The Most Inspiring Screened-in Porch Ideas
Do you have a screened-in porch but aren't sure what to do with it? Or are you considering adding a screened-in porch to your home and want some inspiration? You're in the right place!
Choosing the right design elements and decor pieces for your screened porch is crucial to creating a space you will use and enjoy as much as possible! Whether you are just dreaming up building plans or want to add comfort and ambiance to your existing porch, these simple screened-in porch ideas will inspire you for outdoor spaces.
When we bought our current home, the screened-in porch was one of the biggest selling points. Now that we've lived here for 3 years, I can tell you that we are obsessed with our screened-in porch! It's literally a second living room with great natural light and plenty of fresh air.
We designed it to be a beautiful and multi-functional space that allows us to enjoy being outdoors almost all year, despite cooler temperatures in the winter and very hot and humid NC summers. Our screened-in porch is a gathering place for us to eat meals, watch movies, or lounge and chat. It's a cozy retreat and an indoor-outdoor entertaining space that we consider one of the biggest bonus features of our home.
Screened-in porch designs should be both functional and beautiful! Check out these inspiring modern screen porch ideas to create the perfect indoor-outdoor space for your family.
How to Design the Perfect Screened-In Porch
Include a Fireplace for Year-Round Use
We love that the outdoor fireplace allows us to use this space all year. When I started decorating our screened-in porch, I kept the stone fireplace the focal point of the “lounge” area. If you are in the planning stages for your porch, consider a fireplace. It is a game-changer for the chilly months! We've even sat out by the fire at Christmastime. Even in the summer, the fireplace helps to cultivate that cozy atmosphere.
Add Definition and Ambiance With Lighting
When I designed the two separate areas for our screened-in porch, I carefully planned the lighting for each space. Over the table, we hung this DIY outdoor chandelier, defining the dining area; it provides warm lighting with a modern feel. In the lounge/seating area, we continued the string lights and lanterns for ambiance but didn't include any overhead lights, since we prefer dim lighting for chatting and watching TV. It's also an ideal spot for reading a good book or just relaxing.
Add a Pop Of Color
A bright pop of color elevates any outdoor space! Choose decorative items, an outdoor area rug, or furniture in bright colors to add some fun and style to your screened-in porch. The bright pinks here look gorgeous, set against the natural, lush greenery in the background, and the blue pot adds a second little accent. Plenty of outdoor furniture is available in neutral tones so that you can work within your color palette.
Incorporate Natural Textures
Add natural fibers and textures to the decor on your porch. Choose natural elements like raffia, rattan, and wicker to bring the outside in and give things a relaxed feel. I love the raffia, woven wicker, and wood stools in this eating area (you don't need a large dining table to enjoy meals on the porch). They are perfect for a screened-in porch! Choosing the right natural textures can, depending on the style, bring in unique touches of rustic, coastal, or boho.
Add a Daybed for Maximum Relaxation
Adding a daybed is one of the most popular and simple screened-in porch ideas for creating a calm and cozy nook. There are lots of ideas out there for idealistic options you can DIY or buy. Add some throw pillows, and you have the perfect spot for spending lazy days relaxing!
Add a Dining Area
Eating al fresco is one of our favorite parts of having a screened-in porch. Add an outdoor table set or a rustic table and chairs to enjoy meals in your outdoor living space! Separate your living and dining areas with rugs for defined areas. I love the all-weather capability of this sunroom since the windows can be raised to enjoy the dining space fully. A larger bistro or coffee table can create a functional dining area if you don't have enough space for a complete dining set.
Maximize Breezes With Vaulted Ceilings
A simple way to bring the breeze directly through your screened-in porch is to make the ceiling tall! I love this high, vaulted ceiling. The porch feels huge and allows for tremendous air movement. The interior is painted pale light blue, a fun added touch! Such a clean look!
Include a Ceiling Fan
When the painfully hot summer days set in, it can feel too hot and muggy to be out on a porch, screened or not! Adding fans will allow you to get so much more use out of your space. They will keep the air flowing and also help keep the bugs moving if any manage to find their way in. We have 3 ceiling fans in our screened-in porch, and they make a HUGE difference during the hot summer!
Add Plants for the Perfect Porch Decor
I love moving my plants out to the screened-in porch when the weather starts to get a little warmer. Bring out the ones that have been wintering inside, or buy plants that can live on your porch! Even artificial plants can add pops of color (as long as you look for attractive, real-looking options). This simple screened-in porch idea softens the area and makes it feel like an extension of the outside world.
Use An Area Rug
Make your porch feel like a living space with beautiful furnishings and a fantastic area rug. I recommend an indoor-outdoor rug for durability and weather resistance. This large screen porch is perfectly styled and feels like an actual room! Even though the furniture is made for the outdoors, arranging it on this gorgeous rug and adding accessories and side tables gives this a pulled-together feeling. Pro tip: Make sure you clean your indoor-outdoor rug yearly to extend its life!
Aren't these simple screened-in porch ideas genius? Upgrade your existing porch or start from scratch and create your dream outdoor living space to enjoy nature all year–just not the mosquitoes!!! We enjoy our screened-in porch all year long, and now I'm not sure how we could ever live without it.
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