5 Easy, Frugal Ways to Make your Outdoor Space Super-Cozy

This is the perfect time of year to start spending more time outdoors. But if your outdoor space isn’t as comfortable and inviting as you’d like it to be, you and your guests will be heading back indoors before long. It doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are 5 easy, inexpensive things you can do to help you maximize your garden’s atmosphere just in time for the summer holidays.

1. Make a Cool Garden Canopy For Your Outdoor Space 

The hot sun can limit the time you can comfortably spend at your outdoor dining set, bench, or hammock, but pre-made awnings and canopies can be costly. Don’t worry, because you don’t have to be a master craftsman to make this lovely, inexpensive DIY canopy, courtesy of This Old House!

2. Invite the Butterflies to Put on a Show

Man-made items aren’t the only things that add ambiance to your outdoor space; nature’s beauty brings an extra layer of flair to your garden. Here are 4 easy, inexpensive ways to invite local butterflies into your garden; these also make excellent art projects to do with kids.

Selecting plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds is another excellent way to let nature help you entertain your guests.

3. Get Rid of Mosquitoes the Natural Way

Few things will spoil an outdoor get-together faster than a mosquito invasion. Not everyone likes using smelly chemical mosquito repellents, though. Here are some natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from you and your guests.

4. Add a Romantic Candle Wall to your Deck

The right lighting can completely set the tone for an evening outdoors. This Old House has a safe, inexpensive, and easy way to add a candle wall to your deck and bring a romantic ambiance to your outdoor space.

5. Create your Own Stylish Furniture Set For Your Outdoor Space

Commercially-made outdoor furniture sets can be expensive, and many of them completely lack personality. You can get your own cozy, unique furniture set with a bit of time and elbow grease.

This Old House recommends visiting places that sell inexpensive second-hand pieces, such as Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStores, finding chairs and tables that you like, and then painting them to match each other. You can end up with a beautiful set of outdoor furniture for a fraction of the cost.

Enjoy your summer!

Photo courtesy of GocheGanas