6 Ways to Decorate Your Patio on a Budget

I bet your patio would look gorgeous with a brick fire pit and a handmade wood-top bar with wicker stools overlooking a crystal clear infinity pool. But let's get real, not many of us have that picturesque patio space in our backyards.

Even if you don't have the funds to create a patio space worthy of the movies, you can still create a luxurious outdoor lounging area with a small budget.

By focusing on small things that make a big impact, you too can have a beautiful backyard space for entertaining or just catching a sunny afternoon nap.

Here are our favorite budget-friendly updates for your patio space.

Decorate with Greenery

An easy and affordable way to spruce up your patio is by adding greenery. Decorative planters add a gorgeous pop of color and plants add brightness and texture to your outdoor space.

Be conscious of your climate and your overall time limitations when it comes to the plants you choose. Ferns are easy to care for, some tropical varieties are great for full-sun patios, and geraniums and petunias are hard to kill and bring warmth and color to your outdoor space.

If you've got a black thumb, several retailers offer outdoor-friendly faux plants and planters. No watering is required and these still bring beautiful texture and color to your patio.

Lighten Things Up

Outdoor lighting can create a cozy ambiance that looks and feels expensive, but can easily be achieved on a budget.

Outdoor string lights are cheap and easy to find both online and in-store. We recommend buying

You can also find outdoor lanterns and candles that can add a cozy feel to your patio space. Just make sure you read product details before you purchase to ensure they are made for the outdoors and are weather-resistant.

Expert Tip: Pricing will depend on the length of the strands and quality, but for deals on outdoor lights, look for pricing in these ranges for a good deal:

• Under 20' - $10 to $15
• 20' to 50' - $20 to $35
• 100' - Around $40

Add Texture and Comfort

Patio cushions and pillows are a great way to add visual interest to your patio area. There are hundreds of colors and patterns and textures to choose from.

Outdoor Pillows

We've seen some outdoor throw pillows for as little as $8 at Kohl's already this year. Be sure to measure your patio chairs so you don't end up with pillows that are too big or too small. The most common sizes are 17x17 or 20x20.

Look for pillows and cushions that are fade-resistant and weather-resistant to keep them looking new for several seasons. Sunbrella outdoor cushions and pillows are a customer favorite.

Expert Tip: For high quality outdoor pillows with outdoor-friendly materials, look for prices around $10-$12 for a 17x17 outdoor pillow.

Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs add another great layer of color and texture to your patio space. When shopping for a rug, be sure that it is made for outdoor use and look for a design that matches the amount of foot traffic in your patio area.

Pay attention to the cleaning and care instructions as well. A rug that allows for a quick rinse with the hose is much more convenient to clean.

Expert Tip: For a 5x7 or 5x8 outdoor rug, look for something around $50 and up to $75 depending on the quality of the materials. A great price for an 8x10 rug, according to our deal editors, is at the $150 price point.

Create Shade

A backyard patio is a perfect place to lounge in the sun and soak up some vitamin D. That is, until it gets too hot to enjoy! When summer kicks into full swing, you may avoid a full-sun patio if you don't have any areas set up for shade.

Patio umbrellas are an affordable and convenient way to get the shade when you need it or fold and store it when you don't. Be sure to select an umbrella that is larger than your entire seating area. You'll want to ensure that everyone sitting gets a piece of that nice cool shade.

Expert Tip: A 9' patio umbrella will run around $40-$50 for a good deal. Solar and LED-lit umbrellas are around $75 for the same size. Keep in mind that you'll likley havbe to buy the base separately.

If you're looking for a more permanent or larger area of shade, consider a pergola or even a patio canopy or gazebo. There are quite a few options online for pergolas and canopies, but again, be sure to measure your space very carefully to make sure the pergola will be on a flat, safe surface of the patio.

Warm Things Up

For those cool and chilly nights when you don't want to pack it up and head inside, consider an outdoor firepit.

Before purchasing an outdoor fire pit, be sure to learn your local regulations for placement guidelines and any restrictions.

You'll also want to research the size and if you'd prefer something easy to move or more permanent.

Expert Tip: Whether you choose wood, propane, or natural gas, keep in mind that a lower fire pit will keep you warm while seated. Look for something around 18-inches high if you'll be using the fire pit for warmth.

Expert Guide to Buying Patio Furniture Online

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Organize and Personalize

A great way to keep your patio looking fresh and cozy is to have some storage options available to keep everything tidy and neat. Deck boxes, hose reels, storage benches or ottomans will all offer some sneaky storage solutions to keep your patio looking its best.

Invest in Outdoor Decor

If you live in a climate that allows it, consider more decor options for your patio space.

• Wicker baskets for easy-to-grab blankets
• Ottomans or poofs for kicking your feet up
• Hanging decor like wind spinners or wind chimes
• Decorative accent tables or storage cabinets (just be sure they have a weatherproof coating)

Creating a Beautiful Patio on A Budget

Your outdoor space doesn't need to cost you a fortune. By paring down what you need and buying a handful of items that are both useful and pretty, you can make your outdoor space a place you want to show off.

If you're just starting out with updating your patio and need to find deals on patio sets, we've got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite patio set deals.