Don’t let renting or a low budget put a stop to your plans of turning your backyard into an oasis. A place where you feel comfortable, where you can relax after a long day. You don’t have to make permanent changes and hire construction teams, but you also don’t have to settle for boring. The beauty of a good temporary setup is that it looks intentional, but everything is so easy to pack up and it doesn’t leave a trace. Here are some temporary backyard ideas for renters on a budget that’ll transform your backyard from an afterthought to a main attraction.
1. String Lights On Poles
Lighting, lighting, lighting. You can never go wrong with lighting in any form. String lights on poles are an effective, effortless way to add glow, height, and atmosphere to your backyard without touching walls, fences, or any other structures. Place some metal or wooden poles in planters filled with gravel, sand, or concrete mix to keep them stable. If that isn’t an option, you can zip-tie them to existing structures as a temporary, removable solution. You can reduce costs and eliminate electrical cords by going for solar lights in warm white tones to create a cozy look.
2. Potted Plants
Potted plants are the best when it comes to renter-friendly gardening. You can bring the same life, color, and softness to your backyard with potted plants without touching the ground. Choose hardy plants that are tolerant to missed waterings and plant them in different sized pots. Use the tall plants in corners, medium plants where you’ve got negative space that needs to be filled, and small potted plants to add some detail. The key is to group the pots in clusters instead of scattering them randomly to make it feel intentional rather than accidental.
3. Portable Fire Pit
Fire pits automatically come with warmth, atmosphere, and life, regardless of how permanent they’re meant to be. Lightweight metal or concrete-look models can be moved easily, gas fire pits are faster and cleaner, and wood-burning pits bring that authentic crackle and familiar campfire smell. It all depends on the look and feeling you’re going for. Seating should be close enough for warmth but far enough for safety and the pit should always be placed on a fire-safe surface like gravel, concrete, or a fire mat.
4. Artificial Turf Mats
Artificial turf mats hide ugly concrete slabs, dusty soil, and patchy grass in an instant. You can cover your entire backyard with a large roll or use smaller sized turf mats to define different zones. The best turf is outdoor-rated turf with drainage holes because it prevents water buildup and fading from the sun. Secure the edges with landscape pins or weighted furniture to prevent them from shifting or curling. If you’re not sold on this idea, you’d be happy to know that artificial turf now looks a lot more realistic than it used to, so it can be pretty convincing.
5. Temporary Privacy Screens Or Fencing
Not all backyards receive the privacy they deserve, and renters can very seldom do something about it. The good news is that temporary privacy screens can solve your issue. Use bamboo screens, reed fencing, or fabric panels to create a temporary screen that can be removed when you move. You can mount them on freestanding frames or zip-tie them to existing fences and structures. These screens make shared or exposed yards more private, add a softness to your landscape, and help with wind control and shade.
6. Hanging Plant Stands
You don’t have to touch the walls or ceilings to turn your backyard into a green paradise. Use freestanding frames or even shepherd hooks placed in pots to hang plants in lightweigh pots. Trailing plants like ivy or pothos work best, but any decorative greenery will do. It’s a smart way to add movement and softness to tight spaces by using up vertical space rather than horizontal. When the time to move comes, load your hanging plant stands and take them to your next backyard.
7. Raised Planter Boxes
Raised planter boxes are just as valuable as potted plants. They protect plants from poor soil, make maintenance easier, and allow you to garden to your heart’s desire without touching the existing soil. The benefit of not having to bend down to maintain the garden almost outweighs the portability. Opt for lightweight wood or plastic models that can be disassembled when you move. You simply empty the soil and take the planter box with you. Fill them with veggies, herbs, flowers, and other planter-friendly plants.
8. Portable Water Feature
Just like a portable fire pit, a portable water feature adds life to your backyard without the need for structural changes. In this case, you don’t need to get to work on plumbing and hardscaping. Tabletop fountains or self-contained units that plug in or run on solar power are just as effective and they come at a fraction of the price. You can also combine them with some of the other temporary backyard ideas for renters on a budget. Choose a lightweight model for easy relocation and place it close to seating for maximum effect.
9. Shade Sail With Weights
Shade is an essential in a backyard that actually gets used. But shade sails serve more than one purpose. They also look good, adding drama to your landscape, and they define the different zones in your backyard. You don’t need permanent posts because weighted bases, planters, and removable poles can all anchor the corners temporarily and effectively. The key is to ensure that the sails look clean rather than floppy, so proper tension is a must.
10. Outdoor Curtains On Frames
String lights aren’t the only features that look great on poles or frames. If you’ve got nosy neighbors or your backyard feels a bit rugged, this may be the temporary fix for you. Use tension rods, pergola-style frames, or even clothing racks that are adapted to outdoor use for this DIY project. Line them with weather-resistant fabric that handles sun and wind well. Not only do outdoor curtains on frames turn your backyard into a cozy retreat that looks good, but they also block light, views, and breezes.
