While a deck itself can have a strong influence on your backyard, the way you decorate it changes the feeling too. Even if your deck is fairly basic, adding furniture, greenery, and extras can take it to the next level.  Little additions have a big impact. Deck decor can completely change the mood of your outside living space and create a perfect backyard escape.

To create a tropical retreat in your backyard, add lots of exotic plants, tropical prints, and wicker patio furniture. Breezy palms or colorful umbrellas can add shade, while birds of paradise or hibiscus flower can provide a pop of color. You can easily find tropical-looking deck furniture and cushions or towels with bright leafy or floral prints. Add some tiki torches or a fire pit and you’ll feel like you’re lounging at a Hawaiian resort!

If you prefer a quieter charm, try faded furniture and soft colors for a shabby chic feel. Go for rustic-looking wood deck furniture and vintage-looking fabrics. Add pretty flower pots and maybe a tiny floral-patterned outdoor rug or tablecloth for a whimsical look. Or go for deeper, earthy-toned fabrics and add some big Adirondack chairs for a lodge-like space to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors in.

Or if a contemporary look is more your speed, try sleek furniture with lots of straight lines. Less is often more with a modern style, so a few statement-making additions are all you need. A sharp-lined sectional adds ample seating. Brightly colored pillows in solid colors pack a punch. Try adding an interesting fountain or light fixture for a cool, contemporary escape. Or soften the colors and add a little more green to feel like you’re at a resort and spa!

So much of it comes down to personal taste. You can always select specific deck decor to create a certain feel, but if choosing a style is too overwhelming, just choose what you like. Everyone gravitates towards certain patterns, colors, and styles. Even if you can’t figure out what your style is, a theme will start to emerge in your choices. Just pick what you like, and your deck will inevitably end up with a style that is effortlessly and distinctively you.