Repurposed Patio Decor: 6 Items Design Experts Recommend Buying Used
Ready to give your backyard a chic makeover? Get your hands on some pre-loved treasures to spruce things up!
"Second-hand shopping is not just clever, it's intentional," states Lisa Graham, founder of Laurel Alexander Interiors based in Gainesville, Georgia. It enables you to amass a collection of items that exudes history and character, reminiscent of the timeless family porches and enchanting gardens. By sourcing thoughtfully, you'll cultivate a space filled with refined, rooted charm, all while embracing the Southern aesthetic.
To inspire your transformation, we've enlisted experts to discuss the top six secondhand additions to your backyard.
Dining Sets
Love hosting get-togethers? Make your backyard the envy of friends with a quaint dining set or bistro table. Lisa Gilmore, the founder of Lisa Gilmore Design in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a fan of hunting for these pieces secondhand, adding charm with a quick coat of paint and some reupholstery. Secondhand outdoor furniture complements outdoor spaces beautifully, imbued with warmth and character.
Graham especially appreciates wrought iron furniture for its stately, age-old charm. "A little rust adds to its appeal; call it patina," she says. "These pieces are as solid as Southern porches, standing the test of time."
Adirondack Chairs
What's better than embracing the simple charm of the classic Adirondack chair at a fraction of retail price? Seek out these comfy beauties on your local Facebook Marketplace or secondhand stores like Goodwill. Expired yard sale stock can often serve you well, provided they are still in good condition.
Pots And Vessels
Add depth and intrigue to your backyard by layering on secondhand pots and vessels. "Fill the vessels with various plants, creating a captivating, curated garden feel," says furniture designer Kevin Billings, owner of Dexter & Plaid in Leesburg, Virginia. By sourcing a collection of secondhand items, you'll achieve a more harmonious and authentic outdoor ambiance.
Garden Sculptures
Why limit yourself to just plants? Dress up your garden with unique garden sculptures like vintage gnomes, quirky flamingos, or whimsical bugs. Heather Disabella, founder of Heather Disabella Interior Design on Maryland's Eastern Shore, highlights the personal touch and history these artful accents bring to your outdoor space.
Patio Furniture
If you're looking for high-quality, durable patio furniture, the secondhand market is a fantastic place to find gems like wrought iron furniture and other weather-resistant options. Refinish them with a bit of effort to make them your own.
Wooden Decor
Whether it's a decorative birdbath crafted out of an old milk can or a rustic screen made from reclaimed wood, incorporating wood pieces into your outdoor space can create a cohesive, charming atmosphere. For durability, we recommend buying secondhand to ensure the pieces can stand up to the elements.
- Lisa Graham, founder of Laurel Alexander Interiors, emphasizes the intentionality of second-hand shopping, creating an ambiance reminiscent of Southern porches and gardens.
- Lisa Gilmore, founder of Lisa Gilmore Design, suggests hunting for secondhand dining sets or bistro tables, adding character with a coat of paint and reupholstery.
- Gainesville, Georgia native Lisa Graham appreciates the aged charm of wrought iron furniture, with a bit of rust adding to its appeal.
- Adirondack chairs, abundant on Facebook Marketplace and Goodwill, can bring simple charm to your backyard at a fraction of retail price.
- Furniture designer Kevin Billings recommends filling vessels with various plants to create a captivating, curated garden feel in your backyard using secondhand pots and vessels.
- Heather Disabella, founder of Heather Disabella Interior Design, underscores the personal touch and history brought by garden sculptures like vintage gnomes, quirky flamingos, and whimsical bugs.
- If you're in search of durable patio furniture or wooden decor like birdbaths and screens, the secondhand market is an excellent source, providing weather-resistant options for a cohesive, charming outdoor living space.