Porch Ideas

Simple curtain rods and outdoor-friendly drapes shield a section of a porch from too much sun or nosy neighbors.

• A glass-and-metal lantern offers a beam of light for the entry and porch.
• If a porch floor is wood, it can be stained or painted; either way, it will require periodic retouching or refinishing.
• Oversize cushions provide casual, flexible seating.
• An eclectic mix of furnishings maintains visual consistency by relying on similar colors, including rich browns and greens.

Classic details dress up a roomy screened porch.

• Whether for show or for structure, columns offer an interesting detail inside a screened porch.
• Three layers of light -- overhead, task, and accent -- provide plenty of opportunities to set varying moods.
• An outdoor rug protects the floor and supplies a softer surface underfoot.
• On a porch, a ceiling fan increases ventilation during still, warm days.
• Accessories such as baskets -- used to stash blankets and pillows -- can eliminate the need for shelves or other storage.

Details welcome visitors to this cheery front porch.

• Three rectangular pieces of lattice shield the porch from the side.
• Painted a pretty spring green, a trio of vases hung from the lattice supply a place to display an array of fresh flowers.
• Window boxes are often placed on the outside rail of a porch; here, they hang toward the inside to provide a pretty backdrop.
• To maintain a degree of material consistency, pieces of lattice frame the outside of the window boxes.
• Ordinary but interesting yard elements transform into art when hung in an interesting way. Here, a piece of iron fence dresses up a wall.

White finishes and furniture brightens a covered space.

• Typically used inside a home, a mirror on this porch provides a unique accent and bounces light around the space.
• Beaded board is a porch staple; here, the planks are painted a bright white to keep the porch from feeling dark.
• Ceiling fans come with or without lights; if you want to include a fan in your porch design, have an electrician install an on/off switch for more resourceful use.
• Even in a space that receives plenty of natural light, such as a porch, layers of light are still important. Here, spotlights offer overhead illumination while a portable lamp supplies task light.
• If a porch is mostly covered, as this one is, it's still important to choose furniture and fabrics that can withstand outdoor conditions.

A rustic feature warms this screened porch.

• A fireplace can extend the use of a porch; here, the dramatic design of this stone version gives the porch a focal point, too.
• If the railing to a porch is placed inside screens or porch openings, it shields the screen from holes and tears.
• Contrast draws the eye around a space; here, a ceiling stained a lighter tone stands apart from painted trim.
• To create a color scheme for a porch, start with one hue -- here, a warm, rich brown on wood and floor -- and add pops of color, such as the yellow cushions and bright striped throw pillows.
• Another idea to warm the floor of a porch? Consider including radiant heat under paving stones.

Restrained tones and furnishings greet guests in this screened porch.

• If a porch is mostly shaded or secluded, consider a skylight to brighten a space.
• Since a porch is typically attached to a home, it's important to maintain consistency in either paint or stain. This porch follows the warm gray palette used on the house.
• Subtle contrast adds visual interest to a porch, too; here, the stained wood floor adds warmth.
• Furnish a porch as with any other room -- utilize pieces that work together and complement a home's style. Here, the vibe is definitely minimalist and easygoing.
• A sturdy, outdoor-resilient rug underfoot can help to grab dirt from outside.

A wood porch welcomes with chairs and a dining set.

• Ceiling fans offer flexibility and a minimal footprint; this one contains two adjustable fans.
• Part sculpture, part light fixture, wire orbs illuminate from above on this porch.
• A porch may need additional sun protection only on one side (often the west). Here, a pair of cream-color curtains shield from late-day sun.
• A sleek metal railing guards the base of the screen and adds a minimalist detail.
• Porches have six surfaces to address: four walls, a floor, and a ceiling. Use paint to complement, contrast, or -- as this porch exemplifies -- unify all the surfaces.

From inside this wide-open porch, the countryside beckons.

• An overhead chandelier serves as a dramatic ceiling-height sculpture.
• Screened porches often include rails for security and protection. Eliminating them, as this one does, opens up the view.
• Shelves (here, above the fireplace) provide a spot for display of accents or other knick-knacks.
• While many porches are located off the front of a home, consider the best place for a dramatic view -- in this home, at the back -- before choosing a site for a space.
• Opening a porch up to the ceiling timbers provides dramatic architectural interest as well.