How To Create A Stylish Patio Space Without Breaking The Bank

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Your patio is an ideal opportunity to create your own personal outdoor oasis. It can be designed to function as a serene backyard retreat, a cozy family-friendly gathering spot, or the ultimate outdoor entertaining destination. No matter its purpose, you'll enjoy your outdoor living area much more if it reflects your personal style. Luckily, integrating elements that create an impressive patio doesn't have to cost you a fortune.

From simple DIY projects to low-cost shopping finds, you can drastically elevate the look of your outdoor space. Using textiles, shade structures, and even plant containers, it's simple and low-cost to create a cohesive design you love. Adding in options like layered lighting and outdoor-friendly dishes add to the ambiance and also make the space more functional. So, decide on your exterior redecorating budget and use these ideas to create a stylish patio without breaking the bank.

If your patio's surface is looking less-than-stellar, paint and stain can be a simple fix. It's a great way to give your concrete a new life with a pretty nominal investment. Plus, it allows you to personalize the look. Staining it gives it a subtle refresh, while painting it allows for bold hues and a whole new, statement-making finish.

Staining concrete is a fairly straightforward process. A gallon of high-quality stain runs from about $35 to $45, and many brands are tintable for a customizable look. So, either stick with natural hues like grey or brown, or make a subtle statement with a blue or green. Each can covers about 400 to 600 square feet, meaning that you'll likely only need one, even if you have a decent-sized patio. An applicator like Chapin International's 1-Gallon Multipurpose Sprayer can make it simple to apply the stain to the concrete. Then, a low-cost brush or roller can be used to smooth it out.

If you'd like to make more of a statement, paint is another great way to refresh the surface. With a similar price point to stain, it will run you about $40 a can. The gallon will cover up to 400 square feet, so you can likely get away with just one if you're going for a single-color look. However, if you want to mix and match colors, get creative and make a unique design on your patio's surface. Many DIYers opt for a classic checkerboard look, while others use stencils for more ornate designs. Whichever way you go, paint allows you to truly make your patio one-of-a-kind.

An area rug anchors an indoor space, and it's a perfect way to bring style and create a foundation in an exterior space. Outdoor rugs come in tons of different colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. Plus, they can be found at various price points, meaning you can look for one that fits right into your budget.

Before you begin your search, figure out the right size rug for your space. First, measure your patio to see what dimensions will fit. Then, think about the furniture setup you have (or plan to have). A large patio with big furniture, like a sectional or large dining table, will likely need a 9-by-12-foot rug. However, if you have a smaller surface and plan to just set up a bench or a loveseat, you can likely get away with something around 4-by-6 feet. If the patio is super spacious, consider setting your furniture up into zones, like a dining area and small conversational groupings. Then, measure the furniture in each space and get coordinating rugs to visually segment the areas.

The Waterproof Outdoor Rug from Pauwer is a budget-friendly option that comes in versatile patterns, colors, and sizes. However, if you're looking for something that makes a bold statement, Arenarug Store's Multicolored Floral Rug is bursting with bright hues. To create a cohesive set for various areas, low-cost options like Ileading Outdoor Geometric Patio Rug can be ordered in multiple sizes according to your needs.

Furnishing a patio can be a steep investment. However, it's possible to purchase stylish outdoor pieces at a steal. Functional, good quality, attractive furniture allows you to extend your usable living space outside. The key is curating a unique look with comfy pieces that make your patio feel like a living room.

One place you can start is Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other similar resale sites. You might not get a whole set, but you can mix and match pieces (like an outdoor sofa, a coffee table, and side chairs) to create a custom setup. Try to stick with a cohesive color scheme for a pulled-together look. However, if you end up with pieces in different colors, replace the upholstery so they match, and coat all of the frames in the same weatherproof spray paint.

When buying new patio furniture, thinking ahead can save you some cash. "The end of season, in August, is when you'll see a lot of outdoor items being discounted. If you want to get that lower price on something you know you'll need or want for next year, end of summer is the time to look," merchant account manager Lex Bombino tells Reader's Digest. She explains that markdowns start at around 10 to 20 percent during this last phase of summer and continue to drop as Labor Day sales approach.

Textiles are a cost-effective way to dress up basic furniture pieces. And, like in your living room, they're perfect for adding color and pattern to your outdoor space. To create a unique look, think beyond pure function, and thoughtfully choose textiles as you would for your indoor lounging areas. Be sure to look for options made of quality exterior fabric that's fade- and water-resistant.

One perfect way to create your custom pillowscape is to start with inserts, like this Set of Waterproof Pillow Stuffers, for about $20. Then, purchase covers to get the most bang for your buck. For example, Vakado's Outdoor Pillow Covers come in a ton of colors for less than $15 a pair. Collect a variety of covers to switch up your decor on a whim or with the seasons without having to buy whole new pillows. Then, round out your pillow assortment with a blanket like this Basketweave Indoor/Outdoor Throw to create a cozy look and to stay warm on cool nights.

Seating is one element of a living space that can be both highly functional and uber stylish, and this is true for the outdoors as well. Flexible seating is a great way to make your patio work for a variety of entertaining situations. These include stackable, moveable, and expandable options that can be pulled out and tucked away as needed. Plus, you can find many products that are both low-cost and comfy, a great thing for your guests and your wallet alike.

One perfect example of this is a comfy stackable chair in a durable material. Products like Poly and Bark's Isla Dining Chairs have sleek silhouettes made from reliable materials like UV-resistant polypropylene and powder-coated steel. Poufs are another versatile choice, especially when they can be stored in a compact spot. Inflatable options, like Melody Elephant Store's Patio Ottoman, come in various patterns to match your outdoor aesthetic. They are quick and simple to inflate as needed, and can be deflated and stashed away when they're not in use.

Creating an escape from the sun adds to the comfort of your outdoor space on sweltering days. However, it can also add an element of style. Fortunately, you don't have to spring for an expensive structure like a permanent pergola to take a break from the UV rays. There are lots of ways to shade your patio that are flexible and designed to meet a variety of price points.

Don't overlook the classic umbrella for adding a charming vibe to your outdoor setup. Options with fringe, like AmmSun's Tassel Umbrella, inject playfulness and texture at a reasonable price. Or, models with integrated lights, like the Solar-Powered LED Lit Patio Umbrella by Olixis, can add a pop of color by day and a welcoming glow at night. If you're looking for a sleek option to cover a large area, geometric sails like Love Story's Canopy Sunshade provide a low-cost covering with modern vibes.

Layering light is a trick that boosts the ambiance and makes rooms feel custom and thoughtfully designed. This same concept applies to your patio. Adding lights at various levels, from the ground up, gives your outdoor space more functionality and style. Plus, with solar power and efficient LED technology, there's no shortage of budget-friendly options.

Lanterns are a great way to add a decorative touch and create a little mood lighting. Versatile options, like Simlix's Solar Lanterns, can be placed on stairs for safety, on tables for ambiance, or even hung from structures for an overhead glow. Low-cost wall lamps, such as this Pair of Solar Wall Sconces, allow you to take advantage of vertical surfaces for adding illumination. And, for a patio that oozes whimsical comfort, drape a few strands of string lights overhead or on nearby trees. Solar-powered ones, like Addlon's Dimmable String Lights, recharge from the sun, so you don't have to worry about their proximity to an outlet.

Potted greenery and containers of flowers can add color and character to your patio. These are also very customizable, so they're ideal opportunities to express your unique tastes and preferences. However, planters made from stone and ceramics can get super pricey. Fortunately, there are some budget-friendly alternatives that can provide stylish homes for your patio's plant life.

Plastic and resin planters come in a huge variety of styles, sizes, and colors at a fraction of the price, and can be weighed down with gravel or sand. If you'd like an ornate look, detailed pots like Arcadia Garden's White Wash Urn Planter give off traditional stone-like vibes without the hefty price tag. For a more modern space, consider sleek options like Ultym's Set of Two Resin Planters, which have a brushed metal look. Or for the ultimate cash-saving hack, upcycle some pots with low-cost supplies. Gather the containers that you have or source some from garage sales or the thrift store. Even if they are various shapes and sizes, coating them in spray paint in a single color will give you a cohesive collection of plant containers.

When it comes to adorning your patio with flora, the containers aren't the only budgetary consideration. Buying flowers can add up quickly, especially if you purchase them from a specialty nursery or garden store. Flats of annuals become a recurring yearly cost, and filling your pots can end up costing a pretty penny.

However, there are some simple ways you can cut your costs while enjoying plenty of colorful patio blooms. If you're able and willing to invest some time and effort to save cash, grow your flowers from seed each year. Popular container blooms like marigolds, petunias, and cosmos can all be started inside. You'll just need seeds and a divided container, like Burpee's SuperSeed Starting Tray, to grow your own flats. You can even use old egg cartons for the ultimate budget-friendly hack. However, if you don't want to spend the time and effort starting (or maintaining) your patio plants, opt for synthetic ones. Options like HyeFlora's Artificial Flower Bundles can add color to your patio. Aside from the lack of maintenance needed, these options can be reused, meaning you can avoid a yearly expense.

What's an outdoor living space without the perfect touch of greenery? Whether you want neatly trimmed plants or an immersive tropical vibe, curating the foliage you love can be done on a budget. You just have to be thoughtful about the kinds of plants you choose and where you source them from.

Hanging plants add style and dimension to your patio. Lush ferns are a perfect choice for shaded spaces and can be found at impressive prices at retailers like Costco at the beginning of each spring. If you'd like to decorate your patio with tidy foliage, you can also get a good deal on boxwoods at the warehouse club. Timing your shopping right can also help you surround your patio with plants and bushes on a budget. Check the garden center at your local hardware store for racks of discounted perennials toward the end of the season. As the shelves of fall mums appear, they often offload flowering bushes and shrubs at a steep discount. Grabbing these deals as fall approaches and planting them around your patio can give you a stylish oasis come spring.

You may think that sourcing art and decorative elements is solely an indoor decorating task. However, these can also make a big impact on your patio's feel without costing a ton. It's a great way to make a personal statement, boost the ambiance, or just give your space a unique look. Think about the vibe you want to create and look for items that appeal to multiple senses. 

Decorative patio additions like fountains may seem like expensive installations reserved for high-end estates. However, water features like Titimo's Outdoor Waterfall Fountain can be added to your patio for well under $100. A small fire feature, like UniFlame's Outdoor Fire Column from Endless Summer, can add warmth for around the same price point. If you don't have a ton of room, look for art that doesn't have a footprint. For example, Dyoart's Outdoor Metal Sign can be ordered with your last name for less than $20 and gives your patio a custom look when hung on your home's facade.

The right tablescape cheerfully welcomes guests and makes outdoor dining more enjoyable. So, steer clear of simple paper plates and white plastic forks. Instead, look to a wide range of outdoor dishes and linen options. This will help you create an intentional look for an alfresco dining experience.

Of course, you'll want your patio dining supplies to be durable, budget-friendly, and easy to clean. First, set the foundation with a tablecloth. Ones made from PVC are durable and simple to wipe down or hose off. For example, Romantile's Buffalo Plaid Plastic Tablecloth offers a classic picnic table look in a variety of colors. Then, stock up on dishes that are cute enough for indoor dining, but durable enough for outdoor meals. Collections like Wheat Straw's Dinnerware Set come in a variety of hues from neutral to colorful, and have elevated details that take them from utilitarian to stylish.