Lately we’ve been going hard with our landscaping and outdoor projects, and I get so many questions daily on my favorite outdoor patio and garden essentials. We practically live out on our back patio during the spring and summer so I know how important it is to have a space you love.
Affordable Patio Shades
I especially get questions on the shades we added to our back patio because I talk about them nonstop. Basically, they’re the best thing to ever happen to our house. There are multiple sizes (and colors) available – we got the 120×72″ option.
We get sun all afternoon and into the evening so in the summer time, our patio gets HOT. It also heats up our living room and master bedroom. Adding these shades has brought the temperature on our patio down by 10 degrees (easily), and the inside of our house feels a lot cooler too.
These shades roll up and down using a wand, so there’s no cord to mess with. There are also attachments at the bottom to bungee it down so that it doesn’t blow in the wind. To put the cherry on top, it’s a super affordable option (one of the least expensive we could find).
Current Outdoor Favorites
Here are my current outdoor favorites! I scoured the internet finding the best, classic-but-modern rugs, seating, and planters. I tend to lean classic ESPECIALLY with furniture because you don’t want it to go out of style quickly. Patio furniture can get pricey so I kept budget in mind. I like to bring warmth and color to the patio using outdoor pillows and plants! If you don’t have a green thumb, you can always buy faux and no one needs to know the difference.
Affordable Patio Seating
Affordable patio seating can be hard to find. I prefer classic and clean lines, because you can change out the accessories (like throw pillows) year after year to change up the overall vibe.
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs need to be able to handle dirt well. And they need to be affordable. And as beautiful as they are, who wants to buy a light-colored rug just to have it covered in muddy paw or footprints all summer long? I usually opt for a grey or navy rug with some sort of pattern.
Patio Planters
Planters are important to me because I want them to convey my style but also don’t wan them to be so trendy I hate them in a couple of years. I like to dust my patio with planters to bring the garden all the way up into the living space. I usually lean toward a neutral or classic option when considering style. Since some of my planters will come indoors when the first frost comes, I always want them to complement my indoor decor as well.
Faux Plants
I love to plant fresh herbs, like rosemary, lavender, and citronella around the patio to keep mosquitos away. Plus, they smell wonderful. But if you’re looking for something a little lower-maintenance and don’t want the upkeep, faux plants are a great alternative to making your porch feel inviting. Here are my top picks for affordable faux plants. Keep in mind these will need to be kept in the shade, as they are not made for sun!
Affordable Chairs and Dining Sets
If you’ve got room for it, an outdoor dining table is such a major plus. I linked some smaller bistro sets here as well as two full-size dining sets that I would love to add to our back patio. These are so budget-friendly and beautiful!
Outdoor Accessories
Outdoor accessories sell out SO quickly so here’s a round-up of some that are still available. Adding some outdoor decor can really make the outdoor living space feel warm and inviting. I love these outdoor accessories and feel like just a few items can totally transform a space.
As always, thank you for using my links when you shop. You can always shop the rest of my style, home decor, and beauty finds here. I receive a small commission depending on the retailer, but only choose products I truly love and have/would have in my own home. I hope this post was helpful and that you’re able to find something you love to use outside all summer long!
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