AD | Whether or not you’re planning a holiday this year, spending time in your own outside space is hard to beat. Yes, I’m a keen gardener, but we’ve also tried to create somewhere we can relax, entertain and have fun, along with displaying some unique garden decor to personalise our garden. And junk shop finds aside, there’s no better place to shop small, support independent retailers, and find some fabulous garden accessories and decor than on Etsy.*
Unique garden decor picks from Etsy
Obviously, my favourite Etsy garden accessories and decor picks* probably won’t be the same as yours. So, I’ve broken them into different categories that you can skip to, according to what you might be looking for. But for unique garden decor, I think Etsy’s selection* of custom, handmade pieces from their garden decoration shops will be very hard to beat this summer.
Where can I find the best garden accessories for al fresco dining?
According to Etsy in the UK, they’ve seen a 2,644% increase in searches for patio furniture and a 1,445% increase in searches for outdoor tables year on year. That’s some increase, don’t you think? But not really surprising, because whether you have a small balcony or a large garden, somewhere to sit outside and relax is a must.
- The most popular unique garden decor material is metal, and this bistro-style table and chair set* is perfect for compact areas, and giving your space a real Mediterranean holiday feel.
- Or what about this cute little hanging balcony table* for your pre-dinner cocktails?
- If you have more room, then a larger table with benches* or chairs is brilliant for relaxed entertaining.
- I also like this vintage folding table in blue*, which you can stack away when not in use.
- Whatever you choose, don’t forget to add a few comfy cushions*and snuggly throws* for the evening (remember, we’re talking British summertime, after all).
- We have a few Turkish throws* like these and they are just gorgeous to wrap up in.
- Check out these outdoor decor ideas for even more inspiration.
Outdoor entertaining – garden bars and fire pits
Some more stats for you: there’s been a 3,632% increase in searches on Etsy in the UK for outdoor bars and accessories in the last three months, compared to last year. With so many of us spending time at home, it’s no wonder garden bars* and fire pits* have been top of the list for outdoor easy living.
- How much fun does these hand made garden bars look*? All ready for you to paint and decorate with your own personal style.
- Or what about one of these space-saving wall mounted indoor/outdoor bars* that can be used as a table?
- If you’re looking for an uber-cool mobile drinks trolley/bar*, then you’re spoilt for choice!
- And to keep you warm while you’re toasting some marshmallows, how cute is this star design fire pit*?
- Or what about this folding portable fire pit* that you can even take camping?
- Want to make a real feature of your fire pit? Why not opt for a hacienda chiminea* for some authentic Spanish style?
- And my personal favourite, especially for all you Lord of the Rings fans, is this One Ring Fire Pit*, possibly one of the most cool garden ornaments I’ve seen.
What are the best ways to decorate a garden?
If you’re after some great outdoor decor ideas that are cheap and effective, nothing says summer in the garden to me more than LED lights that come on at dusk.
- And lights are the ultimate garden decor accessories – like these solar firefly lights* that we have winding through our trees.
- This year’s trend is one I’m very much on board with too, festoon lights* on garden stakes, that give your outside space a magical feel.
- Not forgetting the ultimate in upcycled garden decor, some candles in jam jars – bonus points if they’re citronella candles to ward away any midges.
One of my favourite garden design tips and garden decorations is a statement mirror*. Ideal for making dark or small spaces seem brighter and larger, or just as a piece of whimsical garden art.
- I love any of these beautiful gold heart mirrors*, which hold a candle as well. They work as home decor too, and would make a unique gift idea for any of your friends.
- And one of these tree design mirrors* would look beautiful framed by some honeysuckle or roses.
- Or why not get the party vibes really going (even if there’s only one of you) with one of these fabulous disco ball planters*?
Don’t forget the planting
One of the pleasures of being outside is being able to enjoy the sights and scents of colourful, fragrant flowers and herbs. Think honeysuckle, jasmine, roses for day time perfume, and night-scented stock or tobacco plants for evening fragrance.
And remember your edibles: pelargoniums, lavender, and rosemary grow amazingly well in pots and outdoor planters. And they’ll release their gorgeous scents when you and your guests absent-mindedly rub their leaves.
And where can I get unique garden decor that no-one else is likely to have?
If you’re on the hunt for some truly unique garden ornaments, then Etsy is definitely your go to. As regular readers of my gardening blogs will know, Alan’s bought some quirky pieces over the years (like our skeleton, tiger, and Komodo dragon) and we’ve repurposed the odd skip find too. But, if you’re not gifted with the creativity and talent to create unique garden art from junk, (and I’m definitely not saying that we are!) then Etsy’s range of recycled garden art* is a complete treasure trove.
- Whether you have a pond or not, this pair of elegant herons* are birds that would grace any garden.
- And how adorable are these wind chime fish, made from spoons*? A great gift for any gardener, or even a sailor (!)
- Looking for a splash of colour? This set of 3 red poppy sculptures* would be perfect.
- And for the crafty among you, why not bag some stained glass scraps* and make your own outdoor decorations for gardens?
Outdoor garden decor that’s not just for the kids
Families may be interested (but not surprised) to learn there’s been a 1,032% increase in searches on Etsy in the UK for mud kitchens*. Beloved of nurseries and forest schools, mud kitchens are great for encouraging creative play and exploration in little ones.
- Flora had a mud kitchen* when she was younger, and much loved it was too.
- She also had a gorgeous wigwam* underneath the weeping birch in our orchard for a while. (Although sadly that had to come down once Ginger began to territory mark the outside, sob).
- Not just for kids, hammocks* and swings* are for all ages. We don’t have two trees close enough together for a traditional hammock, so Flora has a more practical hammock chair swing* instead.
- Outdoor games are fun for all too – think croquet*, dominoes*, giant jenga*, and even some water pistols*, or pavement chalks* so the kids can create their own yard art.
Unique garden decor ideas from Etsy to fall in love with this summer
And there we are, my suggestions for unique garden decor ideas from Etsy – so you can style your garden, shop small, and support independent retailers at the same time. And with a little DIY thrown in for some great outdoor decor ideas that are cheap and effective too. Because cool garden ornaments and decor for the garden needn’t cost a fortune, and it’s fun to add your own personalised touch. So, if you’re looking forward to spending time at home this summer, how are you planning on adding some sparkle and style to your outdoor space? 🙂
Have you ever shopped on Etsy for decor for the garden? Where do you usually look for unique outdoor decor? Which of my curated Etsy favourites* would you choose for your garden or outside space?
* This post contains affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer.
These are all amazing ideas! I can’t wait to spend some quality backyard time.
Thank you, Jodie, me neither 🙂
These all look lovely! I’m decorating my pretty big balcony this summer so will have to get a few of these to decorate with! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, that’s exciting – I sometimes wish we had a balcony rather than a garden, it’s less work!
Who knew garden furniture would excite me so! Fire pits, lights, throws! You’ve got it all! But you forgot one thing, hanging chairs
Great post, enjoyed it!
Thank you so much, that’s made me chuckle! Ah, I thought hanging chairs and hammock chairs were the same thing – my bad, I’ll have to update the post then!
All of these look SO GOOD, Lisa! I live in an apartment but one day when I have a garden to use, I’m going to come back to this post 🤩
Thank you, Sumedha, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
These are some lovely ideas! We’ve just had a new patio put down at the same time as my office so we have a lovely big patio space now which I’d love to get some different decor items for. We have a little solar powered water feature which is cute but that’s about it at the moment! I’d love a fire pit!
I am so close to getting that LOTR firepit, I mean how unique and fabulous can you get? Plus, it’s a must for summer in the UK as well – your water feature sounds fab, Jenny!
Oh my goodness that lord of the rings fire pit looks amazing! I love the little spoon fish wind chimes too! Lovely post for ideas!
Doesn’t it though? I’m so tempted! And thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I love this post! Thanks so much you have given me so many ideas to make our new garden exciting this summer!! We moved to our house in November so the garden is still a work in progress! I shall be hitting etsy!
Oh, that’s great, I’m so pleased – how exciting to have a work in progress – happy shopping on Etsy then!
I love these garden decor ideas. I spend a lot of time in my garden during the Spring and Summertime. My garden definitely needs some new decor pieces.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Thank you – and I’m sure you’ll find something perfect on Etsy 🙂
Love love love your outdoor decor ideas. I love being in my garden all summer long. We recently got a little fire pit which makes sundowners a bit nicer – especially since the temperature isn’t very warm right now.
I love the ice bucket/drink holder idea – that would get used every weekend in my house
Rosie
A fire pit is actually top of my list for things to get right now – I’m so fed up with the chillier evenings, bring on summer already!
Wow these are gorgeous ideas for the garden, and I love supporting small sellers during these tough times 🙂 I think making your garden nice is a must at the moment, when most gatherings need to be outside x
Yes, exactly, thank you, Eleanor – not that I need any excuses to spend money on our garden…!
So many lovely ideas here for the garden and I especially love the look of the teepee for kids xx
Thank you, Della, Flora does too, haha! x
The colourful cushions and solar fairy lights are my favourites – really brighten the chairs up! I love Etsy so will bookmark this page for ideas in the future x
You can’t go wrong with solar lights and snuggly cushions, can you? Thank you, Caroline, glad it was useful x
That wigwam is to die for! Such a pretty little thing. I mean, everything in this post is to die for, I think we would love to decorate the garden (if only we had one!). Extra brownie points go to The Lord of the Rings fire pit – such a cool piece!
Isn’t it cute? And yes, the LOTR firepit is in my basket, I’m soooooo close to clicking buy right now!
That fire pit is excellent! I’d love to display my nerd side which relaxing by the fire.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I know, it’s the perfect book lover’s fire pit!
Oh wow! All of these look incredible, definitely a fun way to get your ideas from. Thank you for sharing, I’m super excited for the weather to get better and for us to be able to spend more time in the garden! xx
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
Thank you, I’m glad they were useful – and yes, bring on the sunshine, it’s too cold just now! x
Oooh great choices!! I’d love to have a space big enough to put a big rustic table and benches. I was also one of those people googling mud kitchens on etsy not so long back! Haha. We went to a National Trust place recently & couldn’t get my daughter away from the play area because it had one. It kept her quiet for AGES! Haha. I’ve definitely turned to Etsy more than usual this year!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Kids and mud kitchens go together like… haha, I know, even now Flora’s still drawn to them and she’s 11! I agree, Etsy is perfect for those one off purchases that you don’t see anywhere else! x
Amazing ideas, I would love to have a backyard
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Reading posts like this makes me want to have a garden so badly! All of these items look great and I bet they would look lovely in any garden x
Ah, I hope you have one some day – but Etsy isn’t going anywhere (I hope!) so when you do, you can have fun shopping small! x
These are really great and unique garden decor items! I love shopping on Etsy, I always find what I need and I love supporting small businesses! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Yes, so do I, and it’s even better we can support indie retailers too! x
Etsy is one of the first places I turn to when I want something unique! I absolutely love the pieces you’ve found that would be just gorgeous in a garden or backyard area. These would be brilliant gifts too. I have so many friends with gardens and outdoor spaces that would love these items so much!
It’s such a brilliant marketplace, isn’t it? Thank you, that’s very kind, I’m so pleased you like my picks too!
I love outdoor lights and have been wanting to pull the lever on them. Maybe this is the year! Thanks for the suggestions.
–Sue
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Do it, do it! They make such a difference 🙂
I can understand the rise in searches because, yes, a lovely spot to sit outdoors in covered shade for lunch or to enjoy the fireflies at night in the summer is a must. We do not have the porch we have always wanted, but we do have a fire-pit near our pond. Love the idea of putting something like the herons nearby!
Also, as a Tolkien appreciator, I cannot tell you how much I love that One Ring Fire Pit.
Thanks so much for sharing!
You are ahead of us, we have a pond but no fire pit as yet, although I am soooooo tempted to click buy on the LOTR fire pit currently in my shopping basket! Glad you enjoyed the post, Jaya, thank you 🙂
Wow amazing ideas, love these cozy couches and
beautifully lights. Every garden would look enchanting
with the flower decor like this and sculptures..
Thank you, Gabi, so pleased you liked my picks 🙂
I love the colorful pillows. They look so cute and I like the little tent. Such a good idea. I totally would love to have a outdoor couch with colorful pillows. Just love the look
It’s such a summery vibe, perfect for cosy evenings 🙂
These ideas are wonderful! I’m hoping to transform our outdoor space this summer, so I appreciate all the cute possibilities! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome – happy transforming, sounds exciting!
I love the idea of putting mirrors up in a small garden space! Maybe because I have a small back patio space, haha. The tree mirror is especially beautiful! So many great ideas to make small outdoor gatherings more special, even if it’s just your own family. We had one of those wooden play kitchens when our daughter was small. It was well used & loved!
It’s such a simple trick but it really works! And sometimes I do wish our garden was smaller, it would be far less work and less expensive to furnish!
I love most of the things you shared from etsy. I am considering buying a fire pit, but I didn’t think of etsy for one, so I will have a look. Those disco ball planters are so unusual. It’s not something I would have looked for, but it might be a fantastic focus-point in the garden. Lovely inspirational post. xx
Thank you, Anca! Yes, I love the disco ball planters too, something that’s really different but a real talking point – happy shopping on Etsy then! xx
Some amazing ideas for outdoor styling! I’m desperate for a garden, and I’ve always loved the idea of a magical feel with lots of cosy lights to set the atmosphere just right – especially in the summer! Really inspiring, and I love that these are all Etsy shops too x
Thank you so much, that’s so kind – and I hope you’ll have your own magical garden some day soon too! x
I loved loved loved the post. Love home and outdoor decors. Though I admit I haven’t worked much on outdoor technicalities. Didnt know metal was the most appropriate for outdoor. I dont have etsy access and didnt know an outdoor mirror idea too. Not a candle person. But the table sets, accessories, bar etc all were great. Xxx
Isa A. Blogger
Oh thank you so much, that’s just wonderful to hear. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post! x
I love Etsy but I would never think to shop there for this kind of thing but ALL of the items you’ve featured look so nice. I love the little drinks cooler, it looks perfect for evenings in the garden when things (hopefully) start to warm up x
Sophie
I was quite amazed at what you can find on Etsy to be honest, it’s a real treasure trove! x
wow, so much cool stuff! I’m not much for outdoor dining, too hot, wasps and flies come around, food cools or gets too warm ugh. But I like outdoor drinks and I like the idea of having a garden with some naturalistic decor like the cranes pictured. One day! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I know what you mean about bugs but I do love kicking back with a glass of wine on a hot summer’s evening – even if that’s a rarity in the UK, haha!
I love my parents garden, they have a permanent weather proof gazebo at the bottom of the garden complete with an outdoor heater for the colder evenings. The garden is decortated with bulb string lights that make it look so cute and cosy of an evening. I’ve actually never thought of shopping for garden furniture on Etsy, it’s definitely something I’m going to do when I get my own place! x
A garden heater would be amazing, I’d love to be able to use our garden all year round but we’re not at that stage yet! But shopping for fairy lights is an easy win, isn’t it? 🙂 x
So many beautiful ideas in this post! We are currently sprucing up our garden for when we can use it (e.g. not raining haha) so will definitely be taking inspiration from this post. I love the vintage table with the flowers growing through the chairs. What a unique but great idea!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you, Aimsy – it feels like living in hope at the moment – this time last year we were well into a heatwave! Fingers crossed the better weather returns soon 🙂 x
This blog post just makes me want to get my own big back garden 🙂
Although my parents do have some nice bits of furniture in their garden, maybe I could make some polite suggestions 😉
Thanks for sharing, bring on the summer!
Ah, thank you, Zoe – and yes, I think a few polite suggestions is an excellent idea!
Lovely post! Thank you for sharing this! These furniture pieces look lovely and I love how you’ve covered loads of different styles in this post! I’ve never looked at furniture on Etsy but I will check it out now!
Thank you so much – and yes, Etsy is a real treasure trove, well worth a browse 🙂
Great information here. I love the outdoor furniture, particularly the wooden table.
Thank you – so do I, it’s a perfect size 🙂
So many great and cute decor! I like the small bird in tree mirror. Thank you all the suggestions! Now I want to decorate my balcony (too bad I don’t have a garden 😔)
Ah, I hope you get a garden some day – but at least some of these ideas are great for balconies in the meantime!
I am obsessed with Etsy, love buying things from there as you can get some really unique finds and you can feel good for supporting small businesses.
Lots of really good ideas in this post that I shall definitely be thinking about implementing.
Thank you and yes, it’s such a great place to find unusual things, with the bonus you’re supporting indie retailers as well 🙂
These are fantasic we moved into a new house last year and we are just starting on the garden will use a few of these tips. Keep these posts coming 😀
Thank you, that’s very kind – and how exciting, happy gardening!
Oooo this is super handy; I’ve been looking for a table and chairs and so much is out of stock in my usual go-tos! Xx
Thank you, Alice, I hope you can find something here! xx
So many amazing items! That One Ring fire pit is fantastic. I know some people who would love that!
Isn’t it incredible how many people are searching for outdoor furniture and accessories?! Those are some crazy stats!
I know, it’s amazing, but I guess it’s because so many of us are staying at home this year!
Oh wow, I love that little drink trolly!
It’s great, isn’t it? 🙂
I so wish that I have a garden! That being said, we live near a gorgeous park so perhaps I can take some cute blankets, cushions and a basket for some al fresco dining (maybe not the fire pits, don’t think that would be allowed)!
I think some parks allow portable BBQs but I don’t suppose fire pits are very practical as you’d have to wait for them to cool down again!
Oooh! I love those ideas. I didn’t know you could get such products off etsy. I adore the fairy lights and I really need a disco ball planter. That is a fantastic idea that works on my balcony as well!!
Thank you! And yes, I tried to find picks that would work for small spaces or balconies too, so glad you agree 🙂
Auwww……these are lovely decors for a garden. I should share this post with my Dad. He loves gardening. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Fadima, that’s very kind!
You’ve included so many great products in this post. I like all of them especially the two products for kids. So cute!
Thank you, Brooke, that’s very good to hear 🙂
Oooh you’ve included so many incredible products here! I need to buy some items for my garden so this has given me some inspo!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you, Amie, I wish you some happy shopping then!
I don’t have a garden, but my partner’s mother has a garden home & we spend a lot of our summer there so these are great ideas! I also love Etsy so I’ll definitely check out your recommendations!
Thank you, Karalee, I hope you find something you like!
I love all your garden ideas! when we have a bigger garden I love that sofa with the coloured cushions. Plus the One Ring FirePit is just too good to pass up. I’m also a big fan of fairy lights so we’ll definitely be using them tastefully too!
Thank you, Emma, that’s great to hear – and yes, I know what you mean about that One Ring fire pit!
These are some fab ideas! I especially like the reminder to try and make sure candles are citronella to keep away the bugs, as I’m allergic to many bug bites! I’m not much of an outdoor gardener, so I lean towards furniture and nice ornaments to put around instead, and Etsy as an absolute treasure trove!
Em x
Also, because citronella smells good too! Thank you, Em, glad to hear you’re a fellow Etsy fan 🙂 x
Thanks for sharing, these all look great ideas for gardens 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post, I think so too!