3 Budget-Friendly Styles from West Elm That Make Your Outdoor Space Feel Like a Vacation

It’s already the dog days of summer, and you may have planned to be sipping Micheladas in Tulum or making s’mores in front of a campfire in the Adirondacks right now. So we get it if you’re bummed about a canceled vacation—we are too. But before summer totally sizzles out, consider bringing your vacation to your backyard.

Hopefully you’ve been able to enjoy your outdoor space more than ever this summer. If you have, you might be thinking about what investments to make so it feels more homey. We took inspiration from three of our favorite vacation spots to create style plans that would make any backyard feel like the destination for you and your household. Best of all, we sourced everything from West Elm, an Affirm partner. As soon as you hit $100 in your cart, you can buy with a transparent and honest alternative to your credit card. This lets you greenlight a major backyard refresh now and split the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months with simple payments and an APR as low as 0%. And best of all, you will never pay more than you agree to upfront. Affirm never charges late or hidden fees, ever. In other words, you can refresh your space now and still get plenty of enjoyment from it while it’s still warm outside.

With this in mind, here are our three vacation-inspired backyard styles.

Setting up a tent, lighting a campfire, and sleeping under the stars can be just as fun for kids (and adults!) in a backyard as it is at an actual campground. So fun, in fact, that we think an Adirondack-themed backyard setup makes sense for year-round outdoor fun.

A picnic table is a campground essential of course, but for something a little more sophisticated, West Elm’s Portside Dining Table and Bench Set is a great choice. Style your tablescape with rustic planters, chic camp mugs, and candlelit lanterns that will make everything feel like summer camp, but for grown-ups. A charcuterie spread on a wood slab cutting board with gold cheese knives would complete the picture and upgrade your campsite to a glampsite. Don’t forget a handy picnic tote to make it feel like you’re really entertaining in the great outdoors.

Naturally, it wouldn’t feel like The Adirondacks without an Adirondack chair or two. West Elm’s version was designed in collaboration with Polywood, and it’s the most low-maintenance Adirondack chair out there. Made from a blend of recycled consumer plastics, it’s sturdy, stylish, and environmentally friendly. There’s even a matching side table, too. For cooler nights spent around the fire pit, we recommend these throws, which can double as bedspreads or picnic blankets.

Budget (at time of publication): $2,852.40, or as low as $250.96 per month

If you’re a dedicated beach bum, nothing beats the crystal clear waters and artsy atmosphere of Tulum, but we found a way to bring it all home. Center your space with a fun rug and breezy lounge chairs to take in the sun. Then, accessorize with perforated porcelain hurricane lanterns to add a little nighttime shimmer and some tropical foliage in portable planters, which can be moved inside once the weather cools off.

This bistro set is ideal for small spaces and still fits in with a Caribbean theme, and sunny outdoor dinnerware adds a pop of color. Complete the look with colorful, tropical throw pillows and side tables that pair perfectly with that blue bistro table.

Budget (at time of publication): $4,383.99, or as low as $385.72 per month

Palm Springs is just as much a design destination as it is a vacation destination. But also, at time of writing, it was 112° there. While it’s admittedly not an ideal summer destination, Palm Springs’ relaxed, retro vibe is ideal for year-round backyard inspo at home.

We started with these breezy outdoor chaise loungers which, honestly, could make even a kiddie pool setup look pretty chic. Outdoor pillows and geometric wire side tables add pops of color while a quality umbrella helps keep things cool.

For a Palm Springs outdoor tablescape, sourcing items that look vintage but feel modern is a win. These melamine terrazzo dinner plates are a little bit retro, a little bit trendy, and pretty much unbreakable. Set the mood with some distinctive mid-century-style lanterns and you’re all set for an evening of alfresco entertaining that will bring you back to the desert.

Budget (at time of publication): $2,035.80, or as low as $179.12 per month

There are plenty more outdoor hangouts ahead of us this year! With Affirm you can plan, outfit, and enjoy a refreshed backyard in confidence by choosing a payment plan based on your budget, without fear of late or hidden fees.

When shopping at West Elm, pay for any order over $100 with Affirm financing, which, once approved, lets you buy now and pay over 3, 6, or 12 months with an APR as low as 0%. There are never any late or hidden fees, making Affirm a great partner in getting the backyard of your dreams a lot sooner than you thought you could.

*For example, a $1,000 purchase might cost $88/mo for 12 months at 10% APR. Your rate will be 0% APR or 10–30% APR based on credit, and is subject to an eligibility check. Payment options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. Not available in all states. Affirm loans are made by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.