Where to Splurge and Where to Save Outdoor & Patio Spaces

When it comes to making your house a home, it can take time and effort to get it juuuuuust right. It can also take a big budget. Good news though, because I am here to help trim that budget and ensure you’re investing in the quality pieces your home deserves with our new series: Where to splurge vs. where to save. In each series post, I’ll focus on one room or space and help showcase just how easy it is to have a beautiful home without breaking the bank.

And since it’s the start of a beautiful Canadian summer, what better ‘room’ to focus on for the first post in the series than every Canadian’s favourite summer hangout: the patio, deck, yard, and outdoor hangout space.

Where to Splurge

Quality Seating

The key to spending time outside is being comfortable. When it comes to investing in your outdoor space, whether it is an outdoor living room, patio, deck, or dock, quality seating is your number one item.

Think about how many people will enjoy this outdoor space on the regular and ensure there is enough sturdy, comfortable seating for everyone. For a family of four or five who enjoys reading or iPad time outside, this might mean a pair of outdoor chairs, a lovely outdoor sofa or loveseat, and some outdoor cushions. Or, if enjoying games night and a great meal together are more for your family, a quality table and chairs will have you enjoying your meal al fresco any night nice enough to sit outside.

Don’t worry about not having quality seating for all the extended family members who arrive for a long weekend barbecue. A few quality seats (like your outdoor sofa) reserved for grandma and other important guests will do, along with some indoor accent chairs dragged outside, and a mishmash of folding chairs.

When it comes to your outdoor space, splurging on quality seating enhances your everyday outdoor time and gives you the perfect place to park special guests during family gatherings.

Where to Save

Lighting: There are countless examples of incredible outdoor lighting fixtures, and if budget is not one of your constraints I encourage you to splurge away and light it up! However, for the budget-minded buyer, there are lots of great ways to achieve great lighting and atmosphere in your outdoor space without spending much.

String up some white Christmas lights or Edison bulbs.

Or try popping battery operated tea lights into wine glasses and old mason jars.

Other outdoor inspiration:

When it comes to saving without sacrificing style or enjoyment, give your outdoor lighting a “DIY-style” solution and save.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert