5 Backyard Patio Decorating Ideas on a Budget

If you're anything like us, your patio is the place to be when the weather gets warm. It's the perfect spot to relax with a cold drink or host a summer barbecue. But if you’re working with a tight budget, how can you make sure your patio style is on point? Don't worry, we've got you covered. From furniture and accessories to plants and lighting, we'll help you decorate a patio that you'll love spending time in all season long (without having to break the bank!).

 

1. Plush Pillows

Adding a few colorful pillows to your patio furniture will add both comfort and style. You can find two-packs of outdoor throw pillows for just under $25 at many home and garden stores. Decide on a color scheme for your patio and choose pillows that fit your vision. Accent pillows that pop in your favorite colors will make your patio match your personality, while neutral-colored pillows make it easy to stay cohesive. Whichever color scheme you decide, pillows are an excellent way to create a cozy seating area. You can even add a few throw blankets for extra comfort.

 

2. Limitless Lighting

String lights are the perfect way to add a touch of romance to your patio. You can find inexpensive string lights at your local craft store (especially right after the December holidays). Looking for something to match your mid-century modern or glam aesthetic?

Lots of thrift stores have vintage chandeliers or pendant lights that plug into a standard outlet—no electrician needed! If your patio lacks the ability to hang lights overhead, you can place fairy lights in glass mason jars and rest them on a coffee or accent table. Experiment with different colors and styles to find the perfect look.

 

3. Potted Plants

Are you looking to add some life to your patio? Plants are an excellent way to fill empty space. Not only are they beautiful, but they also smell great and add an earthy look. Best of all, they're inexpensive!

But how do you choose the right plants and style them in a way that looks chic and pulled together? Group plants together according to their height, color, and texture. Get creative with planters and containers that boast different shapes and sizes. Plants can be placed in the corners of the patio, or next to your furniture to create a cozy seating area.

 

4. Outdoor Rugs

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your patio is with area rugs. Not only do they add color and pattern, but they also help define different areas of your outdoor space. Hit up your local thrift stores to see if you can find a rug that speaks to you. Brand new outdoor rugs can get pricey, but it’s not impossible to find a smaller one for just under $50. Want to know a secret? You can get the same look for a fraction of the cost using large mats instead of rugs.

Although outdoor mats and rugs are typically made of similar material, companies can charge a pretty penny for rugs due to their popularity. If you are looking for a neutral-colored rug for your patio, consider looking at large outdoor mats instead!

5. Add Some Personality

Hang festive banners to add some color and personality to your patio. Take a scroll through the internet, and you can find a plethora of banners that come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials.

Feeling crafty? Cut costs by making your own banner out of materials that you can find at any local craft store. With just some cardstock or fabric, string, and tape, you can make a banner that matches the color scheme of your patio. Because DIY-ing your own banner is so easy and inexpensive, you can create a banner for every upcoming holiday and stay within your budget!

 

Which of these ideas are you looking to try? Show us your revamped patio by tagging us on Instagram @walkeredisonco. Happy decorating!