If you want a beautiful deck space, here are some deck decorating ideas on a budget to help you achieve your dream! Transform your deck into an enjoyable space for your family.

Front deck decorated with colorful rug and cushions

1. How to Decorate your Deck on a Budget

There’s nothing like relaxing with family and guests in the coziness of a beautiful outdoor living space, whether it’s a front porch, patio, front or backyard deck. Even better? When it doesn’t break the bank! To me it’s worth it to create an area that is not only beautiful but functions well for your family.

Our front deck may seem like such a little piece of real estate but for us it’s the culmination of a dream and a place for a to enjoy time together late in the evening.

Here’s what it looked like last year.

Front deck with flowers and colorful furniture

2. Where to start when decorating your deck

Every year I change up things in this space. Different flowers, new yard sale finds, maybe inexpensive pillows with a pop of color.

My advice is always to start with what you have, think creatively and try a few things before you go spend money! I do shop thrift stores and yard sales as many months out of the year as I can. Keep a list of what you need! It’ll be a lifesaver!

NC certainly can be HOT in the summer so thought needs to be given to the type of home decor and flowers that can withstand the heat.

Colorful front deck with rustic furniture

Colorful front deck with dark furniture and flowers

For the purposes of dreaming, just imagine there’s a cool breeze blowing as we sit down to a delicious glass of southern sweet tea!

3. Seasonal flowers add a touch of nature.

Flowers add beauty and a touch of nature to your outdoor space.

Taking care of potted plants can be a lot of work but add warmth and beauty that can’t be duplicated. Plus, time spent among flowers distracts from the many pressures of daily life. Its a win/win for me!

Planters of flowers and colorful rug on front deck

Good glory though. There is a lot of pinching back flowers, watering and coaxing these babies to please not die in the extreme heat!

4. Use a patterned area rug to pull the colors together.

The most expensive addition at just over $100, but the one that added the most pizzazz was a patterned outdoor rug.

Colorful patterned rug and furniture on front deck

I’m a gal who loves color and I’m lovin’ these accent stripes on this outdoor area rug!

Front deck filled with colorful cushions and patterned rug

5. Throw pillows are a must!

I love the deck bench and chairs we purchased from Big Lots two years ago but the seat cushions were faded from the sun. I bought a few throw pillows for under $10 each to give new life to this area.

Colorful throw pillows on outside front deck

Add bright color by using a throw to bring out more of the colors in the rug. Doesn’t this fabric just shout sunshine and happy days?

Dark furniture with colorful pillows and rug on front deck

Plus, time spent among my flowers distracts from the many pressures of daily life. Its a win/win for me!

6. What’s the best thing to put on an outside deck?

Our outdoor furniture includes a resin loveseat, chair and matching coffee table which were bought years ago. They can be touched up with a little spray paint if necessary. This was our biggest investment in terms of decorating the outdoor deck.

The resin furniture has lasted well in NC weather and probably better than wicker furniture would have. Our summers are often pretty dry but in the winter we get all sorts of moisture from snow to ice.

Summertime is prime yardsale season (read my best tips here) and my deck is usually a recipient of a few treasures!

Front deck filled with colorful furniture and flowers

To the left of the love seat is a chipped outdoor table I found for a couple of bucks and to the right is my $15 changing table turned DIY garden cart. I also have two wrought iron chairs I bought for a steal at $6 each and a wicker chest for $10.

Colorful patterned rug on front deck with rustic furniture

7. Inexpensive Accessories

My garden cart sports inexpensive accessories, including this $5 treasure I hung above it. I didn’t originally buy this wall hanging for my outdoor room but it’s the perfect addition for the rustic casual look.

My red lanterns mingle with old garden tools amid lovely flowers. The brass planter conceals a hose for flowers because this is real life, folks, and those flowers sure do get thirsty!

Potting table with colorful flowers and accessories on front deck

I hope these deck decorating ideas will inspire and challenge you to create the outdoor space of your dreams!

More Outdoor Inspiration:

Front deck filled with furniture and colorful pillows and flowers

I’d love to know how you’re spending your summer outdoors. Leave me a comment and let me know!