How to create a boho chic lanai on a budget

When I first moved into my home, our lanai didn't even exist. It was just a cement pad that wasn't even really leveled and there was no roof which means no shade.

But living in Southwest Florida, the sun and heat can be super brutal so spending time outdoors almost become torture. So we screened the area around the cement pad area and put a roof on it and voila, a screened lanai was created.

But that was all we did to it!

We didn't buy any furniture for it, we didn't decorate it but we did add another function: a laundry area.

So, a few years went by and the lanai was in dire need of some love, you can see it here in this video how I am not lying. But we didn't want to do anything that was too expensive or took too long to be completed.

We knew the area had the potential to be a cozy sanctuary where we could unwind and enjoy the outdoors. However, the idea of transforming it on a budget felt overwhelming. If you find yourself in a similar situation, let me share my journey of transforming my lanai without overspending.

Understanding the Space

The first step in my lanai transformation was understanding the space I was working with. It's vital to consider what you want from your lanai. Do you imagine it as a peaceful reading nook, a lively spot for gatherings, or a vibrant garden space? For me, I envisioned a comfortable area that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor living—ideal for quiet evenings and lively daytime gatherings with friends.

I started by clearing out all the old furniture. This not only decluttered the area but also provided a blank canvas for my creative vision. I took stock of existing features like the ceiling fan, the flooring, and the overall layout that I wanted to retain.

Setting a Budget for the lanai

Creating a budget was crucial to my transformation process. I set a spending cap to refresh the space without severely affecting my finances. I focused my budget on key items like seating, decor, and plants to give new life to the lanai.

When establishing your own budget, think about categories such as furniture, decor, plants, and accessories. I also like to look around the house for items that I already have and can be repurposed, this helps to save quite a lot.

Where the ugly things live

To keep costs low, we chose to hide the ugly things instead of removing them.

The lanai is home to our home's electrical meter and box along with the big water heater and although those items are extremely important to the function of our home and myself, God knows I cannot shower without hot water, we still didn't want them as part of the decor.

However, rehoming them to a different part of the house would just be way too costly and time consuming so opted to hide them with a room divider and it worked out so well because we can still easily access them but we don't have to look at them.

We also have electrical and water pipes that run throughout our lanai and those are much harder to hide so I figured that driving attention away from them would be the best bet. We got some planters, added fake plants to it and that did the job.

The fake plants were chosen over real ones for the simple fact that they will be hanging right above the water heater and electrical panel and we do not want any water falling on that equipment and potentially damaging it.

Comfort and Practicality

Comfort is essential in any transformation. I arranged the furniture to promote conversation and relaxation, ensuring easy movement while maintaining a cohesive feel. We added a patio outdoor set that comes with a loveseat, two chairs and a small coffee table, which became the perfect spot for my morning coffee or an evening cocktail.

If your budget permits, consider investing in weather-resistant cushions and fabrics. According to a study, outdoor furniture that lasts can save homeowners 20% annually, as replacements become less frequent.

We also added weatherproof curtains to our lanai to create shade and also it adds a layer of protection from the rain. We used to not be able to sit in the lanai during raining season but now, we can just close the curtains and it keeps the rain out. It's also great to keep the sun out.

Another addition that made the space feel cozy was the rugs. We added a large outdoor rug under the patio set, a runner rug to help divide the lanai chill area from the laundry area and a dirt trapper rug right in front of the door to help keep dirt away from the home.

The large rug is pretty awesome, it has a plastic material so it's great for outdoors play you can easily wash it.

Everything we used for this lanai transformation

Here's everything we used to transform our lanai into a cozy and inviting area in our home.

Weatherproof curtains - https://geni.us/VdfC

Adjustable curtain rods - https://geni.us/8QAPrG

Plant stand - https://geni.us/QW1EBMl

White plastic pots - https://geni.us/rItMux

White ceramic pots - https://geni.us/TPOLx

4 Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture - https://geni.us/YqB9H

Boho Wall Divider - https://geni.us/wiTDrkg

Corner Tall Round Table - https://geni.us/Wd4F4r

Hanging Planter - https://geni.us/UhNReE

Faux Plants - https://geni.us/lDdzw

Faux Flowers - https://geni.us/7hxk7

Large outdoor rug - https://geni.us/EhjrLL

Runner Rug - https://geni.us/sNfWwRp

Dirt Trapper Rug - https://geni.us/pwfBtWo

White Wall Divider - https://geni.us/HAtRA

Tall White Cabinet - https://geni.us/49Zhm

Ceramic Outdoor Ashtray - https://geni.us/x0TbMsc

You can also find everything here in this Amazon list.

Embracing the Transformation

Finally, my lanai became an inviting area that beautifully mixes comfort, style, and practicality. I couldn't be happier with the results, and most importantly, I stayed within my budget!

This experience taught me that, with a bit of creativity, effort, and planning, you can achieve a stunning lanai transformation without spending a fortune.

Your Path to Transformation

If you're contemplating a lanai makeover on a budget, now is the time to dive in! Assess your space, set a realistic budget, search for secondhand treasures, and embrace DIY projects. With some effort and creativity, you can create a beautiful oasis that you’ll cherish. Remember, home decor doesn’t need to break the bank; it’s all about vision and dedication.