10 Back Patio and Porch Decorating Ideas with Photos
By: Tessa
Front porches are a great way to welcome people to your home and watch the world passing by. But back patios and porches are often where more entertaining happens. If you live in a densely populated area, you may appreciate the privacy that your backyard offers. Many of our clients tell us that they use their back patios and porches as another living space. These back patio and back porch decorating ideas will help you curate a comfy and casual or formal and elegant retreat right in your own backyard.
Our exterior designers are here to help you maximize your back porch potential. Partner with brick&batten, and we’ll give you a custom virtual design of your home’s exterior and a clickable resource list. Learn more about our exterior design services!
10 Back Patio and Back Porch Decorating Ideas with Photos
#1 // Play with Contrasting Paints and Materials
We love how the black or charcoal paint used on this home contrasts with the white brick, wood beams, and other building materials. The variety of textures provide depth and interest. This home features two back patio spaces and takes advantage of outdoor living with beautiful lighting and lounge furniture. It’s the little things that personalize a porch and make it feel homey.
#2 // Convert Your Chimney to an Outdoor Fireplace
Using an existing chimney to create an outdoor fireplace is an investment, but it’s can be a worthwhile one. First, it allows you to relax outside year-round, or at least longer than you may otherwise, depending on your climate. We especially love back porch decorating ideas like this for smaller homes that may lack indoor entertaining space. Next, an outdoor fireplace is the type of unique selling point that can increase your home’s value in a tangible way.
#3 // Outdoor Area Rugs
Oftentimes, a living room without an area rug can feel incomplete. If your back porch is missing that cozy vibe you’re looking for, consider adding an outdoor rug. West Elm carries a large selection of indoor/outdoor rugs and other back porch furniture sets. You can either purchase one large rug or have fun layering smaller rugs at different angles. Manufacturers design indoor/outdoor rugs to dry quickly and resist most stains, so these additions are often less upkeep than you’d imagine.
#4 // Create a Patio Beneath Your Deck
If your lower level has the ability to be a walkout, consider creating a patio space beneath your deck. It’s a great way to create easy access to your backyard and to make a fluid indoor-outdoor living layout from every floor. In this example, our designer used the same columns on the deck roof and beneath it for a consistent look. We love the symmetry of this home, emphasized by stairwells on both sides of the deck. The updated metal railing on the deck really modernizes the style, too.
#5 // Compare Back Porch Styles
Look at how dramatically different the home above looks with a smaller back porch vs. a large back porch! The smaller porch frames the glass doors beautifully, while the larger porch provides a larger space for entertaining. At the end of the day, both designs look great; it comes down to personal needs and preference.
Want to compare back porch styles, different exterior paint colors, or natural vs. painted brick with a virtual exterior design? Our design experts are happy to provide you with multiple options to help you make the right decision before you invest. Learn more about our virtual design services.
#6 // Cover Your Back Patio
If you’re wanting to utilize your back patio even during the sunniest times of the day or during inclement weather, consider building an overhang, awning, or pergola. It will instantly transform the look of your home and provide protection from the elements.
#7 // Upgrade Your Back Porch Lighting
It’s hard to overstate how much good lighting can enhance your back porch’s ambiance. For example, vintage-inspired lanterns and stringed lights give off a romantic glow. If you need help choosing the right light size, brick&batten has your back.
#8 // Transform a Screened-In Porch Into a Back Porch
Screened-in porches have their perks, but removing the screens can offer more flexibility. By removing the screens and adding a large overhang in the virtual exterior design above, our designers were able to create a stunning seating area with a fire pit. These homeowners now have an extended living room!
#9 // Don’t Forget the Furniture
If you’ve ever been to a Restoration Hardware showroom patio or courtyard, you know that you can merge comfort with elegance. These showrooms are like real-life Pinterest pages filled with back porch decorating ideas! The RH set above is beautiful and functional and will hopefully get tons of use for years to come. Many of our clients are looking to bring the indoors out with comfortable living spaces like this.
#10 // Small Back Yard? Bring Back Porch Vibes to the Front
Not every lot has a large back yard big enough for a porch or patio. If you have to choose between a patio or green space in your back yard, consider taking the party to the front yard instead. With a cute seating area and tall plants, a front yard patio or porch can be just as intimate and cozy as a back patio.
Back Porch Living
Investing in back porch updates not only benefits your day-to-day living but may increase your home’s resale value.
Often times, the back of a home possesses so much potential. Partner with the designers at brick&batten to maximize yours. We’re here to help you with advice on everything from structural changes to recommended containers for your plants.
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