Screened-In or Not: Porch Ideas You Wish You Thought Of
By: Tessa
Screened-in or not, these are porch ideas you wish you thought of. Screened-in porches have many benefits. You get to enjoy the sense of being outside without dealing with pesky bugs that aren’t afraid of your citronella candle. That said, some people opt to open up their screen and create more of an outdoor space. A beautiful porch space with or without screens has its perks!
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Screened-In or Not:
Porch Ideas You Wish You Thought Of
No. 1// Set Up Full-On Dining Area
Lately, it’s been a common trend for architects to leave out a formal dining room in the blueprint plans. And many historic homes aren’t fit for a large table to fit ten guests. If your home lacks space for a large table, a screened-in porch is a perfect place. Your guests will still feel a sense of privacy in a memorable atmosphere.
No. 2// Level Up Your Porch Swing with a Daybed Swing
We absolutely love day beds on porches. If swinging on a porch swing makes you feel like a kid again, you’ll love how your feet won’t touch the ground on a daybed swing. We often recommend Magnolia Porch Swings, because we love their style!
No. 3// Instead of a Screen Opt for Porch Curtains
If you don’t want something permanent like a screen, try some stylish outdoor curtains. Not only will they help with the bugs but also filter the sunlight and offer the privacy you’re looking for. We are loving the example above.
No. 4// Create a Pre-Teen Reading Nook
Trying to get some kids to read is nearly impossible. Encourage older children to read and relax with a corner designed just for them. Set up a stylish hammock and a stack of books for those lazy afternoons.
No. 5// Think Beyond Traditional Screens
If you’re commissioning a custom screened-in porch, go all out and request windows that open rather than traditional screens. We love this porch displayed in the image above.
No. 6// Skip the Screen and Add the Wall to Mix Furniture Styles
Since screened-in porches or outdoor walls have more protection from the elements than traditional porches, you can stray from furniture marketed specifically for outdoor purposes. A huge interior design trend we are seeing right now is combining different vintage and modern furniture styles in one room. You can certainly apply this rule to your porch as well.
No. 7// Paint the Trim Black
By opting for a dark trim color, you create a contrast between your bright outdoor view and the trim. It can almost make your porch screens visually disappear. We are also loving the wooden porch ceiling, rocker, and chandelier to really create a warm vibe.
No. 8// Add a Fireplace
If it’s in your budget, let your outdoor fireplace steal the show! Hiring a contractor to install a fireplace is an investment that’s worthwhile. It will help you get use out of your screened-in porch or outdoor space year-round. Just imagine watching the leaves fall from this pool house.
No. 9// Choose Consistent Flooring
Updating your screened-in porch with fresh flooring can give it a super fresh look. We love bringing the interior or exterior into the space to make it feel like an extension of the home or an extension of the outdoor space.
No. 10// Use Plants as Wall Art
Whether inside a screen or outdoors, plants make great wall art too! Hang some baskets and place trailing plants inside, or display them on floating wall shelves. In the design world, we are also noticing living walls made with succulents that need indirect light to thrive.
No. 11// Skip the Screen and Open it Up
Yes, there is certainly something appealing about a screened in porch, but an open porch with big sliding doors is hard to beat! Sometimes it’s best to skip the screen and open up the area to enjoy the view.
No. 12// Porch Rugs
A porch space looks finished with an outdoor rug. We are loving the geometric and aztec prints right now. Play around with layering two rugs on top of one another using different angles and textures.
No. 13// Use Symmetry and Geometry
This design isn’t on a screened in porch; however, it could be! We love a good symmetrical design set up.Mixing it with balanced shapes really takes it to the next level. Keep in mind that achieving symmetry doesn’t mean the sides of the room need to identically mirror one another. Just try to go for visual balance.
No. 14// Play With Lighting
Lighting is key to a successful outdoor space, where people want to spend time. That, and music! Not only does this porch have comfortable seating with blankets and pillow, but it also has the perfect glow of lights. Combined with lanterns and hanging lights the casual come relax mood is definitely calling.
No. 15// Use Palette Ottomans in Place of a Coffee Table
This porch has added privacy for guests with a green hedge above the horizontal wood wall. There is also plenty of seating. The ottomans can be used to put your feet up and relax, as well as a coffee table. We love multi-purpose pieces on large and small porches.
No. 16// Create Privacy in Other Ways
Want the best of both worlds? There are so many ways to create privacy, keep critters out, and protect yourself from the heat besides a permanent screen. Check out these patio shades that roll down at the push of a button. Like the idea?
Overall, screened-in or not, these are ideas you wish you thought of…. for privacy and style. A beautiful porch space with or without screens has its perks!
If you don’t know where to start or just want a partner in design, that’s what our virtual design service is all about. The experts on the design team at brick&batten are full of ideas. Stop dreaming of all the changes you want to make, and let’s get started!
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