There’s something so rewarding about creating a beautiful space without overspending—especially when it’s your own little outdoor oasis. Our backyard patio has become a favorite spot to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy each season. And the best part? It was brought to life using an assortment of secondhand finds. This thrifted Summer patio proves that you can have style, comfort, and charm without a hefty price tag.
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While our outdoor furniture was purchased new, nearly all of our décor, planters, and even the plants are thrifted! Ready to take a peek?
Lanterns
Brand new lanterns can be surprisingly expensive—sometimes over $100! I recently snagged these sleek black metal lanterns at Goodwill for just $6.99 each. After a deep clean with hot soapy water, they looked practically new. Paired with battery-operated outdoor candles, they give off the coziest evening glow.
If you find lanterns at the thrift store that don’t quite match your aesthetic, don’t pass them up! A little paint can completely transform them into something that fits your vibe.
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Garden Bench
Can you believe this bench was only $4.99? I removed the metal seat frame and reupholstered it using some leftover outdoor fabric I had from a previous project. (A clearance fabric outlet find—score!) If you’re new to reupholstering, I’ve got tips for making this DIY beginner-friendly. See how I also flipped a $20 Facebook Marketplace bench into a charming entryway piece!
Votive Candle Holders
Ever seen those metal wire pieces at the thrift store with little rings all over? They’re designed to hold votive candle cups—but they’re also perfect for creating solar light chandeliers! I grabbed two hanging versions last spring for $3 each, gave them a fresh coat of paint, and added Parisian-style solar lights. Now they offer a magical glow for evening entertaining.
I also revamped a tabletop version, perfect for our outdoor dining table. It even has a center hole to fit our patio umbrella!
Pillar Candle Holders
Pillar candelabras can bring a touch of elegance to your thrifted Summer patio. I found a heavy metal one for under $10 and repurposed it into a unique plant stand using small terracotta pots. To age the pots beautifully, I made a simple limewash solution—no waiting 50 years for that weathered charm!
Planter Pots
It’s almost impossible not to find planter pots at the thrift store. Whether you limewash, paint, or decoupage, there are so many creative ways to personalize them. And let’s be honest—those vintage, weathered pots? Total thrift store gold!
Looking for a standout project? Try creating a solar fountain planter from thrifted pots!
see the tutorial below
Materials:
- 3 planter pots: 1 large, 1 medium (that fits upside down inside the large), 1 wide and shallow (a bowl works!)
- Potting soil
- River rock or stones
- Plants of your choice
- Solar fountain
Instructions:
- Place the medium pot upside down inside the large one, so it’s about 3 inches below the rim. Fill the space with dirt or stones if needed.
- Add soil around the medium pot to secure it.
- Set your shallow bowl on top of the upside-down pot. This becomes your fountain.
- Plant flowers around the edges. Optional: top with river rocks.
- Fill the bowl with water and rocks, then add the solar fountain.
This DIY is peaceful, soothing, and a total showstopper.
Hanging Baskets and Wall Mounted Planters
Why limit yourself to ground pots? The thrift store is full of wire planters for hanging or wall-mounting. You may need to buy new coco liners, but the frames are often great quality. I found a pair of rusted wall-mounted wire planters, cleaned them up, sprayed them with rust-resistant paint, and now they’re mounted under our kitchen windows.
We filled them with herbs like tricolor sage, dill, thyme, tarragon, and marjoram—perfect for harvesting right from the window!
Want to know which annual plants give you the biggest bang for your buck?
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You Might Like: THREE SIMPLE TIPS FOR OUTDOOR POTTED PLANTS
You might enjoy these summer posts from the archives
8 VIRAL ITEMS YOU SHOULD THRIFT FOR SUMMER RIGHT NOW
TURN A FLOOR LAMP INTO A PLANTER
MEADOW TEA – THE PERFECT SUMMER DRINK
Whether you’re working with a tiny balcony or a spacious yard, there are so many ways to infuse your outdoor space with secondhand charm and save money while doing it. I hope this inspires your own thrifted Summer patio makeover!
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xoxo, L
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