You have just built or purchased a deck so you could host all kinds of gatherings on it. Maybe you have neighborhood barbecues in mind, or perhaps you want your deck to act as an outdoor tea parlor for your book club meetings. In any case, you’ve finished the hardest part of the process. Now you have to brainstorm ways to decorate and accessorize your deck.
Below, you’ll find a list of both practical and fun accessories that every deck needs. With these items in your outdoor space, you’ll wow guests no matter what kind of gathering you choose to host.
- LED Outdoor Lights
The party shouldn’t stop as soon as the sun goes down. Additionally, if you like more intimate gatherings, the night tends to make people more open to sharing personal stories and making valuable memories. And your porch lights won’t quite cut it.
So, use solar LED outdoor lights to illuminate your deck instead. These lights charge during the day with the sun’s free, clean energy, and they store that power so they can brighten your deck for hours after dark. Adjust the number of lights as needed to create just the right atmosphere.
- Outdoor Speakers
You can’t call your deck’s ambiance complete until you add outdoor speakers. These speakers can withstand any kind of weather, and modern options give you exceptional sound quality. So if you need music for one of your parties or book club meetings, make sure you have outdoor speakers installed around your deck.
- Solar Panel Charging Docks
Mobile phones have become an essential just like wallets and keys. So don’t make your visitors charge their devices inside when you have long gatherings. Rather, install furniture or docks with solar panels so your guests can power their devices outside. You won’t just give your friends a convenient way to keep their phones from dying-you’ll also include an accessory that’ll impress anyone who sees it.
- Grills or Smokehouses
Of course, you can’t have a deck or patio without a grill. Choose the size and features that best fit your needs. Then consider purchasing a smokehouse to complement it. These appliances function somewhat like ovens, so you’ll have multiple ways to prepare meals for your barbecues and picnics.
- Fire Pits or Fireplaces
Perhaps you prefer to roast marshmallows instead of grill steak. Or perhaps you want to give your deck a focal point that inspires visitors to cuddle. Either way, you’ll get exactly what you want with a fire pit or outdoor fire place. Build these features into your deck or keep them free standing as your style preferences dictate.
Fire pits tend to have wider diameters to allow for cooking, while fireplaces tend to have taller constructions to encourage flame height. Keep these differences in mind as you make your choice.
- Insect Zappers
Smoke can sometimes keep mosquitoes and wasps at bay, but why not opt for a more thorough and efficient option like an insect zapper? This device emits bright light that attracts insects to it. Once an insect touches the light, the zapper creates an electrical shock that kills the bug instantly. As a result, insects won’t bother you or your guests, making for a more pleasant gathering.
Position one zapper near your deck’s center, or install several for more comprehensive protection.
- Outdoor Furniture
You can’t forget outdoor furniture when you accessorize your deck. Decide whether you prefer a dining table and chairs or a full outdoor living room set. You’ll need the dining option if you plan to host a lot of barbecues or if you want to eat your breakfast outside every morning. But choose the living room set if you would rather host book clubs, tea parties, and other smaller gatherings.
- Rugs and Cushions
After you choose your furniture, choose outside-friendly pillows and rugs to complete the look. Rugs give visitors a safe place to put their bare feet, while pillows simply make your furniture more comfortable. Both accessories also add a pop of color to your outdoor entertaining area.
- Umbrellas
You don’t want rain to ruin your parties. Nor do you want anyone to develop a sunburn. An umbrella solves both of those problems. Find one large enough that it shades all of your outdoor furniture. Make sure the umbrella matches your pillows and rugs as well.
- Hanging Art and Other Decorative Touches
Finally, you can let your imagination run wild with decorative touches like hanging lanterns, fairy lights, ribbons and banners, potted plants, abstract art, and more. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd your deck because visitors will think it looks tacky.
With the tips above, you can accessorize your deck in the best way possible. For more tips on beautifying and maintaining your home’s exterior features, check out the rest of our blog.