Trolling Facebook: Patio Furniture

Do you ever wonder how designers get that perfectly collected look that ties a room together? Maybe you've even found the exact same pieces as their Pinterest photos off-the-shelf from Target, West Elm, CB2, and the like, but for some reason it just doesn't "work" in your space the same way it does in the picture.

The trick to creating a design that isn't generic and has that je ne sais quoi that makes you swoon, is to pair the perfect vintage pieces with your new purchases.

One of my favorite pastimes is trolling Facebook Marketplace and thinking about how the interesting finds can be used in my home, my clients' spaces and in our investment properties.

You might be surprised about how many amazing second-hand treasures there are in Evansville, for great bargains!

Today, I'm highlighting my favorites for patio season! On Get it Together, I walked you through where to splurge, save, and DIY to create the perfect outdoor space. I shared that the most attractive patio furniture, umbrellas, and cushions sell out fast at stores like Target, so it's a good idea to go ahead and get a jump on the season now. But, that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to create an entire outdoor seating area with all new pieces. These are Facebook Marketplace finds I love either as they are, or think would make a great DIY project if refinished for a bargain. The mix of new purchases, vintage finds, and even those diamonds in the rough, is what will take your patio space from generic to irresistible.

Click through the gallery to see all the pieces listed below.

1. Bamboo patio set with pretty, funky, fabric $200

I love this set! The fabric and everything are just so fun and funky. I'd definitely lose the dark blue pillows, but I think you could take the look in a few different and amazing directions. If it were my space, I would let this sofa and chair be the bold moment in the design, and surround them with neutrals... a light colored, plain outdoor rug, crisp white furnishings (if additional seating is needed), a white umbrella with a simple black detail like this one, and modern black planters with clean silhouettes like these. The resulting look would be a retro boho resort vibe straight from Miami.

2. Two Pier1 wicker chairs for a song $75

I've loved Pier1 wicker chairs ever since my mom started decorating our first house in Florida with them. You may think of wicker in the context of grandma's patio set, but I promise you can modernize it and end up with a really cool looking space that benefits from the natural texture wicker brings. Two of these for $75 is a great bargain, as most Pier1 chairs sell for around $200 each. Style them by adding a flokati (those small, super fuzzy, white animal rug looking things) to each seat, and a moroccan inspired outdoor rug. Add lots of plants. Keep everything else modern and simple, like a clean-lined, black metal patio table and a fringy white patio umbrella, like this one.

3. Large concrete planter $50

I could see this planter working really well with some large ferns planted inside, and paired with a new black patio set, for the vintage element you need to give your space that coveted collected-over-time look.

4. Spider plant babies $2

Spider plants are pretty hard to kill, and they're great for putting in small pots and dotting your porch with life. I'd specifically use these on small accent tables for cheap decor.

5. Cute target patio umbrella $35

This umbrella looks brand new, from last season at Target. I feel like $35 is a good price, as they're around $80 new, but as you know with Marketplace, you can always try to talk the seller down even further.

6. Live edge lumber $2/board foot

Add some metal legs like these or these and voila... dining table/coffee table/bench!

7. Super nice patio set that needs TLC $300

The seller said this set cost $1500 new, which sounds about right! This set is super nice, and again while I think $300 is a great price, you can always try to negotiate. If the cushions are in ok shape, live with them for a year and save up for new ones if you don't like the color. Add a pretty umbrella like this one, and shine-up and seal the wood top using a product like Rejuvenate (professional wood floor restorer).

8. Pretty blue and green flower pot $5

I have no idea how big this planter is, but for $5, does it really matter? I'd put a pretty snake plant or fiddle leaf fig in it, and allow it to be the statement piece it deserves to be.

9. "5 lanterns for thirty bucks" $30

I laughed when I read the listing for these. The seller says "yes, that means you get 5 lanterns for 30 bucks".

Can't argue with that! Anyway, that's a GREAT deal... lanterns are annoyingly expensive. Put white unscented or citronella candles in them to keep bugs away.

10. Retro metal outdoor chairs $50

Metal garden chairs never go out of style. They can work well, incorporated into classic and mid century inspired decor. The great thing about them is they last forever and can be updated with a can of spray paint. Opt for a subtle color like white or sage green to give them a sophisticated look, or add a pop of color to your yard by going bright!