If you want a beautiful deck space, here are some deck decorating ideas on a budget to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams!

Front deck decorated with colorful rug and cushions

There’s nothing like entertaining family and guests in the coziness of a beautiful outdoor living space, whether it’s a front porch, patio, front or backyard deck or even a pergola. Even better? When you create it the inexpensive way! To me it’s worth it to create an area that is not only beautiful but encourages spending time outdoors.

Our DIY deck may seem like such a little piece of real estate but our deck reveal was the culmination of a dream! We may not have done all of it ourselves but there was enough DIY projects to make this girl happy!

1. Deck Decor on a Budget

If you have the money, start with an outdoor bench with budget-friendly outdoor cushions. Do you have a porch swing? Add a fresh coat of paint if necessary and use outdoor fabric for fun pillows.

Colorful front deck with rustic 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. If you have an area that gets some shade be thankful!

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 top 10 yard sale bargains) 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. This cart could easily be turned into an outdoor bar if that’s a feature that sounds appealing to you.

I also have two wrought iron chairs that are a great addition and 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.

Front deck filled with furniture and colorful pillows and flowers

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 and patio decorating ideas will inspire and challenge you to create the outdoor space of your dreams!

FAQs about outdoor decorating

Collect accessories throughout the year at yard sales, thrift stores and end of season sales. Always keep in mind the things you might need for the next season!

Make sure you don’t cram too much furniture in the space. You want to have room for guests to move around and hang out. String lights are a special way to make any space special.

Besides having space for others to sit and/or stand, being a good host or hostess is a sure way to encourage others to visit more often! Good conversation in a beautiful space is a win win!

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