RD.COM Home
Bryce GruberUpdated: Apr. 27, 2023
Your backyard is about to get a major upgrade—thanks to Wayfair!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
rd.com, via merchant (3)
The Wayfair backyard makeover
With summer on the approach, it’s the perfect time to turn your backyard into a Shangri-la with dreamy furniture accents, must-have garden gear, and lounge-worthy patio hammocks. “Wayfair customers have been focused on enhancing their outdoor spaces to really maximize function, making it a true extension of the home,” says Julie Cassetina, Wayfair’s senior PR manager. According to Wayfair, demand has grown in particular for monochrome metals, outdoor couches, and raised garden beds from this popular outdoor furniture brand.
Our Home Editor weighed in with her picks for the best patio decor, many of which you can find during Wayfair’s spring sale. Read on for the affordable outdoor gems Wayfair’s trend watchers are seeing added to carts all over the country. And don’t forget, shipping over $35 is free. These picks go right along with your other summer preparation buys like the best mosquito-repelling plants, mosquito repellent clothing, bug sprays, DIY bug bite remedies, and backyard games for the whole family.
via merchant
Giant umbrella
Your backyard will be the talk of the town with this gorgeous towering Kimolos umbrella that measures a full 144 inches and offers UPF 50 protection to keep you safe from the sun’s rays. It comes with a weather-resistant steel pole and stand that features an easy-to-use crank lift. The manual push-button controls tilt to open, close, and adjust the angle to your liking. It offers full patio table protection and looks like it came straight from a five-star resort’s swimming pool. If you’re curious, here are the big differences between shopping at Wayfair vs. Overstock.
via merchant
Outdoor 4-piece sofa set
Searches are up significantly for outdoor couches at Wayfair, with stormy grays and bold pops as the top color choices. “Customers are looking for more ways to relax outdoors,” Cassetina says. “We’re seeing strong growth in hammocks, porch swings, chaise lounges, and outdoor sofas.” The Kristine four-piece sofa set is an instant outdoor living room that blends seamlessly with your existing patio decor ideas. The seating group, framed in moisture-resistant acacia wood and with detachable canary yellow or navy blue cushions, features a love seat, two armchairs, and a coffee table. Stage family charades, a grown-up happy hour, or just curl up and watch the sunset.
via merchant
Matching rocking chairs
Searches for metal outdoor furniture—particularly monochrome metals with powder-coated matte finishes—have nearly doubled, according to Wayfair’s trend report. This stylish set of rockers will quickly become your favorite backyard seat and instantly creates an expensive-looking home design scheme. Add some brightly colored pillows or opt for the rockers in peaco*ck to bring a pop of color into the yard. Then sit back and relax with a glass of wine and a good book, or catch up on all the latest news with your bestie. While you’re at it, check out the best outdoor furniture covers for all-weather protection, too.
via merchant
Propane gas grill
This fun-to-use Char-Broil 2 propane gas grill is one of Wayfair’s bestselling backyard products and easily one of the best Father’s Day gift ideas for grill-loving dads. It boasts a powerful 20,000 BTUs and has a lower cabinet, folding shelves, and energy-efficient LED lights. The infrared burners also prevent flare-ups and keep food cooking evenly. Expect enough cooking surface area for about 15 burgers. And since this is Wayfair, shipping is free.
via merchant
Faux philodendron tree in basket
You don’t need a green thumb if you add a few of these philodendron trees to your outdoor space. They’re so realistic-looking that your guests will never know they’re maintenance-free faux flora that require no work at all. Each one measures roughly 72-inches tall and offers an impressive dose of tropical flair in even the most northern latitudes. If you love this idea, consider creating a green-covered patio with other plants you can buy online. Backyard statement, made.
via merchant
Glass French doors
Add a bit of drama on the way out to your deck or patio with these stunning glass French doors that come complete with an installation hardware kit. They’re covered in an eco-friendly veneer that’s easy to clean and are available in a handful of size options to suit most door frames. Plus, adding French doors to an outdoor oasis is one of the easiest curb appeal ideas that instantly adds charm and value to your home (along with painting your house this color).
via merchant
Reclining chaise lounges
Upgrade your outdoor space with this resort-worthy set of two Putney reclining chaise lounges. They feature stylish beige cushions that easily match most exterior design plans and offer contemporary lines that set the stage for pool days, lounging, and soaking up some sun. Each set of two chaises also comes with a matching square side table that neatly holds a few glasses of your favorite summer co*cktails.
Solar-powered LED outdoor floor lamp
Move over electric lighting. Scatter a few of these wicker solar-powered lanterns around your yard for an ethereal nighttime glow. The lanterns measure 19 inches tall and 13 inches in diameter and have an on/off switch to control just how much light your space is getting. They also have an impressive 4.7-star rating with one reviewer noting an unexpected bonus feature: “On the ground, it illuminates a beautiful pattern outside of the structure which is an extra feature of the design.” We’ll take two! Pair them up with some wicker outdoor furniture, too.
via merchant
3-piece iron pot planter set
Add fresh greenery or colorful blooms to your nature-scape with this set of three iron planters. These brightly-hued planters, which are available in teal or yellow and sit in matte black plant stands, come in three heights: 12 inches, 14 inches, and 18 inches. Though they don’t have drainage holes, they’ve still earned five-star reviews across the board. You can even pop store-bought plastic pots neatly inside them without any fuss. Psst…these are the best indoor plants to spruce up your space.
via merchant
Solar-powered string lights
Solar-powered string lights have taken off as a smart design trend. Using just one rechargeable battery and a day’s worth of sunshine, this string light set measures 18 feet long and boasts several hours of ambient glow for your deck or patio. Leave the power button on so the lights will automatically switch on when the sky turns dark.
via merchant
Resin stone fountain
If you love the sound of running water, add this resin stone fountain to your backyard for a spa-like feeling that guests won’t soon forget. Four tiered bowls send water cascading from an included pump. It also has LED lights and a 33-inch height that offers endless appeal next to outdoor dining sets and in otherwise ho-hum fenced corners. Set up is a breeze, and it’s acheap landscaping fix that looks expensive enough for your neighbors to ask where you found it.
via merchant
Indoor/outdoor pillows
Adding brightly patterned indoor/outdoor pillows is one of the easiest ways to spruce up out-of-date furniture in an instant. Citrus tones and Mediterranean-inspired blues instantly add zest and life to your entertaining space. If you’re feeling conservative, stick to adding dimension with black and white pillows in various shapes and sizes. These Home Accent Pillows easily stand up to tough elements, are offered in three different sizes for easy mixing and matching, and have removable covers that make cleaning your pillows a simple task. Plus, they’re affordable enough to buy in all eight colors.
via merchant
Southwestern indoor/outdoor rug
The Deltana Southwestern indoor/outdoor rug is one of Wayfair’s top-reviewed, best outdoor rugs and a complete customer favorite thanks to it’s easily-coordinated colors and foolproof maintenance. Except for the occasional spot cleaning, you almost don’t need to maintain it at all. Reviewers say an occasional sweep and hosing down is more than enough to keep it looking brand new all season long. It comes in eight versatile sizes ranging from compact to expansive and is made with a power looming technique that only looks expensive. No matter which size you choose, this summery outdoor rug is surprisingly budget-friendly.
via merchant
Rectangle shade sail
No shade or towering trees in your yard? No problem. This easy-to-install rectangle shade sail attaches to the sides of your home and exterior posts to add sun protection that measures an impressive 20-by-16-feet. That’s more than enough space to cover your patio furniture set and the grill. The breathable material allows air and wind to gently waft through. It washes easily with soapy water (or a garden hose), and you can add potted shade flowers beneath it to add more color.
via merchant
Deck cooler
Keep drinks cold even in the hottest summer temps with this handy deck cooler. It has two openings so you can easily access both sides, and a cabinet on the bottom stores back-up bottles. The built-in four wheels make moving it around the deck a simple task. And when the party is over, it has a convenient drainage hole to quickly discard water from melted ice. It’s the fanciest rolling cooler we’ve seen, and a fun find that’s easily one of the best gifts for wine lovers we’ve seen yet.
via merchant
Wood-burning outdoor chiminea
You’ll use this wood burning outdoor chiminea year-round to add warmth and light to evening backyard adventures. The towering 70-inch height makes it a visually-appealing conversation piece that offers just the right blend of simplicity, modern design, and patina. The weather-resistant steel exterior will hold up for years, and it even includes a thoughtful spark screen to keep you safe while you have a fire going. Just add kindling and years of backyard memories.
Additional reporting by Marisa Hillman
Originally Published: April 27, 2021
