Transform the tiniest patio or balcony with bargain buys that all cost £50 and under

Transform the tiniest patio or balcony with bargain buys that all cost £50 and under A few clever additions can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a cosy retreat for relaxing, entertaining or simply enjoying your morning coffee With another spell of warm weather arriving, many of us are trying to make the most of our outdoor space – even if it's no bigger than a balcony or a tiny patio. The good news is you don't need a huge garden or a four-figure budget to create somewhere you'll actually want to spend time. A few clever additions can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a cosy retreat for relaxing, entertaining or simply enjoying your morning coffee. MoneyMagpie founder Jasmine Birtles, who lives in London, says she's been refreshing her own terrace this summer. She said: "I spend a lot of time out on my terrace now the weather has finally improved, but fitting furniture and plants into a small London outdoor space is always a challenge. "I've found you don't need a huge budget or loads of room. Just a few carefully chosen pieces can turn even the smallest balcony or patio into somewhere you genuinely want to spend time." Meanwhile, MoneyMagpie Investment Expert Ruby Layram, who has a passion for interior design, has been giving her Sussex balcony a budget makeover. She said: "I love interiors, so it was only a matter of time before I turned my attention outdoors too. "I wanted my balcony to feel like an extension of my home without spending hundreds of pounds. The trick is choosing pieces that work hard, add personality and don't overcrowd the space." Here are their favourite affordable upgrades. £14 barbecue for summer dinners You don't need a huge grill if you're only cooking for two or three people. The Argos Home 35cm Round Charcoal BBQ (£14) is compact enough for smaller patios, lightweight enough to move around and easy to store once summer ends. For anyone wanting something a little more versatile, the Cuisinart Outdoors 36cm Portable Charcoal Grill (£34.99) is ideal for balconies, picnics and camping trips alike. Solar lights instantly make a space feel more expensive Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a patio or balcony feel inviting after dark. Jasmine says: "Soft lighting completely changes the atmosphere. It's one of the quickest ways to make a small outdoor space feel cosy." The Habitat Warm White Solar String Lights (£12) can be wrapped around balcony railings without needing outdoor sockets, while the Argos Dancing Flame Solar String Lights (£20) recreate the flicker of candlelight without any flames. If you're after something decorative, the colourful Feuerhand Hurricane Lantern Baby Special 276 (£39.95) gives classic lantern styling with rechargeable LED lighting. Update tired seating with colourful cushions Instead of replacing furniture, Ruby recommends giving it a fresh look. "New cushions completely changed the feel of my balcony. They make even basic furniture look more luxurious." George at Asda has a wide range of outdoor cushions from around £6 , making it easy to update older garden furniture without replacing it. IKEA's HJÄRTERÖ outdoor cushion covers (£4) are another affordable way to introduce colour and give existing cushions a new lease of life. Comfortable seating doesn't have to cost a fortune Ruby says one of her favourite purchases has been the OHS 3-Seater Outdoor Rustic Bench (from £50). "It fits perfectly along one side of my balcony and instantly made the whole area feel much more inviting. Add a throw and a couple of cushions and it becomes somewhere everyone wants to sit." She also recommends the OHS Adjustable Sun Lounger (from £40 while on sale) . "It's surprisingly comfortable but folds away neatly afterwards, which is perfect when you're working with a smaller space." Make use of every corner Corners are often wasted, but they're ideal for planting. The McGregor Corner Wooden Garden Planter (£50) fits neatly into awkward spaces and works brilliantly for herbs, strawberries or climbing flowers. If you don't have floor space to spare, the Streetwize Solar Wall Planter (£20) fixes directly to a wall or fence so you can add greenery vertically instead. Grow herbs instead of buying them Fresh herbs don't need a vegetable patch. The Hydro Herb Kits (£25) are handmade in Suffolk and come with a choice of 14 different herbs, making them ideal for balconies where every pot needs to earn its keep. Choose plants that practically look after themselves Jasmine says lavender and bay trees are perfect for beginners. "Lavender smells incredible, attracts bees and doesn't need constant watering. Bay trees also stay neat in pots and you can pick fresh leaves whenever you're cooking." The beards & daisies Bay Tree (£20) is particularly well suited to patios and balconies. Jasmine is also a fan of the company's £9 rescue plants, giving shoppers the chance to revive healthy plants at a fraction of the normal price. Spend less time watering Good compost can save both time and money. Jasmine recommends Dalefoot Wool Compost , explaining that the sheep's wool helps retain moisture, meaning plants need watering less often while feeding them naturally over many months. Keep drinks cold in style Whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying lunch outside, the Polarbox Retro Coolbox (from £34.99) keeps drinks chilled for up to 24 hours and comes in a range of colourful retro-inspired designs. "It looks so much nicer than a standard cool box," says Ruby. "I'd happily leave it out all summer." Add personality with affordable accessories You don't have to spend hundreds to make your outdoor space feel finished. George at Asda has an affordable range of outdoor accessories, including solar lighting, planters and decorative accessories designed for small gardens and balconies, while IKEA's BORRBY lantern (£4) is an inexpensive finishing touch that looks far more expensive than its price tag. Jasmine says: "People often think they need a complete garden makeover, but it's really the finishing touches that make the difference. A few plants, some warm lighting and somewhere comfortable to sit can completely transform even the smallest outdoor space." Ruby agrees. She said: "My balcony has become one of my favourite places in the house. It proves you don't need loads of space or a massive budget to create somewhere you genuinely love spending time." With many retailers discounting outdoor furniture and accessories during the summer months, now can be a good time to give your patio or balcony a refresh without overspending. Whether it's a £12 set of solar lights, a £20 planter or a budget-friendly barbecue for alfresco dining, Jasmine and Ruby say it's proof that you don't need a sprawling garden or a designer budget to create an outdoor space you'll enjoy all season long.