Decorating Your Deck: 12 Ideas to Try

Outdoor lighting should be top of the list for deck and patio ideas. Outdoor lighting allows you to continue using your deck or patio even after the sun goes down. String lights can make your space feel festive. Learn how to hang them in our How to Hang Outdoor String Lights guide. Lanterns, as well as stair, post and rail lighting are other ways to add cozy illumination to your deck and enhance safety as you enjoy the space into the evening.

Have a free corner or a space large enough to add a dining table? Use the area to create a dedicated place to dine outdoors. Consider flexible seating like benches that make it easier to accomodate more people if needed. Add elements like an umbrella and seat cushions for style and comfort. Hosting a gathering? Give the space a little more flair by creating a tablescape for the event and have a stocked bar cart nearby to keep drinks in reach.

Do you mostly use your deck for entertaining or would you rather it be more of a place to go and relax? Maybe you plan to use the space in multiple ways. However you decide to use your deck, set up seating that works for all its uses.

In this cozy deck corner, a hanging egg chair creates the perfect place to curl up and relax. A rug defines the space, and potted plants and a throw pillow finish off the look.

Adirondak and chaise-style chairs with their reclined positions are suited for lounging, while conversation sets create an intimate setting perfect for catching up with a friend. Patio sectionals and sofas offer more seating for larger families and gatherings.

Throw pillows glam up seating and bring some of the comforts of inside, outside. They’re a great way to play with colorful deck ideas, with an assortment of colors and patterns to choose from. As the season or your style changes, you can easily swap out your pillows to match the new look. Just make sure that the pillows are covered with outdoor-rated fabric. Thick seat cushions and cozy throw blankets also invite comfort, further enhancing the living room-like feel on your deck or patio.

An outdoor rug is another way to extend the inside of your home out. Whether it grounds the space with neutral colors or makes a statement that the rest of your decking decorations follow, an outdoor rug is a great way to define seating areas and dining areas on your deck or patio. It also softens the sometimes-harsher appearance of bare deck planks or concrete surfaces.

If you do a lot of entertaining, set up an outdoor bar or serving cart stocked with a variety of beverages for your guests to sip on. Include glasses and tumblers and an assortment of bar accessories like an ice bucket and a bottle opener so everything can be handled outside.

There’s something about a fire that makes people want to sit and stay awhile. Fire creates a beautiful ambiance, and for evenings that are a little chilly, a touch of warmth. Set up seating around a fire pit or fire table or add a tabletop firebowl to your dining table. To fully create the feel of a living room, consider larger outdoor fireplaces if the space allows.

Plants are a great way to add color and texture to your deck. Planting container gardens featuring a variety of plants and flowers creates instant interest. Play around with different pot colors and sizes, and stage your plants near furniture or along the deck railing to frame the space. Add height with small potted trees. In small spaces where floor space is at a premium, go vertical and try hanging your plants. For more ideas, see 5 Ways to Decorate Your Deck With Plants.

A little shade goes a long way in how you’ll be able to use your outdoor space throughout the day. Add an umbrella to your outdoor dining table or near seating to shield those areas from the sun’s rays and bring extra style. Shade sails create an airier look while still offering refuge from the sun. Pergolas offer light shade and are great if you have lots of plants on your deck that need light. They also bring a more dramatic architectural feature to your deck.

A fresh coat of stain can really breathe new life into your deck. Whether you settle on a rich, semisolid stain or opt for a transparent stain that rejuvenates the wood and shows off its grain pattern, focusing on the deck floor can make a big decor statement — and protect it from the elements. Learn how to stain your deck with our helpful how-to guide.

Create real vacation vibes with coastal-inspired decor. Think wicker and rattan furniture, navy chair cushions, and area rugs and throw pillows with tropical patterns or in bright colors. You can also create a cooler coastal look, showcasing blues and sandy colors in your decor palette. Either way, you’ll feel like the beach is right outside your back door. Feature other nautical accents like wall decor, tabletop accessories and tropical potted plants, like palm trees.

Whether you’d like more privacy from your neighbors or to hide a not-so-great view, solve the problem with screening. Choose a permanent solution for a built-in look or opt for one you can set up and take down as needed, such as a folding screen. On this deck, composite deck boards are horizontally attached to black metal posts. The new wall opens possibilities for adding wall decor and hanging plants.