The Top 69 Garden Decor Ideas – Landscape Design
“Everyone can identify with a fragrant garden, with beauty of sunset, with the quiet of nature, with a warm and cozy cottage.” – Thomas Kinkade
Having a garden is just the first step in creating a beautiful backyard. Once you’ve chosen the layout and the plants you want to grow, you need to add the final decorative elements. Consider these touches as the backyard equivalent of hanging pictures on the wall or placing decorative pieces and candles on a table.
Decorating your backyard is about giving your backyard character and individuality. Some garden decor ideas are cutesy, some artistic, others sleek and modern. What you choose for your garden will depend on your personality and what you want your garden to say about you and your home.
1. Garden Decor Ideas with a Purpose
Your garden decoration doesn’t have to be just pretty. It can also serve a functional purpose. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, why not turn your log storage into something decorative? You could choose a metal rack that allows you to store multiple log sizes. That way, you always have wood on hand for an impromptu campfire.
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One common outdoor decor idea is to have a birdbath. It could be more than just a shallow bowl that holds water. It could be on a decorative pedestal or have cute bird figurines on the side. If you’re growing herbs, you could have decorative signs labeling each plant. These are more than just signs; they could be handmade or pottery signs with a unique character.
2. Decorative Planters and Pots Garden Decor Ideas
You don’t have to stick all of your plants in the ground. You can create visual interest in your garden by placing some of the plants in decorative pots. Using terracotta pots will give your garden a traditional look. The rich color of the terra cotta is beautiful, rustic, and warm.
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If you don’t have a lot of room, you can create a small garden using mason jars for your pots. Or you could have a ceramic or clay bowl with several succulents growing in it.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your plant stands. You could use cut-in-half wine, bourbon, or whiskey barrels. Or how about an old claw foot bathtub that you’ve filled with soil? You can even find metal stands that look like everyday objects, but they have holders for your pots built in. Whatever planter or pot you choose, look for ones that help you add height to your garden to create different levels.
3. Fence and Wall Garden Decor Ideas
If you have a fence surrounding your garden, then this is the perfect chance to add a bit more decor. You could have decorative wrought iron panels mounted on the wood, or alternate metal and wood panels for an elegant and modern-looking garden fence.
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Consider DIY garden decor ideas for a personalized touch. You could try painting a colorful mural on the wall. Or you could install decorative lighting to create a unique effect when the sun sets. There’s also the option of turning your fence into a living wall. You could grow mosses and succulents on a panel. Just be careful with this idea, succulents can be surprisingly heavy, and you’ll need to reinforce the wall to support the extra weight.
4. Fire Pit Garden Decor Ideas
Adding a fire pit to your garden gives you a focal point and the perfect gathering spot. You could choose a modern design that creates ambiance. You won’t feel a lot of heat from them, but they’ll produce an interesting visual effect.
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Another option is to use your fire pit to create an outdoor living space. You could buy a portable pre-made metal pit. Or custom build your fire pit from stone or pavers. You’ll be able to build the exact size fire pit to fit in your garden. Place benches or outdoor sofas around it for a place to lounge outside and enjoy the weather.
5. Garden Arches, Pergolas, and Gazebos Decor Ideas
If you have a covered outdoor space, you have the perfect frame for growing vining plants. If you don’t have a covered area, then consider building some shelter. You could have a gazebo, pergola, or arch. The one you choose will depend on the amount of coverage you’re looking for and the square footage you have available.
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Once you have your structure, check out garden design ideas to pick a flowering plant or two that will vine its way up.. Colorful flowers and blooms will surround you. If you live in the right climate, you could even grow grapes or lemons. However, both of these have heavier vines that require a more solid structure for support.
6. Garden Art Decor Ideas
Look for ways you can create a unique look for your garden. There are local artists everywhere that use a variety of materials to create custom garden art. You could add to your garden design by placing a few art pieces that look like animals. Many garden ideas suggest placing this art hidden among your plants. They’ll be a beautiful surprise as you wander through your garden.
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If you have an empty garden area, then consider placing one enormous art piece. It will serve as a crowning statement piece and focal point to your backyard. Look for art that will be durable when left outside long term. Metal, glass, cork, and hardwoods are all beautiful and durable materials.
7. Garden Furniture Decor Ideas
Furniture is a common element of outdoor garden decor ideas. You need a place where you can sit down and relax in your backyard. Even if you only have a small balcony, you should have somewhere that you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening drink.
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If you have enough space, you can create an outdoor living room setup. Place a loveseat or sofa with an accent chair or two. You don’t need a lot of space, though. A small cafe table and a pair of chairs are all you need.
8. Garden Statue Decor Ideas
Statues are an easy way to add decorative elements to your garden. They’re durable and beautiful. Look for sculptures that complement the style of garden you want to create. A garden gnome is a popular choice, but some people find them creepy. Modern gardens look good with an abstract ornament.
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Garden statues come in several materials. Try adding several types of materials to your garden for visual interest and variety. You could have glass figurines, metal sculptures, or stone creations of all kinds.
If you have lots of flowers and other plants that need pollinating, consider adding a birdbath and bird feeder. This will encourage birds to make your backyard their home and foster stronger growth.
9. Garden Decor Lighting Ideas
Adding lighting to your garden gives you the ability to enjoy the beauty of the space after the sun goes down. You could do this with string lights that you hang across the entire garden. They’ll create a warm, soft glow over the entire space and illuminate your outdoor area.
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For a more decorative approach, try adding fairy lights to your garden. These are small LEDs that will twinkle and glow. They typically aren’t bright enough to create bright light but are more of a decorative element to highlight specific areas of your garden. If you have a pergola or gazebo, you could string the lights on it for a fairy garden effect. Choose one that twinkles for a starry night look.
10. Modern Garden Decor Ideas
Potted plants are a great way to create a modern garden design. Try using large pavers or flat stones to create a smooth and trim lawn. Then create a green space by arranging large pots with several plants in each. Choose pots in modern colors, like black or white. They should have long straight lines and smooth curves with minimal ornamentation.
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Modern gardens use a combination of materials. You could have large stepping stones through your pond or a wood deck overlooking your water feature. Create borders and trim with a moat of river rocks. Skip the messy looking flowering plants and stick with simple greenery that you can keep trim and neat.
11. Garden Decor Pathway Ideas
You need to have pathways throughout your garden. This makes it easier to enjoy your work and maintain your plants. A modern garden will use pavers, concrete, or wood. For a rustic garden look, you could use pea gravel for a natural-looking path. If you want to create a vintage garden, use salvaged bricks or flat stones.
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If you have a large yard, your flower bed may not take up the entire backyard. Then your pathway will connect your flower bed to the other areas of the yard. Perhaps it leads from the patio to the garden and then around to the fire pit.
12. Garden Decor Water Feature Ideas
Water features can be a lot of work, depending on the type and size you decide to add. Even a small fountain will add natural noise and calming sound effects to your garden. The only other way you can add sound to your garden is with a wind chime, and they can be more annoying than the gentle sound of running water.
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If you’re ready to commit to a serious water feature, consider adding a fish pond with a fountain. You’ll need to care for the fish and maintain the fountain hardware. However, it’s well worth it for the calming effect it’ll have on you and the entire space. For fish, you could consider koi, but they’re expensive. Goldfish can be a more affordable alternative.
Garden Decor FAQs
Buy plain terra cotta pots and paint them with a decorative design. Take two old wood ladders and arrange them into an A-frame. Rest wood planks across the rungs to create a shelving system. Add some battery-powered fairy light strings to some of your plants. Create decorative wall designs by using painted picture frames that have moss and succulents growing in them.
Arrange your plants so that they create a decorative border design, and then add tall plants that will sway and move. This creates action and visual interest. Add decorative statues and objects around the garden. If your garden is all green, plant some colorful flowering plants to inject some color.
Whether it’s your garden or home, there’s always a dead corner that sits empty, and you can never figure out what to do with it. If the corner is large enough, you could build a small outbuilding or shed for your garden supplies. A small bench in the corner gives you somewhere to sit. A statue will give your garden a sense of elegance.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
