12 Drool-Worthy Screened-In Porch Decorating Ideas
A screened-in porch is a blessing, and a wonderful place to hang out, but it often presents a decorating challenge. Here are 12 screened-in porch decorating ideas to create an inviting outdoor oasis that promotes relaxation all day long.
If you’re lucky enough to have a screened-in porch, you are fortunate indeed! But do you dream of transforming it from just a porch into an oasis?
A screened-in porch allows you to enjoy nature (and a view, if you have one) without the hassle of being eaten alive by mosquitoes or sitting in the rain. Plus, you can use them year-round, especially in southern homes!
Unfortunately, many people underutilize their screened-in porches because they are unsure how to furnish or decorate them. The good news is that with the right furniture and a few simple decorating touches, you can turn a simple screened-in porch into a backyard retreat where you can’t wait to spend all your spare time.
I personally need to turn some attention to my screened-in porch. It has some furniture we brought from our former home and we’ve painted it. But other than that, it’s not been given much thought. I hope to change that all soon!
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12 Screened-in Porch Ideas to Create Your Retreat
Regardless of your decorating style, this list of ideas will help you create a gorgeous cohesive design for your screened-in porch while also designing an inviting retreat where you can wile away the afternoon.
I find that thinking of these outdoor spaces as an extension of your home makes the job easier because it gives the space purpose. Here are twelve affordable screened-in porch decorating ideas that you can use to turn your dream into a reality.
1. Lots of Plants
Plants may not seem like a clear choice as a decorating idea since a screened-in porch is technically already outside. However, layering greenery and flowers into your screened-in porch decor will help the space bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors.
It’s incredible the difference that plants can make! They will breathe life into your porch.
Here’s a list of my 3 favorite houseplants that are super easy to care for. And don’t worry. Artificial plants will accomplish the same thing if you don’t have a green thumb.
2. Paint the Ceiling {or the walls, or both!}
Go ahead and break out that paint brush! Since most screened-in porches have screens for walls, it’s fun to add a punch of color by painting the ceiling!
Treat this space like you would treat any other room in the house, and don’t be afraid to add some color to bring your decor together.
Porch SOURCES: Outdoor Swivel Gliders | Outdoor Sofa | Striped Outdoor Pillows | Bistro Table | Folding Bistro Chairs | Large Fluted Planter
If you DO have walls in your screened-in porch, a light neutral color may be ideal for enhancing the view, or you may find that you want coastal or traditional colors to add depth and dimension as you tie the porch in with the rest of your home. A pretty blue green paint would be a lovely option here!
3. Include an Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Think of your screened-in porch as a room in your house rather than simply an outdoor sitting area, and it makes total sense that a rug is essential. Adding an indoor/outdoor rug to the seating area goes a long way toward creating an inviting and cozy area.
Choose a rug suitable for the outdoors that the elements won’t ruin. Simply power wash it off when it gets dirty, or at the beginning of each spring season!
4. Incorporate Art or Wall Decor
No one wants to sit there looking at stark bare walls. Use the empty walls of your screened-in porch like you would the walls inside the house and hang artwork or other decor. But, be sure to display pieces that can be exposed to the temperature fluctuations outside.
Wall art in the form of baskets, plants, plates, signs, mirrors sculptures, and more will help your porch feel like part of the house rather than a random outdoor space. No matter what you choose, wall decor will go a long way toward personalizing the space and creating a focal point.
5. Add Curtains
Sheer curtains can serve multiple purposes, including filtering the early morning and early evening sunlight without obstructing your view and adding a soft, cozy vibe. They can also add some privacy at night if you have neighbors nearby.
6. Hang a Bed Swing
Having comfy chairs in your space is a must, but one of my favorite screened-in porch decorating ideas is to hang a porch swing or (even better) a daybed if you have the room. That one piece can transform your porch from a nice area you may occasionally use to a perfect spot to relax with a book or with friends on a gorgeous day.
7. Plank Ceiling
I love this idea! This porch design detail is the perfect way to give your screened-in porch that rustic cabin vibe if your home is in the woods or has a mountain or lake view. Or, you can go with a modern farmhouse style for a chic and comfortable ambiance.
8. Paint the Floors
Add some color to the floors too! Choose a complementary color to your indoor/outdoor rug or forego the rug and just paint the floor. Play around with a fun pop of color, or go subtle with a shade that highlights the other decor.
Although many people don’t think flooring makes a significant impact, it actually does.
9. Use Tables
How can you go out to your screened-in porch to enjoy a tall cool glass of lemonade (or your drink of choice) without the ability to set it down on a table? End tables and coffee tables make an outdoor area feel homier, and they’re practical too. Use larger dining tables to create an impromptu dining area outdoor!
Plus, tables give you a chance to decorate them and even add stacks of books!
10. Add Lights
One of my favorite screened-in porch decorating ideas is adding string lights to the porch. Some porches have flush-mount lighting, while others don’t. Even if yours does, it may not create the right ambiance you want for your porch.
There are so many ways you can use strings of lights! Use small hooks or Command hooks to string them up. Add little bunches of mini fairy lights on the tables and even string them in larger plants.
11. Hang a Ceiling Fan
If you live in an area that gets hot in the summer, a ceiling fan will make your outdoor retreat much more comfortable. What’s better than reclining on a hanging daybed, enjoying a refreshing glass of iced tea underneath a ceiling fan?
12. Utilize Throw Pillows
Throw pillows make your living room more comfortable and stylish, right? The same goes for your screened-in porch.
Treat that space similar to how you would decorate your living room, and add in colorful throw pillows that enhance your decor. You’ll end up with a comfy and cozy space where you want to relax.
When you use a variety of home furnishings like plants, rugs, furniture, curtains, and art, your screened-in porch decor looks cohesive and complete. I hope that these screened-in porch decorating ideas help you create a lounge-worthy, inviting oasis where you long to spend your free time!
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I love looking at all the ideas. We have a screened porch up north at our log cabin. I absolutely love it. I am one who loves to change things around. I thought ours needed to be softened up, So, I hung White Sheer curtains on all of the windows, including the ones that go into the cabin. Such a much nicer look and a tad of privacy if needed, for sleeping. Thanks for sharing!
Love these ideas. Our porch is in need of a freshening. Definitely going to try a few of these. Thank you
Yay!! Me too! xo, Laura