Learning About Exterior Home Design

Transform a screened porch into a valuable extension of your home with the right furnishings and decor pieces. Rather than treating your porch as a storage space for shoes or other items, you can turn it into a space where you can enjoy the outdoors with friends and loved ones.

Whether you have a front or back screened porch, it can be the ideal space for eating meals on warm spring and summer evenings, a relaxing place to read or play games, or just hang out with family members. Make the outdoor space as comfortable as possible with soft textiles, sturdy furniture, decorations and warm lighting elements, which will add ambiance. 

The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to create your ideal space. For instance, check out second-hand stores or flea markets for upcycled pieces, or repurpose items you already own into porch furniture or decor. Choose pieces made out of rustic materials, such as rough-hewn wood, to create a cohesive feel with your natural surroundings

Following are more ideas for decorating and furnishing a screen porch:

1. Textiles 

One of the easiest ways to personalize a screened porch is with customized textiles, such as chair cushions and pillows, and rugs. Not only with the pieces look aesthetically appealing, they'll add comfort as well.

To create a cohesive look, start by choosing a theme and decorating around it. For instance, if you want to give your porch a tropical-inspired touch, start with an outdoor rug featuring a vibrant hue, such as coral, banana yellow, palm green, or turquoise. 

Top a love seat or chair with cushions or pillows featuring an island-themed pattern or design, including seashells, palm trees, tropical fish or parrots. Fold a coordinating blanket over the arm of a sofa to add warmth on chilly evenings.

2. Furniture

Before picking the perfect furnishings for your porch, decide on a design style. For example, white wicker furniture will work well in a shabby chic- or garden-themed space, while handmade wood pieces, including coffee tables and porch swings, will blend into a rustic-looking room.

Also, don't forget to provide a place to eat and play board games. As one idea, set up a substantial wood table and either matching or aluminum chairs to accommodate large gatherings. If you have a small porch and prefer a more intimate dining set-up, pick a high-topped bistro table and chair set instead.