Have you been thinking about revamping your patio for a while but don’t want to spend a fortune? If that sounds like you, you should know that you don’t need to replace all your furniture or undertake a costly refurbishment to give your outdoor patio a fresh new look. With a well-planned layout and some carefully chosen furniture, you can create a comfortable, well-maintained space tailored to your needs.
In this article, we’ll show you how to decorate an outdoor patio on a budget, covering everything from what to bear in mind before you start to the mistakes you should avoid. And if budget isn’t an issue for you, you can also check out our general guide on how to decorate an outdoor patio.
When decorating a patio on a limited budget, planning is key. Before you start, it’s a good idea to consider your needs, as well as the characteristics of the space. Pay attention to the following aspects:
Here are some ideas for decorating a patio on a budget. This way, you can focus your spending on simple changes that make a noticeable difference and help you give the space a fresh new look.
Before buying anything, try out different layouts with the furniture you already have. You could move the table to a different spot, push the chairs closer to a wall or clear a walkway to make the patio feel more comfortable and tidy.
If you have enough space, you can create separate areas – for example, a dining corner and a relaxation area – whilst observing how the light changes throughout the day to position each item where it will look its best. If you’re not happy with the result, you can always try another layout.
Don’t discard all your furniture just because you think it won’t fit in with your patio’s new look. Keep any pieces that are still functional and look good, clean them if necessary, and consider whether they might benefit from new upholstery or a lick of paint.
You can also change the cushions or combine a piece of furniture with new items to give the whole look a fresh update. Before carrying out any treatment, check that it’s suitable for the material and outdoor conditions.
To decorate your patio on a budget, it’s best to choose pieces that can serve multiple purposes and be moved around easily. For example, you could put in a table that can be used for both meals and coffee breaks, some pouffes that double as extra seating or footrests, or some lightweight, weather-resistant textilene sun loungers that are easy to store away when you need more space.
Refreshing your textiles is one of the most cost-effective ways to change the atmosphere of a patio, as it allows you to introduce new colours and patterns without replacing the main furniture. You can change the cushions on chairs and armchairs, add a mat to sun loungers or lay a rug to define the relaxation area.
It’s best to choose fabrics designed for outdoor use, which can withstand the sun and damp and are easy to wash, to prevent them from deteriorating quickly. Using two or three shades that go well together will help you achieve a uniform and cohesive look with just a few elements.
Plants bring any space to life and don’t have to be expensive. You can start with hardy varieties that tolerate the sun well and require little watering, such as succulents, aloe vera, lavender or rosemary, and plant them in simple terracotta pots.
Grouping several pots at different heights creates a very eye-catching effect, and what’s more, many of them can be propagated from cuttings to produce new plants without having to buy them. Choose varieties that are suited to your local climate to make them easier to look after.
Walls are a decorative space that, in many cases, is underused, yet they offer a wide range of possibilities. You can hang plant pots, fit small shelves, add pictures or install a simple trellis for a climbing plant to grow up.
Another option is to paint one wall a different colour to the rest to turn it into the focal point of the patio. In small patios, this solution is particularly useful, as it adds character without taking up any usable space.
Lighting completely transforms the atmosphere of the patio and allows you to enjoy it even as the evening falls. Choose items that allow you to illuminate specific areas and can be easily moved around, such as string lights, lanterns or solar lights.
You can position the lights near seating areas, walkways and any decorative features you wish to highlight. Opt for warm lighting and avoid placing too many lights, as soft, evenly distributed lighting is more pleasant than very intense lighting that disrupts the sense of calm.
Installing an awning or a pergola to provide shade can be quite expensive. A parasol, on the other hand, offers a more economical solution and allows you to shade the area you use, whilst being able to move it if necessary.
Choose a model with UV-resistant fabric and a size suitable for the area you wish to cover, and don’t forget to buy a stable base so that the parasol can withstand windy days. If the gusts are particularly strong, take it down to prevent damage to the fabric or frame.
If the paving is worn but remains firm and free from damp problems, you can improve its appearance without having to replace it with new paving, which can be quite costly. If there are any minor imperfections, you can cover them with an outdoor rug, which will also help to define different areas.
When deterioration is visible across the whole patio, another option is to apply a paint specifically designed for that type of flooring, following the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and drying. It should be noted, however, that these solutions should not be used to hide cracks, leaks or other problems requiring repairs, but only cosmetic imperfections.
Finally, choose a few accessories that complement the colours and materials of your furniture. Depending on your taste, you could select various items, such as a set of plant pots, a decorative tray, a basket or an outdoor picture.
Try not to clutter the space; rather than placing lots of small items, opt for a few objects grouped in two or three key areas so that the décor looks neat and tidy.
If you don’t have much space, it’s even more important to decide how you want to use the area and focus the bulk of your budget on the main pieces of furniture.
For example, for a dining area, you should prioritise a table that’s big enough and the number of chairs you usually use, whilst if you’re looking for a relaxation corner, you can do without the dining table and choose one or two comfortable seats with a side table.
It’s also a good idea to place furniture against the walls where the layout of the patio allows, keep the main walkway clear, and make the most of the height to display plants and some decorations. You could opt for folding or stackable furniture that you can bring out whenever you need it.
To create a sense of spaciousness, go for light colours on the walls, textiles and plant pots, as these reflect light and make the space appear larger. An outdoor-suitable mirror also helps to increase brightness and create depth.
Now that you know how to decorate your patio on a budget, we’d like to talk to you about some common mistakes that can end up pushing up the cost. To keep costs under control, it’s best to avoid the following:
It’s best to allocate most of your budget to the items you’ll use most and which have the greatest impact on comfort, such as the table, seating or sun protection. Then, add inexpensive decorative items such as plants, cushions or lights, which can really transform the look of your patio. Leave large or expensive pieces for later and complete your patio bit by bit.
You can rearrange the furniture, add cushions, lay an outdoor rug and incorporate plants and decorative lighting. You can also place several plant pots and ornaments on the walls. Another option is to paint one or all of the walls to give the space a completely fresh look.
It will depend on how you intend to use it. For a dining area, you’ll need a table and several chairs, preferably stackable ones, whilst if you’d rather create a relaxation corner, one or two comfortable seats and a side table where you can place drinks, books or other items will suffice.
Clean it regularly using products suitable for each material – usually water and mild soap – and dry it thoroughly to prevent damp and stains. Store the cushions away when you’re not using them and use breathable covers if the furniture is going to be left out for long periods. It’s also a good idea to repair minor damage before it gets worse.
In a large patio, the most practical approach is to divide the space into several areas – for example, one for dining, another for relaxing and another with plants – and to decorate the one you use most often first. You can define these areas with rugs, plant pots or screens, and fill in the rest bit by bit so you don’t have to make the whole investment all at once. Make the most of plants, which fill a lot of space on a budget, and warm lighting to create a cosy atmosphere.
