i piece most of my backings- seldom use a (solid)...is that what you are refering to as 'plain'?
many times the back of my quilts look like a whole different quilt-
if i don't want to piece a back i tend to purchase 108" wide fabrics- still not 'plain'- usually a great print that will compliment the top.
once in a great while i will make a quilt that needs a muslin back- that's about the only time i use (plain)
just the way i do it- everyone does them the way they like-and i think it depends on location- and who taught you in the first place- i was taught to use as much as i have---and not shop for every little thing- if i can put together a good looking back for a quilt with scraps- i do.
and prints will hide any (flaws) in your quilting too- solids tend to show every stitch.

Your quilt. Your front. Your back.
I've done "back art" on mine for decades!
There's something really efficient about thinking of a quilt as having two sides and being two quilts, in my opinion. :-D

Jan in VA

My first one I pieced, but all the same fabric, and because it wasn't big enough. I did it in thirds so the seam wouldn't be in the middle, because people tend to fold in the middle and a seam is a weak place to be folding. My second one I pieced mine with leftovers from the front. Gave it a little more interest and character.

My aim is to have fabric on the back so I can sandwich it and start quilting. At first I use the main fabric from the front for the back, found I usually needed lots of fabric, now I don't worry if it doesn't match the front. I suppose it could be considered a double sided quilt.

Typically I use a plain backing that is made with either three panels (tube method) or the diagonal John Flynn method of piecing.

I have used extra units from the front of a quilt a couple of times.

Have to say that I don't care for the "scrappy" backs. Like the ones that have something in common with the front. That's my 2 cents!

Mine kind of depends on what I have on hand a the time. Lots of my quilts are scraps left from other quilts or even clothers. I don't tend to buy a lot of batting but reuse old sheets for the batting and backing. Make do, reuse, do without.

If I hand quilt... I use a plain back. All the beautiful quilting shows up better.

If I machine quilt, I often use a patterned back.... even pieces of coordinating fabric.

Personal preference, running out of fabric, using up stash :D:D:D

Wow, lots of ideas for the back. I think in the beginning, I was so relieved to get the top done, I just used plain backing to get it finished faster...no additional effort on designing the back. I would just try to find a good deal on fabric that would make a neutral but interesting print on the back. That worked out well because my quilts ended up more as fabric art that hung on a wall. I think now that I see more "back art", I would consider putting more effort on the back if I knew the quilt was going to be used on a bed or lap.

Appreciate all the ideas you guys have though.

The plain homespun is cheaper than the quilting fabric by a minimum of $10 per metre and therefore, more cost - effective to have a plain back. I do have a more colourful backing only when I have managed to buy the quilting fabric at a cheaper price. When the fabric is $26 a metre it is a real luxury to have the 'good' fabric hidden on the back.