15 Back Porch Ideas That'll Boost Your Outdoor Space
Kick your feet up and relax!
While a front porch is well-suited for creating a warm welcome, a back porch is the perfect spot for entertaining, dining alfresco, or relaxing outdoors. From weather-resistant seating to eye-catching outdoor decor, we've compiled a list of back porch ideas that'll make you want to spend all of your time outside.
1. Settle Into a Conversation Set
Part of turning your back porch into an outdoor oasis is comfortable seating, which makes a patio conversation set a good place to start. A conversation set can include a combination of patio sofas, matching chairs, and tables to create a cohesive look. They also come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles to perfectly suit your back porch.
Porches and rocking chairs are a classic combination for a reason. With a smooth rocking motion and a comfortable cushion, this back porch idea is perfect for relaxing all afternoon – all you'll need is a cool breeze.
As the weather warms up, dining outside can make your meals feel more special. Outfit your back porch with an outdoor dining set, making sure to choose a durable material that can withstand the elements. Top your table with outdoor-approved dinnerware like melamine for a lightweight, shatterproof alternative to ceramic or porcelain.
Tip!
Read our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide for an in-depth breakdown on the most common options so you can be sure to pick the right porch furniture for your outdoor space.
4. Make the Most of Small Spaces
Small space? No problem. A two-person seating set can make the most of a small back porch. With two comfortable chairs and a matching table, you can create a cohesive seating area that's ideal for sharing a cup of coffee. Consider adding in a space-efficient garden stool to act as additional seating or a makeshift end table.
Hot days don't need to deter you from enjoying your back porch. Outdoor-approved ceiling fans can create a cool breeze – especially if you change the direction of your fan to suit each season. These ceiling fans are designed to withstand the elements, and some even feature a light so you can enjoy sitting on your back porch after the sun goes down.
If you often enjoy your back porch in the evenings, consider adding in a patio heater to keep your warm and cozy on cooler nights. A patio heater (or two) will extend the season so you can make the most out of your back porch in spring and fall too. Just make sure to adhere to recommended clearance if you have a covered porch.
Plants can make any space feel fresh, so planters are a welcome addition to back porch designs. Cluster a few small planters for a cohesive arrangement, or opt for a trellis with climbing vines to add some visual height.
Bistro sets are another great option for transforming your back porch design. With a compact two-person bistro set, your back porch will become the ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee or take your dinners alfresco. Best of all, many bistro sets are foldable so that you can pull them out when you want to use them and tuck them away after for easy storage.
Not only do outdoor rugs add color and softness to your back porch, they can also prevent slips and protect your porch flooring. You can roll out an outdoor rug to anchor a seating area, define a dining space, or simply line a high-traffic part of your back porch for added texture and color.
If your back porch is small, save floor space with window box planters. These wall-mounted planters sit right below the window and add plenty of natural texture (and vivid color) to your back porch design.
If you're an avid entertainer or aspiring mixologist, a bar cart is an excellent upgrade for your back porch. Keep the shelves stocked with glassware and the ingredients to make refreshing, warm-weather favorites. Plus, the cart can double as a serving cart for afternoon snacks or alfresco dinner parties – or even a plant stand.
Tip!
Want to roll out the refreshments on your back porch? Check out 12 Outdoor Bar Ideas for more inspiration.
12. Pick Foldable Chairs
Up the versatility of your back porch with a set of folding patio chairs. The portable design makes these chairs easy to move from one spot to another, allowing you to arrange and rearrange your back porch design for a variety of activities – from afternoon reading to birdwatching to entertaining.
Outdoor lanterns are a simple way to elevate the ambience, turning your back porch into a glowing retreat. Many outdoor lanterns come with a solar-powered built-in LED candle that charges during the day so that you can use it to light up the night.
Tip!
Loving this idea? Read our guide How to Decorate With Lanterns – Inside and Out! for more inspo.
14. Hang a Porch Swing
A porch swing adds so much more than just curb appeal – it can also boost relaxation and create more space for lounging with loved ones. Plus, swinging has health benefits, such as improved circulation and reduced stress.
A patio umbrella can help keep you cool when the porch covering just isn't cutting it. With an adjustable height or a tilt feature, you can angle the umbrella to keep the space shady during hours of the day when the sunlight streams in.
