All of us want more space in our homes. Outdoor living spaces are very popular. For both adults and children, a quick getaway to the great outdoors can be a refreshing, much-needed change.
It is a natural human need to relate to nature. The feeling of the sun on our skin and the sound of the birds chirping lifts our spirits and helps us forget our depressing thoughts. Our stress levels can be reduced by having outdoor living spaces that are covered. The ability to have more space for the family can reduce tension in relationships. It also gives us some variety, which can be crucial for our mental health when we’re all at home.
What’s a porch?
A porch is an enclosed area that surrounds your home’s entryway. A porch may have a separate roof than the rest of your home, but it could be part of your main roofline. A porch can extend out from the main structure of the home, but it may be flush with other areas.
Why you should have a porch…or more!
Porches make the ideal place to entertain guests. You can also set up candles and decorative lighting to enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars while dining al fresco. As a quiet escape, create a reading corner on your porch for you or your children. You can also create an outdoor living space with a TV and fireplace.
People who enjoy contemporary architecture might love the idea of an indoor-outdoor living area where large glass walls on a patio, back porch or deck can fold down and allow the outside and inside to blend and blur.
A welcoming front porch
A porch can be a great place to host friends and family. It has enough space for seating, maybe even a table. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and the sunrise. You can also enjoy an ice-cold beverage with friends on a sunny summer day.
A porch is a great place to meet friends and keep your social distance. It is a great way to make yourself available to people walking by and it’s also a great way to get to know your neighbors. A front porch can also be used as shelter in a spring storm.
Even a small porch can be a comfortable spot for one person. It’s even better to have enough space for your entire family, or for your neighbors and friends. Many people have birthday parties on porches and drive-by parties this year. This allows loved ones to sit on their front porches and entertain curbside visitors.
Our most tangible connection to the outside world is through our front porch.
Large-picture Front Porch Ideas
You can select the architectural style you want for your home and which type of porch you prefer.
- Front porch with pergola
- Craftsman front porch
- Large gazebo on the front porch
- Front porch with screen
- Front porch enclosed
- Wrap-around porch
- Side porch
No matter what type of porch you have, you can make it inviting with planters, hanging flower baskets and other outdoor furniture.
Front porch designs
A porch can be small, square, rectangular, or rounded. Wood, concrete, and composite decking are all popular options for porch floors. You want something that is durable and can withstand heat, rain, sun, wind and even the elements. Consider something that is non-slip and provides sufficient traction for safety.
Front porch columns
The base of a column supports its weight on the porch floor. The shaft is the main part of a column. It can be either plain or fluted. The capital is located at the top of the shaft against the ceiling/roof. They can be simple or elaborate.
You can find columns in many sizes and shapes, including square, round and rectangular. They also increase curb appeal. You can make them with gingerbread designs, twists or milled work. People love to use painted accents, column brackets and gingerbread trim, running trim or spandrels.
There are many types of columns that you can choose from:
Craftsman column–Craftsman porch columns can be either straight double columns or tapered, which are thicker at the base and thinner towards the top. Sometimes, wooden tapered columns are placed on a brick pedestal.
Romanesque columns – These columns are made of brick and connect to arches. They can also be made from wood, stone, composite, or stucco and stand between the roofline’s archways.
Stone columns -Faux or real stone columns can be completely covered or have stone at their bottom with wood, vinyl or composite at its top.
Victorian columns – These are made from wood and have ornamental details added on a lathe.
Architectural columns
- Corinthian–usually have flutes and rounded capitals with leaves.
- Tuscan–Simple round shafts, with a circular base.
- Ionic–can have 24 or none flutes. They are usually rounded and have an elaborate capital that looks almost like a scroll at each of their four corners.
- Doric–like the Parthenon columns, they are fluted, thick and round.
Columns can be made of stone, non-structural Vinyl, aluminum, wood planks and wood beams as well as cast stone, structural Vinyl, composite, or even wrought iron. You can also get column wraps in vinyl, polyurethane and aluminum.
Front porch railing designs
There are many options for railings, including columns. They can be made of metal, wood, composites, glass, or glass.
Different types of balusters and railings
- Porch railing in Craftsman style
- Turned porch spindles, (turned and crafted using a lathe).
- Stone
- Porch railings made to order
- Custom vinyl lattice panels
- Sawn porch balusters
- Cable railings in stainless steel
- Glass panels under a handrail
- Iron wrought
- Aluminum
You can add incredible options to your porch railing accessories like flower boxes and foldable railing tables. You can add lights, ornaments or a privacy screen to your railing.
A relaxing back porch
Back porches can be as simple as a large covered deck or patio. It could also be a lavish affair that feels almost as luxurious as an interior room with no walls or screens. Back porches are often compared to living rooms that have outdoor TVs above a brick or stone fireplace.
Many purposes can be served by a back porch. It is becoming more important than ever because people want private outdoor spaces and places to gather, while also being socially distancing. Even if friends and extended family are not ready to spend time indoors, they might be more comfortable gathering outside. Friends can share meals and play social distancing games with one another. This will help them feel connected, but also safe.
You can also enjoy a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere from your back porch while taking in the fresh breeze. It can become the family’s favorite entertainment spot, the perfect place to host game nights, morning coffees, or memorable dinner memories.
If there is enough space, it can serve as a place for children to “camp out” outdoors. They will be safe from bugs and supervision. The back porch can also be a great place for children to read while they are away from the house for a few hours. Dogs love to be able to cuddle up with their owners while taking in the sights and smells around the neighborhood.
Back porch ideas
Because people have changed their needs, screened-in porches are a must-have in today’s booming market for home construction.
Outdoor living spaces are more sought-after than ever. People want outdoor living spaces that offer all the comforts of indoors and outdoors. A back porch equipped with a few ceiling fans, an outdoor rug or carpet and bright furnishings will make it a comfortable place for everyone.
