Decorating Ideas for your Deck: 12 Ways to Beautify Your Outdoor Living Space
Your deck has the potential to be a fantastic gathering place for all your family and friends complete with the flavors and flourishes that make your outdoor space unique. What are some good ways to add personality to your porch, deck, or patio? Aren’t most decorative items kind of fragile and not suited for weather exposure? You’d be surprised at how outdoor decorating has evolved over the past few decades, with a huge array of outdoor-rated furniture, lights, rugs, accessories, and plenty of other decorating ideas designed to stand up to the weather. The biggest challenge will be choosing how you want your outdoor space to look!
Light the Way with Lantern String Lights
So much ambience depends on the arrangement and color temperature of your outdoor lighting. In fact, the right outdoor lighting can be the difference between a cozy welcoming space and one that feels like a convenience store. One of the simplest forms of landscape lighting is the string light. Today’s string lights to beyond the holidays with styles like retro Edison bulbs, colored bulbs: everything from boho chic to industrial. Hang some lantern string lights above your deck; be sure to choose softer, warmer color temperatures for a soothing environment.
Invest in Comfortable Outdoor Furniture
You may think of today’s outdoor furniture as being mostly plastic wicker. If you’re not a fan of that look, there are great options that have a more sophisticated look. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, go for comfort. Check out this contemporary set, available on Amazon: the sleek lines fit into any modern setting and yes, it’s weather-resistant! You can even find outdoor-rated poufs and other fun furniture like pod-shaped hanging chairs (guaranteed, everyone will fight over who gets to sit in the pod).
Create a Focal Point for Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining can be as special as a feast you share with friends and family or a simple breakfast for one. Either way, celebrate life by bringing a little joy to your outdoor dining table. Create a centerpiece with gorgeous potted flowers or natural elements like driftwood that grab your attention. Nothing whets an appetite like combining the promise of delicious food with the atmosphere that an attractive centerpiece adds. And yes - dress up your dining table with a tablecloth to make it even more special.
Gather Around a Fire Pit
It may surprise you, but a deck is actually a wonderful place for a fire pit as long as there are some protections in place. We recommend a natural gas or propane fire pit for safety and convenience. Many propane fire pits are small enough to be easily portable, although once it’s on your deck it’s likely to become a permanent feature. Not only does fire make entertaining more special, it will encourage you to use your deck longer than just during the balmy summer months. The warmth and dancing flames bring the energy up and beckon everyone to gather around.
Make It Private - and Beautiful
When you’re enjoying the relaxing comfort of your backyard, you won’t want to think about whether or not your activities are visible to nosy neighbors. A privacy on the neighbor-facing side(s) of your deck will transform your deck into a private sanctuary. Not only will it obscure the view of your outdoor living space, but it will also scatter sunlight on hot summer afternoons. Use a wooden trellis with climbing vines for a natural touch, a stand-alone privacy screen like this laser cut panel, or a polyethylene mesh privacy screen that you can attach to your deck railing. If you have a pergola on your deck, add some outdoor curtains for a touch of romance and privacy.
Make Sure There’s a Place to Nap
Let’s face it: cool breezes and the sounds of birds singing make for some of the best napping experiences. That means your outdoor furniture has to be nap-worthy, like this awesome couch. Have a weatherproof chest nearby to store blankets and pillows, and install a fountain to make the world go away.
Add Water
The gentle sounds of a bubbling fountain or the soothing rush of a waterfall can transform your deck into a true oasis of serenity, creating white noise and visual interest. Fountains and waterfalls come in all sizes, shapes, and styles to bring the magical touch of water to your deck.
Add a Shade Structure
Adding a pergola or pavilion to your deck will allow you to enjoy the space on the hottest days when you would otherwise sizzle like bacon. It doesn’t have to cover the entire deck: a smaller shade structure could be located over your sitting area, giving you options to enjoy the sun or pop into the shade to cool off.
Accessorize with the Perfect Outdoor Rug
Even though your deck is outdoors, it still deserves to be comfortable and attractive. You have some comfy outdoor furniture. Now, add color and personality with pillows and blankets, and anchor the look with an outdoor rug..Outdoor rugs will withstand the weather while making your deck feel homey. Best of all, a hose and some mild dish soap are all you need to keep them looking crisp. Between high pile and low pile weaves, large sizes and rubber attachments to prevent moving, and the huge range of colors and patterns available, there is the perfect outdoor rug for your outdoor living space.
Use Plant Life to Set a Vibrant Mood
The classic way to decorate an outdoor space is with plant life. Colorful glazed pots filled with seasonal color, small shrubs, ornamental grasses, and even veggies or herbs can create attractive focal points full of vibrant color and texture. Short on space? Go vertical! A hanging garden will free up precious floor space while delivering a big impact. If there’s no shade structure like a pergola to hang plants from, consider planters designed to hang off the deck railing.
Keep the Breeze Moving with Ceiling Fans
Summer afternoons would be even better if they were accompanied by a nice breeze on demand to cool things down. If your deck is covered by a pergola or pavilion, the addition of a ceiling fan is a game-changer that makes even the muggiest days not only bearable, but downright pleasant. There are many different styles of ceiling fans to fit with any aesthetic. No ceiling fan? No problem: an outdoor-rated standing fan will go a long way in making your deck comfortable all summer.
Add “You”
Showcase your personality on your deck. You could even create a private outdoor gallery on your deck using found objects, rustic art made from old farm implements, industrial-chic metal sculptures, or whatever strikes your fancy that can endure the elements.
It’s as much fun decorating a deck as it is decorating a home. With these tips, you’ll enjoy an exceptional personal retreat and the ultimate hangout for entertaining.