40 Beautiful, Budget Ideas for Patios and Porches

Update your outdoor spaces on the cheap with these designer-inspired ideas.

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Pretty Up a Patio or Back Porch on a Budget

It happens: You’re decorating your new house or apartment, and you get carried away buying furniture and accessories for the interior while overlooking the exterior. Luckily, there are lots of ways to create a chic, comfortable outdoor living space without spending a ton of cash. We’ve rounded up our best budget-friendly patio, front porch and back porch ideas to get you started.

Start by making your outdoor space more functional with our creative privacy solutions and inexpensive outdoor lighting ideas. Then, layer in inviting accents like outdoor furniture, throw pillows and rugs. You can even upcycle everyday items into stylish outdoor decor. Here, HGTV Magazine turned a pallet into a fun coffee table using paint and casters, transformed a drop cloth into a chic rug using a stencil and paint, and dressed up plain white curtains by dip-dyeing them a beautiful blue ombre. Get the details, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: 3 Budget-Friendly DIYs Perfect for Your Porch

From: HGTV Magazine

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Turquoise Geometric Outdoor Rug

Outdoor Yellow Pillow Covers

Outdoor Waterproof Detachable Curtains

Canvas Drop Cloth

Glazed Teal Planter Pot

Add Pattern Underfoot

Set the stage and get the most bang for your buck with an eye-catching outdoor rug. There are tons of stylish, low-cost options available to buy or, if you're on a super tight budget, you can DIY your own by painting a basic or thrifted rug to match your unique style. Snag our step-by-step tutorial below.

GET THE HOW-TO: 3 DIY Ways to Dress Up a Basic Outdoor Rug

From: HGTV Magazine

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Black and Beige Geometric Rug

Decorative Woven Basket Wall Decor

Concrete Outdoor Firepit

Coastal Outdoor Dining Chair

Or, Paint Your Floors Instead

Stenciling a pattern on your deck or patio is another inexpensive way to tie together the look of your outdoor space and show off your unique style. Check out our step-by-step instructions below to learn how to transform a drab patio into a bright, beautiful outdoor oasis for less than $100.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

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Turquoise Adirondack Chair

Patio Stencil

Modern Black Planter Set of 2

Hang Curtains

Shield your outdoor oasis from prying eyes by hanging some breezy outdoor curtains. Save even more money by making your own from scrap fabric or drop cloths, then hang them the right way with our DIY drapery hardware solution, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Add Shade + Privacy With Outdoor Drapery Panels

Light Up the Night

Outdoor lights add sparkle and ambiance to any space, even when you have a limited budget. Whether you love the look of cafe lights overhead or want something a bit softer, check out our list of outdoor lighting ideas that won't break the bank, below.

SEE MORE: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

From: Project Groundwork

Throw In the Towel

Cozy up hard outdoor furniture with pillows and throws to make kicking back in your great outdoors even more enjoyable. But, to prevent damage and a musty smell, don't use indoor (especially down-filled) cushions. Instead, opt for durable outdoor-rated fabric filled with water-resistant polyfill inserts and swap in a Turkish beach towel, which dries super fast, for a standard throw.

SEE MORE: Patio, Perfected: 11 Amazing Amazon Finds for a Shady Outdoor Oasis

From: H. Camille Smith

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Pink Turkish Towel

Turquoise Adirondack Chair

Greek Key Navy Outdoor Pillow Cover

Traditional Hand Blown Mexican Drinkware Set

Pile on the Pillows

Extend the life of your old outdoor furniture for another year (or two!) with a slew of all-weather pillows and a matching throw blanket. We love this technique because it simultaneously saves you tons of money and completely transforms your outdoor space. No room in the budget for brand new pillows? Cover your old ones with DIY no-sew outdoor pillow covers. Get the step-by-step instructions, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Chic, Outdoor Pillow Cover (No Sewing Required!)

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Outdoor Pillow Cover Set of 2

Water and Mold Resistant Outdoor Pillow Insert

Woven Coffee Table

Rescue Old Items

Whether it’s a faux-tique you crafted yourself or the real deal, antique signs are a sure way to add character to your outdoor space while also blocking out a less-than-desirable view or any prying eyes. Check local thrift stores, estate sales and auctions for legitimate trade signs or craft your own with our tips for a similar kitchen sign, below.

SEE MORE: Outdoor Upcycles: 60 Ways to Reimagine, Repurpose + Recycle for a Beautiful Yard on a Budget

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Navy Outdoor Pillow Cover Set

Highland Stripe Outdoor Curtains

Saturate Your Stoop

The eye-catching coral door serves as an ultra-inviting focal point on this porch design. Get the same spirited style on your porch or patio by coating your door with a few coats of punchy-colored paint. From there, select accent pillows, throws or rugs that coordinate with your vibrant door to create a cohesive outdoor design.

SEE MORE: 59 Inviting Colors to Paint a Front Door

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Coral Reef Paint by Sherwin Williams

Stick to Scale

Working with a small outdoor space? Less is more. Literally. Save your money and sanity by outfitting your pint-sized porch with fewer items on a larger, space-appropriate scale. The designers at Pure Salt Interiors show how it’s done with two bold planters, a pared-down doormat and a single, sizeable lantern illuminating the stoop overhead. This approach enables you to spend money on impactful pieces and avoid burning cash on ill-fitting or unnecessary accents.

From: Pure Salt Interiors

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Modern Black Planter Set of 2

Antique Bronze Hanging Outdoor Lantern

Shatterproof Serveware

Prepare for alfresco entertaining with klutzy adults and kiddos alike by having a chic collection of acrylic or melamine dishware on hand. Melamine plates are a great, budget-friendly way to bring color and peppy seasonal patterns to your patio table design.

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Shatterproof Tumbler Set of 8

Turquoise Bamboo Serving Tray

Festive Flair for Free

Use festive accents like bunting, banners and balloons as playful decor mainstays in your patio design. This quaint deck gets a quick kick of color from an old party banner hung from the pergola. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn then used the bold hues in the banner to pull colors to accessorize the rest of the space.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Black Adirondack Chair

Turquoise Outdoor Pillow Cover Set of 2

Cue the Cart

Move the party outside with a fully stocked outdoor bar cart. To get the look of this high-end cart on a budget, search Facebook Marketplace or hit up thrift stores or yard sales to find new or like-new pieces for pennies on the dollar. From there, you can customize your new-to-you cart with paint and chic outdoor accessories.

See More: How to Style the Perfect Bar Cart for Any Party

From: H. Camille Smith

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Traditional Hand Blown Mexican Drinkware Set

Wood Serving Bowl

Make Your Own Shade

When creating an outdoor living space in a sunny spot, it's important to consider how you will shade the areas where people will linger. A budget-friendly, DIY shade sail is a great option that can easily be taken down during stormy weather or cooler times when you want more sun. Make your own with our step-by-step instructions, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Beat the Heat and Add Privacy With an Embellished Shade Sail

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White Outdoor Triangle Canopy

Turquoise Outdoor Pillow Cover Set of 2

Light Beige Indoor Outdoor Rug

Coral Floral Outdoor Pillow Cover Set of Two

Select Low-Maintenance Plants

Using plants with low water use and low maintenance requirements is cost-effective while providing color, movement and texture, says Patricia St. John with St. John Landscapes. Succulents, burgundy Cordylines, variegated plants and evergreen vines provide contrasting colors and textures, without the use of flowering plants.

SEE MORE: 30 Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy Landscaping

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Industrial Outdoor Sconce

Swing In Style

Skip the lounge sets and patio dining table and treat yourself to a stylish hammock, instead. This striking striped design provides the perfect spot to unwind with a beachy read and a boozy drink on the weekend. Bonus? Its crocheted details and woven design bring beaucoup texture and boho flair to the patio design.

SEE MORE: 20 Outdoor Hammock Ideas We're Loving

From: THELIFESTYLEDCO

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Black and White Tassel Hammock

Salvage Like a Star

Reclaim an outdoor focal point with upcycled brick and barn doors. The biggest trick is to look for old barns, buildings and chimneys that aren't being used, suggests Tyler Davis, owner of Athens Building Co., which worked with designer Tami Ramsey of Cloth & Kind on this project. Sometimes you can spot them from country roads. Approach the owner and offer to remove them if they will let you keep the material. You can get free materials and help someone remove a potential hazard from their property.

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Galvanized Star

Get Crafty With Crates

Get crafty and create budget-friendly accent furniture for your outdoor space using wooden crates. Follow HGTV Handmade's Danielle Boaz and create a cute outdoor ottoman from a wooden crate and a fabric of your choice. Bonus: the crate ottoman doubles as a stylish cocktail table for alfresco entertaining.

GET THE HOW-TO: Upcycled Vintage Fruit Crate Ottoman

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Wooden Crate

Hack Your Front Porch Planters

Mix in faux floral stems with real, low-maintenance potted plants to achieve Pinterest-worthy porch planters that require very little upkeep. Yep, it's that easy. Check out stylist Jenny Reimold's tips below to recreate this look at home and fool all your friends and neighbors into thinking you're a garden guru.

GET THE HOW-TO: This Outdoor Planter Hack Will Save You Time, Money & Sanity

Mix and Match

If you can't afford a new farmhouse-style table, the same look can be achieved by mixing salvaged pieces to create your own table. Find an old tabletop, then add old or new spindle legs. If you paint the table and other outdoor furniture all white, it creates a modern and sleek look, says Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson, architect and designer with Terracotta Design Build in Atlanta.

From: Terracotta Design Build

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Faux Palm Leaves

Glass Jug Vase

Shop Your Yard

Combining a single flower in a simple vessel can be a no-fuss and affordable way to adorn an end table in an outdoor space. "Sprucing up your outdoor space can be quite simple with fresh clippings from the garden and vessels you’ve collected over the years," says etúHOME, exemplified here with greenery arranged in cheery yellow vases. "A recycled glass vessel filled with branches styled organically can be just as inviting as expensive blooms."

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Yellow Ceramic Vase

Shine a Spotlight

No need to blow your budget in order to brighten up your patio door. Take cues from Anders Lasater Architects and secure a single, statement-making outdoor sconce on the wall next to your door. Select a fixture with the same color finish as your patio door or paint it to match to create a cohesive vignette. Last step? Lean into the asymmetrical design and plant a single, statement-making shrub or potted blooms directly beneath your light to achieve a charming spotlight effect.

SEE MORE: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

From: Anders Lasater Architects, Inc.

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Black Industrial Outdoor Wall Fixture

Grab Garden Stools

Plant stand? Check. Extra seating? Check. Side table? Check. Garden stools cover all the bases and look gorgeous while doing it. Add a single garden stool to your patio space for an attractive accent or use this striking design as your roadmap and go bold.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Basket Case

Wicker and rattan furnishings are porch and patio mainstays because of their incredible durability and design versatility. That said, we encourage you to think beyond the braided wicker ottoman and incorporate woven accents as (budget-friendly!) artwork in your outdoor space. Use this breezy covered patio as your muse and use a single, oversized bask tray as wall art. Another idea: Group a collection of three to five baskets to create a one-of-a-kind, outdoor gallery display.

From: Ashley Gilbreath

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Decorative Woven Basket Wall Decor

Rope Swing Hanging Set

Wow-Worthy Window Box

Add instant color and charm by installing flower boxes on the front porch railings and below the windows. These blooming boxes are relatively cheap to buy or you can DIY them in an afternoon (instructions below) — the flowers and soil may actually cost you more than the box.

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Wood Rectangle Planter Box

Add a Pair of Floor Pillows

Create additional, comfortable seating for outdoor events with a pair of floor pillows. Not only do fluffy floor cushions cost a fraction of the price of outdoor chairs, but they provide the perfect spot for kids of all ages to eat and roast marshmallows alike. This contemporary patio space is built for cozy fireside conversation with a square layout consisting of twin love seats, a set of outdoor armchairs and two plush floor pillows.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

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Tufted Outdoor Floor Pillows

Classic White Outdoor Sofa

White Glazed Garden Stool

Try a Stock Tank Pool

Make a splash (or ya know, several) with a stock tank patio pool. The whimsical tank and its surrounding Acacia wood platform invite Palm Beach style and summer fun into the otherwise minimalist outdoor space. The best part? This petite bathing beauty costs less than $500 to make — a tiny fraction of the cost of a standard above-ground pool.

SEE MORE: 10 Splashy Stock Tank Pool Ideas to Copy This Summer

From: Bri Moysa

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Black and White Beach Balls

Weatherproof Outdoor String Lights

Add a Pass-Through Window Bar

Fashion meets function with this budget-friendly patio idea. Create a pass-through window between your kitchen and patio by installing a bracket-supported shelf on the exterior wall of your home. Want to up the ante even more? Cut a hole in your shelf for an integrated ice bucket like the brass beauty pictured above. Not big on booze? Cut a hole anyway and create a charming, integrated flowerpot.

SEE MORE: 15 Ways to Add Palm Beach Style to an Outdoor Room

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Polished Brass Beverage Bucket

Add an Artful Wall Garden

Bring a splash of green and a touch of texture to your patio wall with a living wall garden display. Recreate this chic symmetrical display with a pair of modern wall-mounted planters filled to the brim with succulent plants. Pro tip: Choose a mix of different succulent plants to yield a dimensional tonal display. Or, go faux for a look you never have to water.

See More: 16 Ways to Squeeze a Garden Onto Your Deck or Patio

From: Exterior Worlds, Inc

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Vertical Garden Wall Planter

When Life Gives You Lemons

There's nothing sour about this well-styled patio dining table. In a small space, all you may need are a couple of pillows and accessories. It could be as simple as looking in your fridge. Here, designers placed lemons in a wooden bowl for a burst of color. The best part? Colorful fruit won't wilt in the heat like fresh flowers, ensuring fresh color on your party table all day long.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Artificial Areca Palm

Artificial Lemon Set

Show Off Your Strokes

Put your painting skills on display outdoors with a DIY abstract painting. The fail-proof way to ensure your masterpiece enhances your outdoor space? Select paint colors from your patio furnishings and textiles. Think patio cushions, house finishes or other textiles at play within the space. And if you’re still not confident in a color palette, remember that black-and-white color stories work with every style, every time.

Watch the Video: Paint-Pouring Art

From: Tiffany Brooks

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Black and White Abstract Canvas Print

Transform an Old Dresser Into a Potting Bench + Bar

Before you kick that old dresser or vanity to the curb, consider upcycling it into a vibrant multifunctional piece of outdoor furniture with storage galore. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn upcycled an old vanity cabinet into a full-service storage station and bar by replacing the vintage mirror with a bright-white pegboard and adding a collection of buckets, baskets and trays for tabletop organization.

GET THE HOW-TO: Transform a Dresser Into a Potting Bench + Buffet Station

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Galvanized Bar Bucket and Scoop

Wooden Basket Set of 2

Cut Groundcover Costs

Keep your landscaping costs down by using decomposed granite or pea gravel for your lower patio and paths. Marie Flanigan uses natural stone gravel to create a distinct, textural base for the alfresco dining space in this charming transitional home.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

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Landscaping Rocks

Craft Some DIY Lanterns

Light up lazy summer nights with these almost-free outdoor luminaries made from upcycled tin cans and pretty outdoor paint.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

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Lattice Moroccan Tea Light Lantern

Turquoise Double Coin Garden Stool

Pick a Prefab Privacy Screen

Frame a small patio nicely with a lattice grill screen. A screen adds coziness to an outdoor area, and this prefab screen is cheaper than a custom one. This screen project uses 4x4-foot posts to serve as an outdoor wall, define patio space and help hide plastic storage bins.

SEE MORE: 45 Creative Ways to Add Backyard Privacy

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Vinyl Privacy Screen Set of 2

Create Your Own Dining Set

Who says you need a matching patio set to create a stunning outdoor design? Save money and avoid the overdone, matchy-matchy look by creating a curated dining set of your own. Not convinced? Just look how this flagstone patio oozes Old World charm with its mismatched dining chairs nestled around a round cafe table.

From: Nest Design Group

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Unglazed Terracotta Bowl

Wicker Club Armchair

Two Extra Large Terracotta Tree Pots

Boost the Look With Boxwood

Boxwoods are ideal courtyard shrubs because they have handsome evergreen foliage that enlivens outdoor spaces year-round and they require minimal maintenance to do so. The red brick patio of this historic home is lined with mature trees and manicured boxwood shrubs centered around elegant, all-weather furniture for elevated outdoor dining.

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

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Boxwood Plant

Classic Terracotta Planter

All Weather Wicker Parsons Chair

Puff Up Your Seating

Floor poufs are a low-price way to add seating without investing in larger pieces of furniture, such as a sofa or chaise, say Gabriela Eisenhart and Holly Conlan with WAKE + LOOM Design. While you can find outdoor poufs for less than $50, you also can make your own fabric pouf ottoman in a pattern and palette that you prefer.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Fabric Pouf Ottoman

From: WAKE + LOOM

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Jute Floor Pouf

Live Edge Coffee Table

Light Beige Indoor Outdoor Rug

Make an Eyesore a Focal Point

Instead of buying new furniture, rehab an old or damaged table with no elbow grease. Just cover it with an eye-catching tablecloth, like this vibrant Moroccan-inspired creation crafted by designer Brian Patrick Flynn. Learn how to make your own at the link, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Jazz Up a Plain Tablecloth With a Colorful No-Sew Patchwork Detail

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Outdoor Washable Waterproof Tablecloth

Outdoor Waterproof Tablecloth

Outdoor Wicker Stackable Chairs

Chic + Savvy Storage

Corral your outdoor essentials in style with an open-air console table. Designer Tiffany Brooks selected this chic black-and-white console for this contemporary patio because it comes equipped with a series of removable tray shelves that allows owners to transport food and drink from the kitchen to the patio with ease. Pro tip: Achieve the same function with a stationary table you already own by adding removable trays to your console shelf yourself.

From: Tiffany Brooks