The backyard is one of my favorite places to design. This is because it’s always a work in progress, and even when it seems complete, there’s always a small addition, adjustment, or upgrade that you can make to the space.
Many people are usually skeptical about taking on a backyard renovation or decoration project for fear that such a project will be costly. However, there is a range of backyard decoration projects that you can take on a budget.
From DIY projects to simple landscaping projects, you can always spruce up your backyard without breaking the bank. Here are stylish and affordable backyard décor ideas to try.
Take a look!
1. Build a Potting or Gardening Station
If you like gardening or have a flower garden in your backyard, adding a potting or gardening station is one way to spruce up your outdoor space. This idea isn’t only aesthetically pleasing but also practical.
You can make the station using reclaimed wooden boards and add gardening supplies such as watering cans and hand forks to create a well-rounded station.
You can also add young plants you’re looking to grow in your garden to the station. Basically, any gardening item can be a good addition to your station.
2. Add Hanging Planters
Space or ideal soil can be a major challenge when growing flowers and other backyard plants. Installing hanging planters is an ideal solution to this problem.
You can either purchase affordable ready-made planters or build some yourself using wooden boxes or plastic containers.
Don’t forget to add drainage holes at the bottom of each planter. Add the ideal potting soil based on the plants you’re growing and attach hooks or chains to change them with.
3. Outdoor Bar Cart
Looking to throw or host an outdoor party or get-together? An outdoor bar could be the ideal addition to your garden to help you be a good host.
While most people think they have to break the bank to make a bar, the truth is you can make one with almost no budget.
All you need is a cart with a couple of shelves and wheels, and you’ll have a portable bar.
This option is budget-friendly and also compact, which will help you save on space. Stock up the bar with drinks to your liking or your guests’ liking.
4. Grow Budget-Friendly Perennials
One of the best ways to decorate your backyard is with all-natural options; growing flowering perennials is one way to utilize this option.
Since these plants will rejuvenate year after year, they’re cost-effective in the long run, as you don’t have to grow new plants each growing season.
Go for flowering plants that will complete the color scheme in your backyard, and don’t forget to do the right gardening prep work to ensure the plants have the right growing conditions.
5. Install a Fire Pit
One way to enjoy a chill night in your backyard is to have a fire pit where you can gather around and share stories or enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
While getting a fire pit installed by a contractor can be pricey, you can still enjoy the warmth of this instrumental addition by going the DIY way.
You’ll need materials such as gravel for the base and angled pavers. Install the pavers in a staggered pattern for your ideal stone firepit.
6. Invest Wisely
When designing your backyard, it pays off to think in the long term. Each item you add should help you create a space you’ll adore and love for years.
Sure, you can break the bank for some items, such as a grill station, a fire pit, or a nice piece of furniture, but complement this with other cost-friendly but effective accents, such as string lights, throw pillows, or vases.
Ensure each item that you add to your space has some functional value.
7. Add a Hammock Nook
One of the most relaxing and inexpensive pieces of “furniture” you can add to your garden is a hammock.
While they seem simplistic, hammocks are actually very comfortable and can be the perfect gateway to enjoy some personal time either admiring the outdoors or enjoying a good read.
You can add pillows to improve the comfort and string lights to add to the ambiance. You can even add a snack basket to create the perfect outdoor chill spot.
8. Display Your Collection
One of the easiest ways to decorate is to display a collection of items you like or relate to. A collection is mainly considered an indoor decor item, but it can also work well outdoors if the items resonate well with the space.
For example, you can display a collection of unique planters or even plants, such as succulents, in your backyard.
The good thing about collections is you have a connection to most of the items, so this can be a good way to personalize your space. The area can also act as a focal point and a conversation starter when chilling outdoors.
9. Install a Porch Swing
If you enjoy a sunny day lounging in the sun, a porch swing is a great addition to your backyard.
They’re also very affordable, so you can have all the fun without breaking the bank. You can either purchase a ready-made swing or make one yourself.
Once you have the swing, choose an area to hang it from, either from a well-supported tree or from a place you create.
Add cushions, throw blankets, or pillows to make the swing more comfortable and add some visual interest to the space.
10. Do Away with Seasonal Décor
One of the easiest ways to ensure your backyard is always up to the occasion is decorating with items that can be used throughout every season.
Seasonal decor will only serve you for a given time, but with items that can be used in different seasons, you won’t always have to redecorate.
Some of my favorite outdoor items include
Adirondack chairs; you only need to fit them with different pillows and throw blankets, and you can instantly change the theme. Use knit throws and flannel during the cold winter period and change to cotton or linen fabrics in the warmer spring and summer seasons.
11. Try a Stock Tank Pool
A swimming pool is always a welcome addition to any backyard space and can, in fact, prove indispensable, especially on hot summer days.
However, a traditional swimming pool may be costly in terms of installation and maintenance.
An above-ground stock tank pool is a great alternative.
All you need is a galvanized stock tank and some water, and you’ll have a pool to cool off on those hot days. You can paint the exterior of the pool to match your outdoor aesthetics.
12. Use Mason Jars for Lighting
When looking to spruce up your outdoors with a unique lighting option, Mason jar lanterns could just do the trick. They have a unique stylistic vibe and also match well with the outdoors since they’re reminiscent of fireflies.
Fill the jars with battery-powered LED string lights and hang them from trees using hooks and ropes. Regularly clean the glass jars to ensure they maintain their charm.
13. Improve the Visual Appeal With Paint
One of the oldest tricks in the book when doing a budget-friendly decor project is painting or repainting. This can also be applied to your backyard, especially if you have a patio.
Use bold colors to paint your ceiling and patio flooring to improve the visual appeal of the space. You can even contrast the colors to make the space stand out.
Even if you have already painted your patio, you can redo the paint to improve the curb appeal.
14. Maximize a Small Backyard Space
Space limitation is a headache for many designers since there never seems to be enough room to fit everything that would change a space’s outlook, but creativity is a good ally.
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your outdoor space, whether you have no or limited backyard space, a vertical lattice wall can always come in handy.
Grow some climbers on the lattice, and your space will be bustling with color in no time.
15. Use Curtains
Even when outdoors, it’s good to maintain a certain degree of privacy, especially if you have a see-through fence or live in an area with a lot of traffic.
If you have a pergola or gazebo in your outdoor space, you can use curtains to add the privacy you need.
Choose curtains that match other items in the space, such as cushions or throw pillows. Drop clothes, which are more pocket-friendly, can also serve the same function.
16. Try A Vertical Garden
Other than lattices, another way to maximize limited space is to grow a vertical garden. As the name suggests, this type of garden uses a vertical arrangement rather than growing the plants horizontally on the ground.
You can either grow the plants in pots or create vertical planters and use hooks to hang them.
A vertical garden will ease your gardening process, and it is especially useful when growing herbs, fruits, or other edible plants since you don’t have to constantly bend to garden or pick produce.
17. DIY Campsite
Even if you have zero budget for decorating your outdoor space, you can always utilize it as the ideal outdoor campsite. What’s more, you don’t necessarily have to invest in camping equipment to chill overnight outdoors.
All you need is some study branches or a tripod stand and a large sheet, and you can create a makeshift tent.
Once you have made the tent, add a rug and throw in some pillows, blankets, and candles to create the perfect outdoor romantic getaway in your backyard.
18. Add a Bird Feeder
If bird watching is one of your favorite activities or you enjoy the beautiful chirping sound of birds, then a bird feeder could be a welcome addition to your space.
Try being creative with your feeder and match it with the other aesthetics in the surroundings.
19. Try a Vintage-Style Backyard
You don’t always have to go for the new and shiny when designing a space. Vintage finds can also transform your backyard or patio.
Anything from fabric curtains to vintage metallic seats can add a touch of beauty and elegance to your space.
You can also repurpose old vintage items and equipment to make the most of this style. For example, instead of buying expensive new lighting, you can repurpose old lanterns for your backyard lighting.
