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The Top 72 Back Porch Ideas

The Top 72 Back Porch Ideas

  • Trendey / Patio, Porches and Decks
  • by — Andra DelMonico

“I’m an old-fashioned guy… I want to be an old man with a beer belly sitting on a porch, looking at a lake or something.”  –  Johnny Depp

Having a back porch on your property can give you an outdoor space to enjoy. Done well, and it can add value to your home.

Your back porch doesn’t need to be large, but it should be big enough to hold a decent amount of furniture. Then you need to think about the rest of the features, like lighting, shade from the sun, privacy, and air circulation.

These back porch ideas will help you create the perfect back porch for your home and lifestyle.

Contents

1. Awning

You can still enjoy shade on your porch without having to have an enclosed porch. Add an awning to your porch design. This covering isn’t a roof, but a retractable cover that’s made from fabric. It can roll or fold out to cover a little or a lot of your porch.

Awning Back Porch Ideas -abadconstruction

Source: @abadconstruction via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -broadviewshadingsolutions

Source: @broadviewshadingsolutions via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -cover_your_pergola

Source: @cover_your_pergola via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -devanpaig3

Source: @devanpaig3 via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -gossoutdoor

Source: @gossoutdoor via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -sammy_pampani

Source: @sammy_pampani via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -sealink_vinylfence

Source: @sealink_vinylfence via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -triveras_brightwoodlife

Source: @triveras_brightwoodlife via Instagram

Awning Back Porch Ideas -tweakedstyle

Source: @tweakedstyle via Instagram

Look for one that’s durable with a UV treatment and is impervious to water. These awnings can be manual or motorized. If you have a tighter budget, the manual option is better. An awning works best on a small porch or a long and narrow one.

 

2. Fireplace

Adding a fireplace to your sitting area creates an intimate space with a focal point. Give it an outdoor living room feel with an outdoor rug, coffee table, and sofa.

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -gibsoncontracting

Source: @gibsoncontracting via Instagram

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -houseoflean

Source: @houseoflean via Instagram

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -jfy_designs

Source: @jfy_designs via Instagram

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -nvelop.photography

Source: @nvelop.photography via Instagram

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -raiseurroof

Source: @raiseurroof via Instagram

Fire Place Back Porch Ideas -thechampagnepatio

Source: @thechampagnepatio via Instagram

If you aren’t ready to build a full fireplace, you can compromise with a fire pit. There are affordable options that you can pick up and move to where you want it. Once you decide you enjoy using your fire pit, you can build a permanent one out of pavers or stones.

Uniform pavers will give your fire pit or fireplace a contemporary look. Natural stones will create a more rustic feel.

 

3. Lighting

If you want to use your porch at night, then you need to add lighting. Otherwise, you’ll sit in the dark, which is no fun. String lights are popular and give your porch plenty of light across the entire porch. String them up high enough to be over everyone’s head.

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -hannah.athome

Source: @hannah.athome via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -lifewithlaurenann

Source: @lifewithlaurenann via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -maple.and.dickerson

Source: @maple.and.dickerson via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -mylittleredhouse

Source: @mylittleredhouse via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -rachelleighsergent

Source: @rachelleighsergent via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -s_a_songer

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Lighting Back Porch Ideas -sixat21

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Lighting Back Porch Ideas -skovbon

Source: @skovbon via Instagram

Lighting Back Porch Ideas -the_1882_house

Source: @the_1882_house via Instagram

Choose commercial grade lights to ensure they are safe for outdoor use and are durable enough to last. Another option is to use large lanterns with candles.

Real candles can be a fire risk, but you can place faux candles instead. For a funky vibe, consider using a neon light. You can customize the sign to say anything you want, choose the font, and pick your color.

 

4. Modern

A builder-grade porch made of concrete isn’t the most attractive-looking. While concrete is a modern building material, you still need to make it appealing. You could apply a concrete stain or paint. This maintains the look of the concrete but elevates it.

Modern Back Porch Ideas -by_tine_home

Source: @by_tine_home via Instagram

Modern Back Porch Ideas -clearcutandco

Source: @clearcutandco via Instagram

Modern Back Porch Ideas -gossoutdoor

Source: @gossoutdoor via Instagram

Modern Back Porch Ideas -nealsdesignremodel

Source: @nealsdesignremodel via Instagram

Modern Back Porch Ideas -stephmusur

Source: @stephmusur via Instagram

Consider covering your porch with composite decking if you want a modern look but don’t want the concrete. This durable and beautiful material transforms the look of your porch.

It could mimic the look of real wood or choose a bold color. The composite material is low maintenance, making it a better choice than real wood. Complete your modern porch look with sleek furniture with crisp square cushions and simple frames.

 

5. Open

An open porch on the front of your home can increase your house’s curb appeal. Add some wicker chairs and consider decorating ideas that will add a touch of decor. This is the perfect balance of design and comfort for an outdoor oasis.

Open Back Porch Ideas -decorkateky

Source: @decorkateky via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -dg_builders

Source: @dg_builders via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -oldsaltfarm

Source: @oldsaltfarm via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -pdxreguy

Source: @pdxreguy via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -renee.amochaev

Source: @renee.amochaev via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -romahomes

Source: @romahomes via Instagram

Open Back Porch Ideas -swoon_designs

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Open Back Porch Ideas -waterhousemarket

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Open Place Back Porch Ideas -garden_by_nat

Source: @garden_by_nat via Instagram

Keeping the porch open allows for plenty of airflow, which helps to keep the porch cool. Adding a fan is also smart because it encourages the air to move around. Keep the railing open with minimal supports to have a low-profile effect.

 

6. Patio

Treat decorating our patio like you would any room in your home. This is how you turn your porch into an outdoor living space. Add patio furniture that has a metal or wood frame and is upholstered with outdoor fabric.

Patio Back Porch Ideas -carajoyc

Source: @carajoyc via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -chaletchevrefeuille

Source: @chaletchevrefeuille via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -deb_at_no_70

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Patio Back Porch Ideas -indigoawnings

Source: @indigoawnings via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -my.humble.homestead

Source: @my.humble.homestead via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -outdoorliving.life

Source: @outdoorliving.life via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -shulashouse

Source: @shulashouse via Instagram

Patio Back Porch Ideas -thetweetledeedesignco

Source: @thetweetledeedesignco via Instagram

Arrange planters with leafy green plants or ones that are full of blooms. This adds natural color to your porch. An outdoor rug grounds the space and ties all of the furniture together.

Side tables or coffee tables give you somewhere to place your plate or glass. Add speakers around the porch for surround sound music to create a party atmosphere.

 

7. Raised

Raised backyard porches require you to build a porch railing around the perimeter. You could also build a pergola to create overhead protection. This encloses the space to feel more intimate but doesn’t completely enclose the space so that you are still outside. 

Raised Back Porch Ideas -amoawnings

Source: @amoawnings via Instagram

Raised Back Porch Ideas -home_joyr

Source: @home_joyr via Instagram

Raised Back Porch Ideas -horizonvinyl

Source: @horizonvinyl via Instagram

Raised Back Porch Ideas -layladudley

Source: @layladudley via Instagram

Raised Back Porch Ideas -liawnings

Source: @liawnings via Instagram

Raised Back Porch Ideas -mapleridgelandscapes

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Raised Back Porch Ideas -thepinkfrontdoor

Source: @thepinkfrontdoor via Instagram

Add outdoor furniture that faces each other with a coffee table in the middle. This creates an intimate space that’s perfect for entertaining. If you want to create more privacy, skip the railing and grow plants. They could be tall hedges or a lattice wall on which you grow vine plants.

 

8. Rustic

Give your porch rustic charm with a farmhouse style. Add a porch swing to lounge on while you enjoy a cool drink. Use fabrics that are farmhouse-inspired like gingham, florals, or stripes. Add lanterns to bring more light to the space. Add fairy lights or candles to create a soft glow. Add handmade rocking chairs that have an imperfect appeal to them. 

Rustic Back Porch Ideas -houseintheboro

Source: @houseintheboro via Instagram

Rustic Back Porch Ideas -stricklandinteriors

Source: @stricklandinteriors via Instagram

Finish your rustic porch with potted plants. Choose local plants that are low maintenance and will thrive in the local climate. This reduces the need to bring the plants indoors during winter.

 

9. Screened

A screened-in porch is a must if you want to create an outdoor living room in an area where bugs, insects, or mosquitoes are common. A screened porch is an affordable upgrade, making it possible to do on a small or large porch.

Screened Back Porch Ideas -chinteriors

Source: @chinteriors via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -dg_builders

Source: @dg_builders via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -firstthomasvillerealty

Source: @firstthomasvillerealty via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -freysbuildingremodeling

Source: @freysbuildingremodeling via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -kellymclean.ftwtx

Source: @kellymclean.ftwtx via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -purestyleconstruction

Source: @purestyleconstruction via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -vafaconstruction

Source: @vafaconstruction via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -wendymaurodesign

Source: @wendymaurodesign via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -wrightbydesign

Source: @wrightbydesign via Instagram

Screened Back Porch Ideas -wrightgardnerarchitect

Source: @wrightgardnerarchitect via Instagram

Once you have your screen porch, you need to maintain it. Clean off any leaves or debris that fall on the overhead screen. Typically screening comes in black, but there are other options, such as white, brown, or copper.

It’s also important to consider the density of the weave. A tighter weave will provide more UV and bug protection. However, it will also obscure the view more.

 

10. Small

Even a small space can feel like a welcoming porch when you decorate it correctly. Start by turning it into a covered porch so that you can enjoy it year-round. Then choose a design theme for your outdoor space.

Small Back Porch Ideas -haus.of.kerr

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Small Back Porch Ideas -inside_number_14

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Small Back Porch Ideas -sassa_mila

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Small Back Porch Ideas -selinadacey

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Small Back Porch Ideas -sherylsantos

Source: @sherylsantos via Instagram

You could mimic the wraparound porch of southern homes by creating a farmhouse porch theme. Use rustic wood furniture with farm-style lanterns, a ceiling fan, and vintage or antique porch decor.

Keep the space feeling open by choosing furniture that’s scaled to fit your space. You could even skip the sofa and build a bench into the side of the porch. Line the bench with plush pillows to create plenty of support for your back.

 

11. Sunroom

If you want to enjoy your porch throughout the year, then turn it into a sunroom. This means enclosing the porch with windows. This gives you the feeling of being outside, but you are protected and indoors.

Sunroom Back Porch Ideas -larissa_arch

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Sunroom Back Porch Ideas -lumoncanada

Source: @lumoncanada via Instagram

Wicker furniture is perfect for a room like this because it gives your sunroom an outdoor feel while also bringing the outdoors inside.

Arrange a variety of seating options, such as a plush sofa and a rocking chair This room often gets referred to as a sleeping porch. You could use yours as a southern-style sleeping porch by adding a murphy bed or fold-out couch.

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Back Porch FAQs

How can I make my back porch look good?

Start by cleaning up the area to get rid of dirt, leaves, debris, and anything else that makes the space look gross. Add comfortable furniture that is inviting for people to sit down. Then add touches of color to add design.

What is a porch in house design?

A porch is a covered or semi-covered space attached to the house. Typically, a porch is located on the front side of the house. However, you may also find that there are porches on the backside of the house. They can vary in size from just large enough for a cafe table and chairs to being a large expanse that can support a full dining table.

How much do porches cost?

The cost of adding a porch to your house will vary in cost depending on how you go about installing it. A medium-sized prefabricated porch can be in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. If you prefer to have a custom solution, then a medium porch constructed by a contractor will cost $15,000 to $30,000.

Andra DelMonico

Writer

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

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