Patios are packed with the potential to be transformed into lovely and utterly cozy outdoor spaces where you can relax or hold social gatherings. If you’re planning to upgrade your patio by summer, now might be a good time to start searching for new ideas!
A good thing about decorating an outdoor space is that you don’t need to break the bank to do so. If you’re looking for some budget-friendly and affordable ways to upgrade your patio, we’ve got you covered.
1. Create an Outdoor Seating Area
A cozy and inviting seating area is an integral part of a lovely outdoor patio space. However, before you jet off to buy new patio furniture, take a step back and think about what kind of furniture you need. There are a few factors you’ll need to consider when buying outdoor furniture, including the style and theme of your patio, its size, and whether or not you plan to keep your furniture outdoor all-year-round.
If you plan on purchasing furniture particularly for your patio, make sure you invest in weatherproof pieces. Moreover, if you’re going for a modern theme, minimal and contemporary furniture made of weatherproof wood or wicker is a great option. You will also need to ensure that the size of your furniture corresponds accurately with the size of your patio, keeping it from under- or over-whelming it.
Also, furniture can be expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. You can acquire affordable furniture through various sources, such as online buying & selling platforms and local flea markets. Another great budget-friendly and easy solution is to fresh up your existing patio furniture by spray painting it with a new, more interesting color.
2. Light It Up
Every space needs the perfect lighting set up to bring out the best in it. When it comes to decorating a patio on a budget, opting for string lights is the ideal option! After all, not only do string lights help create a wonderfully magical evening atmosphere, but they are also extremely affordable.
Since you want to create a cozy and welcoming patio environment, choose warm white string lights rather than cool white ones. Cool and fluorescent bulbs are very unflattering and can dampen the ambiance of a space – defying the vibe you intend to create!
If you’re thinking of where to hang up your string lights, you have numerous options, including under an umbrella, on your patio or gazebo, around a tree trunk, around a bush, or along the railing. Don’t fret if you don’t have a power source on your patio. You can easily get solar-powered or battery-operated lights!
3. Spruce it Up with Textures
Can’t afford to buy new furniture? Don’t worry! Spruce up your existing furniture by investing in some accent pillows, cushions, throws, and cozy blankets. These add-ons can help add a much-needed splash of color to your patio space, breathing life into it.
When it comes to choosing any of these accessories, opt for colors and patterns that blend in cohesively with the style of the outdoor space. One of the biggest benefits of cushions and throws is that they can also help soften the look of your outdoor metal furniture that can otherwise appear harsh on its own.
4. Add a Touch of Nature
Flowers and plants are an essential addition to any given outdoor space. These inexpensive add-ons bring about unmatched life and warmth to a space. Also, while flowers and plants are enough to add color to your space on their own, setting them up in colorful planters can contribute even further to the flare.
If you aren’t much of a gardening enthusiast, stick to getting easy-to-care-for shrubs, flowers, and plants that grow all-year-round. Additionally, you can get creative by mixing different-sized plants and grouping them in clusters.
5. Outdoor Rugs
A rug works extraordinarily well to bring a space together, giving it a cozier and more cohesive look and feel. You probably have lots of rugs strategically placed throughout your home, but you’re still skeptical about placing a rug outside. Well, luckily, you don’t have to worry about this dilemma. Weatherproof rugs are widely available throughout the world and are an excellent way to tie your seating area together.
If you’re searching for a rug, don’t be shy to go all in! Bold and bright colors and geometric patterns can really help you make a statement by serving as a visual focal point for visitors. An appropriately-sized rug will also contribute to the coziness of your space and make it feel more welcoming.
6. Don’t Forget the Side Tables and Stools
Do you believe sofas and chairs are enough to create the perfect seating area? No, not at all! No seating area can ever be complete without a place to put your glass or mug down. If you have enough space, you should invest in one coffee table and at least two side tables, depending on how big your seating area is.
If you don’t want to purchase new side tables, repurpose your old wooden stools by repainting them in a fun and vibrant color. Fill out the space by throwing in accessories, such as small candles, lanterns, and tiny little plants. However, make sure that you don’t overwhelm it with too many items.
7. Throw in Some Accessories
Have your furniture, pillows, and lighting in place, but your patio still doesn’t seem complete? Well, we have just the thing to bring it all together – accessories! Head down to your nearest flea market or do a web search to find baskets, candles, trays, and other accessories that will help add texture and personality to your patio.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you’re trying to create your own private little oasis or the perfect outdoor space to entertain your guests, upgrading your patio is the way to go. We hope that you find our budget-friendly ways to upgrade a patio useful for your new project!
