How to Decorate an Indoor Porch

Indoor porches often have a lot of large windows.

An indoor porch provides the best of both worlds. Also known as enclosed porches, the design features a series of windows or other architectural elements that close off the porch area. You still have luxury of relaxing as you watch the world go by, but without the hassle of bugs or other pests that surround you outside. With the right decorating tips and ideas, you can turn your indoor porch into a room that adds style to your home year-round.

Things You'll Need

• Pendant lights
• Potted plants
• Potted herbs
• Light-colored furniture
• Area rug
• Bamboo blinds

Instructions

1. Remove the existing light fixtures on the porch and replace with pendant or hanging lights. Often, when a homeowner encloses the porch, he leaves behind the old harsh lights. Pendant lights provide a softer glow that makes the porch feel more like an extra room and less like an outdoor space.

2. Line one ledge in the indoor porch with potted plants and herbs in decorative pots. The plants and herbs bring a touch of the outside into the porch, but without overwhelming the space. Choose flowering plants in shades that match any decorative accent pieces you add to the room.

3. Bring in light-colored furniture, such as white wicker pieces or unfinished wood pieces. The furniture acts as a neutral background that lets the other pieces in the room pop and shine. The pieces also will work with future decorative elements if you decide to change the room’s style.

4. Cover the floor with a large area rug or a series of smaller rugs. The rug hides any damage from years of walking on the floor and covers any dirt or stains caused by plants that touched the flooring. Use the rugs in areas with a high level of foot traffic.

5. Install bamboo blinds over the windows in the indoor porch. Bamboo blinds can be pulled up, allowing in natural light and sunshine, but also pull down and block out the light or give you a private spot for relaxing. Use one set of blinds for each window on the porch.

Tips & Warnings

• Add other decorative elements to the porch, such as patterned cushions for the furniture, candles, fresh flowers and knickknacks from around the house.

References

• Cottage Home Decorating: Sunroom Ideas for Decorating a Great Space
• My Interior Decorator.com: Decorating Tips for Your Front Porch or Sunroom