Must-Haves For A Comfy Porch

As we delve into the summer months, we thought we could talk about how to create the perfect comfy porch! Your porch is a great get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether you’re having a porch built or you’re looking to make upgrades to an existing one, these comfortable and homey ideas are perfect for any outdoor sitting area.

• Vibrant Color Scheme. Before you purchase porch lighting, accessories, and furniture, choose a color scheme. Interior design professionals recommend opting for neutral colored furnishings and upholstery, as this leaves you more room to play with pops of color throughout your accessories.
• Decorative Throw Pillows. Throw pillows are an easy and cost efficient way to add color and texture to your outdoor space. Complement colored throw pillows with coordinating umbrellas, coasters, planters, or other outdoor accessories for a fun, summery look.
• Stylish Area Rugs. One of the best parts of being outside is being barefoot. An area rug adds comfort and style to any porch seating arrangement. Rugs act as a space creators and separators, and there are many weather resistant options that are both practical and stylish. Adding a rug or carpet to your outdoor space is a simple way to enclose the porch area.
• Ample Table Space. Coffee tables and side tables are essential for having a good time outdoors. Bring the living room outside with a stylish wicker or weather resistant set of patio tables. Add a table runner, tray, and candles for an even cozier effect. Coordinate the overall look of the porch with matching accessories.
• Ideal Flooring. Cedar and redwood are soft types of lumber that age extremely well. Both resists pests and rot, providing you with a stunningly stable platform for which to entertain on. If your budget allows, mahogany is an excellent option that comes in a variety of colors and textures.
• Ornamental Lighting. No porch is complete without lighting. If your porch is enclosed or has some sort of covering, like a trellis, use string lighting for an eclectic, comforting feel. When the sun sinks down, plug the lights in and enjoy the warm summer evening ahead. For larger porches with coverings, install overhead lighting equipped with ceiling fans to make sitting on your porch enjoyable at any point during the summer, day or night.
• Pretty Planters. These are a great way to add finishing touches to the outdoor space. Try to compliment the plant life that already exists around your porch. If floor space is minimal, try hanging planters to add style and texture without sacrificing space. Flowers and decorate vases are another opportunity to compliment your color scheme for your porch. Remember to choose plants that do well in varying sunlight.
• Comfortable Seating. The most important part of the perfect comfy porch is the seating. Outdoor furniture can be functional and stylish, whether you choose a wicker couch with cushioned seats or a Trex Adirondack chair. If you entertain often, you might consider creating more than one sitting area upon your porch. Head to your local big box store to find the seating set that fits your needs.

The most important thing to remember is to create a space that is cozy, stylish, and comfortable with functional furniture and decor. Well-placed décor and the perfect comfy porch is the key to a great and relaxing summer! For more outdoor design tips, contact Nalini Tandon, an Ashburn, VA interior decorator.