8 Budget-Friendly Patio Furniture Ideas That Will Make You Want to Spend Every Day Outside

It’s a shame to not take advantage of your patio or deck in the spring through the fall. You may be less inclined to spend time outside if you haven’t cultivated a relaxing and inviting space. Some easy and affordable outdoor patio furniture ideas can turn that around very quickly.

Whether you have an expansive backyard or a modest patio, these budget-friendly and unique patio furniture ideas and décor upgrades will inspire you to spend every waking minute out of the house.

Patio Furniture: Cheap Ideas to Level Up Your Space

1. Add splashes of color.

Outdoor spaces sometimes lack a little vibrancy. Stone or wood patio materials set a kind of muted tone, especially if there isn’t much greenery in the vicinity. One way to liven things up is to add pops of bright or bold colors.

Depending on your furniture, décor, and personal aesthetics, you might want to paint a wall or fence adjacent to your patio a deep red or blue. If you’re looking for colorful backyard furniture ideas, Adirondack chairs or lounge chairs look great in a variety of shades. Umbrellas and outdoor cushions lend themselves to fun colors and patterns as well.

Added color will make your space more visually engaging and stimulating. Cool, dusty shades can foster a soothing atmosphere that you will find irresistible.

2. Build an outdoor bar.

A bar can introduce some extra sophistication—and fun—to your outdoor area. If space is a concern, portable outdoor bar carts or thin profile bars that affix to balconies and railings are great small patio furniture ideas.

You can pair your bar with high stools for extra seating, and you can work in beverage coolers or ice basins for a little extra panache while entertaining. Outfit your bar with tiki barware, chalkboard menus, bottle displays, bowls of fresh citrus fruits—anything to impress and engage your friends and family.

3. Work in some outdoor décor.

Décor in our outdoor spaces is sometimes a bit of an afterthought. Many people buy their tables, chairs, and grills and stop there. Livening up your patio with a variety of accent pieces can introduce much needed colors, textures, and patterns.

Consider some decorative pillows for your chairs and loungers. Set outdoor rugs beneath tables and doorways. Set out sculptures and vases, or even hang weatherproof prints or decorative pieces on adjacent walls. You can also explore patterned stonework, fresh-cut flowers, and potted plants. Post tiki torches along the perimeter of your space.

If you’re concerned about the elements ruining anything, you can keep items in a waterproof storage bin, displaying them only when the occasion is appropriate.

4. Warm things up with a firepit.

Don’t let the bugs or a nighttime chill chase you away from your patio after the sun goes down. A portable firepit always pleases a crowd and keeps the party going later into the evening.

If you’ve ever sat around a campfire, you know how mesmerizing and soothing an outdoor fire can be. A fire is a natural centerpiece, and your guests will naturally gravitate around it. Mosquitoes and gnats are unlikely to bother you during the ensuing conversation—the smoke will keep them at bay.

And did we mention the possibility of fired hot dogs and toasted marshmallows for s’mores? What’s not to love?

5. Make a space to lie down.

Sometimes those hot, lazy summer days call for a nap. You might find yourself much more inclined to spend time on your patio if you have a comfortable place to stretch out and read a book or take a snooze.

Lounge chairs may be just the thing your outdoor space needs. A lot of people think of lounge chairs as pool patio furniture ideas, but they’re suitable for virtually any kind of outdoor seating area. Whether you’re looking for classic tautly upholstered lounge chairs or modern oversized plush loungers, you can no doubt find the style you want within your budget.

6. Keep things entertaining.

While there’s something to be said for an outdoor space that allows you to unplug from all the electronics we engage with day to day, you may want to consider introducing some entertainment options to your patio.

There’s no need to splurge on hardwired and mounted speakers. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers on the market that deliver exceptional sound. If you want to move beyond music and host some sports viewing parties instead, there are many reasonably priced outdoor televisions that you can mount to an exterior wall.

Of course, there are non-electronic entertainment options as well. Cornhole, bocce, croquet, and even oversized chess sets all make for memorable parties.

7. Add a natural touch.

Consider your outdoor landscaping. Plant some geraniums in hanging pots. Adorn railings and fences with climbing ivies and morning glories. Plant tall grasses, hedges, and trees on your perimeter for additional privacy. Grow a variety of flowers for flashes of color and soothing fragrances.

Edible plants are worth exploring too. Tomatoes, peppers, berries, and fresh herbs are functional and beautiful.

8. Upgrade your lighting.

Don’t be left in the dark. Mount some sconces, tack up string lights, or hang paper lanterns to create a picture-perfect nighttime scene. With smart bulbs, you can have total control of your outdoor ambiance, adjusting color, temperature, and brightness at will.