7 Simple Thrifty Tips for Retirees Decorating the Patio This Summer

Summer is meant for sipping a cold drink on the patio. Maybe your patio needs a little TLC before it can be the perfect relaxation venue. Our poor patios go through a lot during the off-season. Trees fling their leaves onto them with reckless abandon in the autumn. Oceanic drifts of snow cover them during winter. No wonder they’re a little bedraggled by springtime! If you’re on a mission to whip your patio into shape, we’ve got you covered. Here are 7 simple, thrifty tips for decorating your patio this summer!

1. Buy secondhand furniture.

If you’re giving your patio a makeover, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is purchase new furniture. However, new furniture can be a little costly! If you want to get the most bang for your buck, go for secondhand pieces! Check out thrift stores or your local Goodwill. You can even search the internet! Sites like Kaiyo and eBay are good places to start.

2. Paint (or stain) pieces you already have.

Trolled all the thrift stores in your area and left empty-handed? Don’t go to the furniture store just yet. Instead, try to stain or paint the pieces you already have! If you decide to take the painting route, make sure you remove rust and use a primer first. Of course, you can always use spray paint for extra convenience!

3. Buy artificial flowers.

Want a piece of décor that’ll beautify your patio all year round without wilting or fading? Buy some artificial flowers! You can put them in pots and arrange them however they’d like. They’ll add splashes of color and be a beautiful reminder of springtime—even in the dead of winter. A great place to buy artificial flowers is Etsy. You can also check Afloral and Amazon, as well!

4. Hang string lights.

String lights are cheap, durable, and beautiful. In other words, the perfect addition to any patio! You can wrap them around posts or stretch them from corner to corner. They’ll add a warm, cozy glow to your patio that you’ll be sure to appreciate.

5. Repurpose items.

New doesn’t always mean better. Unless an item is damaged or unsafe, there’s no reason you can upcycle into something else! Rather than throwing out your throw pillows, reupholster them. If a flower pot is rusted and looking a little worse for the wear, paint it. If a table is weathered and in need of some serious TLC, cover it with a tablecloth. There are countless ways you can make your furniture look brand-new without spending a dime.

Read Next: Maximize Your Comfort AND Square Footage with These 10 Easy Decorating Tips for Senior Apartments!

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6. Put down rugs.

Never underestimate the power of a good rug! They can really bring a space together and make the décor pop. If you want to revamp your patio without spending a small fortune, get a new rug or two. The right rug can really make a dull space more interesting and beautiful.

7. Hang wreaths on the walls/windows.

If money is tight for you right now, there’s a pretty good chance you can’t afford any extra luxuries. Unfortunately, some décor falls into that category. However, you’re not out of options yet. You can spruce up your patio by way of a wreath! Simply hang it on the wall or a window, and you’re set. So, if there are wreaths gathering dust in your garage, dig them out of storage, shake them off, and hang them. You might be surprised at the difference they make.

Looking for more?

If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:

• 10 Thrifty Gifts for Your Grandchildren Under $25 That’ll Make Memories Without Breaking the Bank
• 10 Thrifty Decorating Hacks for Retirees
• 10 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money on Groceries
• 10 Thrifty Tips for Saving Money After Retirement

If you’re looking for more retirement or senior living resources, start here: