While your front porch may have to take into account curb appeal, your back porch is for your eyes only. Back porches present an opportunity to create a cozy outdoor space — worthy of long, lazy days spent out on the deck. If you’re contemplating an outdoor overhaul, consider these back porch decorating ideas.
Related Read: How To Decorate Your Front Porch, Made Easy!
Select A Style
Because back porches are separate from the rest of the house, you can completely transform them into a dreamy oasis. Rocking chairs, patterned upholstery, and outdoor lanterns evoke a classic Southern charm — porch swing and sweet tea included! Wicker outdoor chairs and wood-topped tables communicate easy-breezy, California chic. Wall baskets, a Moroccan kilim, and a chaise lounge can transform a back porch into an overseas resort. Pick your furnishings carefully and you can essentially travel to faraway lands from your very own backyard!
Light It Up
Outdoor lighting will enhance your back porch’s best features and ensure safe navigation at night. Build in overhead lighting like outdoor pendants, wall sconces, or string lights for general illumination. These fixtures are especially important near entryways because they help signal the path back indoors. Track lighting under porch steps are also a prudent choice for walking after nightfall. Outdoor floor lamps add both a flair and function to an open air lighting scheme.
Make Fun!
Employ game tables, outdoor activity sets, or a backyard grill to account for fun fetes. A bar cart, ice buckets, and wine coolers will also be saviors for guests who need a drink. If you’re a fan of grand garden feasts, implement an outdoor patio sets. For a smaller space, you might consider collapsable versions that can be broken down when the party’s over.
Lead image: Design by Suzanne Kasler Interiors / Photo by Thibault Jeanson
