7 Easy Patio Ideas on a Budget You Can Try This Summer
We’re looking at affordable ways to update your patio so that you can enjoy it all summer long. If you feel your patio could use sprucing up, but you don’t want to flash a bunch of cash, I’ve got some easy patio ideas on a budget to help you create the perfect space. Here’s how to update a patio.
1. Outdoor furniture
I know I said affordable patio updates and furniture can get pricey. But, having inviting and comfortable seating can make or break your space.
DIY your patio furniture
If finding new patio furniture isn’t on the table and you already have some, try to refinish it, like by painting or sanding and staining it; repurpose what you already have (bringing something outside from inside); or try and build your own furniture.
Furniture purpose
First, consider how you want to use your space. Are you dining outside or entertaining guests? Then you’ll want a proper table and chairs.
If you are just planning on having a chill-out area, you need a coffee table and sofa.
If you have a pool, you need loungers and a side table.
Patio furniture materials
Second, consider whether to leave the furniture outside year-round. If you’re not able to physically bring your furniture in at the end of the warm season, you’ll want woods like cedar, eucalyptus, and teak, which are more resistant to humid conditions.
Softer woods, like pine and oak, are not going to do well in the rain. If you get a softer wood, be prepared to refinish it periodically.
Another great option for rainy countries is powder-coated iron. It’s usually rust-resistant.
Cushions
Cushions that come with patio furniture are generally weather resistant. I would still recommend bringing them in at the end of the warm season, just to prolong their lifespan.
2. Cushions and throws
You can always update and refresh your look with updated textiles. Add cozy blankets and accent pillows to spruce up your space and disguise shabbier-looking furniture.
Cushions and throws also help soften metal furniture, which can sometimes be harsh. If your textiles are not weather resistant, they will have to come in if it rains and at the end of the warm season.
3. Lighting
There are four types of lighting that make a huge difference in your evening patio situation. They are string lights, rope lights, solar lights, and candles.
String lights
String lights are super versatile because they look good anywhere you put them. You can get the plug-in kind, the battery-operated kind, or the solar-powered kind.
Some ideas for where to hang string lights would be:
In a lantern,
Or under an umbrella.
You can anchor them across your patio or gazebo,
Along a balcony railing,
Around a bush or tree trunk,
Or even cascading from branches.
Cool white lights tend to be kind of office-y and sterile, whereas warm whites cast more of an orange-yellow glow and feel a lot more cozy and inviting. Definitely go for the warm white when you’re buying your string lights.
Rope lights
Rope lights are essentiallly Christmas lights in a plastic tube. The plastic casing makes them weather resistant.
Rope lights can be used to outline a path,
To highlight steps,
To delineate an area of your patio,
Or to illuminate railings.
Tuck rope lights under a lip or the edge of something. When they’re off during the day, they’ll be invisible – you won’t see the plastic tube. At night, they’ll glow from this unseen source.
Solar lights
Solar lights are a great addition. You don’t even have to switch them on and off. They do it on their own.
Those cheap one-dollar ones that seem to die after a couple of weeks are popular. You can swap out the battery in those to extend their lifetime.
Candles
Candles can add to a patio’s ambiance.
Place them in clustered lanterns,
Or individual holders.
Candles are a fire hazard, so never leave them unattended. If you’re scared of real candles, go for flameless candles. They create the same effect.
Don’t forget citronella candles, if you live in an area with mosquitos.
3. Firepits
You can DIY a firepit or buy a basic one for under $100 if where you live allows for firepits.
4. Plants and planters
Plants and planters are probably the single most impactful addition. I buy them affordably from my local supermarket and the dollar store.
Hanging baskets
If you’re short on space, try going vertical. Use hanging baskets or a grid.
Large planters
If you have more space, get larger planters, which make a big impact visually.
Try mixing planters in different widths and heights, grouped in odd-numbered clusters.
5. Hammocks and hanging chairs
Hammocks need more space, but hanging chairs don’t. You can get ones with freestanding bases if hanging them is an issue.
This macrame-style hanging chair and this hammock are my favorites. They are both super affordable and look amazing anywhere.
6. Outdoor rugs
Before you shake your head and leave me an angry comment, outdoor rugs are a thing and are a great way to tie your outdoor seating area together.
Usually they’re woven out of manmade, synthetic materials. They’re quite durable and can pull your look together.
They’re also great for covering up ugly flooring.
7. A pop of color
Adding a pop of color is a tried-and-true, affordable way of refreshing any space.
Grab a can of paint of your favorite color and paint something, whether it’s the railing, or the trim around the door.
If you can’t paint your patio, try painting your furniture or planters.
Easy patio ideas on a budget
These easy patio ideas can make a huge difference without costing a lot. Which of these tips was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.
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How are the plants attached to the grid on the vertical wall, what is used ?
Love all of your ideas!! I already use many of them and can’t wait to try others! Thank you for sharing!
On a budget?? You’re joking, right? All of your “ideas” are common decorations for outdoor/patios and every single one costs some sizeable chunk of change. Disappointing article.