Layouts, Design Tips, and Other Porch Furniture Ideas

porch furniture ideasHere at Structurally Speaking, we believe that screened-in porches should be both functional and stylish. If your backyard is practical but not beautiful, you won’t want to spend as much time there. We help our customers get exactly the right vibe they want for their porch, including incorporating the best porch furniture layout and design. If you’re looking for new porch furniture ideas for your space, look no further! Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks.

Porch Furniture: How to Make it Last

First and foremost, before you ever think about your porch layout, it’s important to know how to pick porch furniture that will last. A porch is somewhat protected from the elements, since it has a roof, and it may be additionally protected if you have a screened-in porch or 3-season porch. However, most porch furniture will still be subjected to more sun, damp conditions, heat, and cold temperatures. If you don’t buy the right furniture, it won’t last long.

Here are a few tips when it comes to buying top-quality porch furniture:

  • Look for furniture specifically marketed as outdoor furniture. There’s more out there than ugly plastic deck chairs, we promise! This is the best type of outdoor furniture to purchase.
  • Choose furniture that is “colorfast” (or has some variation of this word in the description). This will prevent the furniture from fading over time.
  • If you’re going to choose wood furniture, stick to durable mold-resistant materials such as teak, which can last 50-70 years with proper care. Eucalyptus is also a good option.
  • Consider synthetic options, which often last longer than natural materials while giving you the same look. For example, synthetic wicker will last much longer outside than natural rattan.
  • If your screened-in porch gets a lot of sun, remember that some plastic materials can easily warp and crack over time. This is common with less expensive products, so keep in mind that sometimes it makes sense to spend more money upfront for top-quality outdoor furniture.

It helps to have an idea of your porch layout when you start shopping for furniture. However, don’t worry if you’ve already fallen in love with certain pieces. We’ll help you find the best porch sitting area ideas for your home.

Creating the Best Furniture Layout for Your Porch

Screened-in porch furniture has a few main functions:

  • Making your porch fit your personal style (think plant holders, decorative pieces, etc.)
  • Giving you a place to enjoy your backyard (the view, the weather, the connection with nature, etc.)
  • Creating an additional living space for your family for activities such as eating, reading, and entertaining friends
  • Storage, especially for items such as outdoor toys, garden tools, seasonal outdoor decorations, and other items your family uses outside but doesn’t want to leave in your backyard 100% of the time

As you begin to develop a layout for your porch, you’ll want to start by thinking about how you plan to use the space. Some families use their enclosed porch as a playroom. Others use it primarily for outdoor dining. Conversely, some use it like a living room or extra home office. Some even use it for sleeping in the summer! The possibilities are endless. What’s important is that we help you create a layout that works well for how you specially want to use the space.

To make the best use of your space, we recommend creating different “zones” for different activities. For example, you might have a cozy sitting area with two or three chairs arranged for an intimate conversation. Then, on the other side, you’ll have a cafe table and chair that takes perfect advantage of the view in the morning. Next, you might want to add a large table for outdoor dining. Having these separate areas of your enclosed porch will ultimate make your space more useful.

Fun and Unique Porch Furniture Ideas

Are you looking for a few extra fun porch furniture ideas that will really help your space feel special and unique? Here’s a quick list of porch furniture projects we love for homeowners who want their porch to look nice:

  • Don’t be afraid to stain and paint furniture as your tastes change. This is the easiest way to introduce a pop of color. You can even go for some bold choices like stripes.
  • Repurpose end tables or even bedside tables to hold your plants. Actually, anything with a flat surface can hold a potted plant! We’ve seen people use baker racks, stools, waste paper baskets turned upside down, and more.
  • Add hammocks to your screened-in porch as a secondary place to sit. They are easy to hang (just make sure you install into studs), weather resistant, and very comfortable for lounging on a nice day.
  • Install a porch swing. Many people think about porch swings for traditional non-enclosed front porches but they can be wonderful for an enclosed back porch too.

If you need help with any back porch ideas, give us a call! We’d love to build a custom porch for you, complete with all the features you love.

FAQs About Building a Beautiful Screened-In Porch

We’d love to turn your porch dreams into reality. Here at Structurally Speaking, we specialize in building custom porches and decks that flow seamlessly with the rest of your house. Our owner, Jim Brennan, has decades of experience designing personalized outdoor living spaces that perfectly fit each family’s needs. Here are a few frequently asked questions about building a screened-in porch:

Is it better to build a porch or deck?

Both are good depending on the situation. This article has advice about whether you should consider a porch or deck (or both!).

Can you incorporate my porch furniture ideas into the design?

Absolutely. When we initially meet with you, we want to hear all your ideas for your new porch. No idea is too big or small. We want your porch to perfectly reflect your style and needs, which includes incorporating your ideas for porch furniture.

What’s it like to work with Structurally Speaking?

We start with a no-strings-attached meeting to learn more about your available space and what you want in a new porch. Then, Jim will design some porch options for you and work together with you to refine the plans into the porch of your dreams. We don’t start building until you absolutely love your new porch design. Click here to get started with a no-obligation free consultation.