B&A: A “Barely Functional Outdoor Space” Gets a Dreamy Redo with Added Storage
10 of Our Favorite Outdoor Furniture Sets for Small Patios and Balconies
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Shifting into spring and summer brings the urge to do nearly anything outdoors: eating, entertaining, relaxing — you name it. If you’re lucky enough to have a private outdoor sitting area, be it a balcony or a yard, it’s time to start thinking about furnishing it to maximize your outside time — even if your space isn’t exactly roomy. To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor furniture for small spaces so that you can make the most of what you have and spend as much time as possible outside the house.
Nicole Lund and Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
Want to Keep Indoor Furniture Safe and Clean Outside?
Have you ever come across a piece of furniture you thought was perfect for your patio or balcony, but it wasn’t quite outside friendly? It happens, and it’s especially frustrating considering that patio furniture can be pretty limited in terms of choice or availability, making it tricky to find something that fits your vision for an outdoor oasis that is also safe to use or leave outside. If this is you, then there are some simple workarounds here. While you can’t make all furniture weatherproof — sorry! — there are some tricks to help make certain pieces more outside-ready. Start with these simple DIY weatherproofing tips below.
Add an outdoor sealant to wood.
Do you have a wooden table that would make the perfect patio dining table, or a wooden bench that would look lovely underneath your backyard tree? Turn it into an outdoor piece with the help of sealant.
“While ideally you would choose furniture made of naturally water-resistant materials like cedar, teak, or cypress woods, any wood furniture can be treated with an outdoor sealant,” says Morgan McBride, founder of DIY home improvement website CharlestonCrafted.com. “Pretty much every sealant brand makes outdoor sealants. Look for something clear, and be sure to note if the sealant is glossy or matte, which can really change the final look of your wooden furniture.” This way, you don’t have to worry that a light drizzle will warp your wood.
Don’t sleep on waterproofing sprays for washable fabrics.
Whether you want to give outdoor cushions an extra boost in protection or wish to weatherproof a certain pillow, waterproofing sprays are at your service. “Outdoor cushions are usually made of water-resistant materials, but adding a coat of an outdoor weather shield, like Scotchgard, is a great way to give it further protection. This will help prolong the fabric’s life and foam,” McBride says.
Just make sure only to use it on washable fabrics — you won’t get the same results with leather, for example. Look at the tag of your pillow or cushion. If it’s X-coded, it means it can’t be cleaned with solvents or water. That means you can’t coat it with a weather shield, either.
Swap in more waterproof fabrics when possible.
Did you find a great couch, some unique seats, or a perfectly sized pillow, but the cushions aren’t waterproof? (Been there.) Keep the frame and the foam, but swap the cloth for waterproof fabrics. “During my travels to India and Southeast Asia, I was entranced by the fabric-making traditions of the local artisans. I decided to take those traditions outside with a Sunbrella partnership. This performance fabric is resistant to mold, mildew, staining, and fading, making it suitable for outdoor use,” said textile designer John Robshaw. You can make the furniture much more waterproof if you use performance fabric that could take a bit of a beating. Just reupholster your pieces with it.
This tip isn’t so much about waterproofing, but it will help your outdoor rug look nicer for longer. If you feel like your outdoor rugs get warped after a while, velcro can help remedy that issue.
“Outdoor rugs tend to get blown around in the wind, which can lead to them getting creased or warped. You can add strips of peel and stick velcro to the underside of the rug to hold it in place,” says McBride. “The velcro is removable in the future if you stop using the rug. If your outdoor rug gets dirty, the easiest way to clean it is with a pressure washer!” (Still shopping for an outdoor rug? These are on sale this weekend.)
Use heavy-duty weatherproof covers to protect furniture.
And finally, one of the best ways to waterproof non-waterproof furniture is to cover it with a tarp or furniture cover when you know a storm is coming. “It isn’t pretty, and might not be practical for everyday use, but putting on covers before big rainstorms or during long periods of time when the furniture won’t be needed is the best way to keep it in great shape,” advises McBride.
59 DIY Landscaping Ideas and Tips to Improve Your Outdoor Space
Being a homeowner is a big responsibility, and while there’s plenty to take care of inside you home, don’t forget about the outside, either. If you’ve ever looked into the cost of hiring a professional landscaper, you know they’re not cheap. Fortunately, there are a slew of inexpensive and affordable DIY landscaping ideas at your disposal, so long as you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty. From the front yard to the back, barbeque pits to bistro lights, here are 59 ways you can affordably improve your outdoor space.
Front Yard Ideas
1. To create dynamic visual impact with little long-term commitment, try layering flowers and low-growing greenery in your front yard. These plants are arranged in the ground in a curving pattern, rather than just straight across the lawn.
2. Add drama by layering the height of your plants. Big in the back, small in the front.
3. Have a section of your front yard that’s too awkward to mow? Fill it with rocks. Problem solved.
4. Take the DIY landscaping ideas off the ground and to the house by installing a few window boxes (they’re surprisingly easy to build).
5. Or try an outdoor shelf instead.
6. If you have a large front yard with little dynamism, add large boulders and rocks for variety.
7. How about creating a berm? What’s a berm, you ask? It’s when you transform your totally flat yard by creating mounds of interest. Easy, and totally affordable. Be sure to do your research first before create a berm around the base of any tree, as too much dirt can suffocate the tree.
8. No trees on your lawn? Build a trellis or two for your front yard flowers to climb (they are also fairly inexpensive to purchase).
9. Looking for inexpensive ways to create borders or edging? Border your walkway with plants and flowers to define lines in the front yard.
10. DIY landscaping ideas don’t get much more affordable than this: install brick edging to outline areas of your yard using salvaged or recycled brick.
11. Go for a more natural look by using stone to edge your plants.
12. Or, edge flower beds with river rock. How easy is that?
13. If you want to keep your yard tame but still want contrast, consider a ground cover plant. Add a few of these low-growing ground cover plants to add variation and color.
14. Display flowers in containers along steps, walkways, or on ledges. This is a great way to add visual interest if you have a lot of brick or asphalt in your front yard.
15. You don’t need a professional – learn how to add a pretty stone walkway that leads right to your front door.
16. Use rope lighting to create illuminated borders to your front yard for a bright footpath at night.
17. Have a steep front yard? Try creating cliffs with stone and native flowers to eliminate the need to mow.
Ways to Improve Your Backyard
18. Ugly or boring fences no more! Create layers of plants and bushes to frame out the edges of your backyard.
19. Grow marigolds in your back yard to deter mosquitos and aphids (you can also grow chrysanthemums, lavender, and basil).
20. Create a raised garden bed to grow your own veggies (or buy an inexpensive one). It will add visual appeal, and you’ll be able to reap the benefits of your labor.
21. Give your back yard some interest by building your own paver patio.
22. Or go for a full-blown pergola! A bigger back yard project, but much more affordable if you do it yourself.
23. Hang some outdoor bistro lights on these easy-to-build light stands to illuminate your yard.
24. Get ready for DIY landscaping ideas straight out of childhood. Why not create a secret garden in your back yard? The 9-year-old in me is absolutely giddy over this idea.
25. Create a flower-filled fence line. Here are some plans a fence with built-in flower planters.
DIY Fire Pits You Can Create
26. First time fire pit builder? Here’s how to make this one in four easy steps.
27. Follow this tutorial for a more modern fire pit.
28. If you have an old washing machine lying around, you can create this one-of-a-kind upcycled fire pit.
29. Would you have guessed that this fire pit was initially made out of cinder blocks? Learn how to skim-coat to create this clean look.
30. If you’re handy with a welding torch, you can make a minimal fire place from metal.
31. Maybe you don’t want a whole fire pit, but a little glow would be a nice touch to your back yard. Here’s how to create a mini glass fire feature.
32. No back yard to build a fire pit? No problem. You can still toast marshmallows in a terra cotta pot.
Water Features to Add Appeal Outdoors
33. Water features don’t have to be complicated, or even powered. They can be as simple as a bird bath. Build your own, or purchase an inexpensive one. Give your yard something of interest, and beautiful song birds, too.
34. Create visual appeal in your yard by building your own urn water feature from a ceramic vase.
35. Stack ’em up! With a little extra effort, you can transform the previous project on this DIY landscaping ideas list into a multi-level water feature.
36. You don’t need special skills to build a water feature, just a bit of time and the right tools. Here’s how to build one from stone.
37. This is one of those DIY landscaping ideas that is going to require the help of a friend, but if you’re into drama, consider building a stone pond fountain.
38. Don’t you love this low-to-the-ground look of this stone fountain?
39. Big impact at a little cost! Check out this tutorial for making a waterfall wall for under $300.
40. For the ultimate “wow factor,” accent your outdoor space with an outdoor waterfall.
Hedges, Fences, and Other Privacy Features
41. Add privacy by planting some shrubbery yourself. It’s as easy as digging a trench, dropping the plants in, teasing out the roots, and watering.
42. Nothing beats the backyard privacy of your own fence. Before you begin the building process, you’ll need to be sure of a few things: Verify your property line, check with your city or township about the limitations and height-restrictions of your fence, have someone from the city come and check for gas lines, and have a neighborly chat with anyone you’ll be sharing the fence line with.
43. Need just a bit of privacy? Build this floating garden wall. It comes complete with shelving for plants.
44. For natural privacy, build a trellis wall out of copper pipe to create a green barrier over time.
45. Create a visual divide and build a mod trellis.
46. Transform your privacy wall using shou sugi – the process of burning wood, making it water-resistant. Side effect, the shou sugi treatment transforms wood to a beautiful, rich black color.
47. Create an implied wall to divide your yard using small trees or shrubs.
48. Need lots and lots of privacy? There are cheap trees you can buy that over time will block out the neighbors, like the inexpensive Leyland Cypress.
How to Create Shade in Your Yard
49. No shade? Create an outdoor hangout space by getting an affordable fabric gazebo.
50. Or sew curtains to hang from your pergola to block a little light when needed.
51. Add a sun sail for immediate shade (bonus if you hang it over your own trampoline lounge!).
52. Grow shade by planting rhododendron in your yard. They’re a dense evergreen with broad leaves, and the flowering in the springtime is lovely.
53. Grow Chinese Wisteria on an existing structure or trellis to block light (be mindful – this plant is known as an invasive plant in some areas).
Creating Visual Interest Around Trees
54. Add mulch to cover the most shaded parts of your lawn.
55. Another genius (and affordable) of the DIY landscaping ideas: Add ground cover plants to hide gnarly roots.
56. Or, opt to grow some moss instead.
57. Use stone to edge the area around the base of your trees.
58. Or build a raised flower bed at the base of the tree (be careful not to add too much dirt around the base of the tree, as you could hurt or kill it).
59. For extra seating, create a one-of-a-kind tree bench.
62 DIY Projects To Transform Your Backyard
Blooming flowers and fresh rain can only mean one thing: spring has definitely sprung! That means summer will be here before you know it. If getting your backyard in order is on your to-do list but you’re having trouble getting started – don’t fret! You don’t need a total landscaping overhaul for your yard to feel refreshed and inviting. Sometimes it’s just a matter of hanging up some string lights or creating a simple fire pit. We’ve rounded up 62 outdoor DIY projects to get you excited to be outside again as the weather warms up. From plants to playhouses, keep scrolling for more inspiration!
What ways do you want to transform your backyard? Let us know in the comments!
OUTDOOR SEATING
1. Pallet Couch: Doesn’t this space look inviting? The good news is that it’s made from free pallets and a few cushions!
2. Summer Hammock: Nothing says “ahhhhhhh” like a gently-swinging hammock. Get ready to relax in the fruits of your labor with this DIY.
3. Colorful Chair Makeover: There are no rules to how bright colors can be outside. See how these once bland lawn chairs got their day in the sun.
4. DIY Porch Swing: As Liz Lemon says, “I want to go to there!” Swinging in the spring breeze is a total DIY reality with this project from A Beautiful Mess.
5. DIY Fringed Hammock: This hammock brings boho to the backyard with the addition of fringe.
6. Macramé Hammock Chair: I can”knot” get over how gorgeous this hammock chair is!
7. DIY Outdoor Cushions: Update your existing patio furniture by stitching up some of these quick and easy DIY outdoor cushions.
8. Easy Outdoor Bench: Emphasis on “easy!” Instant seating comes to life with wood beams, concrete blocks, and a bit of paint.
9. Modern Outdoor Sofa: This number is so sleek I might want to bring it inside my house! The good news is it’s built to withstand the elements, which means you can make your back deck super classy.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
10. Simple Grilling Cart: Grillin’ on the go! With a built-in drink cooler, what more could you ask for out of an outdoor DIY project?
11. Outdoor Bar: If you’re not really the grill master type, but more of a whiskey woman, why not make a drink bar for your backyard?
12. Wall-Mounted Serving Station: Want to entertain but don’t have space for a full outdoor kitchen? Go vertical by building this simple serving station with drop-down tabletop!
13. Built-in Beer Cooler Table: Woah Nelly, what is this ingenious contraption? Never get up from your chair again with this DIY.
14. S’mores Station Centerpiece: Acting as both a lovely centerpiece and a warming station for marshmallow and chocolate, party guests are sure to be impressed by this s’mores machine (made from glass dishes!).
15. Cinder Block Bar: Combining two awesome things (plants and booze), this bar provides an easy builder’s solution.
16. DIY Grill Countertop: Basically like having an outdoor kitchen, this brick counter space built around a grill surely makes outdoor entertaining a breeze.
17. Drink Cooler Stand: If you’re constantly entertaining outside, or if you just enjoy having a cold beverage available whenever, this drink stand provides a classy solution to the standard cooler.
18. IKEA Outdoor Bar Cart: This entertaining station falls under the category of “why didn’t I think of that?”
19. Built-To-Last Concrete Fire Pit: With a little elbow grease, you can build your own fire pit that you can enjoy for many summers to come.
20. Minimal Fire Pit: If clean lines are more your style, explore this fire pit put together by The Brick House.
21. Upcycled Fire Pit: I don’t want to pick favorites, but this outdoor DIY project is high on the list. See what unusual upcycled material this flaming beauty was made from!
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
22. Bug-Repelling Citronella Candles: These outdoor lights do double-duty by providing light and shooing away unwanted pests.
23. Fire Column: Nothing says “class” like fire in glass. Shed a little light in your outdoor dining space with this simple DIY project.
24. Pendant Light: This DIY might make you want to eat outside for every meal! Create a classy dining nook by hanging some proper light fixtures.
25. Ping Pong Ball Lights: Maybe the easiest outdoor DIY project on this list, these ping pong ball lights instantly add charm to any space.
26. String Light Hanging Poles: If you want to hang string lights outside but don’t have anywhere to put them, City Farmhouse has an easy solution that also involves plants!
27. Portable Fire Pit: This flame is on the move! Which is perfect if you are an renter or apartment-dweller.
28. Recycled Bottle Tiki Torch: Old wine bottles get new life as mounted tiki torches with this outdoor-friendly DIY!
29. Tin Can Lights: This project is a classic, and couldn’t be left off the list! If you need a quick, easy, and cheap solution for your outdoor lighting situation, grab some tin cans, tea lights, a hammer and a large nail, and get to punching!
30. Mason Jar Lamps: Another classic, these jar lights are a simple and sweet way to brighten your backyard.
31. Pool Noodle Luminaries: Even if you don’t have a pool, you can set these floatable candles off in a large container of water to add ambiance to any space.
32. Flower Pot Fire Pit: Who says fire pits can’t be cute? Beautiful in blue, this outdoor DIY project only requires a flower pot, stones, and a little flame.
OUTDOOR PLANTING
33. DIY Trellis with Planter Box: Give crawling plants somewhere to go by building them a trellis. This project is also great if you’re looking to fill visual space in your patio or deck area!
34. Hose Housing Station with Built-In Planter: Gardening hoses are hard to keep neat and pretty. This project solves that solution by keeping the hose hidden! Plus there are flowers involved, which is always a bonus.
35. Homemade Flower Beds: Bump up your home’s curbside appeal by installing these flower beds you can make on your own.
36. Window Boxes: Aren’t these just the sweetest? Deuce Cities Henhouse (local gal to us!) has tips on creating the perfect window boxes.
37. Vertical Planter: Take your plants a step up. Perfect if you’re low on space but big on greenery!
38. Plant Chandelier: Ooh la la! Who needs lights when you can have leaves?
39. Succulent Letters: Say it with succulents! Create “wall art” to hang in your outdoor space.
40. Tapered Cedar Planter: Giant planters are not cheap, but with a little woodworking you can craft your own from cedar.
41. Geometric Cinder Block Planters: Cinder blocks are at it again! With a simple paint job, you can create a modern-looking planter to house all kinds of greenery.
42. Wooden Plant Stand: If you’re looking for ways to add visual height to your plant-scape, Shanty 2 Chic has the plans to build a wooden plant stand.
43. Gardening Table: Got a green thumb? You’re going to need a place to work! Learn how to make your own gardening table, courtesy of Design Sponge.
OUTDOOR FLOORING
44. Colorful Patio Tiles: I can’t get over what a simple and transformative idea this is! If you can’t commit to painting your patio, try chalk for a temporarily colorful time!
45. Painted Patio: If you’re looking for a way to bring bold to the backyard, this paint job takes the cake.
46. Stenciled Concrete: This stencil job mimics the look of a rug with the low-maintenance factor of concrete! Try this look on for size if you’re trying to create a more intimate outdoor living space.
47. DIY Rug from Drop Cloth: Personalize the patio by making a rug from a drop cloth. It’ll withstand the elements, too!
48. Pallet Walkway: A couple of pallet boards bridge the gap in this DIY. Totally doable, and totally cheap!
49. Painted Outdoor Rug: Most outdoor rugs are “blah,” but painting them is easy enough. See how with our tutorial for this modern and simple design!
50. Pea Gravel Patio: Want to build your own patio? Pea gravel makes it easy to create a patio space without all the pavers.
OUTDOOR PLAYING
51. Tree Swing: How sweet is this swing? Even if you’re grown, there’s nothing quite like swaying under a tree.
52. Circular Rope Swing: If you’re working on your balance, try this swing on for size!
53. Sandbox with Lid: It’s a gross reality, but if you have cats, you have to have a sandbox with a lid. Ana White has the plans for how to build one of your own.
54. Sandbox with Seating and Awning: Keep the kiddos safe from the sun by adding an awning to your sandbox. Plus these plans come with adorable seating!
55. DIY Bungalow Play House: With chalk board panels, this playhouse can be imagined into any space.
56. Play Tent: Can I move in? This cloth tent is also collapsible, so it’s easy to move inside and out!
57. Hula Hoop Hideout: Give each kid their own special space with some fabric and a few hula hoops.
58. Tire Teeter Totter: Alliteration aside, this teeter totter is adorable. Plus it’s made from recycled materials, so it’s good for the kids and the earth.
59. DIY Tether Ball: This DIY feels like a throwback! Do you guys remember playing tether ball long into the afternoon? Turns out it’s pretty easy to make one of your own for you or your offspring to enjoy!
60. Mini Bowling Lane: How adorable is this?? Bowling never looked so cute, plus it’s small so it doesn’t take up a lot of space!
61. Giant Four-in-a-Row: Everything better when it’s bigger. Fair warning: you may end up being house-party-central if you build one of these.
62. Giant Jenga: Last but not least, this thrilling game is the perfect addition to a summertime backyard party.
Bonus! Author Christina Pfeiffer is sharing What to plant for more drought resilient containers
By their nature, containers require more frequent watering than plantings in the ground. Smaller containers in full sun can need watering twice a day during hot spells. Go large when choosing new containers to save on time and water demands.
Choose a group of plants that are compatible in looks and culture. Match up their needs for light and water first, then play with combining colors and texture.
Sedums
These perennials are my first ‘go-to’ s for drought tolerant containers. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors with blooms that benefit pollinator insects and ask for little in terms of water and fertilizer. Most will overwinter and also combine well with other drought tolerant plants.
Herbs for garden and kitchen
Culinary and ornamental herbs are another group happy in well drained soil and sun. Those with variegated foliage are stunning accents planted solo in a container. Among my top favorites are:
Variegated lemon thyme
Sages that are edible and ornamental: ‘Berggarten’, ‘Aurea’, ‘Purpurescens’ and ‘Tricolor’
Oregano ‘Kent Beauty’ trails beautifully out of hanging baskets and into the marinara sauce.
Perennial favorites
These garden perennials make a successful leap between garden beds and containers and back again:
Coral bells, Heuchera ‘Green Spice’, ‘Peppermint Spice’ and ‘Moonlight’
Geranium x ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and other hardy geranium
Oxalis tetraphylla ‘Iron Cross’
Dusty Miller –
Sunrose, Helianthemum ‘Wisley Pink’ and ‘St. Mary’s’
Hardy fuchsia
Cape fucshia
Add these grasses and grass-likes for contrasting texture
New Zealand Flax, Phormium and variegated iris both offer tall, strappy, striped leaves.
Low growing glack mondo grass has dramatic dark foliage and and small white or purple flowers.
Variegated lily turf, Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’, ‘Silver Dragon’ and ‘Sunproof’ all have white edged leaves and purple blooms.
Annuals that can take the heat (and a bit of drought)
Many of the popular annuals used for seasonal color do best with regular water and fertile soil. Be sure to keep these birds-of-a-feather together. Here are some great annuals that don’t like as much water and fertilizer and that combine well with other types of plants listed in this article:
African daisy, Osteospermum Symphony series
Sweet allysum, Lobularia maritima
Coreopsis tinctoria
Dwarf snapdragons, Chinese Lantern series
