As I’m writing this post it has rained, lightning + thundered and is now snowing! What the what??! How can I get into thinking about outdoor living with crazy weather like this?! One day though this weather will figure out which direction to go + warmer weather will start to settle in. And we WILL be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Because we spend much of our time in the backyard in the spring, summer + even fall, it’s important for me to create an outdoor living area that is comfortable, stylish + affordable. Outdoor furniture can cost a small fortune + we are not yet there with being able to purchase thousands of dollars worth of outdoor living pieces. However, I still believe in buying the best you can afford. So here is my round up of essential, affordable + stylish outdoor living pieces you can use to create a beautiful + comfortable outdoor space.
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RUGS
Our deck tends to get incredibly hot in summer + last year I finally purchased an outdoor rug {actually, 2 of them} to help keep our feet cool since everyone, especially the kids, spend a lot of time barefoot on the deck. Not only has it made a difference comfort wise but aesthetically it has taken our outdoor living area to a whole new level. There was every intention to roll these rugs up + safely store them this year but I failed miserably at accomplishing this. So they have been outside all winter but amazingly enough have held up pretty well but with some shedding. If you are looking for a budget friendly outdoor rug I highly recommend Target’s Threshold line. Here are some of my favorite from this year. The first rug, Threshold’s Blue Pattern Stripe Outdoor Rug, is the one I purchased.
SEATING
Finding affordable, decent patio furniture that will hold up to the elements is always a challenge, let alone finding cushions that meet the same criteria. For years we had an acacia set that was more than affordable for new home owners {i.e. cheap}. It was flimsy + thin, as were the cushions that came with it.
Last year we made a small investment into these black metal chairs from Target which also come with large, comfy pillows. These could not have been a better deal! The only issue we have had is that the drain holes tend to leak out rusty water if the chairs are left uncovered in the rain. But this has only happened a few times though. And it may be silly, but I love that the bottom cushions sit on a mesh trampoline of sorts instead of metal bars.
This Fernhill set by Threshold comes in a variety of pieces but I bought two 2-packs of the club chairs instead of a conversation set. I just wanted more maneuverability + layout options.
ACCESSORIES
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE INSPIRATION
Here are a few mock ups of how to put together some of the items mentioned in this post. Both these looks {with 4 chairs total…not just the 2 shown} will run you just around a $1000 or less!
Coastal Blues
Black + White Chic
