Don’t let a small deck keep you from enjoying the outdoors — even the smallest of spaces can become a little oasis with a bit of effort. Whether you’ve got room to host an intimate happy hour or just enough space to grow some potted plants, you can turn your deck into a spot brimming with character. Read on to find useful small deck ideas and find even more inspiration in our photo gallery below.

1. Choose One Function and Run with It

To make the most of the space you have, pick just one thing you want to use your deck for and go all out. Do you want a comfy lounge chair or two? A petite bistro table? A patio full of plants? You decide, and then make your small deck the best version of that one thing. Of course, if your deck is in the front of your home, you might choose differently than if it’s in the backyard. Hammocks or chaise lounges can be great if you’ve got some privacy, but flowers or a bench may be best for the front yard.

2. Pick Out Decor that Will Add to the Ambiance

On a small deck, mood is everything. You can still throw a great party or enjoy a cozy reading nook if you’ve got good lighting, tasteful furniture and plenty of natural greenery. Hanging string lights is an easy way to add instant ambiance, but if you want something a little different, opt for a large hanging lantern. To make the space feel cozy, lay down a jute rug. You might even be able to squeeze in a fire pit, which’ll really make your deck a destination.

3. Use Plants and Trees to Enhance the Space

You don’t have to miss out on green space if you lack a backyard — simply add plenty of plants to your deck to create a leafy escape. If you’d like a bit more privacy, try arranging tall potted plants around the border. You can also add hanging planters or boxes on your railing if you’re really tight on space. And if you’re building a small deck from the ground up, make use of trees already on your property. They’ll add welcome shade and add significantly to the mood.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a small deck renovation or are building a designer deck from scratch, Houzz has 4,446 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Durante Home Exteriors and Deck It. Look through deck pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a small deck design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful small deck photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.