Back Deck Ideas

These ideas for how to decorate your back deck will help inspire you to make a peaceful retreat for family and friends to enjoy. Affiliate links are included – full disclosure here.

One of the things we fell in love with at our new house was the back deck. It was SO big and we knew it would be a great space that we could enjoy for many months each year with our family.

Now that it’s April in Pennsylvania, we’re starting to get all of the outdoor stuff out and ready for use. I took a look at the sad state of our back deck after the winter months – it was just dirty and messy.

I went onto Pinterest and started gathering ideas – some of them we could do right away, but some of them will take more money and time. And that’s OK! Making a home takes time, and I love approaching designing a home in stages.

Here’s our current back deck situation:

To shop the items we already have on our porch – click these images below:

Decks with white ceilings:

It’s so interesting to go back through things that you pin on Pinterest. When I went onto my Pinterest boards, I realized that many of my favorites had white painted boards as part of the pergola ceiling. I didn’t even think about doing this option before looking at my pins – so glad I did!

This space from Undecorated Home is stunning! I love the wood tones, white painted wood, and of course all of the greenery. What a welcoming space!

Zevy Joy’s outdoor patio will forever be one of my favorites. It’s just perfect! 

Decks with white curtains:

Before you say “but don’t they get dirty??” just remember – white curtains can easily be bleached clean! People claim they’re super easy to maintain because of that fact.

Curtains obviously help to block the harsh sunlight on those really hot and bright summer days, but they also add a certain ethereal element and soften the space.

This beautiful space is from Traditional Home:

And my friend Lauren from Blesser House made the right call by putting these sheer white curtains on her porch – she said it works so well to keep the mosquitos out on buggy evenings. See her whole makeover here.

A private retreat:

If you’re looking for a little more privacy, then consider a wall like this one from The Fresh Exchange. It’s a great privacy screen and also adds a beautiful architectural element.

It reminded me of this post I wrote years ago but still love today – privacy screen ideas that are beautiful and creative.

I just love this back deck addition from @BrittanySinger on Instagram – adding that space added so much functional space to their outdoor area!!

Climbing plants:

Another goal of mine: get some climbing vines for my deck ceiling. It’s just so romantic looking! But it’s also functional – it’ll help keep the hot sun off of the deck and provide a little more shade. Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Add outdoor kitchen elements:

I strive to have this level of luxury and functionality in my outdoor space someday…instead of just our grill on wheels! 

This one from my friend Aniko (she blogs at Place of my Taste) is INCREDIBLE. Seriously. You guys have to see how she transformed her back deck – every single detail is perfection!

And of course – allll the string lights!

Did you notice that almost every picture I shared has lots of string lights on the porch? It’s just the perfect finishing touch!

If you’re looking for more ideas – I shared our front porch makeover from our last house. Dang it I loved that porch, but we re-did it right before we moved, so we didn’t get a chance to fully enjoy it!

Check out our front porch makeover here: