Summer means BBQs and parties and in most of the country (i.e., the places that have seasons), finally utilizing those outdoor spaces after a long, hard winter. While a patio is a plain slab of concrete (albeit a functional one), it can be a bit drab on its own. That’s where these affordable ideas to jazz up those outdoor spaces come in.
According to research by the International Casual Furnishings Association, 86% of U.S. households have an outdoor living space. So whether you’re planning to use it for a summer soiree, nightly BBQ dining or just want a nice little oasis to kick your heels up and read a good book, you’ll want to find some fresh but inexpensive ways to make it look fab. Sure, you can paint your patio, use some throw pillows or colorful chair cushions for a splash of color or add a weather-resistant throw rug, but it’s time to get a little more creative for that seasonal spruce up.
We’ve scoured the internet for some quick, easy and affordable ways to liven up that living space. For even more affordable décor ideas than you can shake a garden hose at, check out The Real Deal’s Home and Garden page, where you’ll find a plethora of money-saving tips and tricks.
Patio Wall Decor
1. Galvanized Rustic Flower Wall Art Decor
Wall art isn’t just for indoors. Bloom up your patio wall with this rustic take on flowers. At under $15 each, buy more than one and create a floral wall collage that’s as big or small as you want. Best of all, these flowers don’t need to be watered!
Why We Love It: The rustic flower comes in different colors and can help you match a certain vibe. You can also use your hands to change the shape of the metal bud to create the perfect one.
Promising Review: “I have an area on my patio with different types of metal as decorations, this flower added a nice dimension. It is well made.” – Debra
Price: $14.98 at Amazon.com
Cozy Patio Furniture
2. Target Three-Piece Patio Set
Outdoor entertaining is all about creating a cozy and intimate space to have conversations with family and friends. This three-piece patio set helps to create that place instantly, be it for a garden party or simply to relax and sip your morning coffee.
Why We Love It: This set comes in different colors and you can mix and match the colors you want for your patio. Plus the table has hidden storage and the set is weather resistant. It’s also the perfect option if you’re working with a smaller space.
Promising Review: “Loved it, just the perfect size for the deck not too big or too small.” — anonymous
Price: $159 at Target.com
3. Wayfair Outdoor Sunbrella Egg Chair
Sit back and relax on the cushioned seat on this floating egg chair. It’s a unique addition to any outdoor space. Offering the perfect combination of function and style, this billowy chair provides lasting comfort that instantly elevates any outdoor space.
Why We Love It: The egg chair comes in various cushion colors to match your patio space (the hot pink is a fun one!). Besides its unique aesthetic appeal, it gives you that “floating” feel and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Promising Review: “Cushion arrived on time and packaged well. Excellent quality, fits the chair and is very comfortable! I love it!” — Nancy
Price: $173.99 at Wayfair.com
Take Cover: Patio Covers
4. Shelter Sun Shade Camping Rain Tarp
If you can’t afford a pergola installation but want to have a space that’s shielded from the elements, then this portable patio cover from Naturehike is for you.
Why We Love It: It’s portable and easy to assemble. It can extend over 10 square meters or provide coverage for four to six people. The breathable and waterproof fabric makes it easy and comfortable for your guests.
Promising Review: “Is as it says … very lightweight. The shelter/canopy works well enough to keep you dry if the rain is coming pretty much straight down, though it can be angled a bit if you need to. The material is very lightweight (not like the old canvas ones) and is quick/easy to put up. Overall, it is exactly what it says it is and looks exactly like the image.” — Barrett Hamill
Price: $151.27 at Naturehike.com
5. HOFT Solutions Post Fence Kit
From top coverage to side, create a private but sophisticated space with a post fence. Add as many or as few posts as you’ll need to create that perfect space for you and your guests.
Why We Love It: The post fence is customizable with different woods or boards and it’s easy to create your own private space with slide installation technology.
Promising Review: “I love these posts, good quality and made for a very modern fence/clean lines for the front yard. I was able to track the delivery and get the materials quickly for my home project. I would highly recommend this product.” – Discodolly
Price: $129.98 at Lowes.com
Patio Lights
6. Cage Lanterns
Patio lighting doesn’t just provide light for when it’s dark outside; it also creates ambiance and, depending on what style you choose, serves as décor, too.
Why We Love It: These metal cage lantern patio lights are cordless, battery-powered and easily can be moved around to your liking. It adds a nice retro and rustic feel to your patio.
Promising Review: “They are lightweight, powered by batteries which thus far have lasted a long time, and they look very classy. The light from the lamp is warm white, the perfect brightness for my dining table on the back porch. The quality of materials and construction is first rate.” – Micheal
Price: $34.99 at Amazon.com
7. Vintage String Lights
If you’re shopping for string lights on a shoestring budget, look no further. String lights aren’t just for the holidays, and this set is perfectly primed for a summer debut. You get 48 feet of the LED shatterproof lights, which also feature weatherproof sockets.
Why We Love It: Simple but rustic, this string light set is a wallet-friendly way to update your outdoor space — no professional installation needed.
Promising Review: “Beautiful! Well-made thick cords with protective bulbs that are cool to the touch. So impressed and exceeded my expectations. It worked charm from my boring backyard, now with an inviting relaxing mood. We drove by our home with the lights on during the night and it’s oozing with hypnotic coziness even from afar! Don’t be afraid to get the longer one, you won’t regret it. In fact, I’m contemplating on getting another one to fully blast the happy atmosphere in my house.” — YorkieLover
Price: $26.49 at Amazon.com
8. Instant Landscaping
Starting at $50 and with free shipping, CostaFarms provides all you need for a landscaped look without the commitment. The site has hundreds of plants to choose from, and you can shop by type, color and even personality.
Why We Love It: It’s literally a one-stop shop for flora including those that are rare and exotic. Everything comes potted and ready to place — try clustering plants of varying sizes together in one spot for a tropical feel. Plants can also help you create different “zones” around your outdoor space.
Promising Review: “My plants arrived healthy, undamaged and are very pretty! They were packaged very carefully and I’ve already put them in various places in my apartment. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for small and easy to care for plants.” — NYCUWS92
Price: $50 and up at CostaFarms.com
Patio Decor and Landscaping Bottom Line
Experts say your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor space — so keep that in mind when choosing décor. Color themes and aesthetics should match, to keep the “flow.” That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your outdoor digs, but you don’t want them to completely clash.
The post Cheap Patio + Landscaping Tips for a Quick Makeover appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
