Outdoor living spaces have become more popular, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. Since we haven’t been able to travel anywhere or have people over, many of us have created our own little oasis in our backyards.
We’ve been spending more time – and money – on our backyards, patios and decks than ever before. And with good reason – the backyard is our connection to the outdoors, a natural space where you can relax and unwind. A place where you can ease your mind after a long stressful day and appreciate the natural world in style.
Decorating a backyard may seem daunting as some of the items to decorate your outdoor space may come at a high cost. The good news is that you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to create a backyard oasis. Nope, you can be creative and smart when coming up with a simple plan, with the right materials and some imagination. There are a few inexpensive ways decorate your backyard on a small budget.
Here’s how to decorate your backyard on a small budget:
How to Decorate your Backyard on a Small Budget
Plan first, shop later
Before you shop, make a plan. Think about these questions: what type of theme are you going for? A calm, zen-like atmosphere, a culinary retreat, or a Canadian campfire scene? You don’t have to necessarily choose one theme and implement favourites of each but it can help narrow down costs if you’re able to choose what you’re more likely to use.
What will you be using your backyard for – dining, relaxing, or both? If you plan on entertaining dinners, a patio set with a table and chairs might suit you best. If you plan on relaxing and reading more often than entertaining, a sectional couch with a table might be a better fit for your lifestyle. You may ditch the table and sectional completely and opt for a few Muskoka chairs surrounding a fire pit.
Another important thing to note when decorating a perfect backyard is that the setting should follow the style you have in mind or the one that fits your backyard’s shape and size.
Outdoor Furniture
Garden furniture is an essential element in creating your backyard oasis. After all, you need to be able to sit down to relax somewhere rather than on the grass or concrete! Some decent furniture sets could cost up to $1,000, but depending on your budget, you can always get quality knockoffs for much less. Also, look on resell sites such as Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace where you can find some gently used chairs and tables.
Sometimes comfort is more important than esthetics; these Zero Gravity lounge chairs are the most comfortable. I can take a nap in the shade lying on one of these!
For Living Black Sling Zero Gravity Chair Canadian Tire
CANVAS Breton Patio Loveseat Canadian Tire
Sol 72 Outdoor™ Merton 7 Piece Sectional Seating Group with Cushions | Wayfair.ca
ÄPPLARÖ Table and 4 folding chairs, outdoor – brown stained. Official Website – IKEA
KLÖVEN Deck chair, outdoor, red – IKEA
Outdoor Seating Area Shade/Canopy
Your backyard should also have a covered roof or sturdy umbrella that will keep you out of that hot summer sun. A covered seating area provides space to relax in the shade and a place for dining, reading and entertaining comfortably. It doesn’t have to involve heavy furniture or construction; you can always go for an adjustable convertible canopy that is easy to set up and use. For a few hundred dollars, you can purchase a backyard canopy that is easily assembled and built sturdy to withstand those humid thunderstorms. Another option – and very affordable – is a sun shade. 
ABCCANOPY Pop Up Canopy Tent 10X10 Ft | Wayfair.ca
Arlmont & Co. Tipton 108” Market Umbrella | Wayfair.ca
AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Rectangle 8′ x 12′ UV Block Canopy for Patio: Amazon.ca
Outdoor Lighting
Like inside the home, the right lighting creates an atmosphere. Outdoor or open-air lighting can also give you extra outdoor fun time well past sundown and create an ambiance that will keep you and guests wanting to stay outside well into the night.
Outdoor string lights can add a touch of magic to your backyard space. There are so many options to choose from – LED, solar-powered, battery-powered; and white, multi-coloured, vintage bulbs and even mini patio lanterns. I prefer solar-powered so you don’t have to worry about extension cords and plugs.
CANVAS Montmarte Heavy-Duty Outdoor String Lights Canadian Tire
CANVAS Wasaga String Lights Canadian Tire
A fire pit can also give you the ambiance you’re looking for, as well as a spot to make s’mores, of course! There are various options too, from a fire pit with cooking grid, to a fire pit table.
Endless Summer 39-in Rectangular Gas Fire Pit | Lowe’s Canada (lowes.ca)
Pleasant Hearth Bellora Fire Pit with Cooking Grid | The Home Depot Canada
Artificial Wall Grass
City-dwellers may not have the space for tree and flowers, even grass. But there’s a clever solution – adding artificial wall grass to your space. A wall of grass can make your space very private as well, and add that nature feel to your backyard. There are even DIY options on Etsy.
Sunnyglade artificial hedge is used for outdoor decoration, patio, garden fencing, backyard, and more. Its tendency will cover the walls of your outdoor area with green color. These outdoor artificial wall grass can cost from $10 per square meter.
Artificial Lime Green Boxwood Hedge | TableclothsFactory
Flowers
Flowers are obviously a must for a backyard oasis. Buy pre-made planters from your local garden centre or create your own baskets or plant a flower garden.
Roses, pansies, marigolds – stick to a colour theme to make choosing flowers easier. Go for pinks and purples, or yellows and oranges, or red and white for Canada Day.
Here are some gardening tips for growing plants from seeds.
Accessories
For some final touches, add a few outdoor pillows and cute dinnerware to complete your backyard space. These pillows are beachy and cute.
Beach Outdoor Pillow by Ashland® | Michaels
Breezy Melamine Palm Leaf Dinnerware | Crate and Barrel
W Home™ Palm Leaf Dinnerware Collection | bedbathandbeyond.com
With these backyard tips, you are on the right path to setting up a well-decorated and functional backyard. Good luck with having a more pleasant backyard fun time!
