A deck is the best place to spend time with family and enjoy the great outdoors. But, many people with small backyards think their dreams of outdoor living will never become a reality.
Fortunately, this isn’t true. There are countless ways to transform your deck into an outdoor oasis—regardless of its size. Get inspired by these small deck ideas:
Provide Warmth With Fire
Having a fireplace on your deck will instantly make the space look warmer, cozier, and more inviting. Large decks are typically designed with built-in fireplaces, but this probably isn’t an option for smaller decks.
Forget the built-in fireplace—you can provide warmth with a portable fireplace or tabletop firepit instead. These won’t take up as much space, so they will allow you to enjoy the warm glow of a fire on a smaller sized deck.
Work With the Existing Greenery
If space is limited, it’s important to work with what you have instead of trying to cram too much into a tiny space. This is especially true when it comes to the greenery in your backyard, so make sure you take advantage of the shrubs, trees, and plants surrounding your deck.
Do you have a large tree providing shade to one side of your deck? If so, work with it. Put the furniture on this side so guests can sit in the shade instead of trying to create another shady spot on the opposite side of the deck.
Taking advantage of the existing greenery will help you make the most of every inch of your deck. Plus, it won’t cost you a dime, so it’s one of the best small deck ideas for people on a budget.
Think Vertically
If space is an issue, it’s important to think vertically. For example, many people want potted plants on their deck, but they can take up a lot of floor space. Don’t let this space go to waste—hang wall planters instead.
Making use of the walls is one of the best small deck decorating ideas because it visually expands the space, making your deck seem larger than its actual size. Plus, the wall décor will add an extra special and personal touch to your deck!
Choose Furniture Wisely
Picking the right furniture is the key to revamping your small deck. Space is limited, so it’s best to choose pieces that won’t take up too much of it. For example, look for chairs that are designed to tuck underneath a matching table when they are not in use.
Chairs with hidden storage underneath the cushions are ideal for small decks as well. Having this storage space will make it easier to control clutter on your deck.
A fold-up table is a great addition to a small deck, too. Tables like these can be folded and put away so they don’t take up any spacewhen they’re not in use.
Selecting the right furniture can help you create an outdoor space that is not only comfortable, but functional as well.
Leave the Center Open
Place chairs, tables, and other furniture around the perimeter of your deck so you can keep the center space open. This design trick will instantly make your deck look and feel twice its size. In addition, it ensures that there is plenty of standing room for your guests.
Choose A Complementary Color Scheme
The colors you choose for your deck should complement the color scheme of your home’s exterior. A deck that is a completely different color from the home’s exterior will stand out like a sore thumb, making its small size more noticeable.
However, a deck that complements the rest of the home will look like a natural extension of the house. In fact, it may be hard for others to tell where the house ends and the deck begins, so the small size will not be immediately obvious.
Don’t Forget the Details
The details of the design are more noticeable on smaller decks since there isn’t as much to look at, so keep this in mind when putting the finishing touches on your outdoor oasis.
There are countless ways to add interesting details to your deck’s design. For example, choose an unconventional railing or install a unique patterned deck floor. These details will give your deck its “wow” factor, and they will definitely get noticed by your guests.
Bring These Small Backyard Deck Ideas to Life
These deck and patio ideas for small backyards will help you make the most out of the little space available. Implement one or more of these ideas so you can transform your deck into an outdoor oasis that is perfect for entertaining and unwinding!