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Decorating a Small Pool Deck to Look Beautiful, Luxurious

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small pool deck decor ideas

Want to create a relaxing oasis by your little swimming pool? Decorating a small pool deck to look stylish & chill is easier than you think!

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Decorating a Small Pool Deck

Got a small pool deck you’re trying to style? It might seem like you can’t decorate much if your pool area is tiny. But the fact is, you can still make a big decor impact in this small space.

chairs, tables on small pool deck in backyard

In fact, you could even argue that decorating a small pool deck is easier than decorating larger ones because less decor is needed and the vibe is more intimate & cozy.

Let’s check out some beautiful ideas for decorating a small pool deck.

Seating Areas for Small Pool Decks

rattan chairs by small pool deck

One of the best ways to decorate a small pool deck is to creating a sitting area. Swimming is hard work after all (so is sunbathing!) and you’re going to want a place to sit and relax.

You might be limited as to the size of the furniture you can use for your small pool deck. Chaise lounge chairs are a popular choice, but are you going to have enough space? Be sure to measure the area before buying any patio furniture.

Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chairs

Even if your pool deck area is really tiny, I would still prioritize some sort of seating in the space over other decor items. It will help you enjoy and use your pool more.

Best Furniture for Small Pool Decks

outdoor sofa on small pool deck

What kinds of patio furniture work well on a small pool deck? I mentioned that chaise lounge chairs are a popular choice around the pool, although you might not have enough space for them.

Outdoor Lounge Chairs

In that case, regular lounge chairs can work well too, even though you can’t put your feet up. Consider going for statement pieces such as rattan & wicker chairs, smooth teak chairs or even hanging chairs. Outdoor lounge chairs in different colors will help give a vibe to the space.

You can also do a single, larger piece of furniture such as a couch, loveseat, daybed or bench. Another option is to create a dining area with cafe style tables and chairs so that you can enjoy meals by the pool.

Stylish Pool Deck Furniture

Umbrellas & Accessories on a Small Pool Deck

lounge chairs, table, umbrella on small pool deck, landscaping

Once you figure out what furniture to use on your small pool deck, you’ll want to add in some outdoor accessories to complete the look.

One accessory that is popular for around a pool is a patio umbrella. Umbrellas can be very functional in providing shade to a sunny pool deck. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Outdoor Patio Umbrellas

You can find more modern looking umbrellas for a simple, timeless look. Many of these umbrellas can be quite large and can be moved around for the best shade.

Or check out some of the more decorative umbrellas available on the market. These are often inspired by umbrellas you might find on the Almafi Coast or in Palm Springs. They can really add a fun touch to your small pool deck decor.

lounge chairs, umbrellas by small swimming poool

Another accessory for small pool deck decor is a side table or garden stool. These can be a good spot to put smaller items such as drinks, books and sunscreen.

But they can also add some visual impact to your pool deck. Garden stools especially can make for a nice pop of color by the pool. For the best small pool decorating ideas, make sure to coordinate the colors with your patio furniture and umbrella.

Outdoor Garden Stools

Small Pool Decks With Potted Plants

potted plants by small pool deck

Potted plants are a great choice for small pool deck decorating ideas. I love that you can find pots in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to match your other outdoor decor.

Potted plants work well off to the side of your pool deck or against a wall, like in the photo above. Consider placing them in groups of 3 or 6 to follow the decorating “rule of 3s”.

I’ve also seen people put potted plants right against the edge of the pool. This adds visual interest to your pool deck and looks especially nice if a pool has a curve or a sharp corner decorated with a potted plant.

Outdoor Planters

Privacy on a Small Pool Deck

chair by small outdoor pool deck

Who doesn’t want at least some privacy for their small outdoor pool deck? You might be able to achieve this just based on how your pool is situated next to you house.

Or maybe you have some creative landscaping that offers a wall of green. For those that don’t have a private backyard, you can add in some privacy for your small pool with a fence or screen.

This is something to keep in mind if your building a pool from scratch or planning a big landscaping project near your pool. Just keep in mind that plants can take many years to get big enough to offer the screening you’re going for.

Small Pool Deck Landscaping

furniture on a small pool deck with landscaping

What kind of plants work well in the landscaping around a small pool deck? That’s largely going to depend on where you live, but consider doing the following:

  • Place trees further back from the pool. When full grown, they will provide shade and privacy.
  • Place larger bushes and hedges near the trees. This will help fill in the space under the tree.
  • In front of the bushes, place smaller flowering perennials to provide visual interest and balance the look.

Garden beds can also be placed directly against the side of the pool. This is something to consider if you have a green thumb and are designing your pool from scratch.

Just be sure to use plants who’s roots won’t disturb the foundation of your pool and cause cracks!

Small Pool Decks With Lighting

lighting for small pool decks, landscaping

What kind of lighting options do you need for a small pool deck? If you plan on using your swimming pool at night, you’ll want to have lights that turn on inside of the pool. This is important for safety reasons, but it also offers a nice glow to the space.

Pool LED Lights

Additionally, consider using other light sources that are close to the ground such as lanterns with outdoor flameless candles, paver lights or landscaping lights. Paths and walkways are helpful to light up at night so you don’t trip. Up-lighting on plants and greens provides visual interest.

Outdoor & Waterproof Flameless Candles

Finally, you might want to add in lights from higher up. Wall mounted sconces and string lights are popular ways to light a backyard swimming pool area at night.

Bar Area for a Small Pool Deck

Want to have an area for outdoor entertaining by your pool? If you have a small pool deck, you might not have enough space for an outdoor bar or kitchen.

But with a little creativity, you can still make it happen. In the photo above, a small bar with two stools was added to the side of this above ground pool.

You could easily do something similar with your little pool deck. Maybe this is a better option for seating than lounge chairs?

Pergola For a Small Pool Deck

Can you fit a pergola on your small pool deck? Pergolas are a great way to add style and shade to outdoor areas. But many people think that you need a large space for a pergola.

In truth, if you have room on three sides of your pool deck, you can probably fit a pergola in the space. Remember that a pergola can cover a portion of the pool or even the whole pool if needed. This is a great way to add shade to the pool and pool deck.

If you’re handy, there are lots of DIY pergola plans available on Etsy. For those that aren’t handy, consider buying a pre-built pergola. Or find a local pro to build a pergola for you.

Small Pool Decks in a Backyard

wood lounge chair by small in ground pool backyard landscaping

Can you decorate around a small pool deck if the pool is in the middle of your back yard? Yes, I think so! You just need to keep in mind the grassy areas around the pool.

A lot of people don’t like stepping on grass as they come directly out of a swimming pool. Freshly cut grass with stick to your feet and create a mess. A way around this is to provide a small patio area by your pool with paver stones, fine gravel, decking, etc.

This area can then be decorated or turned into a siting area. Adding some landscaping around your pool will also help to create a visual border around the space. This will make it seem more like a special area in the yard, instead of just a pool.

Hopefully that gives you some small pool deck ideas for how to tackle this little space. What are you planning on doing this year for decorating a small pool deck? Share it below in the comments! 🙂

More Pool Deck Decorating Ideas

For more pool deck decorating inspiration, tips and styles, check out these posts:

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