Porch Design Ideas

Use these tips to create the perfect porch for warm-weather gatherings and relaxing.

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Natural Extension

Let There Be Light

Year-Round Use

Lay the Plans

Moving Out Back

Finding Inspiration

Blending In

Make It Friendly

Create a Theme

Setting a Style

Space Savers

Sleep On It

All in the Details

Add It On

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CB2 hancock white bookcase $199.00 CB2

Jonathan Adler Pinwheel Pillow $120.00 Horchow

Horchow "Cage" Chandelier $400.00 Horchow

CB2 paramount table lamp $49.95 CB2

Horchow Large "Geometric" Pendant $394.90 Horchow

Horchow Mini Basketweave Light $135.00 Horchow

Crate & Barrel Teramo 50x84 Curtain Panel $89.95 Crate & Barrel

CB2 curtain rod set 48"?88" $14.95 CB2

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Natural Extension

Create a seamless transition to an outdoor sitting area by paying the same attention to detail as you would when decorating indoors. Here, the variation in tile size adds interest and a subtle hint of patterning to this clean porch design, columns add architectural support and a classical vibe, and a beaded-board ceiling adds texture. Two ceiling fans circulate air and keep the space cool and refreshing.

Let There Be Light

Consider adding skylights to bring extra sources of lights to a dark porch. For extra circulation, consider venting skylights to increase the air flow. This porch also includes glass-front doors to increase the amount of light passing from exterior to interior spaces.

Year-Round Use

If you live in a more temperate climate, enjoy your porch throughout the year by adding screens and a fireplace. Here, light bricks on the fireplace surround echo the surfacing of the home. The hearth is surrounded by plenty of seating, ensuring a large group of guests can all enjoy the comforts of the fireplace.

Lay the Plans

When planning your porch, consider the style of your house and how you'll want to use the space. Do you want screens? A dining table? How about lighting? Answering all of these questions will help you determine the size, shape, and layout of the porch. For a front porch, plan for it to be at least 8 feet deep and 16-20 feet wide. Have an electrician install any outdoor circuits, outlets, and switches for electronics.

Moving Out Back

Bring a party outdoors by extending living space off the back of your home. This simple porch design features beautiful stone tiling and brick trim tiles, classic columns, and French doors. The furniture looks airy with exposed legs, which also helps make the most of the small space.

Finding Inspiration

Consider your home's architectural style and incorporate those elements into your porch design. The classic design of this porch perfectly complements the home's Italian villa-inspired style. Rounded archways and heavy stone surfacing create a comfortable, rustic setting. Plenty of lighting and a large fireplace ensure gatherings can last well into the night.

Blending In

Capture the beauty of woodland surroundings with a porch built among the trees. This home's woodsy surroundings are carried onto the porch through weathered wooden ceiling beams and furniture built from tree branches and sticks. Simple fabric ensures the focus will be on the great outdoors rather than the porch decor.

Make It Friendly

A porch not only connects your interior with the exterior, but it can also connect your home with the rest of the neighborhood. Make your porch beautiful and welcoming, and make sure to allow plenty of space for you and your company. This porch, outfitted with cheery colors and playful patterns, provides the perfect warm-weather gathering spot for friends and family.

Create a Theme

Bright colors and a weathered patina welcome visitors to this cheery porch. Flea market finds such as an old stepladder, a detailed mirror, and a pair of directors' chairs give the space an eclectic vibe. To ensure collected accessories look unified, choose a consistent color palette and stick to it throughout the entire space.

Setting a Style

If you live in an older home, look to the structure's original elements for porch inspiration. Comfortable wicker furniture blends seamlessly with this home's horizontal railings and barn-red exterior, a color which is picked up in the throw pillows.

Space Savers

Even if your porch is tiny, you can still make it functional. This porch makes the most of its narrow space with a long, skinny table and slender chairs. Window screens ensure this beach-front porch can be used all year long, rain or shine.

Sleep On It

Allow the sounds of crickets and a cool breeze to lull you to sleep on a calm summer night with a sleeping porch. Extend the comforts of the indoors with indoor-outdoor light fixtures, fabrics, and furniture. Ensure bugs and other critters aren't an issue by installing window screens.

All in the Details

Give a plain porch a boost of personality with the right details. This cottage-inspired porch design owes its look to a beaded-board ceiling, cool color palette, and eclectic furniture. To keep the vibe natural, electrical lighting is replaced with a hanging lantern and an army of candles.

Add It On

If your home is located somewhere with a chilly winter climate, a sunroom provides the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Sunrooms add versatility throughout the year since windows can be replaced with just screens in warm months. This small sunroom makes the most of a tight space with airy furniture and a neutral color palette.

Porch Design Ideas

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