Screen the Porch for More Living Room (Almost) All Year (2024)

Gardening and Landscaping

Porches

Mmmm, crisp and fresh New England air, comfy seats, and a woodstove to keep you warm while you look out at the spectacular view. What a perfect spot.

Now I must warn those of you who are obsessed with resale value that in this housing market, don't count on getting the money you put into a screened-in porch back out of the house. However, real estate broker Gerald Dunn in this discussion on Trulia says, "the porch may make your property more attractive to a buyer in the future. It will separate yours from the competition and may make your home easier to sell."

If sideways rain is likely to hit your furnishings, weatherproof rugs and fabrics are a good idea. Add furniture with comfortable cushions for long chats, side tables for sweet tea, and good lighting for reading.

Another great benefit of a screened-in porch is that it provides a bug-free spot to enjoy a meal in the fresh air. It's like a picnic without ants. And without having to sit on the ground. And with running water two rooms away ... wait, why do people go on picnics?

A porch is a great place to be free and easy with your decor. The Dear Daisy Cottage's porch has scads bright colors and potting-shed charm.

Don't feel hemmed in by a preconceived notion of porch furniture. Mirrors, sconces and a console bring indoor style to this indoor/outdoor space.

Tip: If you have children or pets who like to run through screens, consider starting the screens at chair-rail height. It will save you a lot of money on replacement costs, and if your porch is off the ground at all, it's a must for childproofing.

If you don't have an available space the size of a typical square room for your porch, don't fret; lots of different dimensions can work. Long daybeds take advantage of this long and narrow seaside screened-in porch.

Extend your porch's seasonal life with the help of ceiling fans to cool the hotter days, and a fireplace to warm chilly nights.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about porch style; this porch is full of Southwestern flavor. Careful attention was paid to the material palette, including the painted brick wall, the large varied stones on the floor and the rich wood ceiling.

This porch is a bit more rugged Western style, with large timbers overhead, log walls, and antlers as an accent. Even the dining chairs look like they were hewn from sturdy trees from around the property.

This large porch celebrates family and friends spending time together, with comfortable seating and games readily available for those who gather here.

This North Carolina screened-in porch is a relaxing pavilion in the trees. I imagine many great naps take place on the hanging bed.

This modern space was added onto an historic cottage, which created a room for eating, relaxing and gathering. The sheers add a layer of soft texture and movement, and the dark painted ceiling adds to the tranquility of the room.