How to refresh your outdoor space on a budget

Find affordable outdoor furniture

Only have a small balcony, patio, or deck? It’s all good. A classic wooden garden bench in a shady spot adds a touch of English country style, black resin chairs offer a more modern aesthetic, or, for under $200 all up, go retro with a few Acapulco chairs with a small side table or stool to keeps snacks and drinks handy.

Also under $200, bistro sets are ideal for tighter spaces, whether it’s for fish and chips on a summer evening or a fancy platter and chilled prosecco to celebrate something special. The trending French bistro set creates a European vibe – think a café in Paris or St Tropez (without the tourists).

For bigger spaces and budgets, a timber dining table with bench seats is super versatile, making it great value for year-round use: breakfast and coffee in the morning sun, afternoon BBQs, family game night, or an arts and crafts spot (make sure you have a wipeable cover or old sheet to protect your table). Plus, it’s a relaxing spot to work from home or for the kids to do their homework in the fresh air.

An outdoor lounge set is a larger investment, but if space and budget allow, you’ve essentially created a second living room, so it’s money well spent (especially if you shop at The Warehouse). Choose a timber lounge setting with cushioned sofa, seats, and a coffee table for under $1,000 for coastal style, or a large, comfy corner setting for under $1,200 to fit the whole family. Choose black aluminium for a sleeker, modern look, or rattan-style woven resin with plush cushions, for the ever-popular wicker look – but with superior weather resistance.

Let there be light

Give your outdoors a glow up with new outdoor lighting. Solar ground and garden staked lighting, from $2, is practical, stylish, and affordable, and can highlight your best outdoor features, landscaping, or outdoor paths and steps for safety.

Add some year-round sparkle by hanging fairy lights from your deck railing, eaves, or even around a large tree. You can never have too many citronella candles handy for a flicker of ambiance and to keep those mozzies away. Forget the camping coils; these days citronella candles come in stylish glass, ceramic, terracotta, and even concrete pots.

Serve up style on a shoestring

Planning on hosting? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your tabletop look beautiful. Up your entertaining game with stylish tableware and serveware starting from under $2. Ceramic and glazed dining sets and summery cocktail glasses set a classy scene, or save with classic white porcelain (take a look at the bestselling 54-piece dining starter pack for under $60).

Resin serveware and picnicware are ideal for casual BBQs, or when you need something the kids can’t break. Forget brown 1980s-style bowls – resin salad bowls in bright blue or candy pink make an attractive centrepiece for the table. Bonus points for being durable, affordable, and easy to clean.

While placemats aren’t for everyone, they can add a more upscale look if you’re keen to impress your guests – try fabric placemats with on-trend scalloped edges, or embrace budget-friendly, wipeable cork, with a range of prints to suit your style. For under $5 each, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Invest in reusable cotton napkins to save on waste – just be sure to pop them straight in the wash to get that drop of sauce right out.