“How to Make Use of a Small Porch Space”

 

From seating ideas to the right kind of lighting, we have shared interior designer Melbourne advice that you can incorporate and make good use of your small porch space.

No matter what size porch you have, know that this outdoor space is teeming with design opportunities. For us, a porch is to a home what an epigraph is to a novel, setting the mood and foreshadowing what is to come. And it doesn't have to be big to set the stage. Along with adding livable square footage to your home, even the smallest of porch spaces provides us with a place to retreat outdoors. When we're all confined within our homes, having a space to step out for fresh air is a true luxury, isn't it? Even if your porch is small, there are ways to turn it into space where you can work, relax, or read.

Fortunately, with the right furniture and décor, you can maximize any size porch. From seating ideas to the right kind of lighting, here's how our interior designer suggests taking advantage of your limited square-footage and maximizing it to its most.

 

Consider Hanging Seating:

A comfy outdoor lounge chair can turn a small porch into a cozy nook in no time. You can opt for one great chair versus a subpar pair. A small porch will look so much cleaner with one sizable chair to fill the space that is a dream to sit in, as opposed to squeezing in two smaller, less comfortable seating options that no one will end up wanting to land on, right? For a small porch-friendly chair that's every bit as comfortable as it is stylish, you just can't go wrong with a swing chair or hanging bench. A hanging chair helps free up space for a side table and décor accessories, as well as additional seating.

 

Stick With Slender Furnishings:

When you're working with limited porch space, it's crucial to find functional furniture pieces that won't further cramp up the area. You should Look for chairs and side tables with slim profiles but that is made of durable, outdoor-friendly materials, like powder-coated metal, for instance. This way, you can integrate more furnishings into space without creating visual clutter. If you have room for more than one seat on your porch,  you can opt for clean-lined rocking chairs since they are a great solution. Thin rocking chairs always do the trick when you need additional seating, yes that’s right.

 

Use Décor Strategically:

When it comes to decorating a small porch, it pays to go vertical. Instead of trying to squeeze a bunch of colourful accessories into a small porch space, consider painting the front door, or the porch ceiling, a bold colour. You can also integrate a colourful outdoor rug or doormat to brighten things up without taking up valuable space. Of course, good lighting is also key when outfitting a small porch space. Hanging lanterns and strings lights can create an ambient atmosphere when you don't have the wiring for wall sconces or overhead lighting.

 

Use Plants to Create Privacy:

No outdoor living space would be complete without a little greenery, and a small porch is no exception. Along with providing shade and decorative interest, voluminous plants help create a sense of privacy on a small porch. Hanging planters work great for this, especially when paired with big leafy, vining plants. If you don't have a porch ceiling to hang a planter from, you can consider showing off your plants in decorative planters to elevate the scene. You can also choose one colour or style of pot or container to maintain consistency and uniformity.