How to Decorate a Wrap-Around Porch

Learn how to decorate your wrap-around porch.

Wrap-around porches have a front porch that extends around one or more sides. Reminiscent of old plantation homes, wrap-around porches provide ample space that adds livable square footage to your home's exterior. Decorating your wrap-around porch to highlight your home's architecture and to encourage conversation will help you to make the most of your home's entertainment areas. You will also add to your home's curb appeal, making your porch a valuable asset in the process.

Instructions

1. Paint the floor. Whether you have concrete or wood flooring, a fresh coat of paint instantly livens up the floor. Use white paint or a color that is close to your home’s main exterior or accent color. Paint a pattern on the porch floor if you prefer.

2. Paint window frames a different color than the exterior wall. Use a higher contrast to make the windows stand out. For example, if your exterior color is red, paint the frames blue.

3. Add shutters to the sides of the window. Plantation shutters are fitting for a wraparound porch. Use the same accent color that you used for the window frames.

4. Paint the railing. Use the same color as the floor to blend the railing and floor together or use your accent color.

5. Erect columns to give your porch a stately look. Connect the floors to the porch above or use self-supporting columns to flank each doorway.

6. Create different seating areas for each side of the wraparound porch. Add two rocking chairs to the front porch. Place patterned ottomans in front of the chairs. A small table between the rocking chairs provides a spot for guests to rest their drinks or hold a novel. Place outdoor furniture such as a porch swing or loveseat on the side of the porch to make a seating area for more people. Wicker armchairs and a wicker coffee table complete the arrangement.

7. Place colorful accessories in your conversation areas. Bright pink or blue pillows will pop against white floors and neutral furnishings. Candles, picture frames and gardening plaques add an indoor feeling to the outdoors.

8. Layer rugs over the porch floor. Use narrow hall runners if your porch area is not that wide or area rugs if there is plenty of flooring. Add a rug in the center of each seating area.

9. Hang a curtain rod between two porch posts to the side of your wraparound porch if you prefer. Hang outdoor draperies from the rod. This will make the space feel more intimate and give the illusion of a wall.

10. Add lighting. Sconces beside the door provide function and decoration. Hanging lanterns with votive or battery operated candles provide a soft glow during the night.

11. Add flowers. Plant flowers in a flower bed in front of the porch. Place flowers in urns and place the urns by your conversation areas. Place decorative flower pots directly onto the railing. Hanging planters provide color and freshness without taking up floor space.

References

• All You: 11 budget-friendly porch decorating ideas
• Creative Home Decorating Room by Room: Front Porch
• Rental Decorating Digest: Porch & Patio Decorating Ideas