After a long, cold winter, the early days of summer feel more like a gift than ever before. If you’re lucky to have a bit of outdoor space, your patio, terrace, or even fire escape can be a respite from days spent cooped up inside. Sprucing it up with the right décor can make it even more comfortable — and a refresh doesn’t have to cost a lot, if you know where to look. To help in that regard, we’ve rounded up 37 pieces of affordable — but still good-looking — furniture and other things that’ll zhuzh up any outdoor area (and if you like this stuff, check out our recommendations for similar cheap but expensive-looking things for your bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen). While all of the things on this list are available on Amazon, we’ve found a few of them elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around.
First things first: If your patio doesn’t have them, you’ll definitely need a couple of chairs and a table. And even if it does, maybe it’s time for something new, like this simple bistro set (in a soothing periwinkle) that will instantly transport you to the terrace of a European café, for a lot less than the cost of a plane ticket.
For a little more money, you can get this durable, all-weather acacia set that’s just as portable as the one above but has a more rustic look.
And for when things go late, this rechargeable LED orb — which reminds us of the Allsop Luna Lamp we’ve previously recommended, but for a much more affordable price — can be moved from area to area throughout the night. These come in lots of different sizes, ranging from a mini three-inch to a more sizable ten-inch lamp. Like the Luna, you can toggle between 16 RGB shades to create a soft, diffused light.
If your patio style leans more Jenni Kayne, this knitted ottoman would make for a good foot stool or extra seating.
If you don’t have a lot of space (or a huge budget) for a grill, this portable one should do the trick.
You can’t go wrong with a classic lawn chair (and this one is available in tons more colors, too).
This set of Mediterranean-blue dishes made of melamine (a.k.a. plastic) would be an affordable, basically indestructible, and appropriately festive option to have on hand for any outdoor meal.
Another melamine pick, this colorful and shatterproof tray would be excellent for serving dinner (or drinks) al fresco.
The perfect, shatter-proof pitcher for pouring lemonade …
… and some glasses to go with it. If you want to use them for something a bit stronger than lemonade, the handy set will spare you from bringing your usual bartending gear outside: Each is stamped with a recipe for a classic cocktail (Bloody Mary, Mojito, Salty Dog, Whiskey Fix), so you’ll never over-serve.
This weather-resistant bar cart could also be used to display your favorite tchotchkes, candles, and other outdoor accessories.
A pair of pink flamingos to turn your daily playdates with Fido into a full-on garden party.
We love the Ceramics Teacher Energy of this colorful wind chime made of capiz shells. It’s the sort of eye-catching décor that can instantly liven up a space.
This delightful farmhouse-shaped feeder is sure to attract some feathered friends. Looking at its rather intricate design, nobody will be able to tell you paid just $20.
If your outdoor space is not a green space, a palm tree is an easy way to make it feel more like an exotic hideaway.
If you’re looking for outdoor chairs you can sit back and relax in, you’ll want to consider zero-gravity ones like these, which get their name for the way they make you feel like you’re float off of the ground. The two in this set (which is quite the deal) each have a removable and adjustable headrest and tray table.
Whoever thought of this outdoor bean-bag chair deserves an award. While it is the priciest single item on this list, we think its worth the splurge not only because it seems super comfy, but also because its bold cabana stripes will make any outdoor space feel more like a poolside oasis (even if it lacks a pool).
An interesting-looking side table (for your laptop or a drink) with an open design that won’t dominate your space. In white, it will match pretty much any aesthetic.
All you need is a sturdy place to hang it, and voilà: an instant hammock (perhaps the only outdoor seating more appealing than a rocking chair).
But if you want an actual outdoor rocking chair, this one is designed to withstand any weather that might come its way.
One of the most functional coolers we’ve seen, this adorably retro model has wheels for easy mobility, a shelf for extra storage, and a built-in bottle opener.
For a cooler that blends into the background more, try this all-weather resin cube that doubles as a stool or side table.
If you have a lawn that can accommodate games, this elegant wooden croquet set will make you (and up to five other players) feel as if you’re at a country club playing for the season title.
A rug can help keep bare feet clean outdoors and gives any space a cozier feel. This one’s particularly durable, as it’s made from 100 percent recycled plastic, weatherproof, and a cinch to clean.
A cozy outdoor throw is an essential for cool spring and summer nights, and if your patio furniture is somewhat bland, the fringe and herringbone pattern will add texture and visual interest.
Just one or two of these cordless LED lanterns is all it would take to give an outdoor space more of a mood.
A lot of outdoor seating can be uncomfortable, but you can fix that with some simple cushions like these, which come in a variety of colors in addition to this sunshine yellow.
This storage basket made from seagrass is a great way to incorporate texture into a space.
Like a rug, a nice tablecloth can pull together an outdoor space by making any old table look more polished. This one has the added benefit of looking straight from the set of a Nancy Meyers movie.
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