Covered Patio Ideas on a Budget

An enclosed patio lets you experience the refreshing atmosphere of the great outdoors from the comfort of your own home. Screened-in porches and covered terraces often serve as a unique spot for relaxing alone or entertaining guests, so it's important to outfit the space with chic, comfy and affordable furnishings. Choosing the right enclosed patio furniture for cocktail parties and backyard barbecues can cost a pretty penny. To save money, you'll need to select budget-friendly pieces with versatile styles, functional designs and quality materials. Consider these covered patio layout ideas to give your outdoor dining and seating areas a stunning and affordable makeover.

Enclosed patio furniture should be ultra-comfy, well made and budget-friendly.

How Much Does it Cost to Furnish a Patio?

Common patio furniture materials like teak, aluminum, wicker and wrought iron tend to be more expensive than normal treated wood or metal frames. Upholstered items with Sunbrella, denim and other outdoor performance fabrics often have a higher price tag too. Some furnishings also have different finishes with UV stabilizers or inhibitors, which can add to the cost. As you can see, designer patio furniture can quickly drive up the cost of your decorating project. In some cases, outdoor pieces can even be more expensive than indoor decor. However, it's important to remember that investing in these high-end furnishings helps your enclosed patio be both comfortable and stylish.

Many patio furnishings feature high-quality materials designed for outdoor use that can be quite expensive.

How Can I Furnish my Patio Cheaply?

Although patio decor can be pricey, there are plenty of inexpensive items you can use that help you stay within your budget. For example, hammocks and folding camp chairs create a cozy, casual look at a fairly low cost. You might also consider splurging on a plush patio conversation set or large outdoor dining table and pairing it with smaller, more affordable accents. When it comes to picking low-cost furniture, enclosed porches offer a little more wiggle room than open decks or patios. Since the layout has more protection from the elements, you could decorate the space with indoor furnishings if the materials can handle some occasional exposure to moisture or the weather. If you take this route, be sure to avoid more delicate fabrics like velvet and linen.

Select budget-friendly patio seating with comfortable materials designed for the outdoors.

What is Trending in Patio Furniture?

Your enclosed patio furniture should fit your unique sense of style as well as your budget. Search for boho, coastal or rustic-style seating, tables, light fixtures and planters if you're going for a laidback, natural look. Want to create an upscale, refined aesthetic? Try outfitting your covered patio with traditional, modern or contemporary furnishings. Regardless of your design preferences, it's important to choose the essential outdoor furniture first. If you're planning to use your enclosed patio for alfresco dinner and cocktail parties, choose a dining table and chairs that can accommodate all your guests. Or, start with comfy sofas, chairs, coffee tables and side tables if you want to establish a seating area on your covered terrace.

When shopping for patio furniture, start by choosing essential items like practical tables and seats.

Outdoor Dining on a Budget

To transform your enclosed patio into a chic and inviting dining space, start by choosing an outdoor dining set. Depending on the size of your layout, you may be able to host family get-togethers using a 6 pc, 7 pc or 9 pc arrangement. Meanwhile, a small bistro set may be a better choice if you want to establish a cozy café vibe for enjoying morning coffee and light meals on a narrow patio or balcony. Need additional accents to tie your covered patio dining area together? Consider setting up a bar-height table to serve as an outdoor sideboard or buffet station. Include a set of stackable or backless bar stools to offer extra seating as needed. If you plan to open up the sides of your enclosed porch to expand the layout, use cantilever or table umbrellas to provide shade on either side of the patio.

A simple dining table and chair set makes an excellent focal point for your outdoor dining area.

Budget-Friendly Patio Living Spaces

For cozy outdoor living spaces, choose furniture that promotes a charming, relaxing atmosphere. Place a roomy sofa or sectional on your spacious covered deck to establish a spot for stretching out, reading a book or enjoying an afternoon nap. Smaller loveseats, chaises and patio benches are a well-fitting option for tinier enclosed patios. Round out your covered patio seating arrangement using practical side tables and console tables to hold drinks and outdoor table lamps. You can also set up a separate conversation spot by placing a chat table and a few armless accent chairs off to the side. If your enclosed patio has proper ventilation, consider including a fire pit or patio heater to give the space a warm and cozy boost.

With the right furnishings, an enclosed patio seating area can serve as a second living room.

While decorating your enclosed patio can be a costly and overwhelming process, using these covered patio furniture ideas can help make the experience a little easier on you and your wallet. Try out a few tips from this post to create a stylish covered patio where you and your loved ones can enjoy the outdoors in maximum comfort.