A screened porch is a location that exists between the indoors and the outdoors of the house. A screened porch allow the individual to experience the fresh air without the presence of insects, to enjoy the occasional rain without getting wet, and to have an area that is both connected to the living room and the garden of the house. Many people consider screened porches to be an afterthought to the design of there homes.
When people do decide to adorn their screened porches with decor, they often only buy a couple of wicker chair. However, with the proper choices of decor, a screened porch can become the most used room in the house, and can be the spot where all of the individuals who live in the home spend their summers, fall, and even winter evening. To decorate a screened porch properly, individuals should first consider the screened porch as a separate area of the home.
Think about the use of light within the screened porch, the texture of the decor within the screened porch, the comfort that the area provides, and the way in which the elements outside of the screened porch impact the screened porch. With these element considered, here are nine ideas for individuals to consider when adorning their screened porches. One of the first considerations for decor to include in the screened porch is the purchase of an appropriate rug for the area.
Nine Great Ideas for Screened Porch Decor
1. Appropriate Rugs for the Area
A flat-weave rug that includes a neutral design will help hide any stain that may occur within the area. Additionally, a rug that includes a soft green or blue will echo the color of the yard beyond the screened porch. The rug will define the seating area within the screened porch, and it will provide warmth to the area floor so that the individuals’ feet feels comfortable within the area during cooler evenings.
Avoid rugs that are too plush for the screened porch, however, as plush rugs will retain moisture and not dry out as quickly as rugs with a harder weave. Following the purchase of an appropriate rug for the screened porch are the furnitures for the area. Deeply cushioned chairs that utilize weather-resistant fabric are best for the screened porch rather than the more traditional wicker chairs.
2. Comfortable Furniture and Seating
Add a loveseat for two individuals to the screened porch, as well as a couple of accent chair that may feature slightly different designs. Place the chairs within the screened porch in a way that allows for easy conversation among the individuals who visit the screened porch. Additionally, purchase as many weatherproof pillow for the area as possible.
Some pillows may have subtle stripes within their fabric, while others may be solid-colored to echo the colors of the garden outside of the screened porch. The pillows will encourage individuals to sit within the screened porch. Another idea for individuals to consider when adorning their screened porches is the placement of plant into the area.
3. Potted Plants and Greenery
Many of the most popular plant for screened porches include ferns, caladiums, and peace lilies. These type of plants can tolerate the filtered light that exists within the screened porch area, as well as the humidity that can exist within the screened porch. Place Boston ferns into macrame hangers of the screened porch for variety to the decor, as well as add larger pot of plants to the corners of the screened porch.
These plants will both enhance the air quality within the screened porch, as well as allow the individuals to feel a sense of care for the porch area. Additional decor ideas include the use of lighting within the screened porch once the sun begins to set. Avoid harsh lighting within the screened porch as this can make the screened porch appear as if it is an interrogation room.
4. Ambient Lighting Solutions
Table lamp with weatherproof bases and string lights that drape over the screens will provide the screened porch with different lighting for various times of day. Battery-operated lanterns that include battery-operated candles will provide an additional glow to the screened porch after the sun sets. These additional lights will encourage the individuals to step outside after dinner, as well as provide additional interest to the yard beyond the screened porch.
Position the lights within the screened porch to provide light at different levels within the screened porch. In addition to the lighting within the screened porch, it is important to add some furnishings that may include a side table and even a bar cart for the screened porch. A narrow console table of wood, metal, or even plastic that resembles wood can be added to one of the walls of the screened porch.
5. Functional Side Tables and Bar Carts
Place books, a pitcher of iced tea, and glasses of the iced tea for the guests who may visit the screened porch on hot summer days. These furnishings will send the signal to the individuals (and the guests that visit the screened porch) that this area is meant to be relaxing, not for rushing to another part of the home. Another decor idea within the screened porch is to incorporate natural materials into the area.
6. Natural Materials and Textures
Natural materials that can be purchased for the screened porch include a throw with chunky cotton or linen fabrics, woven baskets, and even wooden bowls that include rocks or pinecones. Each of these items will help to prevent the screened porch from looking too perfect and too styled for the individual’s home. These items will also allow the individual to change the decor of the screened porch according to the desires and seasons within that year.
For example, during the fall, the individual may wish to swap the pinecones for brightly-colored fall leaves. Next, individuals may wish to purchase a statement piece for the screened porch. A piece of decor that can be purchased for the screened porch includes a vintage garden sign, driftwood, or even an antique bench that is use as a plan stand.
7. Personal Statement Pieces
Ensure that the statement piece that is purchased has some personal significance to the individual who owns the screened porch. When the guests enter the screened porch, they should recognize these items as those of the individual that owns the screened porch. Such an item will make the screened porch more memorable and distinct from other screened porches that may be owned by others.
One last idea for decor to include in a screened porch is the use of curtains for privacy within the screened porch. Additionally, the curtains will filter the intense light of the sun during the afternoon hours, as well as add softness to the straight lines that exist along the screens that define the screened porch. The curtains can be made of fabric that are treated to resist mildew and fading of the fabric.
8. Curtains for Privacy and Softness
Use curtains of a neutral color so that the view beyond the screened porch remains the focus of the screened porch. The light breeze that may move through the screened porch will cause the curtains to move, adding another layer of life to the screened porch. Finally, another decor idea is the addition of scent to the screened porch.
9. Aromatic Scents and Natural Repellents
One of the ways to introduce scent into the screened porch is the placement of citronella candle into holders of various designs. Not only will these candles help to keep the insects away from the screened porch, they will also add scent to the area. Additionally, adding plans of lavender, mint, and lemon verbena into the screened porch will allow the individual to brush against them to enhance the scent of the screened porch.
The scent of the screened porch will be the last element to be considered when decorating the screened porch for maximum benefit. A screened porch does not need to be large or expensive to be of benefit to the individuals who live within the house and to those who visit the home. However, screened porches require some intention from the individual who plans to decorate them.
When all of the items within the screened porch are provided to ensure that the area is both beautiful and comfortable, when all of the materials respect the elements yet welcome the individuals who enter the screened porch, the screened porch will become the heart of the home. Therefore, you should step outside, you should take a fresh look at your screened porch, and you should make one change. After making that change, the rest will follow.
At least that is what they say about screened porches when you begin to decorate them for enjoyment by your guests and yourself.
