These deck decorating ideas for summer will convince you it IS possible have a welcoming outdoor space on a budget!

Front deck with colorful pillows and rug

The front deck at my previous home was a labor of love. We took down a large tree that was right outside our front windows, tore up the brick stoop and built the deck and outdoor living space of our dreams. So much value was added to our home and created a happy place for welcoming family and friends. (You can read all about our ranch style house with a front deck here.)

I firmly believe our homes don’t have to be perfect (or magazine worthy!) for us to love and enjoy what we have. How do you do that? How do you live with less than perfect? (Because let’s face it. Our homes are always in need of fixing!)

These few inexpensive changes cost less than $50 and added such great curb appeal!

Our home changed dramatically over the 30 years we were there but adding the deck made the space feel relaxing and added square footage for entertaining.

ranch home with large front deck with ferns and roses

ranch home with front deck decorated with ferns and roses

(I’ve included some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

Deck Decor Sources:

Patterned rug
Floral love seat cushion
Chair cushions (similar ones here)
Loveseat, chairs and table (this is a similar set)
Pillow covers
Red paint for tables
Polycrylic protective finish
Chalky finish paint for planters
Monogram garden flag

Buy flowers as the color scheme for your summer deck decor.

My favorite way to add color and “happy” to an outdoor space is to use flowers and greenery, mostly in planters.

We had a built in flower bed attached to the house right by our front door and I usually used impatiens there. Unfortunately, the NC heat isn’t kind to these plants since they receive a great deal of afternoon sun. There is relatively little shade outdoors here but it just meant I had to be diligent with watering.

concrete built in flower bed beside front door

Because of the design the deck had skinnier steps in the middle. I used these as an opportunity to add more flowers (and it keeps people from falling down the stairs!)

front deck of ranch home decorated with planters full of flowers

I always loved using ferns to hang from our DIY sunburst deck railing. I had to keep them watered and trimmed and they always looked amazing!

large fern in front of front deck of home

**Let me make the caveat that this $50 refresh did NOT include the plants, unfortunately. But this is the only time of year I spend much money on flowers so I’m okay with that!

Use what you already have.

I got these metal chairs at a yard sale years ago for $6 each and they’ve more than earned their keep! They were just in need of a little sprucing up. I added new outdoor fabrics which were the only patterns I had on hand.

metal chairs with orange fabric and red table with flowers

To be honest, I didn’t “stage” my upcycled DIY potting bench from a changing table. It’s a great place to store outdoor necessities like a lantern, string lights or candles, but here it’s just real life.

Garden cart on front deck with potting supplies

And lest you think I’m perfect (ha!) do you see these lovely muffins expertly arranged on this table? The mix was about 4 years old and smelled to high heavens! These hard as rock muffins are purely for your entertainment pleasure!

deck furniture with red table and blue flower planter

Also, that cute white tray the muffins are on? It’s there because the table is flaking and needs to be touched up. No perfection here ~grin

Let throw pillows and fabric add coziness and pops of color.

All the accessories on the deck are yard sale or thrift store goodies. Bright colors are my inspiration to create a simple deck that serves as a front porch as well (without a cover!)

Money saving tips for summer deck decorating ideas:

Shop yard sales and thrift stores for garden stools and outdoor decor.
Wait until Memorial Day weekend to buy plants because they’re usually on sale somewhere!
Always save the hanging pots you buy and use them for the next season with fresh dirt and flowers.
Update wicker furniture with spray paint.

Ground the small space with outdoor area rugs.

Kirkland’s had a half price plus 20% off sale and since I had been wanting a new rug I went ahead and bought a rug and loveseat cushion while they were on sale.

Front deck filled with colorful pillows, planters and rug

I probably needed a larger outdoor rug but my budget was limited. The one I bought added the pop of color I wanted in this outdoor space.

The sofa and chairs came from Big Lots several years ago and they were a great addition! Here’s a similar set if you need one.

I saved the pillows I bought at a yard sale a couple of years ago until I was ready to spruce up this area and photograph. Only problem? The little mouse that I discovered when I opened the bag in our outside storage building. Yikes! Not sure who made more noise, me or the mouse!

Luckily nothing was damaged. (Although I was totally freaked out my daughter wanted to make sure the mouse was fine. ~eyeroll)

Use paint to refresh.

Paint is one of my favorite ways to update my home. Both of the wooden deck tables are yard sale or side of the road finds. I originally painted them with chalk paint but didn’t use polyurethane on top.

This time around I used front door paint with a seal coat and they turned out much better!

red porch table with planters of flowers

I also decorate our backyard deck. (Read about my backyard patio ideas here.)

Print Pin