Back Porch Awning Notions

A back porch can be a wonderful outdoor living space to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the fresh air. However, the elements like glaring sunlight, rain showers, or heavy winds can make spending time on your back porch less enjoyable. This is where creatively utilizing back porch awning ideas can transform your porch into a usable and eye-catching space despite the weather.

Types of Awnings for Back Porches

When considering awning ideas for your back porch , one of the first decisions is choosing the type of awning that best suits your needs and design aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Retractable awnings - These versatile awnings allow you to roll up and down the awning cover according to weather conditions or your mood. They are usually made from durable aluminum frames with acrylic or vinyl fabric.
• Drop arm awnings - Featuring awning covers that unroll from carts mounted near the top of the structure. You can adjust their angles for customizable shade coverage.
• Stationary canopy awnings - Permanently affixed covers that provide constant shade. Made of long-lasting materials like aluminum or wood.

Size Considerations

One of the biggest considerations when selecting an awning type is taking accurate measurements of your back porch's length and width to determine the ideal awning size and coverage area.

For example, stationary canopies that are too small won't shade your full porch while oversized ones can visually overwhelm a compact space. Likewise, retractables that are undersized won't fully unroll to cover the needed areas.

Plan to have a reputable awning company or experienced contractor take detailed measurements before installing any permanent awning structure.

Design and Style Options

Awnings allow you to make a design statement that shows off your personal style. For contemporary back porch spaces, aluminum awnings with clean lines maintain the modern aesthetic. Ruffled canopy awnings or scalloped edges complement cottage-style porch designs and rustic farmhouse styles.

You can choose neutral tones like black, brown, gray, beige or white if you want the awning to blend seamlessly with your home's exterior. Bold stripes, colorful patterns or specialized finishes like wood grain add an eye-catching accent.

Creative Ways to Utilize Awnings

Beyond providing shelter on your back porch , creative awning additions like lighting, artwork displays, and planter storage give you more ways to enjoy the space.

Ambient Lighting

String lights interwoven through awning covers create a whimsical feel on back porches . For more ambient lighting, mount recessed can lights directly into the awning structure to illuminate spaces for evening gatherings without harsh glare.

Decorative Touches

Paint or stencil artwork onto plain awning covers to personalize the space with motiffs and patterns meaningful to you. Or utilize the awning itself to display wall art, paintings, family photos, fun signage by securing them with decorative mounting hardware.

Multi-Purpose Features

Add hooks along awning poles to hang planters overflowing with colorful blooms . Shelving mounted to the sides or fronts hold potting supplies, gardening tools and decor items to keep them neat but within reach.

Complementary Decor

An awning provides shade and coverage, but additional back porch decorative touches create an inviting ambiance for relaxing or welcoming guests.

• Comfortable, weather-resistant seating with accent pillows
• Style-matching outdoor rug layered on top of the porch surface
• Vibrant potted plants, vines and flowers
• Warm lighting elements like lanterns, string lights and sconces

Align the decorative scheme with your awning's design for a cohesive, polished aesthetic. For example, pair a nautical striped awning with coordinating throw pillows, a blue and white patterned rug, and white planter boxes overflowing with colorful annuals.

Custom Touches for Small Back Porches

Having a compact back porch doesn't mean you have to miss out on the benefits of an awning. Smart choices when working with a smaller area prevent it from feeling overly cramped.

Retractable awnings roll up and out of the way as needed. You can also install them high on the wall to make the space appear larger. Freestanding cantilever umbrellas situated in a corner work well for shading smaller porches. Position them to cover prime seating areas without dominating.

Multifunctional Furnishings

Opt for lightweight, movable seating like stools, two-person bistro sets or folding chairs on small porches. During nice weather, simply move pieces to the shaded areas as needed. Store them elsewhere when not in use.

Built-in bench seating with storage underneath doubles as a place to sit and extra storage to keep the space clutter-free. Lift-top coffee tables allow you to use them for serving snacks and drinks when entertaining.

Extra Considerations for Installation

Proper installation combined with regular care and maintenance ensures your awning provides beauty, function and enjoyment for years.

Pitch and Positioning

Awnings installed parallel to the house with a slight downward pitch encourage optimal water runoff to keep porch surfaces dry underneath.

Allow sufficient height clearance so tall individuals can move comfortably without ducking under. Position stationary awning supports and posts away from pathways to eliminate obstacles.

Annual Inspections

Inspect awning frames , bolts and moving joints yearly prior to summer weather. Look for wear, loose connections or damage needing repair to prevent issues like water leaks leading to costly porch or home exterior damage if left unaddressed.

Fabric Care

Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning awning fabric. Periodic washing maintains appearance and extends the lifespan. Consider investing in fabric sealant to repel dirt and stains.

Before lowering retractable awnings, ensure the fabric is completely dry to avoid pooling water against the house.

The right back porch awning can take your outdoor space from simple to spectacular with shade to make it comfortably usable nearly year-round. Combine with lighting, furnishings, storage solutions and design details that reflect your personal tastes. Soon your covered back porch becomes a coveted destination to enjoy alone or host gatherings.