Your deck is more than just an outdoor space; it is an extension of your home, and with the right decorating ideas, you can transform your deck into a cozy, stylish outdoor living room that is idyllic for relaxing and entertaining.
No matter the size of your backyard deck, our fabulous collection of decorating ideas will help you create an inviting outdoor retreat that reflects your style and maximizes comfort. From layout tips to cozy accents, we have you covered.
Whether you are starting from scratch or refreshing your current setup, the key is to blend comfort, style, and functionality—so your outdoor living area truly feels like home. Continue below for the ideas with links to all of the sources!
Tell Us: Which one of these deck decorating ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!
1. Include a Dining Area.
Add a small bistro table or a dining set to enjoy alfresco meals with friends and family. This multi-level outdoor living space was designed to match the mid-century modern style of the home with an upper deck surrounded by a peaceful tree canopy in Boston, Massachusetts. Pops of color in the furnishings provide a playful touch to this outdoor oasis. (via Amy Martin Landscape Design)
2. Add Outdoor Poufs For Extra Seating.
This Boho-Mod deck was designed to offer a laid-back vibe with flexible seating options such as poufs that are perfect for casual get-togethers and lounging in comfort. There is plenty of space for guests to relax in this outdoor entertaining space. (via Rebecca McAlpin)
3. Create Privacy With A Fence.
On a small urban lot in Seattle, Washington, this backyard deck checks all the boxes: a fire pit, a private garden, and privacy from neighbors. The privacy screen, along with tall plants, helps to define this deck and add a sense of seclusion. The addition of lighting helps to set the mood in the entertaining oasis. (via Board & Vellum)
4. Small Deck Retreat.
This Scandinavian-style rooftop deck offers a cozy spot to enjoy the warmer months outdoors with a space for dining on one side and a space for lounging on the other. Add some plush pillows, comfy pillows, and potted plants for a touch of summer color. A foldable table offers flexibility when space is limited. (via Ahre Fastighetsbyrå)
5. Layer An Outdoor Rug.
This contemporary deck of a home in Cincinnati, Ohio, features comfortable outdoor furniture and an egg chair with a stand. The deck’s seating area is defined by an outdoor rug, bringing warmth underfoot. Select a weather-resistant material in a pattern or color that complements your furniture to create a cozy, finished look that feels like an extension of your indoor living space. (via Square Inch Design)
6. Style with Outdoor Throw Pillows.
This bright and beautiful mid-century home features a Pool deck off the main house overlooking a gorgeous canyon in the East Bay Hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Multiple seating areas provide different options for lounging and entertaining. Swap out throw pillows to keep your outdoor furnishings looking seasonal for a fresh update. Go bold with bright pops of color in summer and cozy in fall.(via Workroom C)
7. Add A Comfortable Sectional.
A home in White Plains, New York, features this spacious backyard deck shaded by a large umbrella. Invest in a comfy outdoor sectional with cushioned seating and plush pillows to create an inviting outdoor living room for relaxing and entertaining family and friends. A wicker deck box for storing pillows adds function, protecting cushions when not in use. (via Austin Gray Design Group)
8. Create Functional Zones.
Designate areas for lounging, dining, and entertaining to make your deck feel more organized and intentional. This backyard deck in Silicon Valley, California, uses an outdoor rug and furniture groupings to visually separate each zone while maintaining a cohesive flow. A privacy wall with trees and vertical climbers adds a feeling of intimacy to this outdoor living space. (via Memmo Interiors)
9. Create a Focal Point with a Fire Pit.
Adding a fire pit or fire table to your furniture grouping on your deck adds warmth and ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings or s’mores nights. (via Razzano Homes and Remodelers)
10. Add a Pergola For Shade.
Introduce shade and structure with a pergola, canopy, or even a simple sun sail. It gives the space an outdoor living room feel. This spacious outdoor deck is painted in a dark charcoal hue. The beams of the pergola are wrapped with climbing vines. A trio of red wire wall sconces was sourced from Overstock. A pair of geometric pring outdoor rugs helps to anchor both the dining and lounge areas. A row of plants helps to visually separate the space from the rest of the yard, while the wall along the dining area creates a feeling of intimacy. Bistro lights hanging from the pergola add mood lighting. (via Brian Patrick Flynn for HGTV)
11. Incorporate String Lights.
A backyard deck at a home in Playa Vista, California, features a small yard that has been completely maximized. The area is warm, welcoming, and has multiple uses/purposes. A modern cedar deck features a built-in hot tub, creating a nice perimeter planter with hedges that will continue to grow, adding privacy, and concrete pavers. String lights overhead help to set the mood. You can drape them across your deck railing or hang them from posts or pergolas. (via Oslo I LA)
12. Try A Vertical Garden Wall.
This deck/lounge space of a backyard in Toronto, Ontario, Canada has a contemporary look with a monochromatic colour scheme with pops of blue to make a statement. If your outdoor living space is tight, consider going vertical with trellises or living walls to add lush greenery without taking up floor space. This also helps to add privacy and a feeling of intimacy, making your deck feel more like a secluded retreat. (via Pro-Land Landscape Construction)
13. Create An Intimate Dining Area.
A 1920s craftsman home in Shore Acres, Staten Island, New York, offers this fabulous entertaining deck situated just off the kitchen. Surrounded by trees, this dining area provides a serene and private setting—perfect for enjoying al fresco meals, morning coffee, or evening gatherings with friends and family. The decking material is Ipe. Bamboo is another great alternative that is more environmentally friendly. (via Studio Dearborn)
14. Use Planters To Bring In Greenery.
Layer large planters with a mix of flowers, herbs, and leafy greens to bring your deck to life. The sources include: Umbrella @vonhaus.uk, lounge set @beliani_uk, festoon lights @dunelmuk, wicker basket @homebargains. The fence is painted in Natural Stone by Cuprinol. (via @home_by_ellie / Instagram)
15. Create An Outdoor Movie Night.
Transform your outdoor deck into a warm and cozy atmosphere with a sectional wrapped around a fire table and a large egg chair filled with plush pillows. Add string lights overhead for ambiance. A portable movie screen and some snacks help to set the stage for a family movie night. (via @sarahknuth / Instagram)
16. Add Built-In Seating.
Maximize your deck seating area with built-in benches like this one, part of a home in Cape Cod. Add plush cushions with weather-resistant fabric; the ones on this sectional are @perennialsfabrics. The fire table is from @prism_hardscapes. On the wooden bench, the furry throw adds texture and warmth, sourced from @overlandsheepskin. (via @oldsilvershed / Instagram)
17. Make It Cozy.
This small yet cozy deck offers the perfect summer retreat to lounge and entertain your family and friends. A small sectional, egg chair, and coffee table make a great conversation area. You could layer an outdoor rug for color, pattern, and texture, while defining the space. @ruggable makes a great weather-resistant rug that you can throw in the washing machine! The color of this composite freestanding deck is Trex Transcend Jasper. (via @trexcompany / Instagram)
18. Swing into Relaxation.
Add a touch of whimsy and relaxation to your deck with a hanging chair or swing. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a book or sip your morning coffee, and it instantly brings a laid-back, vacation-like vibe to your outdoor space. (via Mom’s Design Build)
19. Add a Vertical Herb Garden.
Your backyard deck is the ultimate spot to enjoy dining alfresco. Planters affixed to a privacy screen are filled with herbs that not only save space, but they can also double as living decor. Herbs can include thyme, oregano, parsley, and mint. These herbs can be added to your cooking, or you can simply enjoy the fresh aroma. (via Outline Interiors)
20. Add A Hot Tub.
This modern raised red oak deck has a privacy fence and an integrated cedar tub. Overlooking the vast desert landscape, a contemporary dining set is perfectly placed for dinner with a view of the California desert. (via Studio Collab)
21. Multi-Level Backyard Deck.
A multi-level deck allows you the opportunity to create several outdoor living zones for lounging, grilling, and dining. Group furnishings together to promote conversation and ground each space with area rugs. (via Nerland Building & Restoration)
22. Hang Outdoor Curtains.
This small deck of a home in Asheville, North Carolina, adds a pop of color with its breezy outdoor drapes. They soften the space, block harsh sunlight, and provide privacy from neighboring homes when needed. (via JAG Construction)
23. Add A Bar For Entertaining.
Add an outdoor bar on your backyard deck; this one is connected to the kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing beverage under the shade. (via Copper Sky Design + Remodel)
24. Hang A Hammock For Relaxation.
A covered deck with a hammock is the perfect spot to relax in this covered outdoor living space overlooking a lake in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. An outdoor bar area and comfortable seating are ideal for outdoor entertaining. (via Heather Garrett Design)
25. Make It Clean and Casual.
A Seattle, Washington backyard is surrounded by gardens for privacy. Separate zones are created for grilling, lounging, and dining, providing a casual and clean aesthetic. (via Scot Eckley, Inc.)
26. Go Coastal with a Nautical Theme.
Incorporate navy blue and other colorful accents for a breezy coastal vibe. This expansive ipe deck runs along the length of the kitchen/great room inside. Like the interior kitchen, it features a dining area separate from a sitting room. See the rest of this home tour: Inside this reimagined North Shore lake house with a serene color palette. (via Howell Custom Building Group)
27. Create A Backyard Oasis.
This raised ipe deck with railings is located next to the pool of a Minnesota home. It offers an oasis for lounging, enjoying the gas fire bowl, and listening to the water feature, complete with a stunning cedar privacy wall. (via Mom’s Design Build)
28. Integrate Natural Elements.
This deck overlooks an infinity edge pool and a marsh on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It is built around an existing tree with lounge chairs and side tables, using natural elements to create the perfect spot to relax. (via House of Nomad)
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