Whether you reside in the city or the suburbs, having a stylish and functional small back deck can provide you with an outdoor oasis for relaxing and entertaining. If you are looking to reimagine your small deck or transform an underutilized space in your backyard, adding the right furnishings and accessories can make all the difference.
With clever design choices, you can create an outdoor space that feels larger, more inviting, and ideally suited for relaxing or entertaining. Your small back deck can be just as stunning and functional as a sprawling outdoor space.
Continue below to see our fabulous collection of small back deck ideas. From selecting multipurpose furniture to integrating greenery and adding lighting, you can create a backyard retreat that maximizes space while being perfect for entertaining, unwinding, or simply enjoying the view.
Tell Us: Which one of these small back deck ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!
1. Add A Cozy Fire Pit.
Even in a small space, a compact fire pit can become the focal point of your deck. It’s perfect for making s’mores or toasting marshmallows, keeping warm on cool nights, and creating a welcoming gathering spot for family and friends. A pair of chairs flanks the fire pit of this small rustic deck. Similar chairs are the Anyston Patio Chair from Joss & Main. (via CIRCLE Design Studio)
2. Beach Style Deck.
This casual, beach chic deck of a Pied-à-terre in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is inspired by summer breezes, local flair, and a passion for togetherness. (via Trevor Fulmer Design)
3. Outdoor Dining Deck.
This rustic backyard deck in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has just enough space for dining alfresco. This outdoor oasis enjoys sweeping views over the rugged mountains. (via EK Reedy Interiors)
4. Small Plunge Pool Deck.
An underused backyard in Portland, Oregon, was converted into a modern outdoor living space. A cedar soaking tub exists for year-round use. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, while a backdrop of bamboo and a stained cedar fence provides privacy. (via Howells Architecture + Design)
5. Add String Lights For Ambiance.
A beach-style deck in Portland, Maine, features built-in bench seating with a small table and chairs for outdoor dining. Hang string lights overhead for a warm, welcoming glow in the evenings. To achieve this look, the contractor installed three stainless steel cables from the “front cottage” to the “back cottage” as structural support. The lights are draped over these cables. FYI: The siding is eastern white cedar shingles, manufactured by Maibec. They were stained with Cabot’s “Nantucket White” (semi-solid). (via Whitten Architects)
6. Create A Backyard Movie Theater.
This cool raised deck allows you to enjoy evenings in an inflatable hot tub with an outdoor movie theater. The tub is the INTEX PureSpa Inflatable Hot Tub. Romantic string lights, candles, and lanterns create a magical ambiance. The shade sail is from Ikea. This spa is a DIY project designed in the corner of a small backyard. (via @herzenstimme / Instagram)
7. Freestanding Backyard Deck.
If you have enough space in your backyard, consider adding a small freestanding platform to expand usable space without the need for heavy construction. Surround your deck with a privacy wall for intimacy and add a set of globe lights for a magical feel. A pergola provides shade to this space, where a hanging chair offers a playful touch for additional seating. (via @luckyplot13 / Instagram)
8. Ground Level Pool Deck.
Add a raised deck next to your swimming pool and add some comfortable lounge chairs. This one in the backyard of a home in Philadelphia is wrapped around a tree, preserving the tree while adding natural shade for the outdoor chairs. A hammock adds an additional spot for relaxing after a dip in the pool. (via Back To Nature Decks)
9. Built-In Bench Seating.
Maximize every inch of your deck with built-in benches that double as storage. They keep the space tidy and create a cozy, streamlined look. This outdoor deck on Shelter Island, New York, features storage in the bench for cushions and pillows. It’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a sunset over the water. (via Andrea Young Interiors)
10. Add A Pop Of Color.
This cottage by the lake in Charlotte, Vermont, features Adirondack seating on the back deck. This simple seating is the perfect way to enjoy peaceful nature views and fresh lakeside breezes. Similar chairs can be found on Amazon and Wayfair. (via Distinctive Landscaping)
11. Deck With An Open Pergola.
This backyard deck of a home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, features a fire pit purchased on Houzz. The yellow chairs are from IKEA. The cool pergola frame overhead was made using plumbing pipe. Globe lights are woven through the frame, creating a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for evening gatherings. (via Exactly Designs)
12. Decorate Your Deck.
This back deck of a craftsman-style home in Culver City, California, features a dark brown stain for a more modern aesthetic. Stylish furnishings include a large teak sofa layered with pillows and a throw, along with a pair of rocking chairs, all grouped around a fire pit. (via Designstiles)
13. Backyard Garden Deck.
This raised deck of a home in the New York countryside has a small seating area with groupings of potted plants, creating a lush oasis. A water feature adds a soothing sound, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind, surrounded by the beauty of nature. (via Dabah Landscape Designs)
14. Outdoor Living Retreat.
This new deck and patio outside of the sunroom are the perfect spot for a spa and entertaining space in St Louis, Missouri. A similar hand-woven all-weather wicker chaise lounge is the Montecito Adjustable Chaise from Sunset West USA. (via Hercules Design Build)
15. Patio Deck With Ibiza Vibes.
This patio is an absolute dream with Ibiza vibes! The outdoor sofa called ‘Eddy’ was sourced from @depot_online. Depending on space, the individual modules can be assembled according to your needs. The glow of candles, hanging lights, and a fire feature creates a magical atmosphere. (via @herzenstimme / Instagram)
16. Build A Privacy Screen.
This deck creates an easy flow from the kitchen, outdoors to the deck, then the patio, then the garden. Without a railing, it feels like a “raft” floating above the patio and lush greenery of this terraced yard. Made from locally sourced black locust wood and cedar, with steps of granite curb stones salvaged from a New Hampshire highway. The shelves were designed to create open screening from a neighbor’s yard and driveway and house a changing collection of small plants, artifacts, and stones. (via Achla Designs)
17. Add A Built-In Bench.
Attach a slim bench to the railing or wall for extra seating that doesn’t take up floor space. The bench can play double duty as a planter box. Add a fire pit for ambiance and warmth to your backyard deck. (via B. Jane Gardens)
18. Create A Relaxation Deck.
This small backyard deck features pressure-treated wood and lake house-inspired furnishings and decor. (via @microprosienna / Instagram)
19. Corner Seating Nook.
Create a cozy gathering spot with a small platform deck and slat privacy walls. This one features a beach seat from @luluandgeorgia with a pillow from @annieselke, a chair from @article, and grounding the space is an area rug from @targetstyle. (via @malcolmsimmons / Instagram)
20. Pergola for Shade.
Make your backyard deck more functional with the addition of a wooden pergola. It will add architectural interest, some shade, and provide a framework for hanging curtains or woven pendant lights. Ground the space with a patterned outdoor area rug. (via Designer’s Touch)
21. Hang A Hammock.
Add a fun, relaxing element without overwhelming the footprint of your deck. A hammock will lend a boho vibe to your outdoor lounge space, along with other woven accents and potted plants. (via @ann.living / Instagram)
22. Enhance With An Outdoor Mirror.
Hang a weather-safe mirror to make your small deck feel more spacious. Your backyard retreat can have a zen-like feel with the addition of a privacy wall and a bamboo garden. Add some comfortable furnishings and a fire pit for warmth. (via Noz Design)
23. Add A Focal Point.
This cozy backyard deck features a small wood sectional and table sheltered by a pergola. This oasis is perfect for entertaining family and friends with a focal point fire feature—a wood-burning chiminea with wood storage. String lights line the perimeter of the pergola to provide eveningtime ambiance. (via Sarah Mitchenall Interiors & Gardens)
24. Choose A Calming Color Palette.
This small back deck is decked out with comfortable seating and overlooks Pine Lake, Wisconsin. Outdoor lanterns help to set the mood when the sun goes down. The designer selected a calming palette of neutral hues and lake-inspired blues for a relaxing vibe. The deck feels more open and spacious without cable railing. (via Andrea Goldman Design)
25. Compact Bistro Set.
In the backyard of a Dallas, Texas home, this small deck offers multiple entertaining solutions. A small round table and a trio of chairs make a charming spot for morning coffee or an intimate dinner. A built-in bench provides extra seating space along with a place for potted plants. It also acts as a privacy wall, creating a sense of intimacy. (via Vaughan Creative Media)
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