15 Tips to spruce up your outdoor space on a budget

Summer is on its way and in true British fashion, we’re all racing to prep our gardens in time for some al fresco fun.

If your garden has felt the brunt of the winter, we’re sharing ways you can freshen up your outdoor space without spending a fortune this season.

Stylish outdoor rugs, LED lighting and cosy throws are pretty much all you need to create a budget-friendly outdoor space that will bring your garden back to life this season. And if you’re quite the handyman, you could even try repurposing some old furniture to make use outdoors!

Check out our Top 15 Tips for reviving your garden on a budget:

1) Add a stylish rug

If you’ve considered chucking away an old rug recently, hold that thought! A nice rug can really help add some style to your garden, especially on your patio. 

Compliment with some outdoor seating and you’ll have a cosy space for relaxing and entertaining in no time. Plus, adding a rug will freshen up your outdoor space without having to repaint or stain your decking.

2) Revive your furniture with cushions

Is your garden looking a little dull after the long winter? Well, before you rush out for new accessories and furniture, why not try adding some cushions to your chairs and sun loungers! 

This is a great way to give your furniture a new lease of life and add some colour and comfort to your garden. Got some old cushions laying around? Bring them out and see for yourself!

3) Add LED mood lighting

You can’t beat summer nights in the garden while the weather is warm! But once the sun drops, the dark sky can quickly alter the mood. Avoid this inevitable mood killer and pick up some cheap LED lighting to create a twinkling paradise your guests will love.

LED lighting is not only much cheaper than normal lighting but accessible from most Furniture, DIY stores and even your local bargain stores. And once they’re up, you can take your summer parties right through to the evening.

4) Keep food simple

The first thing that springs to mind when we think of our garden has to be a BBQ, right? Why not take the pressure off being a designated chef and opt for more simple alternatives.

Fresh fruit, salads, cheese boards and nibbles are great for guests to graze on and can be more filling than they appear. Crisps, dips and finger foods are also great options that are sure to curb everyone’s appetite.

5) Use throws as table runners and coverings

If your garden table has seen better days, liven it up and add a touch of chic with an old throw. Grab one of your old throws and use it as a table runner! Decorate with tableware or a plant to create a beautiful beachy set-up. Place them at an angle and keep them messy to add dimension.

6) Keep your lawn neat and tidy

Without a tidy lawn, your garden is bound to look scruffy. After a long winter, pull out the lawnmower and give your garden a much-needed trim! This is an easy way to keep your garden looking fresh and ready for entertaining.

7) Get into some DIY projects

If you like the odd DIY challenge then this could be a great way to create some more garden furniture for a fraction of the price. This could include making your own fire pit, decking or even building a mini drinks bar. Get creative, use old furniture like chairs or benches to get you started. Even bathtubs make aesthetic planters!

8) Add some colour with Faux Flowers

If you’re not the best at grooming your garden, invest in some low maintenance faux plants and flowers that require little care. You can pick these up at all your local supermarkets, home stores & bargain stores at affordable rates!

Decorate your patio, invest in a trellis for a feature wall or fill old jars and vases with some faux plants.

9) Reclaim old garden furniture!

Have an old bench laying around or some chairs that could need some TLC? Not only is reclaiming old furniture seriously rewarding, but it’s also like you have a new item at the end of it! Grab some sandpaper, pick up some varnish or paint and get to work restoring your old goods.

10) A good clean goes a long way

Don’t underestimate the power of a good clean. Your lawn may luck dull now, but once you’ve had a serious cleanup, you probably won’t recognise your gleaming garden.

Pull out the lawnmower, power-wash your patio, pull out any weeds and give your bushes a trim. While it may require some handy work, the rewards are worth it.

11) Invest in Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets make for the perfect garden accessories ideal for adding colour, brightness and fun to your garden! The best part is, that these are budget-friendly and space-saving. You could even get creative and make your own. Be sure to water them often and keep them in a sunny spot!

12) Accessories you garden

Ornaments and accessories don’t need to be restricted to the home, outside accessories like mirrors, cushions, throws and statues are great for adding character to your garden! Watering cans filled with flowers make great features while fun status or gnomes create character and fun.

13) Declutter

If you have old bikes, gardening tools and general clutter hanging around your garden, store them somewhere out of sight for a tidier space. Get rid of things you don’t need by repurposing or selling on. Spring is the perfect time for a declutter before the summer months!

14) Use old jars as planters

Instead of chucking away any old jars or pots, why not use them as mini planters for your garden! Jars make a cool accessory and can add colour and brightness to your garden. It could also be a fun activity for the family and children to get involved with. Everyone could decorate their own planter!

15) Give your shed a glow up

If your garden shed is looking rather dishevelled, why not treat it to a glow-up! Give your shed a new lease of life with a sand and paint! Add an outdoor sign and some hanging baskets and your shed won’t be the eye-sore it once was. We recommend using outdoor paint as this is a lot more durable for outdoor weather.