A wraparound porch is one of those features that instantly makes a home feel warm, welcoming and ready for long afternoons outside. But even the best porches need a little love from time to time. Many homeowners start with practical improvements like composite deck boards instead of wood. But upgrading your porch is about more than swapping out the floor. You can make the right changes and turn it into a space that you’ll want to use every single day. And it always starts with a good clean and an inspection of what you’ve already got.
Porches collect dust, leaves and footprints. Often, they collect things that you can’t even really identify. Giving it a sweep or wash down and checking for any loose nails or wobbly spots is a good place to start. You need a clean and sturdy foundation to make all the difference when you start adding decor and furniture.
THINK ABOUT SEATING OPTIONS
The next thing you need to consider is seating. If you’ve got a wrap-around porch, you definitely need somewhere that you can sit comfortably to watch the rain. Depending on your space, you could add rocking chairs, a small outdoor sofa or even a porch swing. Mixing in some weather friendly cushions can add some colour and comfort. And if you’ve got multiple seating zones, like a cosy reading corner on one side and a chatting space on the other, you’ll find yourself outside a lot more often than inside.
WHY IS LIGHTING IMPORTANT?
To be able to sit outside comfortably, you also need good lighting. It’s a feature that makes your porch feel magical, but you need to make sure that you’ve got something to stop the bugs from coming in because lighting will attract every flying bug within distance. Soft string lights, lantern style wall fixtures, or solar powered accents can help to set the mood on your porch, especially during sunset. Good lighting allows you to enjoy your porch. Into the evening, whether you’re unwinding with a book or chatting with visitors, keep it warm and subtle so it feels inviting rather than blinding.
If you’re looking to truly transform the porch space, adding planters and greenery can also help. Railings in the trim shouldn’t be overlooked because a fresh coat of paint can make a porch look new again, but you could also have some vines growing around the railings of your porch. If you prefer something low maintenance, choose plants that don’t require constant watering or fussing, and vines are a good option.
Small decor touches also go a long way. Outdoor rugs can define the area and keep it warm and inviting, and side tables give you somewhere to put drinks, books or plants. If your porch gets a lot of sun, consider adding outdoor shades or curtains for comfort and privacy. Upgrading your wrap-around porch doesn’t require a full renovation. It becomes the extension of your home, ready for relaxing mornings, peaceful evenings, and everything in between. You just need to stay on top of those upgrades.
