If my backyard had a mood board, it would be bursting with rattan, fringe, fairy lights, and a few wayward feathers. This summer, we are turning our outdoor spaces into boho wonderlands without draining the bank account or selling our soul to big-box patio sets. Whether you’re dreaming of backyard picnics, late-night stargazing, or creating your own little garden getaway, I’ve got you covered the Shabby Chic Boho way.
Let’s create backyard bliss that feels like an exotic vacation mixed with a cozy hug from a crochet blanket. Boho on a budget is not just a vibe. It’s a lifestyle choice and one that looks really good with bare feet and big sunglasses.
Start with the soft stuff and layer like your life depends on it
First things first, throw everything soft and fabulous outside. I’m talking rugs, throws, pillows, poufs, and that vintage quilt that has been patiently waiting in the closet for its shining moment. Nothing screams cozy boho like an explosion of textures and patterns. Don’t worry about matching. If it looks like your fabric stash had a party, you’re doing it right.
If your current collection needs a boost, check local thrift stores, flea markets, or even raid your linen closet. That beach towel from 2010? Toss it on a bench and call it boho.
Let there be fairy lights and magical glow-ups
Lighting can make or break the mood and honey, boho is all about mood. I snagged a pack of solar fairy lights for less than the price of a fancy coffee and strung them around an old ladder. Suddenly the yard looked like a midsummer dream.
Wrap lights around tree trunks, fences, and whatever happens to be standing upright in your yard. Add lanterns, battery-powered candles, or even those citronella tiki torches if you’re feeling wild. Your backyard will go from basic to breathtaking faster than you can say macramé.
Furniture flipping and funky finds
Outdoor furniture is gorgeous and wildly expensive. So I went rogue and turned some pallets into a coffee table, used a retired indoor bench as seating, and painted a rusty bistro set the happiest shade of turquoise you’ve ever seen. You can even drag out a vintage dresser or trunk to use as a plant stand or drink station.
Look around your home or hit up online marketplace deals. With a little spray paint and a sprinkle of imagination, almost anything can be transformed into boho gold.
Plants plants and more plants
You can’t spell boho without green. Okay yes you can but you know what I mean. Boho is about bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out. Plants help with both. Start small with succulents or herbs in cute little pots. I personally love hanging baskets, oversized leafy beauties, and anything that spills out of its container like it’s just too fabulous to be contained.
Reuse old mugs, baskets, boots, teapots, and anything else that can hold soil. Nothing says I love my plants like giving them a quirky new home.
Decor with personality and a pinch of crazy
This is your chance to get weird and wonderful. Hang a beaded curtain across your porch. Use scarves as table runners. String up a wind chime made from spoons and seashells. One summer I tied a bunch of leftover lace and ribbon onto a branch and made a dreamy driftwood mobile that still gets compliments.
Boho is meant to feel collected not curated. If it sparks joy or makes you giggle when you see it go ahead and add it.
Add tunes snacks and maybe a mocktail or two
A Bluetooth speaker, some chill music, and a tray of drinks can turn a backyard into a boho lounge. My go to is cucumber lemonade with floating mint because it makes me feel like I have my life together even when I most definitely do not. Add a few snack bowls and some napkins with tassels and you’re the hostess of the summer.
Final thoughts from my favorite rattan chair
Creating a backyard boho paradise is not about perfection. It’s about comfort creativity and surrounding yourself with things that make your heart happy. You don’t need to spend thousands or wait until you have the “perfect space.” Start where you are with what you have and watch the magic unfold.
Now if you need me I’ll be under the string lights curled up with a throw pillow dreaming of my next thrift store treasure.