If you have some fairly plain-Jane furniture on your patio, it’s easily brightened up with the addition of some cushions – and you don’t even need to go out and buy new ones, either. Instead, try your local op-shop, where you can probably pick up some cushions for just a few dollars. Then, cover them in some new pillowcases in your favourite designs – it works out cheaper than buying brand new cushions, and you can customise them as you please. It’s a great patio décor idea that can make old furniture look new again.

If you have a concrete slab underfoot as part as your patio, try using deck tiles to create a more inviting space. It’s a much cheaper way to achieve the look of a deck without spending thousands to actually build a deck. They’re also great for use on small balconies (we’ve got tips for decorating those, too!).

A fire pit is a relatively cheap patio decorating idea that can be as simple as a metal container in which to hold the kindling and flames, and some cinder blocks. This video shows you how to make your own fairly easily using inexpensive materials such as gravel and angled pavers.

If you want to kick back in the summer and enjoy your patio, a bar is a great way to do it. But instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a custom-made bar, why not go the DIY patio décor route and make your own? By getting creative with concrete or cinder blocks, you can create a bar on which you can perch your favourite wines and beers when entertaining. The best thing about this is, you can make it look as modern or rustic as you like by using new wood or recycled wood and shipping pallets.

Almost every patio has that outdoor table – the one made from steel with a glass top. Often, they collect a lot of dust and can look rather plain, but they can look very different with just a bit of DIY know-how. Seeking Lavender Lane achieved this look with tiles, plywood, and a few other trims. If you’re looking for patio ideas on a budget, this is a great way to make a cheap table look quite fancy.