9 Cozy Screened-In Porch Ideas
Updated: Jul. 25, 2024
Extend your pest-free outdoor entertaining space with these homey screened-in porch ideas.
Enjoying an outdoor space comes with a few risks, like being bitten by mosquitos or getting caught in bad weather. A screened-in porch, however, offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a cool breeze without worrying about bugs or being exposed to too much sun.
Do you think a screened-in porch might be a good addition to your house? Check out the pros and cons, and then get inspired by some of our favorite examples.
Screened-In Porch Pros and Cons
A screened-in porch is essentially a bonus room, bridging the interior of your home to the outdoors. We spoke to interior designer Gina McDade, to offer her expertise on the benefits and potential drawbacks of a screened porch.
Pros
- Year-round outdoor living
- Protection from the elements and insects
- Cozy indoor feel in an outdoor space
- Great location for indoor plants during the summer
“A screened porch can double your indoor entertainment spaces, and adding an electric fireplace enables you to use it on chilly days too,” says McDade. Also, because a screened-in porch offers extra coverage, there are more options for styling the space. “You can use more indoor furnishings and lighting when you have overhead protection, enabling you to create outdoor living spaces with more of a living room feel,” says McDade. “I especially like being able to use lamps, rugs, pendant lighting, and mirrors to give my porches the feeling of glamping.”
Cons
- Dirt and pollen still present
- Must use durable outdoor fabrics and furniture
- Not fully protected from rain
The drawback to a screened-in porch is that it is still somewhat exposed to the elements despite the indoor atmosphere. “Dirt and pollen will blow through the screen and settle on all your surfaces, increasing the need for dusting, vacuuming and blowing off with a leaf blower,” says McDade. Rain can penetrate the screens when it’s windy, so any porch furnishings and fabric should be water-resistant.
Screened-In Porches Inspiration
Boho Chic
To take her screened-in porch from basic to boho chic, @debvdesignsandhome added a colorful rug, textured pillows and natural accents to the chairs and light fixture. But the star of the show is the new ceiling! Using treated cedar wood planks, they created a concentric rectangular pattern.
What We Like About It: The plants and other natural textures, paired with cozy cushions and a rug, perfectly combine both outdoor and indoor living.
Clean and Neutral
Keeping your screened-in porch decor simple and neutral allows for the beautiful views of nature take center stage, as seen in this example from @style_my_abode. Well-chosen natural elements like wicker furniture and jute rug help the space blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment while still providing cozy comfort.
What We Like About It: The clean and neutral space lets you enjoy the outdoors unencumbered by distractions.
Upgraded Flooring
One way to make a screened-in porch feel more connected to the rest of the house is to upgrade the flooring. Here, @irwinsinaustin installed traditional Saltillo tile. Saltillo tile is earthy and durable, making it a great choice for a porch. Combined with the dark accent wall and wood ceiling, this whole space has a welcoming modern vibe.
What We Like About It: The patterns in the wall paneling, hexagonal floor tiles and ceiling planks all create interest without overwhelming the room.
Cottage Style
This gorgeous cottage-style screened-in porch from @stonecottage2250 is what dreams are made of! A sky-blue ceiling, arched screens and Dutch door make it a truly special design full of character. Cute wicker furniture and vintage accents extend the rest of the cottage home for a seamless transition between outdoors and inside.
What We Like About It: The cheerful blue beadboard ceiling draws the eye up and nicely mimics the real blue sky just beyond the screens.
Sunny Views
The floor-to-ceiling screens on this porch from @ahousewren allow for unobstructed views of the gorgeous scenery. A vintage desk and two padded chairs are all that’s needed for a charming seating nook, while potted plants help combine the outdoors with the indoor space.
What We Like About It: “A screened-in porch is a great place to bring your indoor plants outside for the summer. Mine love the humidity and thrive on the porch from May through October,” says McDade.
Modern Luxe
This screened-in porch from @nestingplaceinteriors is a little more luxe than some of our other examples and is proof that more elevated decor still works in a screened porch. Slip-covered chairs, a wood coffee table and a durable rug, all in a black and cream color palette, create the perfect modern conversational area.
What We Like About It: Furniture groupings like this can help define different zones in your screened-in porch. “I like to create several different spaces for dining, napping, and conversation,” says McDade.
Coastal Casual
When decorating her own screened-in porch, McDade went with a casual coastal vibe emphasized by the turquoise paint color and playful surfboard wall art. “I chose the steamer chairs because you can sit in them like a chair or expand the bottom to lounge and nap.”
What We Like About It: McDade wisely chose white cushions for all the seating because they won’t fade over time. Simply clean with a pressure washer at the beginning of the season and spray with a fabric protector.
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Motorized Screens
For a more versatile option, motorized screens allow you to open and close them with a push of a button! Watch these automatic screens in action from @southernstylescreens. The retractable design allows you to easily adjust the screens to your desired level of privacy and ventilation, giving you full control over your outdoor space.
What We Like About It: Aside from the convenience, these motorized screens also offer UV ray protection.
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Dining Al Fresco
This screened-in porch makeover from @_ama.glm_ features a lovely dining space. Now, the owners can dine al fresco without any pesky flies interrupting the meal. White curtains help soften the screens and add privacy. String lights installed along the ceiling light up the space at night with a warm and welcoming glow.
What We Like About It: An outdoor dining space like this is invaluable for entertaining and creating fun summer memories!
About the Expert
- Gina McDade is the owner and operator of Virginia McDade Designs located in North Carolina where her own home features a screened-in porch. She specializes in a relaxed, classic, and coastal style; and offers virtual design as well as in-person.
Originally Published: June 10, 2024
