The Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Furniture That Still Looks Good

Best Patio Set

Hashtag Home Alondra 3-Piece Bistro Set

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Bistro sets are the easiest way to add functionality and personality to a balcony or tiny patio. This affordable option from Wayfair is simple, chic, and just the right size for a morning cup of coffee or evening apéritif.

Unlike flimsier wood bistro sets, which typically fold up so they can be stored away from the elements, this one is made of iron and is sturdy enough to leave out year-round. The best part, though, is the range of bright color options, including a slightly retro-looking lime green and a cheerful bright teal. No matter what, you have a set that'll make even the drabbest patios feel brand new.

Best Bench

PatioSense Sava Indoor/Outdoor Wooden Park Bench

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If you're looking for a stylish way to add more seating to your outdoor setup, this woven design by PatioSense has you covered. The stylish bench will spruce up your patio, and seat two people with ease.

The bench is made of solid Acacia wood and features a black, woven seat and back for a unique contrast. Paired together, the bench offers a versatile look that'll work well with most design styles. The seating is ideal for days spent poolside or lounging outdoors with loved ones, but thanks to its lightweight design, you can also move it indoors if you want to use it there as well—all you have to do is fold it up and you're good to go.

Best Chair

Bee & Willow Home Nantucket Wicker Folding Chair

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If folding chairs are a priority (and they should be if you regularly store them or are looking for extra seating that you can use just occasionally), this wicker chair from BB & B’s exclusive Bee & Willow brand is a great choice.

It's cheerfully woven from colorful wicker in a chevron pattern, making it feel both breezy yet slightly fancy. Two of these chairs paired with a stool and some festive fairy lights is really all you need to set up a romantic little outdoor spot. There’s also a matching picnic basket in the Bee & Willow collection, which will make an al fresco meal feel extra special.

Best Bar Stool

Flash Furniture 30'' High Backless Metal Indoor-Outdoor Barstool with Square Seat

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For an affordable, extra-sturdy bar stool, this commercial-quality classic is your best bet. Chances are you’ve perched on one at a local restaurant before, but it'll look just as great on your patio as it does at a trendy bar.

There are tons of colors to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your aesthetic. Buy a few in one color, or mix and match to create a literal rainbow in your space. While it's designed to be durable enough for outdoor spaces, you can definitely use it inside for a colorful addition to your kitchen counter bar. 

Best Stool

World Market Metal Faceted Octavia Outdoor Stool

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Every hard-working outdoor space deserves a stool. This versatile piece of furniture can be used to display plants, hold drinks, or serve as extra seating in a pinch, plus it can add a very stylish touch if you find the right one.

The Octavia Outdoor Stool, which is exclusive to World Market, would look great in any midd-century modern or boho space, indoors or out. It’s made from powder-coated steel so it’s resistant to rust, and is easy to keep clean with just a swipe. While its faceted wireframe design provides an interesting accent, it'll also help keep your outdoor space feeling nice and airy.

Best Pouf

Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Pouf

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Given its fun stripes and pretty pom-pom textured detailing, the Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Pouf doesn’t really look like one of the most affordable options out there, but it is! Its neutral design means it can go with any décor, and it can definitely add a shabby chic touch if you’re going for a boho or global look in your space. It’s generously sized (big enough to be used as extra seating or as an impromptu coffee table), and made with water-resistant, fade-resistant fabric to keep it in good shape all season long. 

Best Planter

Kante Concrete Outdoor Planter

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Stylish and affordable outdoor planters that don’t look like cheap plastic are surprisingly hard to find. This concrete one strikes just the right balance between cheap and chic, thanks to the composite material it’s made from and its modern profile. It looks like concrete, it’s strong like concrete, but it’s actually really lightweight and easy to move around. It's a great choice for a succulent garden or maybe a container herb garden, and it’s small enough to easily bring indoors seasonally if you need to.

Best Rug

Rugs USA Aperto Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug

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Outdoor rugs are often overlooked, but they can completely transform a balcony or patio, both by adding some visual interest and by making it comfortable to go barefoot all summer long. Rugs USA has a big selection of cheap outdoor rugs, but if we had to choose just one, this would be it.

With an ornate diamond pattern, it definitely ups the sophistication level of a space, but it’s super easy to care for and can stand up to the elements. Technically, it’s an outdoor and indoor rug, so it can shift from an outside space to an inside one throughout the seasons if you like to mix things up.

Best Throw Pillow

World Market Solid Outdoor Throw Pillow

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You might be looking at your outdoor space setup and wondering if you really need to add a throw pillows or two. We're here to say: Yes, yes you do. From outdoor club chairs to retro metal gliders, pretty much any outdoor seating arrangement can benefit from the pop of color and extra cushion a throw pillow provides. This simple but playful 18 x 18 inch outdoor throw pillow from World Market is covered in weather-ready fabric, so you won’t have to worry about it surviving the elements.

Best Bar Cart

Cosco Outdoor Living Folding Serving Cart

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This indoor/outdoor folding bar cart is everything. Yes, you’ll want to pull it out and use it as a bar when spending a lazy summer afternoon outside, but you’ll also find yourself relying on it whenever you need some extra surface space for a BBQ, or when you’re baking a big batch of cookies but run out of kitchen counter space for cooling them.

It folds up to just 5.1 inches wide when not in use, so it can easily be tucked away in a closet or next to your fridge. You get to choose from a slatted or solid version, both of which are available in an array of vibrant colors. 

Best Lighting

Better Homes & Gardens Edison Bulb String Lights

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There are tons of outdoor lighting options to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with a classic set of Edison bulb string lights. They cast a warm glow, making your space feel more cozy and festive at night, and are easy to hang as long as you have an outdoor plug nearby.

This budget-friendly option from Walmart is particularly good—you get a durable 20-foot long string of 15 lights, and you can connect up to 16 sets if you’ve got a really big space. The bulbs are waterproof, shatterproof, and put off an ample amount of light to make your space feel more magical at night.