House back porch designs
25 Back Porch Ideas For the Ultimate Backyard Oasis
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 07/21/22
Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
The front porch is all about welcoming and curb appeal, designed as much for guests and passersby as for yourself. But the back porch is an intimate space designed exclusively for you and yours, tailored to your lifestyle and preferred ways of passing time in the privacy of your own backyard.
A back porch can be anything from a an outdoor dining area for family meals and entertaining to a romantic spot for unwinding with your partner, to a solitary spot for contemplating the view. Your back porch decor can be minimalist and designed to blend into the background, or packed with outdoor furniture and accessories that rival your interior or look like an extension of the inside of your home.
Whether you're designing a space for getting more enjoyment out of your weekends, staycations, or the warm carefree days of summer, check out these back porch ideas that explore some of the endless possibilities for creating your own stylish and private backyard oasis.
-
01 of 25
Commit to All-White
Design by Ghislaine Viñas / Photo by Garrett Rowland
This open and airy Hudson Valley, New York back porch from NYC-based interior designer Ghislaine Viñas is part of a wrap-around porch that circles the entire home.
The main back porch sitting area is outfitted like an outdoor living room, with comfortable upholstered seating in shades of creamy white that melts into the all-white walls, scaffolding, siding, and porch ceiling, leaving the focus on the lush green wide open views. -
02 of 25
Embrace the Darkness
Design by Michelle Berwick Design
Using dark neutral colors such as black, charcoal gray, or brown will help to ground your back porch and make it feel more relaxing. This back porch from Michelle Berwick Design has a dark wall that creates a calming feel and contrasts with the warm pine wood ceiling and wood flooring.
-
03 of 25
Lay an Area Rug
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography
Laying an area rug in an outdoor space will instantly make it feel more comfortable and welcoming. Kate Marker Interiors added an indoor/outdoor rug to this screened in back porch that anchors the seating area and adds a graphic note that contrasts with all the wood and stone.
We Tested the Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs for Versatile Decorating
-
04 of 25
Hang Oversized Pendant Lights
Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto
Calimia Home hung oversized jute pendants lights over a casual dining area on this 1930s Miami Beach back porch that doesn't fight with the architecture and creates an effortless modern space for outdoor family meals.
-
05 of 25
Build In a Banquette
Fantastic Frank
This back porch from Fantastic Frank was built for congregating and conviviality, with a large built-in U-shaped banquette upholstered with cheerful red-and-white striped fabric and a wood-clad ceiling with exposed beams that adds warmth.
-
06 of 25
Whitewash the Ceiling
Design by Matthew Carter Interiors
This Harbour Island, Bahamas back porch from Matthew Carter Interiors has a lightly whitewashed wood ceiling that helps to create a chic lived-in finish that complements the white painted iron dining set and patterned tile wall in the background.
-
07 of 25
Hang Billowy Curtains
Fantastic Frank
This breezy porch on the Spanish island of Mallorca from Fantastic Frank has blue-and-white striped upholstered rattan armchairs, colorful flowering bushes, and white walls, floors, and billowy curtains that can be tied back or left closed depending on how much sun is desired.
-
08 of 25
Match the Setting
Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little
This Maine back porch from interior designer Tyler Karu is designed in harmony with the wooded setting, with forest green paint on the trim, green bistro chairs, and wood siding, flooring, and a wood-topped dining table.
-
09 of 25
Add Some Skylights
Design by Becca Interiors
This screened back porch from Design by Becca Interiors has the feel of a great room, with its rooftop skylight windows, pair of chandeliers, and comfortably appointed seating and dining areas.
-
10 of 25
Install a Ceiling Fan
Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This back porch from Marie Flanigan Interiors has brick walls and columns, a wood-clad ceiling, a stone floor, and a comfortable dining area for memorable summer dinners with family and friends. A ceiling fan helps keep the breezes flowing on hot summer nights.
-
11 of 25
Repurpose a Vintage Trunk
My 100 Year Old Home
On this back porch from My 100 Year Old Home, a painted green trunk with a worn patina doubles as a coffee table while adding some vintage charm.
-
12 of 25
Stay Neutral
Design by JK Interior Living
This back porch dining area from JK Interior Living is located just off the living room, and decorated in similar neutral tones to create a seamless transition between the indoors and out.
-
13 of 25
Decorate With Mirrors
Fantastic Frank
Adding unexpected decorative elements like a mirror can help lift your back porch design.
On this simple garden-facing back porch from Fantastic Frank, a small gilded vintage mirror reflects light and adds an element of surprise. For even more drama, a tall leaning window mirror positioned against the wall of an open back porch will open up the space and double the view. -
14 of 25
Choose a Sculptural Coffee Table
Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto
To keep this outdoor seating area from looking too one note, Calimia Home chose a sculptural coffee table with organic lines that contrasts with the classic architecture and contemporary furnishings and creates a focal point.
-
15 of 25
Install Glass Pane Pocket Doors
Design by Mel Bean Interiors /Photo by Laurey Glenn
This spacious back porch from Mel Bean Interiors has a wall of sliding glass pane window doors that open up the wall between indoors and out in this space designed for family time and entertaining a crowd.
-
16 of 25
Use Curved Furniture
Design by House of One / Photo by Lifestyle Production Group
This backyard Florida porch from House of One has a pair of contemporary curved half-moon sofas each with a matching fire pit that creates a sophisticated spot for outdoor living and entertaining against a tropical backdrop of palm trees and landscaped gardens.
-
17 of 25
Treat Yourself
Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little
This Maine beach house back porch from interior designer Tyler Karu is an escapist dream built for one, with its single armchair accessorized with a chunky knit blanket, little round side table with a high rim to pose a glass and a book, and serene wraparound water view that goes on as far as the eye can see.
-
18 of 25
Add a Farm Table
Designed by William Hunter Collective / Styled by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria
This back porch designed by William Hunter Collective and styled by Emily Henderson Design features a wooden farm table, backless bench, rattan chairs, a floating candleholder, and a generous smattering of plants to create a cozy place for a fair weather meal.
-
19 of 25
Use Low Slung Seating
Design by Maite Granda
Interior designer Maite Granda added a conversation zone with low slung seating and a small round coffee table that's perfect for setting the teenagers up for afternoon refreshments while the adults have their own more formal seating area on the opposite side of the back porch.
-
20 of 25
Add Geometric Tile Flooring
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography
This spacious back porch from Cathie Hong Interiors has minimalist furniture and decor, allowing the dynamic geometric patterned floor tile to make a statement and add a sense of movement to the space between the back door and the yard.
-
21 of 25
Try an Indoor Outdoor Floor Lamp
Design by Maite Granda
The options for indoor outdoor lighting are endless these days, from portable LED lighting to weatherproof lighting that looks as stylish as anything you would find indoors. A tall floor lamp adds an outdoor living room vibe to this Florida back porch from interior designer Maite Granda.
-
22 of 25
Slipcover the Couch
Design by Jenn Pablo Studio
The outdoor slipcovered couch on this poolside back porch from Jenn Pablo Studio is stylish enough to work indoors, accessorized with stone-colored throw pillows and a sculptural wood coffee table that brings the organic laid back California vibes.
The 12 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture of 2022
-
23 of 25
Accessorize It
Design by Maite Granda
This Florida poolside back porch from interior designer Maite Granda has simple outdoor furniture that's embellished with an indoor/outdoor rug, a pair of decorative lanterns, and a flowering orchid that adds a note of color and height on a side table.
-
24 of 25
Install a Wall-Mounted TV
Designed by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria
This homey back porch from Emily Henderson Design has comfortable furnishings, farmhouse-style lanterns, and a wall-mounted TV for hosting al fresco movie nights.
-
25 of 25
Keep It Simple
Design by Christina Kim Interior Design
This New Jersey beachfront home from Christina Kim Interior Design has an ocean view that is visible from the back porch, and the upstairs balcony that is built on top of it.
The porch is outfitted simply with a pair of chairs and a small table that purposefully fades into the background, providing a peaceful spot for morning coffee, evening drinks, or contemplating the ocean from a shady and comfortable perch.
12 inspiring looks for your outdoor space |
(Image credit: David Christensen / EverCraft LLC / Linda MacArthur Architect, LLC / Floralis Garden Design)
Choosing the right back porch ideas can help you enjoy your backyard year round. Whether you're the consummate host on the hunt for ways to elevate your summer barbecues, or you'd like to use your back porch as an extension of your living space through the fall, there's a porch upgrade for everyone.
Unlike front porch ideas, your back porch will likely be private, meaning you can get a little bit more creative with your choices. In other words, your goal should go beyond simply creating a welcoming vignette, and create an area that enhances your lifestyle, too.
Back porch ideas that'll elevate your outdoor space
The best back porch ideas, like the ones we've collected below, add both style and lifestyle points to your outdoor living space.
1. Add a pop of color to your porch ceiling
(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky)
Interior walls aren't the only places to experiment with paint color. Your back porch can be an ideal spot to test a bold hue, too. For one, the back porch is usually a spot for relaxing or entertaining, so adding some color for your porch ceiling ideas can help set the right mood for the space.
Plus, if you tuck the color up on the ceiling, like designer Andrew Suvalsky did at this Rhode Island home, above, this porch paint idea can be a fun surprise that's completely different from rest of your home's exterior.
'The client and I discussed using a color that was very bold, playful, a little preppy, and evocative of the outside,' says Suvalsky. 'Originally, the property was a golf course before it was developed in the late 1800s, so it was a 'no-brainer' to go for green.
The actual shade was Benjamin Moore, Basil Green #2029-10 in semi-gloss, giving an even greater depth to the paint color.'
(Image credit: Matthew Williams)
If you aren't sure where to start with your outdoor décor ideas, simply look beyond your porch steps. Mother nature is the ultimate design inspiration. Your landscape can give you cues around color, materials, furniture orientation, and more.
On this back porch, the throw pillows nod to the colors of the sky and water views through the trees, while the live-edge cocktail table ties in the pine forest.
3. Swing the day away
(Image credit: CQM Design + Interiors / J Holt Manning)
Porch swings are often associated more with front porches, but there's no reason you can't add one to the back porch instead. A back porch swing not only adds practical seating, but a sense of fun and nostalgia, too.
Designer (and homeowner) Christie Manning of CQM Interiors added the swing to overlook the property's back yard, pool and tennis court.
4. Hang paper lanterns for a magical mood at night
(Image credit: Jenny Reimold)
Creative porch lighting ideas are one of the best ways to add ambience to your back porch, and incorporating decorative lighting styles along with more task-oriented options will help set the mood for your outdoor space.
'I love using our back porch for outdoor entertaining with guests, especially under our shaded pergola which is the perfect place to set up a seating area for an evening BBQ,' says Jenny Reimold, interior stylist & HomeGoods Style Expert. 'I like to bring the space to life and add some ambiance by tying various outdoor lanterns on branches of a nearby tree or hanging from the top of the pergola. I specifically love rattan or bamboo ones which are great for outside areas, and some even come with battery operated candles.'
5. Zone your back porch
(Image credit: David Christensen / EverCraft LLC / Linda MacArthur Architect, LLC / Floralis Garden Design)
If you have a large outdoor space and you're building your back porch from scratch, consider creating a porch with multiple areas, or zones, to serve different purposes and break up the back of your house visually.
A covered porch can be a great spot for entertaining, and housing the grill station and dining table. Then, create an open air portion of the porch for taking in the early morning sunlight with a cup of coffee.
6. Include multiple seating options
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
To get the most use out of your porch, set it up for as many occasions as it allows by incorporating a variety of furnishing types.
A conversation set with a cushioned love seat and outdoor chair created an area for relaxing with a glass of wine or catching up with friends. An outdoor dining table or bistro set can offer a place for everyday dining al fresco, enjoying morning coffee, or hosting an outdoor dinner party.
7. Add a functional element
(Image credit: Jan Baldwin)
If your back porch tends to be a major point of egress for your home, say, if your kids are constantly flying in an out of the back door when they go out to play, set up an outdoor mudroom to catch clutter (and dirt) before it enters your home.
A hall tree (or a row of wall hooks and a shelf for shoes) and a door mat are all you need to set up a drop zone for outdoor gear. This option works best on a covered porch so your belongings are kept out of the elements.
8. Make your back porch feel like an extension of the indoors
(Image credit: Jenny Reimold)
Your back porch decor can go beyond basic outdoor furnishings. Incorporating textiles, outdoor rugs, and accent pieces will make it feel like an open-air room, and an extension of your living space.
'Keep your indoor and outdoor style cohesive by adding weatherproof rugs under furniture and decorative accents in your outdoor space. I always find reasonably priced 8'x10’ indoor/outdoor rugs at stores like HomeGoods in fun, colorful patterns,' says Reimold. 'Place it under an outdoor sectional, top the sectional with a few water-resistant, tasseled pillows then add a seagrass tray to an outdoor coffee table for the perfect outdoor ‘living room.
'"
9. Add outdoor curtains
(Image credit: Ballard Designs)
Outdoor curtains instantly create an upscale feel, reminiscent of high-end resort cabanas. For a timeless, French Riviera-inspired look, choose a classic awning stripe, and mimic the pattern across outdoor pillows and cushions.
Prefer a breezy feel? Simple, white outdoor curtain sheers add privacy and ambience while keeping the vibe airy.
10. Take advantage of a view
(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky)
When you're contemplating outdoor furniture ideas, consider arranging seating areas to take advantage of the view. Arrange tables and chairs so they face away from the home, and towards the are of your yard that you wish to be the focal point.
Above, Suvalsky set his client's patio set to take in the view of their property's wildflower garden.
11. Create a tropical oasis
(Image credit: Future)
Lucky enough to live in a place where a tiki hut-inspired back porch wouldn't look completely out of place? Then embrace the tropical vibes with a thatch-roof back porch and brightly colored bamboo furnishings to create an out-of-office atmosphere right in your own backyard.
12. Screen in a back porch with shutters
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
'Screening in a back porch is a great idea if yours is in an exposed location, whether to the elements or is overlooked by neighbors. Screening can also help keep bugs at bay, and will protect furniture from both sun and rain. It will help make your back porch more of an extension of your home, too,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens.
What are some tips for buying furniture for a back porch?
When buying back porch furniture, weather resistance is key. “Look for furniture made with polywood due to its weather-resistant durability which can withstand rain, snow, and wind in most geographic regions,' says Reimold.
In addition, your furniture should support the lifestyle you want to enjoy in your backyard. If you like to have family dinners outdoors during the summer, a sturdy dining table and a set of outdoor chairs will be a must-have. If you prefer spending your summer afternoons outside with a good book, a cushioned conversation set and a large patio umbrella will be top of your list.
Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.
Beautiful backyard verandas with a porch with a protective net - 135 best photos, design of a veranda in a private house and country house
Day Brightener | Kitchen Remodel & Home Addition
Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling
The inviting new porch addition features a stunning angled vault ceiling and walls of oversize windows that frame the picture-perfect backyard views. The porch is infused with light thanks to the statement light fixture and bright-white wooden beams that reflect the natural light. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography
Award Winning Outdoor Living Space
Daniels Design & Remodeling
The homeowners had a very large and beautiful meadow-like backyard, surrounded by full grown trees and unfortunately mosquitoes.
To minimize mosquito exposure for them and their baby, they needed a screened porch to be able to enjoy meals and relax in the beautiful outdoors. They also wanted a large deck/patio area for outdoor family and friends entertaining. We constructed an amazing detached oasis: an enclosed screened porch structure with all stone masonry fireplace, an integrated composite deck surface, large flagstone patio, and 2 flagstone walkways, which is also outfitted with a TV, gas fireplace, ceiling fan, recessed and accent lighting.
Project 3419-1 Outdoor Living Space Screen Porch Deck Porch Bar Minneapolis
Castle Building & Remodeling
This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home's lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house.
The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home's interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota's always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard.
Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they're let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!
Mechanicsville Porch and Deck
Old Dominion Innovations, Inc.
Steve Fitchett
Fresh Design Idea: Medium Size Country Style Backyard Veranda with Safety Mesh Porch, Clinker Paving and Canopy - Great Interior Photo
Home in Hampton Lake
Coastal Signature Homes
Another view of this specious and elegant back porch -- not your Mama's porch anymore. Today's porches are really more living space; room to enjoy the great outdoors and extend the living space of your home. Great for entertainment and just relaxing. This porch is furnished with comfy chairs and a sofa, ceiling fan and and an outdoor kitchen.
Love the green painted ceiling for a little pop of color and how the French Sliders open wide to invite guests in or out.
Crescent Home
H. Gary Frank Architects
Chris Giles
Photo of a mid-sized nautical backyard verandah with mesh porch, stone paving and canopy with
9002 The00 Porch03 Innovative Construction Inc.
Our clients imagined a space where they could enjoy the outdoors without bugs/weather conditions. The SunSpace window system are vinyl windows that fold down and collapse on themselves to create a screened in porch. We installed screen material under the low maintenance, composite Trex deck to keep bugs out. They wanted a space that felt like an extension of their home. This is a true friendship porch where everyone is welcome including their kitty cats. https://sunspacesunrooms.com/weathermaster-vertical-four-track-windows
Northern MN Lakeside Home
Lenox House Design
This lower level screen porch feels like an extension of the family room and of the back yard.
This all-weather sectional provides a comfy place for entertaining and just preparing a book. Quirky waterski sconces proudly show visitors one of the activities you can expect to enjoy at the lake.
Family Home
Pearce Scott Architects
Original design example of a nautical backyard porch with mesh porch, decking and canopy
Rancho da Flórida
Josh Wynne Construction
automated screens
Inspiration for the home: Huge modern backyard porch with mesh porch, concrete slabs and canopy
9000 93 9000 House02 Studio Z Architecture
Contractor: Hughes & Lynn Building & Renovations Photos: Max Wedge Photography
Fresh design idea: large neoclassical (modern classic) backyard porch with mesh porch, decking and canopy - great interior photo
Open Gable Screened porch
Crisp Architects
Screened porch addition © Rob Karosis of Studiobuell / studiobuell.
