Arrange Porch Furniture to Ensure None of your Large Porch Space goes to Waste!
Aug 2nd, 2010 by Hazel
So, last week I did some problem solving for small porch design. But, I can hear you southern belles of the large, wrap around porches calling out! After all, decorating an expansive banquet hall is just as, if not more, difficult than creating a functional closet. Sometimes you just don’t know what to do with all of that space!
Many people give up all together, thinking that they either cannot afford enough patio furniture to do the space justice, or wouldn’t know what to do with it once they got it anyway. Don’t feel overwhelmed or pressured, because some simple tips for outdoor furniture arrangement can help you get the most bang for your buck!
If there’s a section of your porch that has a better view than other parts, you can still use the facing-out technique (for those who missed the last porch post, arrange your outdoor seating to face out toward the view, instead of facing in toward each other like most indoor living rooms). But, for the widest sections, group your pieces together for a more “interior-room” look. Using outdoor deep seating collections, I would still position your largest piece with its back against the house so it can face out. Mixing areas with facing out seating and spaces that have seating grouped to face each other will add a dynamic element.
If you’re worried about overspending, look for outdoor furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Double or triple-duty pieces can transition between different kinds of get-togethers, so you don’t have to buy a separate piece for every occasion. Outdoor ottomans can also serve as side tables, and picnic table benches can be pulled out for additional seating elsewhere.
You likely have enough to room to section off different areas into different uses. Map out “rooms” where they best fit. Outdoor furniture designed for sitting and talking can easily be arranged to face outward to survey views during quiet pauses in conversation. While, dining areas will be focused on what is sitting on the table… so views need not play a factor!
Group your seating areas and dining areas together separately to create division; for example, put the backs of your outdoor sofas and loveseats to the dining area. That way, each section looks like a completely separate space. Also, try adding outdoor rugs to give each space definition.
But, while defining separate areas is good, you’ll still want to keep color schemes coordinated to bring the entire area together. Three different outdoor spaces on one porch using three completely opposite color schemes might make people think they’re on a movie set with changing scenes. Each area of your porch may have a different use, but its all part of your home. Fabrics are the easiest way to coordinate colors. Table cloths can work with throw pillows and outdoor rugs can certainly complement outdoor furniture cushions.
Don’t forget that you still need a secluded section for your own peace of mind, as well! When decorating any part of your home, certainly consider your guests, but never forget yourself! A spot for a secret alcove will probably be a bit easier to find on a larger porch instead of a smaller one. So, be shameless with your private nook! Add a big, deep, swing bed with a plush, comfortable cushion that you can truly stretch out on. And, of course, make sure you have an outdoor coffee table or patio accent table for newspapers, books, lemonades, and sandwiches! If you really want this area to be yours and yours alone, try facing it away from the rest of your porch. That way, it will be difficult for parties to spread themselves out to the space. Don’t feel guilty; every person needs their own section of outdoor bliss!
So, come on! Go out and make yours!
Have Fun!
Hazel
