You know the feeling: That first warm day in March hits, and you throw open your patio door to bask in the sunlight and enjoy lunch outside ... only to be greeted by a winter-worn table and the twiggy remains of last year’s herb garden. Seasonal enhancements are needed, stat. One foolproof solution? Head to IKEA, where a constant supply of fresh new designs can help you makeover your outdoor space in no time. Here’s where to start.
Think Big
Upgrading the largest piece of furniture in your outdoor space will have an equally large impact on vibes, and the affordable prices at IKEA mean it’s possible to buy a new dining set or lounge furniture without a correspondingly huge cash investment. The powder-coated steel SUNDSÖ table, for instance, comes in a rainbow of fun new shades with matching chairs — line up two or three to create a size that suits your needs. Or the solid acacia NÄMMARÖ table is ideal for game nights, thanks to its new round shape, while the four-piece NÄMMARÖ conversation set gives you a whole outdoor living room for just $560.
SUNDSÖ Outdoor Table and 2 Folding Chairs
NÄMMARÖ Outdoor Table
NÄMMARÖ 4-Seat Conversation Set
NÄMMARÖ Outdoor Chair
Layer Colorful Cushions
A fresh set of cushions can make any patio seat feel like new. IKEA sells a wide range of machine-washable, removable covers that can be mixed and matched to suit any taste. The latest spring launch brings bright blue patterns to the GULLBERGSÖ style, best for loungers or sofas at 20 by 20 inches, while the tufted KUDDARNA pad features ties so it can be secured to a dining chair.
KUDDARNA Chair Pad
GULLBERGSÖ Cushion Cover
Light It Up
No need to hire an electrician to redo your landscape lighting: IKEA sells a slew of new battery-powered string lights and table lamps — including a glass-candle-shaped style and hangable varieties — to creatively illuminate every corner of your outdoor oasis. Use a few lamps lining your walkway to create a warm welcome, or artfully drape a few strands in the trees to make your garden glow.
SOLVINDEN Table Lamp
SVARTRÅ LED String Light With 12 Lights
SOLVINDEN Donut-Shaped Table Lamp
Add a “New” Deck
Even if you have new furniture, a worn deck or pockmarked patio can make your entire outdoor area feel drab. And while hardscaping elements like these are pricey and time-consuming to replace, IKEA offers a quick and affordable solution in its RUNNEN decking. The tiles click together, making installation a breeze, and come in a variety of finishes. These include artificial grass and plastic with a wood-grain look — but our favorite is the acacia wood, which looks much more expensive than it is.
RUNNEN Outdoor Decking in Acacia, 9 sq. ft.
RUNNEN Outdoor Decking in Artificial Grass, 9 sq. ft.
Pile on the Plants
It will likely be a few months until your carefully cultivated garden is at its lushest, so in the meantime, add some greenery by supplementing with a few pots of colorful annuals. Use plant stands to maximize your real estate for early spring blooms like pansies, petunias and snapdragons, and voilà: instant cheer.
OLIVBLAD Plant Stand, 22 in.
OLIVBLAD Plant Stand, 22¾ in.
Whether you're looking to revamp your entire backyard or just need a little springtime inspiration, IKEA always has something new to discover.
