Screen Porch Decorating Ideas

Phase one of any decorating project is always inspiration gathering and planning. Think of this phase as the blueprint for your screen porch makeover. 

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You don’t have to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel. Look around you, browse through magazines, scroll through online home decor sites, or take a virtual tour of Pinterest boards.

To save money, look for ideas that you can adapt to fit with what you already own.

Be sure to take notice of what draws your attention and makes you think, “I’d love to spend time there!”

This initial inspiration can come from anywhere—a color, a piece of furniture, an art piece, or even a mood you want to evoke.

In my case, I was inspired by a favorite porch color scheme of blue and green and by my return to a more traditional style of decorating.  

You may have noticed that all of our outdoor furniture and cushions are neutral in color. 

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Using neutrals on larger, more expensive items, allows me to use any colors on my porch that I desire.

It’s the same reason that the interior of my house is painted in a shade of beige.

The goal here isn’t to copy a design element by element but to find what resonates with you.

These inspirations will serve as the foundation upon which you’ll build your outdoor paradise. 

Once I had the inspiration, I was able to accomplish all of it with one minor furniture repurpose, some fabric, and a little paint.

When deciding on color palettes, it’s always desirable to have an accent color and then use it in small doses around the entire space.

In my case, the yellow in the pillow fabric allowed me to use it as an accent color in other areas of the porch too.

To sprinkle the yellow around the room, I added faux lemons to a clam shell bowl…

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….a cute faux lemon tree and another bowl of faux lemons on the hutch shelves…

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and a pretty lemon tablecloth on our small dining table.

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Choosing the right furniture

It’s pretty obvious that when furnishing any outdoor area, you need furniture that will withstand the elements.

• Metals like aluminum or wrought iron are durable and can be styled elegantly for outdoor spaces.
• Woods such as teak, cedar, and eucalyptus are popular for their resistance to weather and pests.
• Synthetic Resin is a modern choice known for its weather resistance and lightweight properties.
• Fabrics should be specifically designed for outdoor use, capable of resisting moisture, sun damage, and mildew.

If you do want to use an indoor items on your porch, read this post about different ways to protect furnishings, fabrics, and accessories from the elements.

Be sure to measure your space before purchasing furniture and take them with you when shopping.

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Once you’ve measured, sketch a rough layout or use an online tool to visualize where each piece will go. This can help prevent purchasing items that don’t fit the way you envisioned.  

You’re going to want furniture pieces that fit the scale and size of your outdoor room and that also meet any functional requirements you have.

Don’t forget about comfort! Since you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time on your porch, comfort should be high on your priority list. 

Choose cushions and pillows that are plush enough to provide comfort and are made of high-quality outdoor fabrics. 

In terms of style, select furniture that complements the exterior of your home and matches your personal aesthetic. 

Consistency in style will help to create a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. 

How should you arrange a screened-in porch?

Much of the answer depends upon the size.

When it comes to a large porch, you’ve got the luxury of space, but with that comes the challenge of arranging your furnishings in a way that’s both functional and inviting.

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The key is to create zones that serve different purposes while still maintaining a cozy, coordinated look and feel.

In our case, we opted for a porch swing instead of a sofa, which pretty much dictated where it had to be placed. You can’t beat it for being a primo place for naps!

How will you use the space? Do you envision hosting dinner parties, lounging with a good book, or having a dedicated space for kids to play?

Each of these activities can define a zone. For instance, you might set up a dining table with comfortable chairs on one side, and a cozy seating area with plush sofas and armchairs on the other.

Be careful though to ensure that furniture doesn’t get lost or seem disconnected. Choosing the right rug for the space can be a game-changer for defining different zones and for adding warmth and texture. 

Consider using one rug under the dining table and a complementary rug to anchor the seating area, to make the spaces distinct, yet visually connected.

By the way – this outdoor rug is 10 years old and is from Ballard Designs. Even after power washing it every year, it still looks almost new. 

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I find their outdoor rugs to be very durable and affordable. I use them on the interior of my home too, especially in the kitchen. I can’t recommend them enough!

Don’t forget about traffic flow. Arrange your furnishings so there’s a clear and easy path through each zone. You want your guests to move around freely without having to navigate a maze of chairs and tables.

Lighting is another aspect to consider. In a large porch, one central light source might not be enough and can be a large deterrent for creating a cozy vibe.

Multiple levels of lighting are best for creating ambiance – a mix of overhead lighting, table lamps, and even string lights will ensure each area is well-lit.

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On the other hand, arranging furniture on a small screen porch requires a bit of strategy to create a comfortable, inviting environment that makes the most of what you have without sacrificing style. 

Consider furnishings that are proportional to the size of your porch. Opt for compact, multi-functional furniture that can serve dual purposes. 

For instance, the right kind of bench can act as a coffee table that offers storage inside and provides extra seating while keeping your porch clutter-free.

On our porch, a piano bench, found at a thrift store, got a coat of white outdoor paint and makes a terrific coffee table.

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It can also act as extra seating when needed.

A side table can act as a dining table by pulling occasional chairs up to it and using them for dining chairs.

In a smaller porch, the layout should be focused on maintaining an open feel. Avoid placing large pieces in the middle or blocking the flow from the door to the rest of the porch. 

Instead, arrange your furniture along the perimeter to create more central space, making the porch feel larger.

Vertical space is always your ally in making any space feel larger. Use wall hangings, shelving, or tall, slender plants to draw the eye upward.

On my porch, I used a trellis, hung from cup hooks to both draw the eye up and to create a sense of definition to the area.

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Speaking of furnishings – can you use regular indoor furniture on a screen porch?

My answer to that is that it depends.

A key component of any screen porch makeover is selecting the right furniture. Not only does the furniture need to be comfortable and stylish, but it also must withstand the conditions of an outdoor environment, even one as protected as a screened porch. 

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Which brings us to an interesting option: using indoor furniture outdoors. There are several factors to consider to ensure they last and continue to look great in their new setting. 

Certain indoor pieces can be adapted for outdoor use.

For example, my hutch is actually meant for a dining room. I repurposed it for outdoor use by painting it with exterior trim paint and by locating it on a back wall where rain will never hit it.

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If you live in a humid area, I would be very cautious about using indoor upholstered pieces outside. Even though a screened-in porch provides some protection from the elements, it isn’t entirely sealed off. 

The fabric may hold up fine, but I would be concerned about mold and mildew developing on the inside of any cushions or pillows.

Tactics you can try for successful use of indoor furniture include:

• Use furniture covers when the porch isn’t in use.
• Place furniture away from the screens.
• Apply protective sprays to upholstery and pillows.
• Use exterior paint on painted pieces.

In the end, my advice is to do so at your own risk. Just be prepared for potentially more frequent cleaning or maintenance.

How do you decorate a screen porch?

All right – you’ve chosen your inspiration and you’ve decided on the furnishings and rugs you need and have it in place and properly arranged. 

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Now comes the fun part – adding those decorative touches and accessories!

1. Time to turn your attention to the walls or vertical places. Porches are great places to hang lanterns or plants on a wall or a supporting post.

They will help to define the personality of the space without cluttering floor or table space.

2. Next, consider the lighting and ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have come a long way in recent years, so look for one that blends with your decor style.

Add outdoor floor lamps, table lamps, or string lights to enhance the ambiance and to provide functionality.

3. Now it’s time to introduce textiles, such as curtains, throw pillows, and throw blankets. You’ll want these elements to add color, texture, and comfort to the room, making it more inviting.

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4. Up next is to add any functional items in the places that make the most sense – storage baskets, coasters, etc. They should be practical as well as contribute to the room’s decor.

5. Here’s my favorite part! Add decorative accessories. Focus on smaller items like vases, candles, and knick-knacks. These are the things that add personal touches and are a reflection of your style. Remember to keep them in line with the color scheme.

When it comes to accessories, the important takeaway is that they are meant to add visual interest and to reinforce your color scheme and decorating style.

And remember – when adding accessories, it’s important to be intentional with layering and texture.

6. Next is when the introduction of greenery comes in. Plants are great for filling empty corners and adding life to a room.

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7. Finally, add any personal touches that make the space uniquely yours and create a sense of belonging.

Now, take a step back and review the room as a whole. Adjust the placement of accessories, swap items out, or remove items to avoid clutter.

And there you have it! We’ve covered everything from finding your inspiration to selecting the right furnishings and adding those final decorative touches that bring everything together.

Decorating your porch is all about creating a space that reflects your personal style and suits your relaxation and entertainment needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and layouts until you find the perfect combination. 

I hope you feel inspired and ready to make your screen porch a place you’ll enjoy all summer long. Happy outdoor living season!

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