Easy Pool Decorating That Won't Break the Bank

Dreaming of a tropical oasis in your backyard but don't have the budget for a full pool renovation? With some simple yet creative ideas, you can give your swimming area a makeover without spending a fortune. Read on for budget-friendly tips to transform your pool from bleh to fab.

Decorating your pool area doesn't require expensive renovations or upgrades. By repurposing household items, shopping secondhand, using natural elements, and getting crafty with paint and lighting, you can create a gorgeous setting perfect for relaxation and fun.

Use Natural Elements for a Tranquil Vibe

Incorporate nature into your pool zone to enhance the serenity without opening your wallet. Potted plants and trees instantly provide privacy, shade, and natural beauty. Arrange an assortment of lush greens like palms, banana trees, bamboo, and tall grasses in varying heights and textures for visual interest.

Dot the landscape with large rocks, boulders, or gravel to complement the plantings. Consider incorporating a small DIY pond or fountain using a half wine barrel or galvanized tub for the base. The gentle sounds of moving water can have an instantly calming effect.

Repurpose Household Items for Savings & Character

Before buying new decorative accessories, take a look around your home and garage for hidden treasures. Old ladders, crates, barrels, and scraps of wood can bring savings, sustainability, and eclectic personality when upcycled.

• Transform an old ladder into a handy poolside towel rack or cascading flower display
• Use vintage crates and barrels as planters or storage for pool toys
• Craft signage, shelves, unique seating from salvaged wood

If you're artistically inclined, mosaic old dishes, mirror shards, or marbles into one-of-a-kind tabletops. Mismatched vintage plates also look charming hung in a . By repurposing things already on hand, you stretch your decor dollars creatively.

Give Surfaces New Life with Bright Paint

A fresh coat of paint works magic to give tired surfaces new attitude. Opt for bright, punchy hues that energize the landscape. Paint the pool interior an electric blue, cherry red, or vibrant green. Stencil funky shapes onto the concrete deck or vertical surfaces surrounding the pool. Update drab patio furniture by spray painting the frames and giving worn cushions a makeover.

Get Creative With Paint Projects

Unleash your inner artist to devise painted embellishments that customize your space.

• Paint a fun mural along the fence or wall as a dramatic backdrop
• Use stencils to create eye-catching tile-style patterns on flooring
• Add playful touches like bold polka dots, stripes, or bubbles
• Include inspirational quotes or funny sayings only your guests will understand

By putting a colorful, personal spin on your surfaces, you can create a one-of-a-kind setting that feels special.

Employ Lighting for Drama & Ambiance

Strategically placed lighting sets the mood after dusk for warm, welcoming gatherings. String lights draped between trees, posts, or a pergola overhead cast a magical glow. Groupings of tiki torches add flair while lighting pathways. Solar lanterns and candles illuminate steps and dark corners to prevent tripping.

Get Playful with Lighting Concepts

Make ordinary lighting extraordinary by displaying it in unexpected ways. Suspend a cluster of wire cages housing solar lanterns from tree branches. Float candles in the pool anchored in little lily pads. Nestle strands of lights inside glass bottles, vases, or colorful paper bags to emit a pretty shine. Let your creativity shine after dark!

Craft Your Own Decor Elements

Put your crafting skills to work fashioning bespoke embellishments for your outdoor space. Paint is an affordable way to customize utilitarian objects like concrete planters. Use brightly colored paint or faux finish techniques to transform simple containers into works of art.

If you enjoy working with tile or mirror fragments, try your hand at mosaic projects. Mosaic tops of pillars, tables, or an old chair rescued from the curb. This artistic endeavor saves money while allowing you to imprint pieces with personal flair.

Get Motivated for DIY

Jumpstart your motivation by perusing social media and blogs for inspiring poolside DIY ideas. Not feeling artistic? Simply use stencils and paint by numbers kits to help guide your creativity. The finished products become meaningful keepsakes.

Shop Secondhand for Stylish Finds

Scour flea markets, garage sales, and secondhand shops for formerly loved accessories that gain new life poolside. Classic touches like a multicolored market umbrella or handsome teak bar cart cost a fraction of the price new. Garden statuary, sculptures, and architectural relics make unexpected design statements.

Keep your eye out for decorative objects like mirrors, lanterns, and pots that coordinate with your color scheme. Don't shy away from pieces needing some TLC. Sand and spray paint transforms most finds into treasures.

Sources for Secondhand Style

• Flea markets, garage sales, estate sales
• Thrift stores, antique shops, salvage yards
• Online sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
• Curbside trash piles (yes, really!)

Allow time for the thrill of the hunt to uncover beautiful decor deals waiting to be discovered.

Arrange Comfy, Budget-Friendly Seating Areas

Carve out distinct seating vignettes so guests always have inviting areas to settle in. Keep costs low with inflatable pool floats and lounges providing whimsical, oversized silhouettes. Folding beach and camping chairs offer inexpensive, portable seating.

For a bohemian look, use shipping pallets to construct Eurolounge-style chairs. Top with printed outdoor pillows and an indoor-outdoor rug in bright colors tied to your color theme. The creative combinations possibilities are endless!

Get Creative With Seating Stations

• Shaded canopy with hammock chairs
• Fire pit lounge with Adirondack chairs
• Bar area with high-top pub table and stools
• Dining space with farmhouse table and benches

By styling seating areas for both activity and repose, your poolscape facilitates connection.

Use Fabrics to Soften Hardscapes

Hard surfaces like concrete, tile, and wood characterize most pool areas. Introduce whimsy and softness by incorporating plush fabrics and textiles. Outdoor pillows in bright colors and patterns adorn seating nooks. Area rugs anchor spaces while protecting feet from hot surfaces.

For shade and added privacy, hang sheer curtains on pergolas or between structural columns. Dress up dining set-ups with tablecloths, runners, napkins, and placemats featuring tropical motifs or nautical stripes.

Source Affordable Fabrics

• Outdoor clearance sections in late summer
• Dollar stores for napkins/placemats/tablecloths
• JoAnn Fabrics using coupons and sales
• Secondhand linens and curtains

Fabrics introduce color, softness, and texture economically, setting an inviting stage.

Display Collections for Interest

Hobbies like beachcombing or collecting offer creative display potential. Float candles anchored in small bowls across the pool's surface. Use rocks or pieces of driftwood to display delicate arrangements of sea glass, shells, or stones gathered on vacations.

Show off your green thumb by mounting a collection of houseplants in macrame or wire hangers on a vertical garden. The lush textures and colors animate walls without demanding much space or maintenance.

Guidelines for Displaying Collections

• Choose items in colors fitting your theme
• Edit ruthlessly to include only your very favorites
• Spotlight with great lighting Day and night
• Refresh displays seasonally to keep interest high

By sharing personal collections artfully, you spark conversational intrigue while infusing character.

You can make a gorgeous poolscape without using your bank account. Incorporate natural elements for tranquility. Repurpose old items and buy secondhand when possible. Paint colors make things pop. Use lighting and fabrics to maximum effect. Display meaningful collections artfully. By tapping your imagination instead of your wallet, you can devise an outdoor oasis family and friends will enjoy for seasons to come!