Whether it's a designated entertaining space or a spot that you love to linger and enjoy a mindful moment to yourself in the fresh air, your back porch can be an incredibly versatile space that deserves as much attention as your front porch.
Think of it as an outdoor extension of your indoor space, which can either reflect your interior style, frame your outdoor space, or offer a chance to be braver with furniture styles, paint colors, and whimsical or seasonal touches.
To inspire you to make the most of your space over the summer months (and beyond), we've called on interior designers, architects, and experts for their favorite back porch ideas, as well as advice on the practical and styling mistakes to avoid.
1. Decorate with White to Enhance the Greenery
Don't rule out decorating with white furniture and accessories for outdoors, it can be a really practical choice for a porch. White furniture stays cool in hot weather, and like the pieces shown in the above image, if they are designed for outdoors, they will be made from durable materials, which are scrubbable and easy to clean. 'Porches are one of the rare places you can truly embrace white without hesitation,' explains Jessica Bennett, creative director of Alice Lane Interior Design, 'especially on a covered space or deck.'
She explains the design process behind the space pictured. 'We wanted to lean into white outdoor furniture against the white railings to create an intentional lack of contrast, so the eye kept moving. It was also important that the furniture didn’t feel too obvious – instead, it feels cohesive with the architecture of the home and allows all the color to come from the surrounding plantings and landscaping.'
So, creating a minimal white back porch can not only look chic, but also allow the garden to be admired in all its glory, without distraction.
2. Break Up a Long Porch With Rocking Chairs
If you have a long, veranda-style back porch, it can be tricky to make it not feel like a bit of a walkway. The best solution is to break it up into sections, or zones, as shown above. A table and benches, potted plants, and a bistro table at the end of the porch can all make the space feel more livable and as if made up of mini rooms, rather than one long, unusable space.
'For long linear back porches, a classic rocking porch chair is our go-to choice,' says Bridget Tiek, co-founder of Baton Rouge-based designers, TIEK BYDAY. 'It's a comfortable, durable, and low-maintenance option that focuses on the views beyond and keeps a clear passageway.'
3. Make a Bold Statement with Unexpected Color
'The ceiling is the most overlooked place to add color on a back porch,' says Andrew Suvalsky, founder of Andrew Suvalsky Designs. 'I choose a ceiling color from something already in view, like the landscape, exterior trim, or an accent inside the home, so the color has a reason to be there.'
While a vibrant lime green would feel like a brave choice inside other parts of the home, when used on this back porch, it acts as a transitional moment between indoors and out. 'Here, the saturated green connects to the hedges and lawn.' And as for the pops of unexpected red in the rocker, lamp base, and throw, 'they contrast and counterweight the green, repeating color in different materials so the palette feels intentional rather than too matchy.'
4. Bring in Floral Arrangements at Varying Heights For a Layered Look
When it comes to adding blooms to your back porch (especially if you are decorating a bit later in the season), Brittany Rediger, founder and principal of Rediger Design, suggests this cheat: 'Buy pre-assembled arrangements from a nursery or grocery store, as the plants have already matured and grown together into a cohesive composition.'
'Some of my favorites that do well in morning sun and afternoon shade, and that you'll commonly find in pre-assembled arrangements, are begonias, impatiens, geraniums, calibrachoa, ipomoea, and petunias. And don't overlook hanging baskets, a fuchsia or a fern adds a whole other layer to the space.'
Brittany also recommends displaying them at varying heights to create interest. 'Nothing should sit at the same level. Mix taller planters with lower ones, use small wooden risers to lift arrangements off the ground, and hang baskets overhead. That range of levels gives a porch a layered, considered feel.'
5. Pull Colors and Shapes From Nature to Blend Indoors and Out
'When designing a back porch, I draw inspiration from the trees, the garden, and stone,' says designer Courtney Blanton. 'I want the porch to feel like it grew out of the yard, not like it was added on, so I pull my colors and shapes from nature. No angular or sharp edges. I use natural stone pavers that are organic in shape or tumbled on the edges.'
Courtney's styling technique extends to her back porch furniture choices, too. 'I like furniture materials that feel akin to nature, such as stone or concrete tables, iron frames, and woven chairs. I also treat a porch like an interior room. A real seating arrangement, a low table in the center, and room to actually walk around. And, typically, I only use matte finishes. Anything glossy shows every scratch and watermark and doesn't convey a natural feeling.'
6. Add a Bar Cart for Considered Cocktail Moments
A back porch is the perfect space to unwind as the sun goes down and to retire to for the evening. Whether you have guests or not, the addition of a drinks trolley will make for an easy, impromptu aperitivo hour.
Designer of the oceanfront Vancouver home, pictured above, Kelly Deck, explains the appeal: 'On a visit to Charleston, I was inspired by the local customs of bringing furnishing pieces from interiors into exterior living spaces during the summer months.' The benefit of this is that they won't be damaged by weather and can create a wonderful ease between indoor and outdoor entertaining. 'It’s an easy way to create a more layered and inviting atmosphere outdoors,' adds Kelly.
'An outdoor bar cart styled with glassware, cocktail tools, and a few thoughtful accessories can instantly create a charming, impromptu cocktail moment. Incorporating elements like portable lamps into covered outdoor patios is another way to add warmth and a sense of the unexpected, making the space feel just as considered as any interior.'
7. Try Wood Drenching to Integrate With the Surroundings
'There is something incredibly grounding about using unpainted wood on a back porch,' explains Nina Farmer, founder of Nina Farmer Interiors, the designer of this stunning home with a wood-clad porch, overlooking Squam Lake in New Hampshire. 'It immediately connects the space to its natural surroundings and gives it a sense of quiet authenticity that painted finishes often cannot achieve.'
Wood-drenching has been a popular interior trend, but Nina explains how using this design technique for a back porch 'can feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. When the tones are layered thoughtfully, with floors, walls, and ceilings working together, it creates a warm, enveloping atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and linger.'
An unpainted porch will mean less maintenance as well, as you won't need to repaint every few years, plus, as Nina adds, 'Unpainted wood ages beautifully. Allowing it to weather and develop a patina over time, adding depth and character, which makes the porch feel more integrated with the landscape and more personal with each passing season.'
8. Create an Architectural Frame to Showcase the View
If you have a wonderful view from your back porch, you'll want to do everything you can to enhance it. 'For a porch with a view, I think restraint is important,' explains Lauren Sullivan, founder and curator at Well by Design. 'For the view to remain the focal point, the decor and styling need to feel sympathetic to the landscape rather than competing with it.'
'The porch itself almost acts like an architectural frame for the landscape. For this project, we wanted it to feel connected to the surroundings rather than separate from them.' Both the wooden structure and the furniture layout direct the eye outwards, and the glass panels help to keep the view unobstructed, while the soft colors and natural materials blend, rather than jar with the environment.
'We kept the palette and materials fairly quiet and focused more on texture, scale, and natural tones so everything felt connected to the surroundings,' adds Lauren.
9. Make it Multi-Functional and Timeless
This clever back porch design by architect Andrew Franz features a near-uninterrupted panoramic view through the 'bay'-style windows, while the space itself is pleasingly multi-functional. 'We try to make back porches as flexible as possible – places for lounging, dining, playing games, and napping. That means populating with many, but smaller, pieces of furniture so that all aspects of living can occur outside,' explains Andrew.
Although a screened-in space like this benefits from some protection against the elements, it's still important to choose easy-to-maintain and durable furniture and materials. 'Choosing materials and finishes that will age gracefully is key,' says Andrew.
'We placed a round table in the bay to capture the views and breezes,' he adds. 'The painted chairs can be easily cleaned, and the wood top, oiled annually. A vintage Arne Norell sofa will establish some patina, and the wood walls and siding will turn gray with the salt air over time, so the porch will still feel timeless in years to come.'
10. Use Light and Shadow for a Dynamic Effect
Your choice of back porch pergolas, screens, and railings not only impacts the general aesthetic of the space but can also make for a dynamically shifting look throughout the day, as the light falls and creates playful and intriguing shadows.
Designer of the above space, Brittny Smith, founder of Homesmith Design, explains: 'The custom pergola screen casts geometric shadows across the Saltillo tile throughout the day. The pattern mimics the new breeze block wall we introduced into the design, creating this layered rhythm between light, texture, and architecture that makes the entire space feel alive.'
You can recreate this effect by opting for patterned screens, decorative fencing or fretwork, or even a trellis with climbing plants for a more naturalistic look.
11. Embrace Resort Living with Natural Materials
From easy breezy rattan swing seating to solid wood furniture, natural materials bring a distinctly resort-like feel to outdoor living spaces. For this poolside back porch, designer Dee Dee Lear, founder and principal of Delaney's Design, explains, 'Our priority was to create an outdoor living experience that felt like another gathering space within the home, rather than just an extension of it.'
'From the teak root tables to the performance outdoor upholstery and the natural rattan swings, this space is designed for casual and quiet alone time or gathering with favorite people to make memories. Ranging from leisurely and calm to romantic and relaxing, this outdoor space was designed to epitomize resort living.' Even if you don't have a pool, you could add tropical plants or a water feature for a nod to the resort aesthetic.
12. Create a Sheltered Space That Feels Connected to Indoors and Out
A back porch brings the best of both worlds – the comfort and shelter of the indoors, and the openness and connection to the outside world. This beautiful Shenandoah porch is the perfect example of creating a seamless transition between the two.
'In the South, porches are frequently as well used as any other room in the house,' says Scott Torode, principal at Pfeffer Torode Architects. 'While most porches tend to shelter alongside a house, this porch was designed to extend into the landscape where it finds its own setting and share of lake views.'
Pfeffer Torode Architects selected the materials and furnishings for this project with restraint, favoring comfort, texture, and simplicity over contrast or ornament, resulting in a 'quieter' experience that allows the landscape itself to remain the focal point.
While the soft furnishings bring the comfort of indoors, rustic furniture and flooring create that all-important connection to the outside world. Keep your decor and color palette pared back to recreate this look with ease and authenticity.
Elegant and Functional Back Porch Buys
Common Back Porch Mistakes to Avoid
While it can be fun to design and style a back porch, there are plenty of practical considerations that can be all too easy to overlook when the sun is shining. These can include anything from storage space for your porch accessories during the cold, wet months to the most and least durable materials for furniture. We've asked the experts to share some of the most common back porch mistakes to help you avoid making them.
1. Not Accessorizing Enough
'Most people buy patio furniture as a set and leave it as is,' says Brittany Rediger. 'But outdoor furniture tends to be minimal by design, partly because weather-resistant materials just don't come in the same range of colors, patterns, and textures that indoor fabrics do.' While this is practical for exposed parts of your backyard, it can restrict the look you create.
'If you have a covered porch, you have more flexibility than you think,' says Brittany. 'Lean into it. Keep your furniture neutral and let your plants carry the color, then layer in pattern and texture through throw pillows and textiles. That way the florals stay the star of the show, and you can swap them out each season without rethinking your whole setup.'
'You don't have to spend a lot on outdoor furniture to make a porch feel well-designed and inviting. My black bistro table is from IKEA, and my rocking chairs are from Wayfair, and they still look new after three years of living outside on the porch. Where it's worth investing a little more is in the cushions and accessories. The cushions that came with my chairs were too thin, so I upgraded them to weather-resistant cushions with more padding, which made the biggest difference in both comfort and appearance.'
2. Not Considering Your Porch Position and Climate
Everything from geographical position to general climate can affect how your back porch decor and furniture will withstand the elements outdoors. 'If your porch is east-facing and not coastal, dew and frequent rain will be less of an issue, but otherwise it could be damp in the morning, and no one wants to sit down on wet seats,' warns Andrew Franz.
'Outdoor spaces get more wear from weather than people anticipate. Climate considerations include how much exposure the materials will get to rain, salt, snow, and sun. A covered porch and shade will protect the materials and fabrics, but could result in mildew in damp climates, whether in New England or the south.'
'Powder-coated steel furniture, stone or lava stone tops perform well,' says Andrew, 'but in the sun, they can really heat up. Wood feels cooler to the touch and can last forever. We love weathered teak.'
3. Underestimating Cushion Storage Space
'The variety of performance outdoor fabrics is endless, and many of the fabrics are now waterproof, so no more of that sponge effect when you sit down on thick cushions,' explains Andrew Franz. 'But we find that most people still underestimate how much storage space cushions require. We try to minimize the number of large thick cushions to only a few pieces of furniture.' That way, you won't be struggling to store those bulky cushions indoors through the winter months.
4. Buying the Wrong Style and Size of Furniture
It's worth investing in substantially weighted furniture for outdoors, as 'light furniture will blow away,' says Courtney Blanton, founder of Courtney Blanton Interiors. 'This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make, as well as ignoring scale on a large back porch with sparse pieces that look cheap, or overcrowding a small area with substantial furniture.'
'Choosing furniture with patterns and colors that clash with the natural elements around it is another common mistake. If you cannot sit comfortably on your porch and calm your senses, no one will use it,' Courtney adds.
Back Porch FAQs
What's the Best Furniture Material to Choose For a Back Porch?
The best porch furniture will be substantial enough not to blow away in the wind, so something heavy that ages well, such as teak wood, is a good choice. It should also be durable and easy to clean, like powder-coated steel, and aesthetically, you might want to choose something that blends into your natural surroundings, such as stone or rattan. You will also want to consider cushion fabric – is it waterproof and fade-resistant? And think about where you will store your cushions indoors during the winter months.
Should I Get a Back Porch Awning?
An awning can be a great flexible shade option over a back patio to create the effect of a covered porch, but you'll need to factor in wind. Architect Andrew Franz says, 'There are so many amazing large umbrellas and awnings now that have sensors, which allow them to close automatically – it’s worth the investment.' If you live on the coast or in a windy area, make sure that your awning is durable enough to withstand gusts or is easy to retract in high winds.
What Sort of Paint Should I Use For a Back Porch?
When it comes to the best type of paint for a back porch, there are a number of factors to consider, from the climate to the part of the porch you'll be painting – inside or outside, trim or flooring.
'For exterior trim and doors or other architectural details, a specialist exterior paint (like Aura Exterior paint) in a satin or soft gloss would be a great option as it stands up to the elements, and resists fading, which is especially important in warmer climates, in addition to being highly compatible with most surfaces, explains David Underwood from Benjamin Moore. For damper climates, look for a paint designed to cope with high moisture levels, such as high humidity or extreme weather conditions. A 100% acrylic paint (like Benjamin Moore's Element Guard) is quick drying and will resist blistering and peeling.
For decking, David recommends 'a quick-drying floor enamel with excellent color and gloss retention.' But if you prefer a more rustic look, opt for an exterior stain (like Benjamin Moore's Woodluxe Exterior Stain. 'These have been formulated to protect and beautify exterior wood surfaces such as decks, siding, and fences, and range from translucent to a solid finish. They can be applied in heat, sun and humidity – resulting in a consistent finish that provides a UV and mildew resistant coating.'
What's the Best Lighting For a Back Porch?
When it comes to lighting a back porch, you want it to feel welcoming and ambient, rather than overly bright. Opt for sconces to delineate entrance points, which give off a subtle uplighted effect, outdoor lanterns over central spaces such as dining tables, and string lights and candles for a more magical and whimsical effect as night falls. Firepit tables and integrated fireplaces will also create a cozy glow after dark and bring warmth as the temperature starts to drop in the evenings.
Whatever the size or style of your back porch, there are so many ways to enhance this unsung outdoor space hero, from outdoor seating ideas to hidden storage and ways to create a seamless transition between your interiors and the surrounding landscape.
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
