20 Deck Accessories & Decorations for Your Dream Outdoor Space
Having a custom deck is only part of building your dream outdoor living space for your home and backyard.
The other part is finding the accessories and decorations to make it a perfectly inviting space. The accessories give it the charm and cozy ambiance you dream of in an outdoor space.
If you need ideas to make your deck a beautiful and cozy area, you are in the right place. In this article by Keystone Custom Decks, we’ll look at twenty possible deck accessories and decorations to include or add to your deck.
Are you ready to start accessorizing your dream deck? Let’s get started!
*Feel free to read through the whole article and look at the pictures, or simply click the feature below that you would like to learn more about.*
Deck & Outdoor Umbrellas
Adding umbrellas to your deck, especially when combined with a picnic or patio table, is a great way to add a beautiful and functional accessory - they provide shade while simultaneously adding style and maybe a pop of color to your deck.
Umbrellas bring several benefits to your deck:
- They provide sun protection
- They create a focal point on the deck
- They establish a visual transition from the house roof to the deck
- They help break up large deck surfaces with a bit of color
With various colors and patterns available, you can surely find the perfect umbrella to customize your outdoor space! An umbrella can be a great way to add a pop of fun color to your deck.
Outdoor Area Rugs
Composite decking comes in various colors, textures, and styles, but nicely colored decking doesn't replace the beauty and comfort provided by a beautiful area rug!
Picking an outdoor, weather-proof rug introduces bright colors and unique patterns to your deck or porch surface.
An outdoor area rug also helps bring ambiance and coziness to your space.
It also mirrors a living room by creating a cozy and intimate seating and social area for your backyard.
Outdoor Furnitue
After your actual structure, choosing the right outdoor furniture for your deck is one of the most critical choices you have to make.
After all, what good is a beautiful custom deck if you have old lawn chairs or outdated furniture? And it's no fun to sit on your deck if your furniture is unaccommodating! You want your deck furniture to be relaxing, not uncomfortable.
When choosing outdoor furniture, it is critical to keep several things in mind:
- Make sure the furniture is weather-proof and resistant to precipitation and fading.
- Think beauty and function. For example, high-top barstools pair well with a drink rail to provide a fashionable sitting and drinking area all in one.
- The colors and style should blend in with your outdoor space and home.
- Don't choose only based on style - make sure the furniture is also comfortable!
When it comes to outdoor furniture styles, there are many types available. Some of the most popular are weather-proof poly furniture, sleek aluminum pieces, or increasingly popular rope furniture.
TV & Outdoor Entertainment
Adding a TV and entertainment system to your outdoor space officially brings the living room to the outdoors!
When considering adding an entertainment system, think about the system's placement and mounting.
At Keystone Custom Decks, we typically mount TV screens on brick or stone structures, such as a fireplace or adequate stone features for good stability.
If you want to add a TV, entertainment, or sound system to your outdoor area, ensure you get a water and weather-proof system. These cost more than typical indoor systems, but they are made to withstand the outdoor elements and nature! You don't want your technology ruined because of the weather.
Outdoor Pillows
Outdoor pillows take your outdoor furniture to the next level by providing unique colors, patterns, and accents to your outdoor space. They also add softness and comfort to a space.
Similar to using pillows to help decorate your living or family room, pillows also add the finishing touches of style to your outdoor seating areas. Plus, they make your space so much more inviting and cozy!
Artwork & Pictures
Your outdoor hosting space probably won't have much wall space for pictures and artwork because it will have open sides, but depending on your structure, you can still include a few strategic pieces.
The purpose of the pictures or artwork is not to clutter your outdoor space or distract from the beauty of the outdoors. Instead, like other decor on your deck, it should complement your outdoor space with a touch of style and color.
Like a TV, you should hang your artwork or photos on an available fireplace, stone feature, or wall.
Sports Memorabilia
Many people think sports memorabilia belongs in a "man cave" or office, but depending on your decorating style, you could use it very tastefully on your deck too.
Like other deck decorations, you don't want the memorabilia to distract by being too loud or large. You wouldn't want it to distract from the beauty of nature or your deck! If you wish to include outdoor memorabilia, we recommend using smaller pieces.
Sports pieces commonly found outdoors include flags, rally towels, rugs, photos, and more.
You must also keep weather factors in mind - ensure the items are weather-proof before you bring them outside! You don't want them to get rusty or moldy.
Sashes & Large Curtains
If you have a porch, roof, or pergola over part of your deck, using full-length sashes or large curtains adds elegance and privacy to an outdoor sitting area.
Some curtains help block sunlight in the late afternoon or evening, some improve privacy, and some add to the outdoor beauty.
No matter your reason for buying them, outdoor sashes and curtains can transform your outdoor seating area into a romantic, secluded retreat!
Outdoor Games
Most parties focus on food, drink, and conversation - but don't forget the games!
Games such as cornhole, ladder toss, bean bag toss, and other casual yard games are perfect for any gathering. They can add some life and spice for younger people in particular. Your kids will love it if you take them on in a quick "parents vs. kids" game of cornhole!
When it comes to storing the games, some people have a place for built-in storage, keep them in their garage, or store them under their deck. (If you fix it up a little, the underside of your deck can make an excellent storage space!)
Some people like to practice their golf game by adding a portable golf putting green to their deck, especially in longer areas.
If your deck has enough space, having several outdoor games available takes your family time and parties to the next level.
Fixed Lighting
As the day fades into night, the correct lighting on your porch can enable you to keep using it and even turn it into a romantic nighttime oasis.
Fixed lighting is usually included and built into the deck structure during construction, so you want to discuss this with your deck contractor during the planning stage.
However, if you want to change, add, or upgrade your outdoor lighting in the future, most deck builders and electricians can install it on a finished deck for you.
Common examples of fixed deck lighting include the following:
- Step lighting
- Railing lights
- Overhead lights, especially if you have a porch roof
- Recessed wall lighting if you have a retaining or seating wall
- Larger floodlights
Incorporating lighting into your design helps keep it safe as well as beautiful. You don't want people tripping over your steps or stumbling into railings in the dark!
Portable Lighting
While portable lighting may seem similar to fixed lighting at first, it is different for several reasons:
- You can move it around or change it depending on the season or style.
- Portable lighting allows for more customization. You can have soft lighting for a dinner event one evening and switch to brighter lights for a game party another evening.
Examples of portable lighting include candles, tiki torches, luminary lights, lanterns, string lights, and other easily-moved light sources. Portable lighting can make for a beautiful romantic atmosphere!
Deck Heaters
Many people like to use their deck and outdoor area for more than just the summer season. However, you will need a heat source if you want to take full advantage of your deck during all seasons.
While you may have a permanent heat source, such as a fireplace or fire pit, having a deck heater is an easy way to add style, light, and heat to your outdoor events. It also enables you to use your deck for longer in the season.
Many deck heaters are portable and run on propane gas, making most of them easy to move and fuel.
A wide variety of deck heater styles are available, so make sure you choose the heater(s) that fit your deck and existing decor!
Potted Plants
For those who enjoy plants and have a green thumb, placing potted plants around your deck naturally adds life, interest, and attractive colors.
Whether hanging from a rafter or positioned on the floor, potted plants introduce different types of greenery to your outdoors and complement your permanent landscaping.
An added benefit of potted plants is switching them out depending on the season. Moving plants indoors during colder seasons also allows you to enjoy them year-round!
Grills
The grilling station is a critical part of any outdoor living space. Everyone wants to attend the deck party that has excellent grilled food!
When it comes to grills, your range of options is endless. You could get a charcoal grill for fantastic flavor, a gas grill for grilling ease, or an electric grill for feeding large crowds. No matter the size, fuel type, or features you want, you are sure to find a grill to meet your needs as the chef.
As you design your deck, consider including a built-in grill and cooking station.
Also referred to as outdoor kitchens, built-in grills provide the complete outdoor cooking experience while integrating seamlessly into your deck’s design.
Drink Rails
Drink rails take your hosting and entertaining game to the next level.
As they sound, they turn your railing into a drinking or eating area by turning the deck railing into a flat and usable surface.
When combined with bar stools or chairs, a drink rail creates a beautiful and stylish area to entertain, unwind, and enjoy food and drink. It's the perfect recipe for connecting with friends and family! Often the best one-on-one conversations happen at the drink rails.
Fire Features
Adding a fire feature to an outdoor space creates a majestic centerpiece on a deck, porch, or patio, not to mention a heat source, extra lighting, and a place for people to gather for conversation.
Usually made from stone, fire features introduce a solid, beautiful focal point in your backyard. It's also a gathering place for people at your parties.
The most common fire features are fireplaces and fire rings. Both of these are usually available in gas-burning or wood-burning fire features.
A fire feature in your outdoor design adds light, warmth, ambiance, and the perfect place to make a s'more!
Porch Ceiling Fans
Adding ceiling fans is a great way to stay cool on warm days and evenings if your deck has a ceiling or beams. It keeps the atmosphere from getting too stuffy, and moving air may help keep the bugs away.
And don’t think they are only used to move air - outdoor ceiling fans are available in various colors and styles to match your deck! You can use them as a way to accentuate the style of your deck.
Pergolas
If you want to add the next level of style and intimacy to your deck and outdoor area, consider building a pergola over it.
While pergolas provide some shade, their main benefits come from the style and intimacy they bring to an area. Having a pergola is an invitation to relax on your deck! A pergola is also an excellent way to block off a smaller section of a large deck to create a cozy, roomlike space.
Depending on the design and build, pergolas also create the frame to hang lights, potted plants, install ceiling fans, or attach art or sports memorabilia.
Gazebos
Like pergolas, adding a gazebo to your deck creates an intimate place to relax, unwind, and enjoy good conversations.
Unlike pergolas, gazebos provide better shade and weather protection with their covered roofs. That way, your party can still happen, no matter the weather!
If you want to create an inviting area to relax on your deck, a gazebo paired with comfortable outdoor furniture is hard to beat!
Outdoor Shelving & Storage
You may need a shelving and storage solution if you store things on your deck.
Some features, such as an outdoor kitchen, include built-in storage in their design, but you may be looking for more options to store games, books, games, supplies, and other small items.
Adding shelving and storage doesn’t have to be boring like other deck accessories - there are plenty of unique, stylish, and creative ways to add deck storage.
If you aren’t sure which storage option fits your deck, visit your local hardware store, browse several furniture stores, or do an online search for the specific features you want. If necessary, a custom storage shed could also be purchased to fit your outdoor space.
Conclusion
No matter your goals for your deck, porch, patio, or other outdoor areas, having the right accessories and decorations take it to the next level!
If you don’t have your dream outdoor living space or want to upgrade your existing deck, contact the team at Keystone Custom Decks!
We provide custom decks and outdoor living spaces in PA, NY, MD, NJ, and DE. We would love to hear your dreams and help make them come true!
Whether it is a composite deck, covered or screened-in porch, paver or concrete patio, outdoor kitchen, pergola, or one of the many other features we build, we would love to hear from you.
Visit our website to schedule an estimate, visit our showroom, or view our Project Gallery for more inspiration.
