7 Small Deck Decorating Ideas
You don’t need a massive, open area for your outdoor deck to be a great place for relaxing and entertaining. In fact, you can transform any small space into a cozy, beautiful gathering place by using a few small deck decorating ideas in a big way.
Here at Decks & Docks, we’re masters at helping homeowners craft their ideal outdoor space. These tips are designed to help you maximize space without bringing in additional clutter.
We should note there is no exact definition of a “small” deck, but these tips work for just about any outdoor living space where square footage is a concern.
1. Start with What You Don’t Need
If you’ve already had your deck for many years, you’ve probably accumulated more decorations and furniture than you and your family might need. Decluttering is a way to start with a blank slate—which allows you to fully assess the space you’re working with.
When trying to declutter, ask yourself two questions about each item you have:
- How often do I actually use this?
- Do I have other items that fulfill the same purpose?
In other words, you don’t need two different fire pits, a large umbrella if you already have an awning, or a side table for every chair.
On a small deck, every square foot counts, and clunky objects can quickly lead to a crowded feeling. Only having the essentials and prioritizing items that can pull double duty are key for maximizing space.
For items like art or decorations, try to stick with wall art that doesn’t get in the way of walkways and keep statues in the surrounding garden. You can also use patterned furniture and different paint colors to bring personality without sacrificing space.
2. Pick the Right Table
A patio table is often the centerpiece of any deck. Whether you’re eating, enjoying drinks, or playing a board game, a table is the ultimate multi-use furniture item. But the wrong table can take up a lot of legroom.
If you want one larger table, choose something round instead of square to make movement easier. Don’t choose something meant for a full banquet—be realistic about how many people you expect to be on the deck at one time.
If you prefer a more open living area, consider placing a few side tables in between chairs. They should be just large enough to hold one or two drinks or plates.
3. Don’t Sacrifice Comfort
You should consider furniture size when looking at small deck decoration ideas, but there are some areas you shouldn’t sacrifice comfort. Chairs are one of them.
Small, light-framed chairs look nice and are tempting when space is limited, but a chair that’s too small can be uncomfortable and discourage you from spending time outside.
Don’t get a full La-Z-Boy recliner for every member of the family, but don’t be afraid to use up some space with a comfortable chair or bench.
4. Don’t Make Space—See Space
The trick to a small deck isn’t being a design expert; it’s being resourceful. There are tons of nooks, crannies, and corners that you can use to your advantage.
Look for those areas you don’t often consider, like:
- The space between chairs
- Small corners between walls or railings
- Recessed corners or edges
- Overhead hanging space (especially if you have rafters or a sturdy awning)
These areas are great for plants, side tables, storage boxes, and other items you might struggle to make fit. As long as your walkways are clear, look for these small areas to fill up.
(And if you’re still struggling with a too-small area, you may want to consider expanding the space. We carry a huge selection of lumber and composite decking that is great for adding more square footage to any kind of deck. One of our team members can help you learn more about your expansion options.)
5. Choose Plants (Strategically)
It might sound strange, but bear with us—your plants can do more than smell and look nice.
Some plants are more attractive to certain insects, while others can actually repel bugs. You can use this to your advantage to make your deck a more comfortable living space.
The answer is to choose plants that smell nice to you and horrible to insects. For example:
- Certain species of scented geranium repel mosquitoes as well as flies
- Lavender repels both and has a beautiful color and scent
- Lemongrass is another aromatic plant that repels mosquitoes
One note: while lavender repels these pesky insects, it is extremely attractive to bees. Bees are our friends and won’t do you any harm, but if you’d rather keep flying insects to a minimum, skip the lavender.
6. Cut Down on Patterns & Colors
Lots of patterns and vibrant colors can actually make a space feel smaller than it is. Limiting the visual intensity of your deck can make it feel more open and airy.
If you haven’t started purchasing new furniture, start planning your color palette before you buy anything. Neutral colors like beige, cream, gray, and white are always a safe bet for larger furniture pieces and will match well with patterned pillows or decorations.
If you’re up to some renovation, you can also change the pattern of the boards of your deck to create a subtle effect that adds an extra layer of polish.
7. Use Lighting to Maximize Space and Mood
Lights placed on the walls, mounted beneath railings, or inset on the floor are all great ways to save space. Our lighting solutions give you full visibility without having to worry about clunky lamps and cords in the walkways.
- Wall-mounted lights and sconces provide illumination without taking up any walking space. Wall-mounted options can add nice visual flair, though they may require regular cleaning to remove outdoor dust or dirt.
- Under-rail deck lighting provides ambient light that works great for modern, minimalist spaces.
- Floor lights can highlight pathways and frame spaces. They don’t tend to offer enough illumination on their own, however, so we recommend pairing them with another type of lighting.
Additionally, tall garden lamps that are set on the ground outside of your deck are also a great idea—and can draw moths away during the evenings.
Get More Small Deck Decoration Inspiration
If you plan things carefully, a small deck is full of endless possibilities to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space for you and your family.
Need tips for maximizing your deck space? Ready to look at railing, lights, or additional lumber? Contact the Decks & Docks team today. We can help you explore your options, brainstorm ideas, and find other ways to transform your outdoor space.
- About the Author
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Alexis is truly a jack of all trades. She has worked for Decks and Docks for over five years where she served as an Assistant Manager before moving into Outside Sales. Alexis has also helped us open multiple stores along the Eastern Coast of Florida and has acted as Manager at a few locations throughout the years. When she’s not working at Decks and Docks, she’s volunteering at a local animal shelter.