In today’s fast-paced society, it’s great to have a little space at home where you can just take it slow and relax. Our patios can be the perfect spot for that much-need recreational time.
Admittedly, however, patios can seem pretty boring. This is especially true if you haven’t even thought of decorating it yet. But with the right décor, you can easily turn a dull patio into your favorite spot at home.
Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to create your ideal outdoor space. Here are 13 budget-friendly patio decorating ideas.
1. Give Succulents a Try
Plants literally breathe life to any space – and your outdoor patio is no exception.
Affordable low maintenance plants like succulents are all the rave nowadays and for a good reason. Succulents are affordable, easy to care for, don’t need consistent watering, and come in different varieties to choose from.
These plants can instantly add interesting shapes and textures to any outdoor space. You can also plant them in colorful pots that you can place wherever you think needs improvement.
Hedgehog cacti, jade plants, stonecrops, and aeoniums are some succulents you can consider.
2. Colorful Floorboards
Nothing’s as boring as having dull patio floors. If you want to add instant pizzazz into your patio without having to buy new furniture, you can never go wrong with painting your floor.
You can go with soft colors that instantly brightens up the area, or you can paint in patterns to showcase your unique flair. In the case of a small patio, you can never go wrong with painting it in stripes – this creates an illusion of bigger space while also giving life to the area.
3. Consider Carpets
If you’re not really into permanently painting your floor, you can go for carpets instead.
Carpets are cheap, very easy to find, and comes in a wide variety of designs. Depending on the theme you’re planning to go for, there’s definitely a carpet that will suit your taste.
They’re also low maintenance and relatively easy to clean. And if you grow tired of your carpet, you can simply replace it to give a whole new appearance to your patio.
4. Add Colorful Poufs
Poufs make great pieces of furniture when you’re trying to decorate on a budget. They’re comfortable, very affordable, and can easily give your patio a blast of color.
Poufs come in different colors and sizes, so you have absolute freedom as to the color combination you want to achieve. If you have a little extra budget, you can also consider the bigger beanbags instead.
Adding these colorful elements makes your patio easier on the eyes. This is also a great idea if you have kids – perhaps these will draw them out of the house and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Patio Umbrella Alternative
Another way to add color to your patio is by mounting a beach umbrella.
Patio umbrellas are usually sold for a couple of hundred dollars, which can be pretty steep. As an alternative, you can use cheaper beach umbrellas instead.
Beach umbrellas serve basically the same purposes as patio umbrellas: they shelter you from the heat while also adding an eye-catching element to your patio.
Make Sure to Secure the Patio Umbrella from Falling Over
6. Double-Duty Tables
If you have dusty old shelves lying around, you can use them as double-duty tables.
Instead of buying a new coffee table, you can use your old shelves instead. Aside from having a tabletop to put your drinks on, you can also use the shelves to store your books or magazines in. It also doesn’t take up a lot of space, so you can use this if your patio is not big enough for bigger tables.
Old wooden shelves can give your patio a rustic appeal, or you can paint them to add your own style.
And if you don’t have these old shelves at home, you can always find one at an affordable price at your local flea market.
7. Install a Hammock
Nothing will make you feel more relaxed than having a hammock in your patio.
You can’t deny that a hammock is such an eye-catching piece, so it can definitely give your patio a much-needed upgrade. They’re also quite easy to install – just look for two stable poles you can attach them to, and you’re good to go.
Hammocks are also made from different types of fabric, so you have enough styles and patterns to choose from.
And most importantly, it’s nice to know that you have a hammock to unwind on after a stressful day.
8. Assorted Vintage Furniture
If you’re looking for a unique way to spice up your patio, why not add assorted antique chairs?
Admit it: there’s something about vintage furniture that makes them so charming. That’s why you can never go wrong with adding these timeworn pieces to your outdoor space.
Ideally, it would be nice to have a complete vintage furniture set. But you rarely find these in your local flea market. As an alternative, you can buy different vintage chairs and put them all in your patio. You will find that these mismatched pieces will complement each other and add a vintage vibe to your space.
9. Stylish Wall Décor
While we’re on the subject of vintage furniture, you can also consider adding vintage pieces to your walls.
For the side of your patio that’s connected to your wall, you can always enhance it by adding wall décor. Although it’s easier to find vintage pieces, it really depends on what you want to add there – whether it’s something you made or some of your old retro ornaments.
You can also add hooks or shelves where you can hang your hats or keep your books in.
10. Romantic String Lights
Adding string lights to your patio can easily help you set the right mood.
Not only does it provide you with additional illumination, but it also creates a relaxing atmosphere that can calm you down after a long day.
Having string lights in your patio can also come in handy when you’re hosting parties or when you’re simply having a dinner date. Besides, they’re also very camera-friendly.
11. Globe Lanterns
Another way to provide illumination to your patio is by hanging globe lanterns.
Globe lanterns give patios a rustic vibe that’s both stylish and serene. They’re either incredibly affordable or really easy to make.
You can find wire globe lanterns that work with either lightbulb or with candles, so you won’t have a problem if you prefer one over the other. It really depends on how you want your patio illuminated.
Read Also: How to Keep Birds Away from Patio
12. Create a Vertical Garden
If you don’t have enough floor space for a garden, you can consider creating a vertical garden instead.
Vertical gardens are easy to make, and you can make one with old pieces of wood and wire that are just lying around. Some of the plants you can plant in a vertical garden are air plants, arrowhead plants, bird’s nest ferns, and other similar ferns.
With vertical gardens, you’ll get a picturesque patio while also doing your part to help the environment.
13. Never Boring with Buntings
Buntings are the decorative strings of colorful flags that are usually hung when we’re celebrating festivities.
By hanging buntings to your patio, you can’t help but feel festive all the time – especially for kids who love looking at these colorful decorations. And in case you’re hosting a party, you don’t have to completely redecorate the place.
Thus, without a doubt, buntings can instantly liven up your outdoor space.