29 Back Porch Ideas
These ideas are sure to make your back porch the go-to hangout spot
Whether you have an existing back porch that needs upgrading or you want to add a brand new back structure, there are different styles and accents to consider when planning your design. From structural and porch railing ideas to easy upgrades, like adding furniture or decor, here are some back porch ideas to bring to your own space.
Structural and Porch Covering Ideas
Here are some structural ideas if you’re considering a remodel or adding an entirely new back porch. If you’re contemplating a few options, like adding a deck, patio, porch, or stoop, refer to our guide that explains the differences between these various structures.
1. Extensive Wraparound Porch
A wraparound porch conveys a sense of regality and stateliness when added to a home. This cottage-style home’s porch continues from the front, around the side, and to the back exterior to provide ample space for hosting friends and family alike.
2. Built-In Fireplace
This covered porch features open sides with a built-in floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the corner. The alcove creates the perfect gathering space to bring warmth and comfort to the porch area.
3. Integrated Outdoor Kitchen
You can design the porch to have multiple functions, like this space—it features a kitchen, outdoor living room, and dining area. Install cabinetry along the wall with a built-in grill to increase the amount of storage space. The modern aesthetic is an extension of the home’s style, and creates a cohesive and continuous porch area to make the space feel large and expansive.
4. Craftsman-Style Porch
This craftsman-style double porch features natural elements, like the stained cedar beams and coordinating door and window trim, to create a point of interest on the back of the home. The wooden porch furniture draws inspiration from the architectural-style of the structure to create cohesiveness in the outdoor space.
5. Pergola-Styled Covering
This back porch features a pergola-styled covering to create a shady spot to hang out with friends or relax under while catching up on a few chapters of your favorite book. The overhead cross beams provide the perfect place to plant climbing vines and flowers to add even more shade and protection from the sun.
6. Modern Awning
This modern louvered awning is the perfect addition to the back porch area. Not only does it aesthetically complement the contemporary architecture of the home, but the louvered feature of the awning includes retractable slats that can be tilted 180 degrees, so you can customize the covering to your preferences.
7. Retractable Awning
This classic retractable awning is an easy upgrade to add to any back porch area. Keep it pulled back when you want to soak in the sun, or extend it so you can still take in the beauty of the outdoors while keeping rain or heavy UV rays at bay. If you’re looking for more inspiration for porch coverings, check out our Covered Porch Ideas guide.
8. Fully Screened-In Porch
Another back porch idea is to fully enclose it to create a semi-outdoor room that’s an extension of your home. The floor-to-ceiling windows in this space make you feel like you’re fully immersed in the outdoors—without risking bug bites or rain showers. Use the additional square footage as an area to host gatherings under, or simply enjoy a morning cup of joe taking in the beauty of your backyard.
Back Porch Railing Ideas
Create delineation between your backyard and porch area by enclosing it with a railing. Here are some different back porch railing ideas to consider for your space.
9. Glass Panel Railing System
A glass panel railing system is a popular choice because it adds safety and security—without obstructing the view of your outdoor area. The tempered glass inserts are both durable and sleek, and add a touch of modernity to this back porch area.
10. Classic Wooden Railing
Clearly define the back porch area by matching the railing to the decking material. This design choice allows the porch to act as a blank canvas that doesn’t take away from the views of your yard or any furniture and accents you may choose to add.
11. Metal Horizontal Railing
Bring clean lines and minimalism to your back porch by opting for metal horizontal railings. Metal holds up well to outdoor elements, making this a low-maintenance and durable railing option. What’s more, the wide horizontal rails don’t distract you from the views and complement a wide variety of architectural styles.
12. Contemporary Cable Railing
Blend materials with this vinyl post and metal cable railing system. The thin horizontal cables let in more light, but the thick vinyl posts provide a durable and sturdy barrier to enclose the back porch area.
13. Crisp White Vinyl Railing
A white railing can withstand the test of time, as this classic choice will never go out of style. The crisp white vertical railings against the light wood flooring makes the space feel airy and bright.
Lighting and Furniture
14. Light Fixtures
Having ample lighting in the back porch gives you more opportunities to use the space, whether it’s day or night time. For an extensive list, check out our Porch Light Options guide, but in the meantime, here are some of the main options to consider:
Flood lights
Overhead lights
String lights
Wall-mounted lights
Post lights
Spotlights
15. Comfortable Ceiling Fan
Another type of light fixture to consider is a ceiling fan with an attached lamp. This is an easy way to add more breeze to an enclosed porch or sunroom to make it a comfortable space, even in the most humid conditions.
16. Inviting Conversation Set
This patio set features two lounge chairs and a couch with comfy cushions for the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Place a coffee table in the middle to set a cup of afternoon tea on, or some evening adult beverages.
17. Incorporated Grill
Build a grill directly into your back porch area, so you won’t have to worry about a little rain spoiling your summer cookout plans. The stonework around the grill gives it an elevated look and coordinates well with the natural wood on the porch ceiling and classic Adirondack chairs.
18. Suspended Porch Swing
Make use of a porch’s covering by hanging a swing from the porch ceiling joists. This classic wooden bench swing with decorative throw pillows is the perfect place to relax and admire your backyard from. Refer to our step-by-step guide to learn how to hang a porch swing yourself.
19. Quality Rocking Chairs
Sometimes it’s the simplest addition that can make the biggest impact. These strategically placed rocking chairs allow you to take in the view of your yard as you leisurely sway back and forth.
20. Expansive Sectional
With ample seating, you won’t shy away from hosting large gatherings with friends and family. This sectional has plenty of room to spread out—or to pack in a group of guests, so you never have to worry about having enough places to sit.
21. Cozy Fire Pit Table
Turn the coziness up a notch in your outdoor living space by equipping the seating area with a fire pit table. This table has a wide enough ledge to set up a s’mores station or to hold beverages on but leaves enough room to start a small fire in the middle. Opt for a traditional wood-burning fire pit table to mimic the classic campfire experience. Or, try a gas fire pit table with an easy-on-and-easy-off switch.
22. Welcoming Dining Set
Bring the fun to your back porch by including a dining table in your outdoor furniture collection. This table and chair dining set has ample seating space, and plenty of room for an al fresco evening spread. What’s more, the outdoor rug under the table protects the pavers from spills or scratches to preserve the look of the patio, while also giving a look of completeness to the space.
23. Low to the Ground Coffee Table
Simple, yet chic, this wooden coffee table is the perfect piece to gather around as you share quality conversation with friends. The table bridges the gap between rustic and modern to complement any design style that you may choose for your outdoor space.
24. Laid-Back Hammock
Like the porch swing, this hammock is hung from the porch’s ceiling joists. However, this is a more laid-back option, as it allows you to fully recline—and even take a mid-afternoon power nap to re-energize yourself for the evening’s activities.
Porch Decorating Ideas
Find ways to put your own personal spin on your back porch by adding decorative elements to make the space your own.
25. Lush Greenery
Make your back porch a garden area by adding various potted plants to the space. Container gardening is a versatile option, as it allows you to move the plants around as needed. The best part? By keeping your plants in containers on your back porch, you don’t need a lot of land to create the garden of your dreams.
26. Stand-Up Planter
Another way to add flowers and greenery to your back porch is to opt for a stand-up planter. This wooden piece is at the perfect height to tend to your garden—without having to bend down to take care of your plants. Add decorative items to the flower box, like wind chimes, pinwheels, or a small bird feeder to add more character to the space.
27. Seasonal Decor
Switch up the decor on your back porch as the seasons change to make it feel like it’s more integrated into your home, rather than a separate space. Look for weather-proof seasonal decor, like pillows, metal statues, and garden flags, to keep the aesthetic interesting year round.
28. Cozy Textiles
Find ways to make the back porch space more comfortable and inviting, so you’ll be more inclined to use it. Pillows and blankets add coziness that will encourage use of the space—even when it’s cold.
29. Accented Stairs
Consider all of the areas of your back porch when selecting home decor to add. For example, lining the stairs with lanterns and flower baskets adds both visibility and charm to bring dimension and visual intrigue to the area.