Outdoor patio furniture ideas: Budget-friendly upgrades

by Terese Ferrara DRE#01949191 03/10/2024

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Don’t give up on outdated folding outdoor seating.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.

About the Author
Author

Terese Ferrara DRE#01949191

Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with the Goss | Ferrara Real Estate Team. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close. 

As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley. 

Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.