19 Things An Interior Designer Never Wastes Money On For An Outdoor Space

Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, professional designers know exactly where to splurge and where to save.

Whether you’re decorating a tiny balcony or a sprawling backyard, avoiding these common money-wasters will help you create a stylish and functional outdoor oasis without unnecessary expenses.

1. Overpriced outdoor rugs

Why shell out hundreds when Mother Nature will eventually have her way? Smart designers opt for affordable, replaceable options instead of luxury versions that will fade and deteriorate at the same rate as their budget-friendly counterparts.

The key is finding weather-resistant materials at reasonable prices. After all, even the priciest outdoor rug will need replacing after a few seasons of sun, rain, and foot traffic.

2. Fussy cushions without covers

Imagine discovering your beautiful cushions soaked after an unexpected shower! Without removable, washable covers, outdoor cushions quickly become breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Savvy designers always choose cushions with zippered, machine-washable covers in outdoor-grade fabrics. This simple feature extends their lifespan dramatically while keeping maintenance hassle-free and your outdoor seating always guest-ready.

3. Tiny patio umbrellas

Have you ever tried to enjoy lunch under an umbrella that barely shades your plate? Those cute café-sized versions might seem budget-friendly, but they’re practically useless for actual sun protection.

Professional designers invest in properly sized umbrellas (at least 9 feet in diameter) that provide meaningful shade. The right umbrella transforms your outdoor space into a usable retreat, even during the hottest part of the day.

4. Designer garden gnomes

Believe it or not, there’s an entire market of “luxury” garden gnomes with shocking price tags! These whimsical creatures might bring a smile, but spending hundreds on designer versions is where professionals draw the line.

If garden gnomes match your aesthetic, charming affordable options abound. The birds, butterflies, and human visitors to your garden certainly won’t notice the difference between budget and high-end versions.

5. Non-UV-protected furniture

Summer sunshine wreaks absolute havoc on outdoor furniture lacking proper protection! Within a single season, those vibrant colors fade to ghostly shadows of their former glory.

Expert designers always verify UV ratings before purchasing. Even budget-friendly pieces with proper UV protection will outlast expensive options without it. This simple check prevents the disappointment of watching your beautiful new furniture deteriorate before your eyes.

6. Trendy bistro sets that are uncomfortable

Those Instagram-worthy metal bistro sets might look chic in photos, but sitting on them for more than ten minutes? Pure torture! Seasoned designers prioritize comfort over fleeting trends when selecting outdoor seating.

After all, what good is a gorgeous dining set if no one wants to linger over dinner? The most successful outdoor spaces invite people to relax and stay awhile, which requires seating that actually feels good.

7. String lights without weatherproofing

Watching your beautiful string lights short out during the first rainstorm is truly heartbreaking! Indoor-grade lights masquerading as outdoor options litter the marketplace, tempting shoppers with lower prices.

Professional designers always check the IP rating (look for IP65 or higher). This simple number tells you if the lights can actually withstand moisture and dust. Properly rated lights might cost slightly more initially but save money and frustration in the long run.

8. Expensive outdoor art

Wind, rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations form a brutal gauntlet for any artwork displayed outside. Even pieces marketed specifically for outdoor use often deteriorate faster than expected.

Instead of investing in costly outdoor sculptures or wall art, clever designers use plants as living artwork. Natural elements like interesting driftwood, locally sourced stones, or even thoughtfully arranged container gardens provide visual interest without the hefty price tag.

9. High-end planters without drainage

The quickest way to kill plants? Fancy containers lacking proper drainage holes! It’s astonishing how many expensive planters come without this essential feature, practically guaranteeing root rot and dead plants.

Experienced designers either select containers with built-in drainage or drill holes themselves. They know that plant health trumps container aesthetics every time. Many affordable options now come with proper drainage and stylish designs that won’t break the bank.

10. Single-purpose side tables

In our space-conscious world, furniture that performs only one function is increasingly viewed as a luxury few can justify. Smart designers gravitate toward multifunctional pieces that maximize versatility in outdoor settings.

Look for side tables with built-in storage, coolers, or adjustable heights. These clever pieces can transform from cocktail table to extra seating or storage in seconds. Why pay for multiple pieces when one well-designed item can serve several purposes?

11. Matching sets

Cookie-cutter patio sets scream “I bought everything at once without much thought!” While convenient, these matched collections often command premium prices while lacking personality and adaptability to your specific space.

Professional designers prefer curating complementary pieces that work together without being identical twins. This approach creates more visual interest and allows for gradual replacement of individual items as needed. Plus, it’s typically more budget-friendly than purchasing entire coordinated collections.

12. Cheap fire pits that rust immediately

Nothing ruins outdoor ambiance faster than a rusty, deteriorating fire pit. Those bargain-basement models might seem like a deal initially, but they’re destined for the landfill after just one season.

Quality designers recommend investing in properly made fire features with appropriate materials and construction. A well-made fire pit becomes the heart of outdoor gatherings for years to come, making it worth spending a bit more for something that will actually last.

13. Complicated water features

Those elaborate cascading fountains with multiple pumps and lighting systems? Maintenance nightmares waiting to happen! Professional designers steer clear of overly complex water features that require constant attention and specialized knowledge.

Simple, well-designed water elements provide the same soothing sounds and visual appeal without the headaches. Remember that every added component represents another potential failure point requiring repair. Simpler is almost always better for long-term enjoyment.

14. Outdoor speakers that aren’t wireless

Modern designers have abandoned wired outdoor audio systems in favor of weather-resistant wireless options that offer superior flexibility and cleaner aesthetics.

Today’s wireless outdoor speakers deliver excellent sound quality without permanent installation requirements. Many even disguise themselves as landscape features like rocks or planters, blending seamlessly into your outdoor design while providing ambient music exactly where you want it.

15. Unnecessary pergola drapes

Those flowing fabric panels might look romantic in staged photos, but they rapidly become mildew-covered nightmares in real-world conditions. Unless you’re committed to taking them down before every rainfall, outdoor drapes quickly lose their charm.

Clever designers create shade and privacy through more practical means like retractable awnings or outdoor-grade roller shades. For seasonal use in protected areas, washable options with quick-release hardware make occasional use more manageable.

16. Mini grills with no power

Those adorable tabletop grills barely generate enough heat to cook a single burger! Professional designers recognize that undersized cooking equipment leads to frustration rather than enjoyable outdoor entertaining.

Instead of wasting money on novelty-sized appliances, invest in appropriately sized grills that match your cooking needs. Even in small spaces, compact but powerful models exist that deliver proper cooking performance without excessive footprints.

17. Delicate decor that can’t stay outside

Running outside to rescue your decorations every time clouds appear quickly becomes exhausting! Smart designers choose genuinely outdoor-worthy accessories rather than indoor items masquerading as outdoor-appropriate.

Look for materials specifically engineered to withstand the elements: marine-grade fabrics, powder-coated metals, weather-resistant resins, and treated woods. These materials might cost slightly more initially but save countless hours of maintenance and replacement costs over their much longer lifespans.

18. Fake topiaries

Unless you’re investing in museum-quality artificial plants (with astronomical price tags), plastic topiaries fool absolutely no one! They quickly become faded, brittle eyesores that collect dust and cobwebs in all the wrong places.

Professional designers either commit to maintaining real topiary plants or choose different design elements entirely. For low-maintenance greenery, many beautiful, slow-growing plants naturally maintain attractive shapes with minimal pruning requirements.

19. Low-quality solar lights

Those bargain-bin solar lights promising ambient evening glow? They typically deliver disappointing, dim illumination that fades to nothing after just a few hours—if they work at all!

Experienced designers select solar fixtures with higher-capacity batteries and quality solar panels. The difference in performance is dramatic. Quality solar lighting maintains consistent brightness throughout the evening and lasts for years rather than a single season.