When it comes to getting the most out of our outdoor space, the cost can quickly add up. So, whether you’re looking for small patio ideas or how to make your garden feel cosy on a budget, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to find out more about:
The most hardwearing furniture for your outdoor space
The best low-maintenance plants
How to maximise space
Where to find affordable garden accessories
How to make your patio feel cosy
What is the best time of year to buy garden furniture?
Timing your garden furniture purchases is a clever way to save yourself some serious cash. According to our Best Time to Buy Calendar, October is the best time of year to buy outdoor furniture.
Typically, as the summer months draw to a close, garden retailers hold sales on their outdoor furniture to clear space for seasonal stock. This makes it a great opportunity to bag a bargain or two.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How can I save on patio furniture?
Purchase your patio furniture second-hand from pre-loved sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. Buying pre-owned furniture might mean a few signs of wear and tear, but it’s easily remedied with a bit of sanding and a tin of paint.
Opt to upcycle your second-hand patio furniture to give it a new lease of life with affordable DIY essentials from retailers like B&Q, Wickes, B&M, and Wilko.
In the past, we've also had exclusive discount codes where you can receive a free £20 Amazon voucher on orders over £500 at OKA, and 20% off on top of the Julian Charles mid-season sales.
Disclaimer
When you click through any of our garden discount code pages we may make a small commission if you go on to purchase from their websites. Learn more about how we make money.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
What is the hardest-wearing outdoor furniture?
Whether your budget can stretch to higher-ticket outdoor furniture or you prefer more affordable retailers, making sure your furniture is hard-wearing is important in ensuring it will stand the test of time. After all, furniture that is high-quality and well-looked after won’t need replacing as often, if ever.
Consider the different types of outdoor furniture below:
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Material
Style
Durability
Affordability
Weather-proof
Aluminium
Sleek & industrial
Durable and resistant to corrosion.
Affordable & luxury options available.
Yes - aluminium is resistant to rust and rot and can be left outdoors in most weather conditions.
Wood
Natural & rustic
Lightweight.
Affordable & luxury options available.
Requires regular maintenance and a protective finish to prevent rot.
Steel
Bold & modern
Resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
An affordable alternative to aluminium.
Yes - like aluminium, steel can be left outdoors in most weather conditions.
Wrought iron
Traditional & intricate
Durable and strong.
Higher-quality sets can be expensive.
Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Wicker
Bohemian & modern
Durable and lightweight.
Affordable and luxury options available.
Requires regular care and maintenance.
Rattan
Natural & sophisticated
Durable, lightweight, and UV resistant
Can be more expensive than wood but can work out as more cost-effective long-term.
Requires regular care and maintenance during winter and will need covering during wet periods.
Where can I buy cheap garden plants?
Some of the best places to find cheap garden plants include retailers like B&Q, B&M, Homebase, and Amazon, as well as local and independent plant nurseries.
In the past, we've had exclusive discount codes where you can save as much as 12% off at Gardening Direct as well as 14% off when you spend £50 or more at Suttons.
We also have a range of articles if you're interested in how you can transform your garden for less:
Just a heads up that if you click through any of our garden discount code pages we may make a small commission if you go on to purchase from their websites.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When looking to make your patio look nice on a budget, consider the different types of plants too:
Evergreen: these plants keep their leaves all year round and typically stay green regardless of the season.
Perennial plants: after being planted, these plants regrow yearly and can survive for several seasons. Some examples include lavender, hollyhock, delphiniums, geraniums, and irises.
Annual plants: these plants last for one season and must be replanted yearly. Some examples include petunias, zinnias, cosmos, geraniums, marigolds, sunflowers, and snapdragons.
Shrubs: these perennial plants can vary in size but typically have a woody structure. Most keep their leaves throughout the year and can be a great low-maintenance border plant option.
The takeaway: make your patio look nice on a budget with a mixture of evergreens, perennials, and shrubs. Avoid annuals if you don’t want the hassle of replanting every year, or mix a few in amongst your perennial plants.
How do I maximise space on a small patio?
Create zones
Creating zones is a great way to make better use of your small outdoor space and give the illusion of having more space. You can use the likes of potted plants and outdoor rugs to help divide your patio.
To make these zones more defined, try styling them differently too. Use soft furnishings, lighter finishes, outdoor lighting for a cosy area, and practical, rustic, and easy-to-clean furniture for more functional spaces.
Purchase multifunctional furniture
Storage can often become an issue in small patios so opting for multifunctional furniture can be a saving grace. Choose furniture that can act as both a stylish addition to your small outdoor space and a functional one.
Whether that’s a footstool that has in-built storage, or an outdoor sofa that can be moved into different shapes to suit you best, it’s a great way to get more for your money.
Give the illusion of more space
If you’re looking for small patio ideas, try using trees or tall plants to give the illusion of space and height. These can also be ideal for making your outdoor space feel more private, but be careful not to block out sunlight.
Another tip is to hang outdoor mirrors. Mirrors can create a sense of depth in any space, so is a quick and simple way to make your small garden feel more spacious. You can find some stunning garden mirrors on the market and make them somewhat of a feature too.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How do you make a small patio look cosy?
Use shrubs for privacy
Transform your garden into a cosy space just for you. Whether your patio is overlooked or not, using shrubs for privacy can be an easy and environmentally friendly to make it feel more safe and secure.
Use tall plants that draw your eye upwards to create the illusion of more space. With the right amount of shrubbery, you’ll feel like you’re in a world of your own, without feeling cramped.
Add soft lighting
Lighting can help set the mood, even in an outdoor setting. Hang outdoor fairy lights to make your garden feel magical during the darker evenings, or opt for garden spotlights to highlight your favourite features.
Accessorise with soft furnishings
There’s nothing like adding soft furnishings to elevate your space to make it look and feel cosy. Opt for an outdoor rug, some outdoor cushions, or even a blanket or two to bundle yourself up on those more brisk evenings.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Decorate fences with trellises
Make plain fences look more interesting with a trellis or two. Whether you opt for climbing flowers or shrubs, it’s a great way to add a bit of character and greenery to your space while helping your patio feel more secure, cosy, and private.
Hang windchimes
Start your day off feeling cosy and relaxed by listening to the gentle sound of wind chimes. These are particularly helpful if you live in a noisy area and want your patio space to feel more distant from the stress of the outside world.
Small Patio Garden FAQs
Can you leave patio furniture outside year-round?
Providing your patio furniture has been weather-proofed, you can leave your patio furniture outside worry-free. However, furniture made from materials such as wicker, untreated wood, and iron is less hardwearing and should be covered.
How do I protect my patio furniture from rain?
An easy way to protect your patio furniture from bad weather is to cover it using outdoor furniture covers. If you’ve got space in a shed or garage, you can also opt to store it in there during the colder months.
Should I cover up my patio furniture every night?
Although it is not required to cover your patio furniture every night, it’s always a good idea to cover it if the weather is particularly bad.
Are outdoor patio rugs a good idea?
Outdoor patio rugs are a nice and easy way to improve the look of your patio. They come in various colours and patterns which can help level up your outdoor space. Like everything outdoors, it’s a good idea to weatherproof your decor so they’ll last for years to come.
I’m Layla, the home and garden editor, and I started working at MyVoucherCodes in November 2022. I have always loved to write, especially after getting my degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and since getting my own place, I’ve gotten stuck into all things home and garden.
When I’m not writing about saving money on homely purchases, I’m either sitting with my head in a new book, painting a piece of art for my walls, or binge-watching an interior design programme on Netflix. I love to get inspiration and transform my space, usually with the help of a few Pinterest boards and a couple of tins of paint.
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