Game-changing Patio Finds under $50
Although Summer is coming to an end, I have been intentionally waiting to make this post until now. Most days, it has been too hot to sit on a patio here in Virginia, but I feel like deck-weather is just around the corner, and I for one, am excited! Honestly, it’s almost like ours gets more use in Autumn as football and holidays seem to bring people together more. So, my mind has been spinning with ways to better utilize decks and patios. How can we make these spaces work smarter and feel more comfortable, without spending a ton? THAT is the point of todays post. 😁
When I set out to scour the internet for clever patio finds under $50, I thought I miiiiight just find a few pieces. You guys. I. Found. So. Many. Booooonkers-good items that I am wondering how I managed to live without them all these years?? These pieces are working smarter, not harder, AND they won’t break the bank either. Scroll with me and I’ll talk you through each one…
20 Clever Patio Finds under $50
Clever Patio Finds, smart gadgets for your deck, outdoor decor
Geometric Nesting trays
Why I love it: These have so many uses from serving up drinks, or corralling small plants. What I particularly like about this set is the perforated bottoms as these will allow sitting water to pass through if they get left outside.
2. Large Plant Dolly
Why I love it: your patio or deck is an extension of your living space and I am a firm believer in moving things around from time to time. You can call it Feng Shui. These plant dollys allow you to do just that! And they also make blowing off the leaves and debris so much easier. No more breaking your back trying to move heavy planters!
Plant Dolly, 16” Anthropologie
3. Orange Leopard Throw Pillow
Why I love it: A throw pillow gives you living room vibes. And it encourages guests to get comfortable and stay awhile. Tip: Although these are outdoor cushions, stow them away when not in use so they stay fresh and clean.
Orange Cheetahs Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow, World Market
4. Retro bluetooth speaker
Why I love it: Is that ambient jazz flute I am hearing?…Oh hey, what a cutie. This speaker is giving me all the nostalgia and I love that it has a handle for easy carrying.
5. Outdoor multi-colored rug
Why I love it: True story, I have seen a rug make even the most weathered, should-have-been-replaced-years-ago deck look amazing. It feels great under your feet and may even inspire some outdoor yoga sessions. Tip: These aren’t just great for large seating areas. Try using smaller sizes to define a bar or buffet area.
6. Seagrass utensil caddy
Why I love it: You are prepared. You thought of everything. You basically have your sh*t together, if you brought this to the table. And it might just prevent you from serving plastic forks in the box they came in. Tip: Keep it stocked and ready to go when not in use, so all you have to do is set it out at your next gathering. One less thing to think about!
Beaded Seagrass Utensil Holder, Anthropologie
7. Basting Pot with brush
Why I love it: I enjoy making my own BBQ sauce (if you have never done this, it’s super easy - you’ll never buy it again!), so being able to store it ahead of time, and pull this out of the fridge when it’s go-time is perfect. And, if you did pour a bottle of store-bought sauce in there before-hand, no one would know ;)
8. Mini Tabletop Fire-pit
Why I love it: Because anything that’s miniature, duh. But also, this allows you to roast marshmallows, warm your hands, enjoy a mesmerizing flame…basically everything you get from the larger version minus the hassle.
Kizzby Table Top Fire Pit Bowl, Amazon
9. Outdoor storage trunk
Why I love it: Remember those throw pillows? This is the perfect size for them. Oh, and kids toys, grilling tools, or anything else you need to keep out of the rain. Tip: Arrange 3 or 4 of them in a row to maximize storage and provide a bench for extra seating.
Devoko 30 Gallon Resin Deck Box, Amazon
10. Charcuterie board with dome cover
Why I love it: Living on a farm has exposed me to more flies than you could ever imagine. I NEED to have a cover over my food if there is any chance of me dining outside. And this is way cuter (and more efficient) than throwing a paper towel over your plate.
11. Elevated Cot for Dogs
Why I love it: Decks can get hot for our four-legged friends, even if it’s in the shade. This cot allows the air to flow under them so they stay cool and have a place to chill where the action is.
12. Solar Deck Railing Lights
Why I love it: These make a deck look soooo much more expensive. It looks as if they were hardwired into your railing, yet, they aren’t! Each one has a UV panel that powers just the right amount of warm glow. Also great to illuminate stairs! Tip: If you have tree railings or would prefer not to drill into the wood, try using this tape to install them.
Solpex Solar Deck Lights 16 pack, Amazon
13. Railing hanging table
Why I love it: This isn’t just for small decks, it’s also great for propping up plants or setting up a drink station. And it’s easy to stow away when not in use. Done!
14. Cordless table lamp
Why I love it: There are quite a few rechargeable lamps on the market now, but what I love about this one is that it is waterproof. So, if you do happen to forget to bring it in, it won’t be ruined by mother nature. This is so nice for autumn, al fresco dinners on the patio!
15. Citronella Coil Stand
Why I love it: Okay, stooooop. Something that looks like some kind of cool sculpture is also keeping the mosquitos from biting me?? (adds to cart). This here would be a coil of citronella incense! The small version sits on this stand (sold separately) or you can purchase the large hanging version here.
Table stand for Small Citronella Coil by Anthropologie
16. Gold Metal Bell Chimes
Why I love it: This is like jewelry for your deck. And you can tell your friends you are having a sound bath and they will think you are the coolest friend on the block.
Gold Metal Bell and Wood Wind Chime, World Market
17. Outdoor thermometer
Why I love it: Yes, you could look at your phone, but what’s the fun in that? There’s something so analog about a wall thermometer that makes me feel good. And the fact this is on slate makes it feel like a natural part of the outdoors. Tip: Install it somewhere where you can easily view it from a window.
Outdoor Slate Thermometer, Anthropologie
18. Glass Mushroom Water Globes
Why I love it: Whoops, I forgot to water the plants. Except, no, I didn’t, because I have these adorable glass globes in my plants doing the watering for me.
Mushroom Glass Watering Globes, set of 2, Anthropologie
19. Cast Iron wall mounted bottle opener
Why I love it: All. The. Colors. Seriously, how can I pick just one? No more wondering where the bottle opener is, because it’s always in the same place with this wall mounted version. Tip: Hang a small galvanized bucket under it to catch bottle caps.
20. Wall mounted, Wooden Ring Toss Game
Why I love it: I’m a fan of any game that allows me to play with one hand while I have a baby in the other. You guys can keep your darts and axes, and I’ll keep my sanity, along with my body intact if my kids are playing. Thank you.
I hope this post revolutionizes the way you use your patio or deck. I know my family is looking forward to some cooler evenings on the deck soon!
Hi. I’m Katherine.
I’m the writer for this blog, and interior designer over at Hausmatter, an online design service.