10 ways to upgrade your patio with picks from Amazon, Walmart, West Elm and more
Here comes the sun. Is your patio ready?
Beyond giving your patio a good cleaning now that spring is here, our in-house team of outdoor living experts have curated this roundup of easy ways you can enhance your outdoor living space. From upgrading patio furniture, adding some smart lighting for enhanced ambiance, installing an outdoor TV, indulging in a new outdoor grill and coming up with a way to deal with pesky bugs, you're about to discover 10 way to transform your patio into a better outdoor space to relax and entertain.
- Best patio furniture in 2024
- Best smart lighting in 2024
- Best outdoor TV and speakers in 2024
- Best grills in 2024
- Best mosquito repellents in 2024
- Best hammocks in 2024
- Best fire pits in 2024
- Best outdoor planters in 2024
- Best outdoor umbrellas and retractable awnings in 2024
- Bet bird feeders in 2024
And when you're ready to enjoy a good night sleep, be sure to check out our coverage of 10 ideas for the perfect spring bedroom makeover. Or if you want to better organize your closets, we have some strategies and ideas for that as well. Check out our recently updated article about how to organize your closet. The article showcases 10 ideas and storage essentials. And for all of your spring cleaning needs, we've put together the ultimate checklist to help you get started.
10 ideas to upgrade your patio this spring
Whether you have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend on a patio makeover this spring, incorporating a few of the following strategies can easily upgrade your outdoor living space to make it more comfortable and functional. By taking advantage of one or more of these strategies, you'll enjoy spending time in the sun or under the stars as you discover new ways to utilize your outdoor living space.
Best patio furniture in 2024
You have a lot of options when it comes to outdoor furniture that's comfy, sturdy and cute. Here are a few outdoor furniture sets and options we particularly like for their aesthetics, functionality and quality.
West Elm Portside Wood collection
The timeless and elegant Portside Wood outdoor furniture collection from West Elm includes more than 90 pieces you can mix and match to create your dream patio setup. From an outdoor and expandable dining table to dining benches, outdoor sofas, lounge chairs, a sectional, coffee table and chaise lounges, each piece is available in your choice of three wood finishes.
The mahogany and eucalyptus woods used to create this stunning collection are moisture-resistant and sustainably sourced. And when you take advantage of West Elm's white glove delivery service, whatever outdoor furniture you purchase, from any of the company's collections, will be brought to you home and fully assembled.
The Portside Wood furniture collection from West End is comfortable and premium quality, so you can expect it to last for many years.
8-piece outdoor patio set with propane fire pit
Amazon offers different patio furniture sets from a range of brands. This one caught our attention because of its beautiful appearance and hundreds of five-star ratings. Based on your available space, you can purchase this set in a variety of configurations, from six pieces up to 16 matching pieces. And you can choose from seven color options.
The affordably priced eight-piece set includes four middle sofas, two corner sofas, one coffee table and a 43-inch outdoor gas fireplace table. it's perfect for family and friends to gather for a campfire on the patio.
The minimalist furniture design is made using a strong coated aluminum frame and all-weather PE rattan that's durable. All of the cushions are padded with high-density foam for flexibility and breathability. They're made using UV-protected and water-resistant olefin fabric covers.
Rattaner 6-piece patio furniture set
This six-piece outdoor furniture set includes a couch, two chairs, two ottomans and a coffee table. All are constructed using all-weather wicker and an anti-rust steel frame.
The cushions are made using breathable 250G polyester fabric that's anti-UV, stain and water repellent. The set is available in three colors. Some assembly is required.
If this furniture set doesn't match the vibe of your patio, Amazon has dozens more to choose from, including a three-piece set from Devoko that includes two rattan wicker chairs, cushions and a table. This set is a bestseller on Amazon. It's available in four colors and is priced at just $90 (which is currently 25% off its usual price of $120).
Lviden Store outdoor PE wicker chaise lounge set
If you don't need a whole living room-style layout, consider a few super comfortable chaise lounge chairs. This set includes two adjustable chaise lounge chairs with cushions and as small table. All are constructed using durable and attractive rattan.
Four color options are available. Each chair has a strong, rust-resistant steel frame, with all parts welded firmly together. The lounge chairs can hold up to 400 pounds. Each is adjustable into six positions. Furniture covers are included.
Best outdoor smart lighting in 2024
When it comes to adding ambiance to your outdoor living space, smart lighting is a low-cost option with a very high payoff. Customize your patio's lighting using color, animated light patterns, or white light of varying temperatures and brightness. With smart lighting, as your mood changes, so can the lighting with a few taps on your smartphone.
Philips Hue outdoor floodlight
A typical smart light used for ambient lighting can produce millions of colors and display either stable light or a customizable, and animated light sequence.
We're fans of the Philips Hue smart lights because the company offers a vast product line, with all light fixtures and smart bulbs controllable using the same easy app. You'll need one Hue Bridge that connects to your modem or wireless router. Then it's as simple as pairing and remotely controlling all of your Hue smart lights.
The Philips Hue outdoor floodlight is one dazzling outdoor smart light option. It's a color-changing LED light that can display multiple shades, temperatures and brightnesses of white light, or any of more than 16 million colors. You can set up one of these lights or several of them on your patio and control them all individually or as a group. You can also set timers or schedules.
The required Hue Bridge ($43) is not included with the outdoor floodlight, so you'll either need to purchase it separately or buy a Hue smart lighting set that comes with the bridge.
Govee smart outdoor string lights
Govee is another well-established smart lighting brand that distinguishes itself by offering dozens of high-quality, affordable products. And their smart lights do not require a separate bridge or hub to function with your home's Wi-Fi.
This 96-foot long outdoor string light set includes two 48-foot lines of smart LED bulbs that can display more than 16 million colors each. From the Govee mobile app, you can adjust the color, animated light pattern and brightness of these lights, as well as set timers and schedules.
There are 47 animated lighting sequences integrated into the Govee mobile app, along with a music-sync mode. The lights also respond to voice commands. The same Govee smartphone app will control all of the Govee smart lights you install inside or outside your home.
Govee outdoor patio lights
While the Govee outdoor string light set is designed to be hung, these outdoor pathway lights go on the ground to create multi-colored ambience around the perimeter of a patio, yard or walkway.
Each smart-light pillar can display fully adjustable white light or your choice of 16 million colors. The mobile app has 43 animated light presets.
This landscape lighting is IP65 rated for water and weather resistance. It's made of durable aluminum with a lacquered finish. Compared with solar powered pathway lights, this wired set is brighter -- up to 250 lumens.
Each set comes with four wired light pillars that get plugged into a single power source. Control them wirelessly using the Govee mobile app or with voice commands.
Best outdoor TV and music speakers in 2024
Bring your living room onto your patio with an outdoor TV. Add a few outdoor speakers so you can stream your favorite music.
Samsung's 65" Terrace smart TV
Samsung's Terrace is weather-resistant and designed to be installed outdoors -- in areas where there's only partial sunlight. The TV is available in multiple sizes, from 55 inches up to 85 inches. For most patios, the 65-inch model is plenty adequate.
The Terrace boasts an anti-reflective coating and is rated IP55 for protection against dust and water. That said, keep your TV covered and protected when not in use.
The TV offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, works with A.I. assistants like Alexa, and features built-in apps for Netflix, Amazon Prime and other popular services you subscribe to. The TV runs on Samsung's recently updated Tizen operating system. It comes with a remote control, but can also be controlled using Samsung's SmartThings app.
The Terrace TV uses QLED technology to deliver a sharp and vivid picture with more than 1 billion colors. When you're not watching native 4K content, the Terrace uses AI upscaling to enhance lower resolution programming to as close to 4K as possible.
Whether you want to host a movie night under the stars from your patio, or watch a live sporting even while you barbecue, the Terrace is one of the very best outdoor TVs on the market.
Polk Audio Atrium 8 outdoor speakers
Since not everyone can afford an outdoor TV (or even wants a television set on their patio), for a lot less money you can install wireless speakers for streaming music or audio from your mobile device and fill your outdoor space with robust and clear audio.
The Polk Audio Atrium 8 outdoor speakers are each sold separately. One speaker will fill a patio space with clear, but mono only, sound. When you use two or more of these speakers, you can play vibrant stereo sound.
These speakers are weather resistant and can generate powerful bass without a separate subwoofer. They also create a wide soundstage. Each speaker is equipped with a 6.5-inch dual voice coil, dynamic balance aerated polypropylene cone, along with two one-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeters. And these speakers can generate up to 250 watts of audio power and come with an easy-to-install mounting bracket.
Best grills in 2024
We're big fans of the latest outdoor smart grills that let you control your cooking with a smartphone. Using the latest smart technology, it's almost impossible to overcook or undercook your food. To learn all about the best smart grills, check out our coverage of the six best smart grills for spring 2024.
If you're looking for a traditional charcoal, propane, natural gas or wood pellet grill, you have a lot of models to choose from -- from brands like Weber, Master Cook, Cuisinart, Royal Gourmet and Char-Griller -- that are available from Amazon and The Home Depot.
Brisk It Origin-940 wood pellet smoker smart grill
Whether you need to prepare food for a family of four or a gathering of 15 or more, the Brisk It Origin-940 is ready to deliver the flavor that only a wood pellet grill can produce. This grill handles smoking, barbecuing, baking, searing and braising on its vast 940 square inches of grilling space.
Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoor grilling master (yet), the Origin-940 will fix that quickly. It pairs with your smartphone, so you can discover delicious recipes and grilling techniques, and then be guided every step of the way through the cooking process.
This well-designed grill uses AI to maintain precise temperatures and sends notifications to your phone when it's time to flip the food. Simply by following the on-screen advice and taking advantage of the grill's sensors and probes, it's almost impossible to overcook or undercook.
This grill will definitely make your neighbors jealous. And once the grill helps you build a reputation as a grilling master, don't be surprised if people invite themselves over when they smell the incredible aromas that fill your outdoor space.
The Brisk It-940 was our pick for the best smart grill overall within our coverage of the six best smart grills for spring 2024.
Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven
Who doesn't love gourmet pizza? The portable Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven makes crafting delicious homemade pies a breeze. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting pizza parties, it's perfect for the job.
This outdoor oven heats up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit within 15 minutes, and can then cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in about a minute. Setup takes less than two minutes. It comes with everything needed (except for the pizza ingredients).
Best mosquito repellents in 2024
Nothing can ruin your time outdoors faster than a bunch of mosquitos and annoying bugs. Sure, you can douse yourself with bug spray and hope for the best, but there's an easier way.
DynaTrap mosquito and flying insect trap
What we like about the DynaTrap mosquito and flying insect trap is that it offers up to one-acre coverage. It measures just 13 x 13 x 20 inches and provides three-way protection, using UV light and a TiO2 coating that lures flying insects to the trap. The powerful, whisper-quiet fan then sucks the bugs into the basket.
This system is designed to rid your outdoor space of mosquitoes, biting flies, house flies, moths, no-see-ums, June beetles, wasps, yellow jackets, stink bugs, gnats and biting midges.
You're able to keep the DynaTrap continuously running all season for non-stop insect protection. It should be placed three to six feet above the ground and between 20 and 40 feet away from people.
Once plugged in, the only maintenance involves emptying the catch basket as needed.
Best hammocks in 2024
Whether you have the space to permanently install a premium hammock on your patio or in your backyard, or you want a more portable option, there's nothing like the feeling of lying in a hammock outside on a warm day to relax, read, nap or watch the clouds float overhead.
The Vista from Yellow Leaf Hammocks
If you're going to invest in a hammock, we recommend buying one from a company whose sole specialty is just that: premium hammocks. We've discovered that the folks at Yellow Leaf Hammocks meet this criteria. The company offers an impressive selection of hammocks, including The Vista.
The Vista can be set up virtually anywhere in minutes and stores nicely in a convenient backpack-style bag. The hammock itself extends more than seven feet, so it'll engulf your body and make you feel like you're floating.
The hammock's frame weighs just under 12 pounds and you can choose from eight colors. An optional cup holder and storage punch for your belongings are sold separately.
Since the frame is made from jet-grade aluminum, it can hold upwards of 330 pounds. The Vista will make the perfect addition to any patio and quickly become the most popular piece of furniture out there.
The Throne from Yellow Leaf Hammocks
The Throne is a custom-made piece of furniture, suitable for indoors or outdoors. It features a metal base, wooden arms and a premium hammock.
The 46-inch swivel base can rotate 360 degrees, and the hammock stretches over seven feet, creating a floating sensation.
You can customize the metal color, wood finish and hammock color when ordering online, with delivery in four to eight weeks.
This is not just a luxury hammock; it's a high-quality piece of furniture that can become a statement piece in a room, on a porch, or in a backyard.
Best fire pits in 2024
Whether you're making s'mores or just hanging out on a warm spring or summer night, sitting around a fire pit creates a casual and cozy ambiance.
Breeo X Series smokeless fire pit
There's something very special about sitting around a fire pit. The Breeo X Series smokeless fire pit is 22 inches wide and made from heavy-gauge stainless steel. It's a wood-burning, outdoor fire pit that can be used to create a backyard bonfire.
Thanks to a proprietary airflow design, this fire pit generates very little smoke and won't permeate clothing with that all-too-familiar campfire smell. The unit weighs 62 pounds and measures 27.5 inches across and is 14.75 inches tall.
It's durably made in the USA and arrives with a shiny, blue-steel facade. Over time, it will develop a unique patina.
Best outdoor planters in 2024
Add some color to your outdoor space and bring nature to you. Home Depot, Walmart and Amazon all offer a vast selection of decorative and handy raised garden beds that make it a snap to grow vegetables, flowers, herbs or any type of plants.
Depending on your space, or plants some small trees in pots. Fast Growing Trees offers more than two dozen tree options that can grow nicely on a patio and that require minimal maintenance.
Ames Flexgarden storage planters
Even if you have limited space on your patio, chances are there's room to grow flowers, herbs or vegetables using these Ames D80 Flexgarden storage planters. Each kit includes three planter boxes and two connecting legs that allow for multiple configurations.
As space permits, you can link multiple sets together to create your own garden oasis. These planter boxes are constructed from fade- and crack-resistant material. Some assembly is required, but the tool needed is included.
This is just one option for raised planter boxes that are ideal for a patio setting. You'll find many more at Home Depot and Amazon.
Glizhome decorative tiered outdoor water fountain
The Glizhome decorative tiered outdoor water fountain with LED and planter is 40 inches tall and within a relatively tight space allows you to incorporate a plant and fountain into your patio decor and create a peaceful relaxation spot.
The fountain is made of sturdy polyresin and stone powder. This provides a strong construction and weatherproof design that'll keep the fountain looking new over time. The rustic stone water fountain features modern and minimalist curving, combined with streamline falling water.
We love this Glizhome fountain because it brings a touch of rustic charm and the sound of soft cascading water to your outdoor living space. A built-in screen prevents the fountain from splashing, while the internal pump can be adjusted to prevent loud water sound.
Right now, this $400 fountain is on sale at Amazon for 12% off, so you'll pay just $351. It measures 14 ×14 x 40 inches, has a water capacity of 3.7 gallons and a flow rate up to 225.5 gallons per hour.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple from Fast Growing Trees
Fast Growing Trees is a nursery that sells hundreds of trees and plants suitable for any patio or lawn.
To bring some vivid color to your space, we suggest this Bloodgood Japanese maple. This four- to five-foot tall tree gets shipped right to your home and will thrive in most regions in the USA.
This tree can become the focal point of a landscaped area or patio. It can be kept trimmed to fit within your patio space, or you can let it grow to its full 15-foot height. It will grow nicely in partial share or full sun.
Right now, when you use code SAVEMORE25 at checkout, you'll get 25% off this tree. This brings the price of this gorgeous $220 tree down to just $165.
Best outdoor umbrellas and retractable awnings in 2024
Unless you're working on your tan, it's nice to enjoy your outdoor space without risking sunburn. Based on the size of your patio, consider a retractible awning or an oversize umbrella.
Lausaint Home 12' outdoor patio umbrella with base
When the heat of the sun gets too much to handle, simply open this 12-foot outdoor patio umbrella and enjoy some shade. The umbrella can be rotated 360 degrees.
To match the decor of your patio, it comes in nine color options. The pole of this cantilever patio umbrella is made of extra-thick aluminum which is lightweight, yet strong and durable. It comes with a base that must be filled with at least 220 pounds of sand for stability.
The umbrella itself is made of a heavy-duty, polyester fabric. There are vents on the top to help air circulate and for added stability. The crank lift mechanism makes it easy to open and close the umbrella in seconds.
Patio umbrellas come in a wide range of sizes and designs. You'll find hundreds of other options, from dozens of manufacturers, available from Amazon and Home Depot.
Aecojoy manual retractable awning
You may find it easier and more visually appealing to install a retractable awning. These awnings are available in many sizes, colors and designs. Some use a hand crank to manually open and retract the fabric awning, while others use a motor.
The Aecojoy manual retractable awning shown here comes in four size options -- 8.2 x 6.5 feet, 10 x 8 feet, 13 x 8 feet or 13 x 10 feet -- and in your choice of four colors. The awning is made of 280g polyester and PU-coated fabric that's water resistant, anti-ultraviolet, resistant to sun fading and it offers 30UV+ solar protection.
Its frame is build with rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminum that's lightweight, but durable, so it can resist up to 30mph wind. The retractable mounting brackets have double strand steel rope. An included hand crank is used to open and retract it, so no power is required.
Invite the birds
Adding a bird house or bird feeder to your patio lures local birds that you can enjoy watching as they chirp and enjoy some food. Whether you shop at Amazon, The Home Depot or Walmart, you'll find bird houses and bird feeders that'll fit perfectly around your patio and yard. We're fans of the latest smart bird feeders that have a built in camera, so you can see a live feed on your smartphone and immediately have the bird feeder's app identify the birds you're viewing.
Birdsnap smart bird feeder with camera
Adding a bird feeders and bird house is a great way to attract colorful visitors to your outdoor living space. When it comes to bird feeders, we love the models that have a camera.
They're also app-controlled, so when a bird visits, you can get a live and up close view on your mobile device's screen. At the same time, the app will instantly identify the bird's species and display information about it. More than 10,000 bird species are included in the app's database.
The PAV smart bird feeder comes with a 64GB SD memory card to locally store recorded video footage. The built-in camera offers 1080p resolution and a 160-degree wide field of view.
The bird feeder offers a 1.8 liter capacity for bird food, but also includes two fruit forks and two hummingbird feeders, along with one jelly box that will attract hummingbirds, orioles and other more exotic birds.
Whether you're looking for a smart bird feeder or a more traditional model, you'll discover hundreds of options on Amazon.
To discover even more great deals on the products you want and need, be sure to read all of our latest and continuously updated home, kitchen and outdoor coverage. To learn about high-tech ways to care for your lawn, be sure to read our just-published roundup of the best robot lawnmowers and other smart lawn-care tech.
