OK, so shopping and pinning to your “backyard oasis” board may not actually help you manifest warmer weather, but if you’re dreaming of summer, it can’t hurt to get a head start on planning out an epic backyard. A few smart upgrades can help you get the most out of your square footage and serve as a solid investment. (After all, real estate agents have found that a well-staged yard can help you command a higher offer when you put your home on the market.) Though stores are just starting to roll out their outdoor furniture and decor, we’ve found one unexpected place to score some of the coolest finds: Target. Don’t believe us? Just look at these 22 pieces.
FYI, Target Is Hiding Some of the Coolest Backyard Furniture & Decor We’ve Seen
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1. Hammock Chairs
Hammocks are the ultimate way to unwind, but if you’ve got a small space, you’ll want a hammock chair. It’s every bit as lounge-y (especially with a padded seat, like this one), and if you don’t have a solid beam to hang it from, you can always order a chair stand.
2. Remote-controlled Patio Heater
We love the crackling sound (and marshmallow-roasting possibilities) of a fire pit, but when you crave something a bit simpler—and less messy—a patio heater is the way to go. Particularly one that’s remote control operated, so you don’t have to readjust your throw blanket as you devour Between Two Kingdoms.
3. discreet Citronella Candles
Citronella candles can be great at keeping mosquitoes away, but all too often, they’re sold in giant pails or cheesy tins. These chic clay containers (sold in two sizes) look like something you’d naturally have on your coffee table.
Buy It ($12)
4. Funky Hanging Planters
Clear some space by using hanging planters instead of regular pots. This terrazzo ring will fit in with just about any decor style, be it boho, southwestern, minimalist or millennial chic.
Buy it ($20)
6. An Outdoor Rug You’ll Want To Bring Indoors
An outdoor rug can help create “zones” on your back porch or patio, creating more of a defined space for hanging out (not to mention it makes the space seem cozier and more polished). This tasseled, geometric number seems like something you’d pay three times as much for at boutique-y stores.
9. Backyard Fire Pit
You don’t need to go camping to enjoy a round of yummy s’mores. Just be sure to add some marshmallow roasting sticks to your cart before you check out.
Buy it ($350)
10. Easy-to-set-up Pergola
Houzz deemed 2021 the “year of the pergola,” given how easy it is to install and create a shaded, outdoor space. This sleek, 8-foot-by-8-foot design could easily accommodate a canopy as well, so you can let in as much sun as you’d like.
Buy It ($500; $300)
11. Cozy, Comfy, Cool Outdoor Furniture
Rattan isn’t going anywhere, but if you’re looking for something a little sturdier, check out these club chairs. Designed for Target by Studio McGee (the design firm of Dream Home Makeover fame), the wooden-framed chairs feel every bit as luxe as your indoor furniture.
15. Chic Lumbar Pillows
Invest in some good outdoor pillows to really elevate your backyard setup and to give you peace of mind when you inevitably leave them out during a sudden summer rain storm.
Buy it ($20)
18. Small-space Trio
Not a lot of space to work with? Have no fear, there are still plenty of seating options to choose from, like this ‘60s-esque woven trio.
Buy it ($250)
19. Pop-up Greenhouse
Turns out you don’t need to own an estate to have a greenhouse all your own. This pop-up version is about 6.5-feet tall and 4.6-feet square and can hold all the herbs, delicate flowers and temperamental plants your heart desires, now all the way through winter.
Buy it ($120)
20. Turned-drum Accent Table
While you’re kicking back, you’ll need a spot to rest your drink. That’s where this concrete-like end table comes in. It’s a modern contrast to all that fringe and will definitely balance things out.
Buy It ($89)
22. Inflatable Hot Tub
Is it a splurge? Yes. Is it a little over the top? Of course. But it’s hard to deny the allure of a six-person hot tub (fully loaded with 170 bubble jets, mind you) that can be inflated when you want it, deflated and stored when you don’t. Though honestly, will the latter ever occur?
Buy It ($1,362; $1,150)