How to Decorate your Outdoor Space without Breaking the Bank

Noted English clergyman Sydney Smith (1771-1845) is quoted as saying, "Economy in the estimation of common minds means the absence of all taste and comfort." But finding thrifty ways to decorate your outdoor living space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice either of those things. Here are some ideas to help you:

• Forget trying to find that perfectly matched 9-piece patio set at the first garage sale you stop at. If a matched set is what your heart truly desires then by all means seek until you find. But you'll have far more success if you open your eyes to the possibility of mismatched pieces.

• Consider all the sources of inexpensive pieces, not just garage and yard sales. Browse flea markets, country auctions and thrift shops. Keep your eyes open when you pass the bulletin board in your neighbour store. Check the classifieds. Rove the aisles at discount retailers or dollar stores. If you're serious about certain pieces then be bold. Let your favorite restaurateur know that you love his patio pieces and if any need replacing, you'll be glad to take the old ones off his hands. Ask your friends and family if they have spare pieces stored away. And don't overlook "curb picking" before a major trash pick-up. Many great items are put out because the owners simply can't be bothered with a minor repair or they just don't have the space to keep them.

• Accept substitutions. Instead of one large dining table consider several smaller ones. Instead of a loveseat, use that great bench you found or several different side chairs. Just be sure there's at least one GREAT comfortable seat.

• Imagine other uses for common items. For example, use a large wooden toolbox as a magazine rack, a wooden door mounted on brackets for a shelf or table, or an old mailbox as a planter. Vintage garden tools make interesting wall art. Used wrought iron gates serve as a great patio wall. Old porch balusters can be fashioned into candleholders or table legs.

• Fabric covers a multitude of sins. Pick up large fabric remnants at a salvage center or buy used sheets, bedspreads and drapes at a yard sale. New chair covers, a table runner, and cushions created from this yardage tie all your odd furniture pieces together. Hang some extra yardage as an outdoor curtain and you'll wow your visitors.

• Paint is also a unifier and will do amazing things to most furniture. Spray paint a junk store chandelier and hang it filled with candles. Here's a set of 94 citronella candles that will allow you to fill and refill that great lighting fixture without breaking your budget. If you think that your furniture odds and ends are just too, well, odd then try mixing and matching paint color instead of painting all pieces identically. For example, try one chair with a green seat and white legs, one with a green back and white seat, and one with green and white stripes. Celebrate diversity.

• You might also think about using a certain theme for your outdoor decorating, such as French country or Caribbean. The design interest will draw attention away from any mismatching in your furnishings.

Economy in decorating your outdoor space does not have to result in the absence of taste or comfort. You might have to work a little harder but think how much satisfaction you will derive from a space that you made work for next to nothing.

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More

Pond Construction

The location of your pond should be decided. You've picked... Read More

Tips for Backyard Fish Ponds Care

Installing a backyard fish pond is an aesthetic addition to... Read More

How To Build A Waterfall

The number one, most asked question that I receive about... Read More

How to Grow Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More

Patio Swings Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space with Comfort and Style

Are you looking for a way to spruce up your... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More

Fun, Funky Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

Are You Being Taken Advantage of when Ordering Flowers Online?

Did you know that you can send flowers many different... Read More

Basics of Pruning Roses

Pruning your roses does not need to be a dreaded... Read More

Teak Umbrella : Add the Final Touch to Your Patio

Okay, so you have agonized for weeks and finally went... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More

Outdoor Furniture: Exploring the Benefits of Teak

Of the many types of materials that are available for... Read More

Italian Vegetable Seeds

Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother... Read More

How to Build a Shed

The easiest way to build a shed in the backyard... Read More

Using Push Reel Mowers

If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More

Brilliant Beetroot!

Are you looking for a truly versatile vegetable to grow... Read More

A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs

Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More

Landscape Wallpaper

Landscape wallpaper can be a great addition to your computer's... Read More

How to Grow Sweet Corn

Purchased corn, whether on the cob or in a can... Read More

Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping

Naturalized bulbs look beautiful in a wooded setting. You can... Read More

How to Create a Wildflower Garden

In today's gardens often populated by geraniums, roses, and zinnias,... Read More

The Rich History of Wild Roses

Wild roses, of the genus Rosa, are those naturally... Read More

Introduction to Aquaponics

Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except... Read More