12 cheap ways to update your garden for under £30

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Are you eager to make the most of your garden, patio or balcony after months spent cooped up indoors, but are put off venturing outside as all the rain and wind has left your space looking a bit tatty and uninviting?

Injecting new life into an outdoor area can be achieved for cheaper than you might think, as we've found 12 clever buys that will instantly update your space, all of which cost less than £30.

Scroll down to shop some of the best value garden lighting, seating and accessories around.

1. John Lewis & Partners Solar Powered Moroccan Line Lights, Bronze | £18 at John Lewis & Partners

A smattering of twinkling outdoor lights will make any outside space look more appealing on balmy evenings. This string of 20 petite Moroccan-style metal lanterns provides a soft and ambient light perfect for alfresco dining. No batteries or outside power source is required as they're charged via a solar stake, which you can leave soaking up the sun in a plant pot all day long.

With customer reviews rating them on average 4.3 out of five stars, one happy shopper commented: "These little solar lights have been excellent for providing a gentle glow. They have lit up every evening since I have put them in my garden, even when the sun is not too bright."

2. Cotton Rich Woven Monochrome Stripe Throw | £29.50 at Marks and Spencer

The days may be getting longer but to really make the most of your outside space in the UK you'll have to be prepared for the temperature to dip of an evening. Having this tasseled cotton and wool throw to hand will allow you to spend longer outdoors. Importantly, it is machine washable, so you won't have to worry if it gets a little muddy.

3. Terra Garden Pot | £22 at Anthropologie

Statement plant pots will always draw the eye and this hand-glazed stoneware pot will make any plant a focal point. Made by marrying two halves of a cylinder that meet in the middle and dipped in a dripping glaze that looks as though it's still spreading over the textured sides, this pot looks far more expensive than its price.

4. All Season Weather Resistant Seat Pads, by Dibor | £26 at Not On The High Street

Not only will these pretty floral cushions instantly update tired old garden furniture, they'll also make it more comfy for you to sit and take your time over your sun downers. Available in a choice of four prints, each set of two cushions is made from 100% sustainable cotton with a soft filling made from recycled fibre. The cushions also have a water-repellent coating, so you won't need to rush to bring them indoors at the first sign of any showers.

5. Outdoor Knitted Pouffe | £29.99 at Aldi

If you're looking to replace some garden furniture but don't want to splash out, these weather-resistant hand-knitted pouffes offer a budget friendly alternative to garden stools. They're also a good option if you have garden chairs but no sun loungers as they make great footstools which will allow you to recline in comfort.

6. La Jolíe Muse Citronella Candle - Scented Candle | £16.99 at Amazon

This three-wick smokeless candle in an opulent marbled tin makes a beautiful centre piece and is infused with the oil of the citronella plant, which is thought to help to repel insects. With 25-30 hours of burn time, this candle is made from naturally biodegradable and eco-friendly pure soy wax. Practical and pretty, what's not to love?

7. Gardenline Woven Basket 3 Pack | £17.99 at Aldi

These rustic baskets are great for housing plants that need to be brought indoors for the colder months then returned to the garden in the spring, as they feature practical handles and liners. Simply fill with soil and plant your favourite blooms.

8. Woven Lantern Lights - 15 Bulbs | £28 at The White Company

These wicker-effect lanterns hang from a clear cable, which can be draped indoors and out to provide an ambient glow. With 15 lanterns on 4.5 metres of clear cable, there is enough to span a small courtyard space. Battery-powered and made from durable plastic, they are designed to last, but you are recommended to bring them inside during bad weather and in winter to keep them functioning at their best.

9. Ecosides 6 Hanging Glass Globe Tealight Candle Holders | £17.49 at Amazon

For a truly enchanting effect, festoon the branches of tress with these dainty handblown glass tea light holders and pop a citronella tea light (25 for £2.89 at Amazon) in each one to ensure the only flying creatures you encounter are mythical ones. As well as a hanging loop on top, these glass globes are flat bottomed so can also be placed on a tabletop.

10. Charles Bentley Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Rug Large - Black | £29.99 at Robert Dyas

Outdoor rugs can make a patio or balcony feel cosier, but they will usually set you back a pretty penny, which is why we were delighted to find this large monochrome mat available for just under £30. It promises to be UV Resistant so shouldn't fade in the sunlight. With customers rating it on average 4.6 out of 5 stars, one happy shopper wrote in a review: "Great outdoor rug, it's been down for a while now in all weathers and looks like new. Brilliant purchase, well made and very reasonably priced."

11. Crystal-Look Acrylic Wine Glasses – Set of 4 | £17.96 at Lakeland

Treat guests to a tipple in decadent crystal-style "glassware" without fear of breakages, with these chic reusable plastic stemmed glasses, which are designed to look just like cut glass (but which are much lighter). Durable and shatter-resistant, they are ideal for parties, picnics or a sundowner or three. Alternatively, for Mad Men style vibes there are also tumblers and a Crystal-Look Acrylic Jug with Lid available to buy too.

12. Vertical Planter Starter Kit | £29.99 at Aldi

Liven up a dull wall or fence with this bold vertical planter that can be filled with plants of your choosing, whether that be fruits, bedding plants or grasses. The planter would also make a great kitchen garden if filled with different herbs in each of the 12 pots.

Read more: Searching for cheap garden furniture? Here are the best budget-friendly shops to browse.