Now
Turn your backyard into an outdoor theater this summer with this cheap-yet-well-rated portable and foldable movie screen. It can be mounted to a wall or fence with tape or hooks and is available in 84-, 100-, and 150-inch versions.
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Coolhaven Shade Sail Kit
$62 and up from Target Shop Now
Protect yourself from the blazing summer sun in style with a fade-resistant canopy. This shade sail provides 95* UV protection and reduces temperature by as much as 20 degrees.
Related: Home Decor Products on Amazon That Buyers Love
Äpplarö Outdoor Dining Set
$379 from Ikea Shop Now
Outdoor dining on a balmy evening is an essential part of summer, but dining sets can be pricey. Ikea’s offers a budget-friendly option made from sustainably sourced acacia and comes with two benches, and the table can extend to accommodate small and large parties.
Related: Secrets and Hacks for Shopping at Ikea
Best Choice Solar LED Lighted Patio Umbrella
$85 from Amazon Shop Now
Anyone can buy an outdoor umbrella for some shade. But this option has the added bonus of including solar-powered LED lights to brighten your evenings outside as well.
CoastShade Pergola and Canopy
$450 from Wayfair
Want the shade a pergola or gazebo provides but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars? Here’s a budget alternative. This 10-by-8-foot version from CoastShade comes with a UV- and water-resistant canopy that can easily be adjusted to block the sun at different times of the day.
Related: Awesome Plant Pots We Can’t Wait to Add to Our Collection
Winston Porter Tiered Fountain
$67 from Wayfair Shop Now
With its multiple cascading streams of water, this fountain adds a meditative touch to backyard spaces. It constantly recycles water from a hidden reservoir so you’re not using excessive amounts of water.
Minnidip Tufted Pool
$53 from Target
If you want to keep your backyard oasis in budget territory, an expensive in- or above-ground pool it out. But if you just want something that looks pretty and can be used to cool off, Minnidip’s collection of pools are pretty great. This “Sunwashed Marigold” version will brighten up any outdoor space and is 5.5 feet side.
Fab Habitat Reversible Rug
$57 and up from Amazon Shop Now
Fab Habitat sells a vast number of designs on Amazon, so if this one isn’t your style, be sure to look around to find something more to your liking. Regardless, it’ll be made from sustainable materials, so you can be guilt-free chilling out on your chic rug.
Related: 15 Stylish and Durable Outdoor Rugs to Transform Your Backyard
Christopher Knight Wicker Hanging Chair
$177 from Amazon Shop Now
A comfortable swing chair is the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying a summer afternoon. You can sink right into its deep tufted seat cushion.
Dragonfly Bird Bath
$140 from Wayfair Shop Now
Add a little whimsy to your yard with this dragonfly bird bath inviting nature into your garden party.
Related: 10 Cheap Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
Morse Privacy Screen
$40 and up from Wayfair Shop Now
Need to create a little privacy from the neighbors or perhaps just create distinct spaces in your yard for play and dining. These 24-by-48-inch privacy screens won’t rot or warp outdoors or discolor, come in four colors, and can be used in many different ways in the backyard. They’re also paintable, just in case you want to customize them.
Hanging Outdoor Solar Lantern
$19 from Amazon Shop Now
For a slightly more upscale outdoor lighting look, try these gold lanterns that can be hung from trees, placed on tables and more.
Circles and Squares Capiz Wind Chime
$36 from Amazon Shop Now
Colorful and decorative, these handmade wind chimes made from Capiz Shells add a bit of musical zen to your outdoor space.
Forup Hanging Bird Feeder
$13 from Amazon
For some people, no backyard oasis is complete without a bit of wildlife to watch. For ease of use and price tag, you can’t do much better than this metal, tray-style bird feeder. It’s powder-coated to help withstand harsh weather, and its mesh material won’t let bird seed stay wet for long.
Find more ways to spruce up your spaces on Cheapism At Home.
