Looking to spruce up your small backyard deck? Check out these creative and budget-friendly ideas to transform your outdoor space into a cozy, inviting retreat. From seating to lighting, we’ve got you covered!
Small Deck Ideas
If you’re like me, you know that having a cozy, inviting outdoor space can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your home.
Even if your backyard deck is on the smaller side, you can still transform it into a beautiful retreat with just a few thoughtful touches.
When I first looked at my small deck, it felt plain and uninspiring. And the summer heat made it unbearable to use.
I knew it had the potential to be so much more, so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
My goal was to create an outdoor living space that was perfect for relaxing, reading, and enjoying time with my family during those cooler summer evenings and crisp fall nights.
In this post, I’ll share the practical and stylish changes I made, like adding a big awning for shade, choosing modern, weather-resistant seating, and bringing in tall planters to add a touch of nature.
I also focused on decorating with cozy accessories like pillows and blankets to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
I’m going to share all of the details in this post. Then, I’ll walk you through how to take your own small backyard deck from drab to fab.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a space that not only looks amazing but also meets your family’s needs.
Let’s dive in and get inspired to turn your outdoor space into the perfect little haven!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, see my disclosures here.
First, let’s look back at where we started.
The deck was in a decent state to start.
We did a small deck update to the space after we moved in. I wanted to get some furniture out there so we could actually enjoy the space.
Read: Deck Makeover Reveal
We loved that space and it served us well for a long time. But, there were some things about it that we didn’t love as much.
Initial Deck Design with Drawbacks
My small backyard deck had so much potential—it was the perfect spot for my morning coffee.
But it also had its fair share of issues.
The biggest problem? The excessive heat from the sun made it unbearable during peak hours.
With no shade to escape under, what should have been my little oasis became a spot I avoided when the sun was out in full force.
Without elements like outdoor rugs or an awning, my deck felt incomplete and unwelcoming during the hot weather.
It was clear that I needed to make some changes to truly enjoy my small deck design.
The table with the fire pit in the center was very cool and a great option when we first moved in.
It acted as a dining table and small campfire space all in one.
We had many summer nights with a mini campfire out there. And we liked feeling like we had somewhat of a backyard, even though we are in a townhome.
But the table was very large, and it basically took up all of the outdoor areas on the deck.
It’s a bar-height table, so the chairs were also bar-height. When you were sitting on them it always seemed like you couldn’t actually get very comfortable.
Updating The Deck For Comfort and Relaxation
For the deck update, I was craving a change and some new furniture that fit the space better. I came up with an initial design plan and pretty much followed it exactly.
Read: Deck Update Design Plan
I decided to make my small outdoor space more comfortable and relaxing.
I knew that making a few small changes was a great way to turn this area into a perfect place for relaxation, reading, and spending time outside.
Ben and I both like to sit outside on the porch and have coffee in the morning. Sometimes I’ll even bring my computer out there and work on the blog for a while.
This redesign has transformed my backyard deck into an inviting outdoor living room where I love to spend time.
Now it’s time to show you the final results. Welcome to our new outdoor deck!
Easy Small Deck Upgrades
Upgrading your small deck doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task.
With a few simple changes, you can transform your outdoor space into a charming and functional area that you’ll love spending time in.
Whether you’re looking to add comfort, style, or a bit of both, these easy upgrades will help you maximize your deck’s potential, even if you have a super small space.
Here are some backyard deck ideas for your home.
Awning For Shade
The biggest change to the space is really the awning. It covers the side of the porch where we have our chairs only, but I love how it completely changes the feel of the space.
This awning not only provides relief from the heat, but also gives my outdoor area a cozy, room-like feel.
It’s like having an extra living space outside, where I can relax and read comfortably even on the brightest days.
With the awning up, my little covered deck is ready for enjoyment anytime.
We looked at a ton of different options for awnings, many of which were really expensive. But ultimately, we decided on this awning.
It’s perfect for what we needed and also very affordable compared to most awnings.
The awning can extend 10’ over the side of our porch, which is much larger than the actual space. We don’t normally extend it that far though and it still works perfectly for our needs.
Awning
This is the newer version of the awning that we have. It’s a great price and a really big size.
Modern Chairs
The next big change was the brand new chairs for my outdoor deck space.
These chairs are modern and comfy, perfect for resting outside in the warm weather. They create the perfect lounge area on the deck.
Their design is clean and simple, which makes my small space look bigger and more inviting.
I saw these chairs at the beginning of the spring season and I knew immediately that they would be perfect for the porch.
These chairs have a cool feature: weather-resistant materials. This means they can handle hot sun or rain showers without getting damaged.
I would highly recommend these chairs – especially for the price! They give that Restoration Hardware vibe but for a much more reasonable price.
Outdoor Chairs
This set of chairs is a great price. They are simple and beautiful outdoor furniture.
Tall Planters and Greenery
I added some tall planters with even taller greener plants to the deck.
The planter boxes make the area feel peaceful and more natural.
The pots are tall, so I placed them slightly behind the chairs to surround the seating area.
I think that they add so much visual interest and are an easy way to decorate an outdoor space.
All of the plants and greenery help my small space seem cozy and welcoming.
Previously, I had a few short little planters with potted plants and flowers. But I think the taller planters and plants make the space feel more like a backyard, even though it’s not.
It has the nature vibe now!
Concrete Planters
These are simple and modern tall planters for the deck. I love the modern taper design.
Outdoor Pillows, Blankets, and Accessories
To truly elevate your small backyard deck, incorporating the right outdoor pillows, blankets, and accessories is essential.
These elements add interest and personality to your space.
The right accessories can transform your deck into a stylish and inviting haven.
I decided to brighten up my deck with some cozy pillows and warm throws.
These outdoor pillows are made to be outside but they feel like indoor pillows.
They’re super soft and squishy and are comfortable to sit against. But they still have all the waterproofing and protection. It’s the best of both worlds!
The new throw blankets make the space look inviting and are perfect for cool summer nights.
I picked colors that match my outdoor decor, making everything feel like it’s part of one big design.
One of my favorite accessories is this beautiful, battery-powered lantern that I love!
This lantern isn’t just functional; it adds a warm, cozy ambiance to the deck at night.
Another favorite of mine is the concrete side table that I added between the chairs.
We didn’t have room on our narrow deck for an actual coffee table. So an accent table is the best idea for smaller decks.
This accent table is a perfect blend of form and function.
I love using it as a convenient spot for my morning coffee or evening cocktail.
Plus, its neutral color and minimalist aesthetic make it a great addition that doesn’t overpower the space.
I styled the space by adding a few carefully chosen accessories to the side table.
To complete the look, I laid down an outdoor rug.
Since our deck is long and narrow, I decided to use a runner-style rug.
It really ties everything together and makes the deck feel like a natural extension of our home.
The final touch that truly brought our deck to life was adding a set of string lights along the railing.
These lights not only illuminate the space beautifully at night but also add a magical, cozy ambiance that makes the deck feel even more inviting.
The soft, twinkling glow creates a perfect setting for evening gatherings or quiet nights during the summer months spent outdoors.
Conclusion
Transforming a small outdoor deck into a cozy, inviting space is entirely possible with a few thoughtful touches.
If you have a limited backyard space, or just a smaller backyard in general, you can easily create a great place for your family to enjoy during the summer.
By adding a big awning for shade, modern and comfortable chairs, tall planters for a touch of nature, and a selection of fun, practical accessories, I’ve created a space that’s perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
This revamped deck is now the perfect spot for unwinding, reading, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
I hope this inspires you to turn your small backyard deck into an extension of your home, where you can make wonderful summer memories for years to come.
Happy decorating!
Deck Sources
All of the sources for our updated outdoor space are linked below. Click on any photo to shop!
