Deck decorating ideas: how to spruce up a deck

Got a decking area in the garden? Lucky you! Whether you've got a big or little space to work with, you can redecorate your deck in the blink of an eye using the right furniture and just a few accessories. Take inspiration from our top tips and tricks to transform your outdoor space. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let's get stuck in!

If our living rooms can have their own decorative theme, why not our outdoor spaces, too? Whether you prefer seamless design or mixing things up, you can create your own outdoor ambience using garden furniture, accessories and, of course, plants.

Sticking with one style

Here are a few deck decorating ideas to make your own, according to your style and budget:

• Decorate with plants: add pops of greenery everywhere

• Earthy: white, beige and terracotta combine to create a cosy feel

• Seaside: lean towards blue and white for a beachy vibe

• Romantic: with soft lighting and plump cushions

• Upcycled: homemade or salvaged accessories will make this look

• Boho: dot around cacti and transform your deck into a chic hacienda

• Modern: pair a monochrome colour scheme with contemporary furniture

Mixing up design themes

If you prefer to mix things up with different styles, why not take a little inspiration from a few design themes? Simply select the elements that match your taste and style — there's no better way to create a space that really feels like you. After all, who says you have to stick to just one look? What's more, some design ideas are really easy to put together. A romantic deck design is easily topped off with plants while a coastal theme goes hand in hand with upcycling!

Garden furniture is really the star of the show in an outdoor space. And when it comes to choosing your outdoor furniture, the choice really is endless. Whether you're looking to sit down and enjoy a meal with friends or kick back with a book, it's up to you to pick out the furniture items that work for your needs (and wants!) in the garden.

Picking out a garden furniture set for your deck

A garden furniture set is usually the first port of call when it comes to kitting out a deck. After all, having a garden dining set already set up is much more convenient than dragging the kitchen table outside when you want to eat al fresco... A garden dining set is usually made up of a table (round, square or rectangular in shape) and a set of garden chairs or dining chairs. But garden benches can work really well, too. It's important to think about the number of seats you need to ensure everyone gets a seat at the table — unless you'd rather play musical chairs. From 2-seater tables to 4, 6, 8 or even 12 seaters, it's entirely up to you to decide how many people you want to invite to your weekend barbecues!

What are the best garden furniture materials?

When it comes to building an atmosphere in the garden, it's important to consider the style and material of your garden furniture. For contemporary settings, go for materials like faux rattan or aluminium painted in black, charcoal grey or midnight blue. If you're hoping to create a coastal theme, there's nothing better than wood or white rattan. Hoping to create a Mexican-inspired space with cacti and bright splashes of colour? A metal table with mismatching coloured chairs will round things off nicely.

Relaxing furniture for your outdoor space

Having an outdoor dining area is great, but setting up a spot just for relaxation is even better! Whether your deck is mostly in the shade or gets the sun all day long, it's always nice to have a space outdoors where you can enjoy a book, sit with your thoughts or, let's face it, play Candy Crush. When it comes to picking out relaxing garden furniture, you've got no end of choice. Sun loungers, outdoor sofas, hammocks and outdoor pouffes will all help to create a comfortable space that you can't help but relax in!

Accessories like rugs, plants and lighting can all be used to create a truly unique outdoor space with minimal effort.

Outdoor rugs for decks

Outdoor rugs work brilliantly for separating different areas on the deck. And there's no need to worry about bringing your rug back indoors when it rains since most outdoor rugs are made using synthetic materials like polypropylene. You can also find rugs made of natural materials like coir, bamboo, sisal or seagrass. In terms of shapes and design, anything goes from round rugs to rectangular rugs, solid colours to patterns and even reversible designs, which are great if you want to switch up your décor!

Picking the right plants for decking

Plants and outdoor décor go hand in hand. From little pops of green to full-on jungle mode, only you can decide how you want to integrate plants into your decking area. Choose between planters, pots and containers of all shapes and sizes, or line your deck with flowerbeds.

Don't have green fingers? Artificial plants can do the job just as well. Fake topiary, cacti, palm trees and bamboo can all step in to finish off your deck décor.

How to light up a deck

Lighting is really the finishing touch when it comes to decorating a deck. So hang a few fairy lights around your windows or along the back of a sofa, plant solar lights in your flowerbeds or set an outdoor lamp on your table to light up your evenings outdoors. Solar lights and battery-powered lights are ideal for shining light on your space without having to call in an electrician. What's more, these lights couldn't be easier to move around.

Found the décor inspiration you need to tackle your deck? Then roll up your sleeves and get started. Your dream deck is waiting...!

• Garden dining and lounge sets: our design ideas

• Garden furniture buying guide

• Garden table buying guide

• Garden dining set buying guide

• Children's outdoor furniture buying guide