Give your tiny area a mega dose of personality without making it feel cluttered.
Whether you live in an urban or rural area, outdoor space is sacred. Even just a tiny balcony or deck can improve your lifestyle. If you're looking to revamp a small deck or turn an unused space into one, decorating it well and optimizing it for your needs will make a world of difference. Ahead, we've laid out tons of designer-approved small deck ideas. From installing hanging furniture to adding built-in amenities, any of these ideas are sure to help you make the most of your limited space. Outdoor Solid Stain
Select matching furniture with a more monochrome color palette. At a North Carolina beach house designed by Barrie Benson, the wood stain of the coffee table matches the stain on the decking—making it feel less obtrusive.
Forgo a fire pit in favor of a fireplace along the edge of your deck. It will save precious floor space for seating and a coffee table while still providing heat. Here, the fireplace at a Los Angeles home "refocuses that area and pulls you out there," says designer Pamela Shamshiri.
If you need to block the sun but don't want to dedicate floor space to an umbrella, try sheer curtains along the edges of your deck like on this porch by designer Hadas Dembo. They still allow some light in but don't make the space feel more confined.
If you want the protection of a railing without a super-enclosed feeling, try one that's open or made of see-through panels. Just take it from the corner deck of this Seattle treehouse by designer Andy Beers, which features a lacy railing that disappears into the wooded backdrop.
For a small deck with a small staircase—like the setup at this home by designer Rob Diaz—install built-in lights into the steps. It'll ensure you don't trip on anything, and it's a bit more low maintenance than managing string lights that aren't as secure long term.
All it takes is one perfect corner with a rocking chair, cozy accents, and a tiny table with a cute plant for your deck to become a go-to outdoor spot for uninterrupted relaxation. At a lakefront cabin, designer Jen Samson also added a tall potted plant to make the corner feel lively.
Take your seating up a notch (literally!) with hanging chairs. These white ones from Serena & Lily—inspired by Scandinavian design—offer an airy, sculptural frame that keeps the space feeling unconfined.
"I was worried the pool might be too close to the house, but I love it," says Eric Olsen, the architect of this California home. "When we open the doors, it feels like one big room." Take a closer look at the left corner and you'll see the outdoor shower peeking out too.
This deck attached to a home by Aamir Khandwala is covered by a white pergola for a modern approach that pops against the green landscape but blends in with the exterior of the house. It's the perfect place to perch for some flower arranging or use as a dining space.
If you don't have a ton of space, fill it with the coziest items you can find. This area by Malcolm Simmons features hanging plants, cozy throws, and layered outdoor rugs—making this deck the ideal spot to sit with a cup of coffee and a new book.
Designer Andrea Goldman chose furniture that doesn't require cushioned seats for a low-maintenance outdoor space. The lack of any rails makes the deck feel more open.
In this backyard designed by Robert McKinley Studio, the small deck is optimized for sun lounging with a couple of recliners, but the designer added an additional hangout space on the lawn with a fire pit and chairs since it couldn't all fit on the deck.
String lights are perfect for setting the mood in any size space. The lights in this space by Whitney Leigh Morris for The Tiny Canal Cottage (from the book Small Space Style: Because You Don’t Need to Live Large to Live Beautifully) create a soothing space–especially when surrounded by plenty of plants.
Since most decks feature wooden materials, they can feel a little cold and bare. Warm yours up with an outdoor area rug and a daybed. Here, Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design chose a large daybed with an ethereal canopy and tropical palm trees to set the mood. Though it fills up most of the space, the surrounding trees and fencing make it feel like the right scale and proportion.
If you want a distinctive look, opt for a tiled deck instead of wood. In this space designed by Emily Henderson, the tiles offer a clean look. Plus, you can have a little fun with color and pattern without filling your limited space with a ton of decor.
So you can't fit a pool in your backyard, but who needs that when you can have a jacuzzi instead? This small deck by Tamsin Johnson Interiors features a sleek in-ground hot tub that blends right in, as a raised one might make it feel too cramped.
With a small deck, less is more. Take note of this porch at Durham House, which features two stunning rattan chairs and a few plants. The more clutter you have on your deck, the smaller it will feel.
Vibrant colors can easily give a small space a lively feeling. This space designed by Old Brand New doesn't shy away from color, pattern, or greenery.
Accordion glass doors connect this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson to the surrounding deck area, which is totally bare. This provides the benefits of open-air living you'd get from an outdoor space but also keeps pathways clear.
Optimize an enclosed deck by installing wall hooks for towels and other times that might make a mess indoors. Then, add a couple of chairs for an outdoor reading nook or hanging spot, as Romanek Design Studio did here.
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