Setting up a terrace does not necessarily require a large budget. A few well-thought-out choices are enough to transform an outdoor space.
In brief
- Prioritise items based on available budget rather than doing everything at once.
- Bet on potted plants to green up the space without construction work.
- Choose second-hand or modular furniture.
- Add simple lighting to extend use into the evening.
- Work on textiles and small accessories for a cosy feel on a low budget.
- Save costly flooring for a second phase, if needed.
Prioritising the design items
Rather than funding everything at once, it is more realistic to prioritise: furniture and planting first, then possibly flooring or a pergola later, once budget becomes available. This gradual approach also avoids impulse purchases that end up not fitting well with the overall look once the terrace is finished, a step-by-step principle similar to the one used to cut everyday expenses without changing everything at once.
Greening the space without construction work using potted plants
| Plant type | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Perennials | Low maintenance, return every year |
| Climbing plants | Create vertical privacy |
| Aromatic herbs | Useful day to day, low cost |
Potted plants allow a terrace to be greened up quickly, with no structural work, and can be moved around according to the seasons or preferences. For a terrace exposed to view, climbing plants installed on a light trellis create a natural, low-cost separation, often more affordable than a wooden or composite privacy screen.
Betting on second-hand or modular furniture
Second-hand furniture, available on peer-to-peer sales platforms, often allows furnishing a terrace at a lower cost. Modular or foldable furniture is also a practical option for small outdoor spaces, particularly when the terrace also needs to occasionally double as storage for other uses.
Creating a cosy atmosphere with textiles and small accessories
Beyond the furniture, it’s often the small details that make a terrace inviting. A weather-resistant outdoor rug, cushions in colours that match the decor, and a few throws for cooler evenings transform the atmosphere for a budget generally lower than buying new furniture. These textile elements are also easy to change with the seasons or as preferences evolve, without a major expense.
Simple lighting to extend evenings
String lights, solar lamps or candle holders are enough to create a pleasant atmosphere in the evening, with no need for complex electrical installation. Motion-sensor lighting also acts as a deterrent, alongside a home alarm system.
Thinking of the outdoors as an extension of the home
This small-budget design approach ties in with the principles applied indoors to optimise storage in a small space, with the same goal: making the most of every available square metre. Once the terrace is set up, folding it into a regular maintenance routine keeps it from deteriorating as soon as the weather turns.