We Gave a Designer $50 to Shop for Outdoor Decor at IKEA — Here Are Her Finds

published Apr 26, 2025

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Outdoor spaces are sometimes a decorating afterthought (although they shouldn’t be!). By the time you’re ready to spruce up your patio, deck, or front porch, your budget might be dwindling. But don’t worry, because this time of year IKEA is bursting with affordable outdoor decor. I asked Anaïs Chaumien, a professional interior designer based in New York City, to shop IKEA’s outdoor decor collection on a shoestring budget. With just $50, Chaumien was able to round up some gorgeous pieces to breathe new life into any outdoor space.

Here’s what she picked and why:

TÅNEBRO Side Table

$20

You’re definitely going to need a place to set your glass of lemonade, wine, or coffee mug while you’re lounging or hosting company outside. This side table adds a fun and lively pop of color. “Even when going neutral, I like adding an unexpected touch of color for more character,” says Chaumien of this bright green option.

$20 at IKEA

HASSELBUKETT Plant Pot

$12

Potted plants add life to your outdoor space, and a colorful pot will elevate them to the next level. “Plants will be the difference between a soulless space and a patio full of character,” Chaumien says. This planter with its ribbed shape is affordable and adorable.

$12 at IKEA

DRAKFRUKT Plant Pot

To add some variety and personality to a backyard or balcony, play around with mixing different sizes and varieties of planters. Chaumien picked another, smaller plant pot, noting, “I love the color of this little planter, not to mention how subtle it is while still being super unique.”

$5 at IKEA

GULLBERGSÖ Cushion Cover

It’s easy to skip over accessories when styling your outdoor space, but they make a huge difference. A pair of outdoor pillows can make your outdoor seating feel so much cozier. “This pillow is super versatile, you could use it as a pop of color in a neutral space, and it can be used either in a modern or more traditional vibe,” Chaumien says. It’s an especially great choice if you’re just starting to explore playing with color and you’re afraid to commit to a stronger style.

$6 at IKEA

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All in all, Chaumien was able to purchase five items (one of the first three items and two cushions) for just $49, a steal when you consider that includes a table, two planters, and two throw pillows. There are at least a hundred combinations of items you could score at IKEA for a $50 budget to make your outdoor space feel like a dreamy oasis, which just goes to show that you don’t have to spend big to make a huge impact.

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We Gave a Designer $50 to Shop for Outdoor Decor at IKEA — Here Are Her Finds

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