Outdoor patio furniture ideas on a budget

by Ann Hayward 01/01/2023

If you’re in need of outdoor patio furniture ideas that won’t break the bank and look great in an outdoor living room, there are plenty of stylish options to consider. Whether you upcycle items you already own or create them from scratch with your DIY skills, you can decorate your outdoor space on a budget in a variety of ways.

Some of the best patio ideas can be achieved with a simple DIY process and a few inexpensive materials. To help inspire you, here are some great budget outdoor patio furniture ideas:

Crafty crate tables

Wooden crates are a goldmine for DIY furniture inspiration. They fit in recreational outdoor rooms, dining areas and other outdoor spaces. In fact, one excellent budget-friendly option for outdoor patio furniture is to make a coffee or cocktail table from wooden crates. By laying a crate on its side, you can create a surface for food, drink or your favorite book.

At the same time, the open side can be used to store any number of items, from children's toys to potting supplies. The built-in storage is especially advantageous for small patios and yards.

Add a coat of paint in a fun, fresh hue to bring a pop of color to your space. Or, choose a weatherproof wood stain to enjoy the natural wood texture in your outdoor area.

Perfectly painted lawn chairs

Don’t give up on outdated folding outdoor seating. Whether they’re upright or lounge chairs, a quick wash and a coat of outdoor spray paint can completely transform them into stylish outdoor furniture that’s easy to store away when not in use.

Not only is spray paint an excellent budget-friendly solution, it’s easy to change down the road. If you decide to change the color scheme of your patio setup, you can always add a fresh coat of paint. Spray paint also works on a wide variety of surfaces, so you can use this same idea on wicker chairs, woven chairs and more.

Simple slipcovers

Rather than replace the cushions on your patio benches or lounge chairs, try enhancing your sitting area for less by making budget-friendly DIY slipcovers from a variety of fabrics around the house. One chic option for homemade slipcover material is colorful beach towels.

With beach towels, you’ll have colorful pillows in a pinch. They’re also inexpensive and easy to clean. So, when it’s time to wash the slipcovers, simply toss them in the washing machine to make them good as new.

These are only a few ways to upgrade your old patio furniture on a budget. Rather than buy something new, revisit items you may have stowed away. You might be able to give them new life with something as simple and inexpensive as a coat of paint.

Budget Friendly

Budget Friendly Upgrades

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]