A porch is the first impression of a house, reflecting the personality and style of its decor. By choosing the right furniture and decorative elements, it can transform from an underused space to one you’ll never want to leave. Here’s how!
Decorating Enclosed Porches
Enclosed porches offer many advantages, such as climate insulation across seasons. This allows you to use it year-round as an additional decorative space, incorporating wall art, outdoor rugs, curtains, and other accessories. It can also become the perfect reading nook with natural light, ideal for relaxing with your favorite book.
What are the essential decorative elements for an enclosed porch? Start with durable, comfortable outdoor furniture. Armchairs, chairs, and coffee tables are essential pieces for creating a cozy retreat. At Canica, we recommend the large round Zellige table and the striped wrought-iron chair.
Light and Natural Tones
Light and natural tones are excellent choices for porch decor, as they enhance the sense of space and create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. These tones are versatile, pairing well with any decor style and maximizing natural light.
This color scheme is ideal for entry porches, using hues like white, beige, gray, or natural wood. Not only are these colors timeless, but they also add a sense of spaciousness in smaller areas.
Natural Material Furniture
Using natural materials is an excellent choice for an enclosed porch. Natural materials often bring a unique aesthetic appeal and timeless charm. Wood, jute, and wicker are ideal options for enclosed porches, offering a range of finishes and high durability.
A bench or sofa is also a great option for a front porch, providing functionality and versatility as a gathering spot. Placing it under an awning makes for a perfect retreat on a hot summer day.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential aspect of any room’s decor, as it can completely transform the ambiance and aesthetic.
For example, a ceiling light is a great option to provide uniform lighting throughout the space. For softer, indirect light, wall lamps and floor lamps can achieve better results, allowing you to place lighting at different heights based on your needs and the space.
Fabrics and Cushions
Fabrics and cushions are essential elements in defining the style of any room. For a classic and timeless look, combining wood and natural materials with neutral or earth tones creates a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic that won’t go out of style.
If you want to be a bit bolder, consider dark tones (like charcoal gray or navy blue) and metallics (like gold and copper), which are trending for rustic and farmhouse decor. At Canica, we love the unique patterned designs by Delacova.
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are increasingly popular on porches, adding warmth and comfort during cooler months. They’re great for defining spaces, complementing decor, and enhancing coziness.
Most outdoor rugs are easy to maintain since they’re made from durable, easy-to-clean materials. What are the best materials for outdoor rugs? Look for options resistant to mold and moisture, such as polypropylene, polyester, and nylon.
Wall Art
Wall decor is also important. Hanging a picture or artwork on a porch wall can transform the entire space. It adds personality, color, and style to the environment.
When choosing art, consider colors and artistic styles that you like and that fit the setting. At Canica, we’re big fans of Bana Studio’s original and vibrant pieces, which, as its creator says, aim to "create artwork out of a space."
Plants
A porch, whether indoor or outdoor, connects with nature, so including plants as decor is a great choice. Besides improving aesthetics, plants add freshness and vitality. It’s important to choose plants that can withstand sun exposure, wind, and temperature changes.
We recommend ferns, hydrangeas, English ivy, jasmine, or lavender. In addition to purifying the air with their fragrance, they’ll create a more welcoming, pleasant environment with their variety of colors.
Tips for Decorating Outdoor Porches
An outdoor porch is a perfect space for family gatherings, parties, and alfresco dinners. It’s a versatile area that can serve as an extension of your home’s functionality.
Durable and Long-Lasting Furniture
Stone and wrought-iron furniture are excellent choices for an outdoor porch due to their durability and timeless aesthetic. The combination of stone and iron brings rustic elegance that pairs well with various decor styles. We recommend checking out our Barbillón Collection, featuring outdoor furniture by MRGO Arquitectos crafted from wrought iron and stone.
Outdoor-Ready Lighting
There are many types of lighting well-suited for outdoor spaces. At Canica, we love wall sconces for porches, as they provide softer, indirect light, perfect for enhancing architectural features. Additionally, torches and string lights are great options for withstanding weather conditions.
Colorful Cushions and Durable Fabrics
Colorful, durable cushions are essential for decorating outdoor porches. They add style and warmth to the space, as well as a touch of comfort.
If you decide on a rustic bench, round cushions can make the perfect complement. Choose resistant materials and attractive designs, and you won’t have to worry about maintenance.
In conclusion, at Canica, we believe the three fundamental pillars for decorating porches are: first, choosing comfortable, versatile furniture made from durable materials like wood, wicker, or wrought iron; second, adding decorative elements that bring personality and style, such as cushions, candles, curtains, rugs, and plants. These are the elements that make a real difference, transforming your porch into a peaceful retreat you’ll never want to leave.
And finally, define a cohesive style that reflects your personality and that of your home by selecting a specific color palette or adding a piece of artwork. Ultimately, the key is to create a space that invites relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors