| warmer weather arriving, it is time to start | | | | 6. Shade |
| thinking about how to decorate your porch. | | | | Any porch that is used during the daylight hours |
| Creating a comfortable look and feel can be | | | | has a need for shade. If the porch is uncovered, |
| achieved with a little planning and know-how. Use | | | | add a retractable awning or several large |
| the tips below to get you started in planning your | | | | umbrellas to provide shade during the day. The |
| porch decor. | | | | addition of shade covering is a great way to |
| 1. Color | | | | expand the time that the porch is usable and |
| Choose colors that coordinate with the theme and | | | | comfortable to lounge on. |
| look desired. Try to keep the color scheme to a | | | | 7. Floor Covering |
| minimum of two main colors and two or three | | | | Toss some sisal area or throw rugs on the porch |
| accent colors. Nature inspired colors like greens, | | | | for added traction. If sisal is too rough, choose a |
| browns and dark reds are always good color | | | | material that has enough texture to prevent |
| choices for porch decor. | | | | slipping if the floor is wet, but that is also designed |
| 2. Fabric | | | | for outdoor use. If the porch boards are treated |
| For upholstered or cushioned porch furniture, | | | | with a waterproof coating, it is particularly |
| choose fabrics that are durable, heavyweight and | | | | important to provide non-slippery walking surfaces. |
| can withstand sun, wind and rain. They will last | | | | 8. Patterns |
| longer and look better over time. | | | | Patterns are a great way to make the porch |
| 3. Lighting | | | | decor pop. Choose a pattern that is fun and |
| If you plan to enjoy your porch space at night, | | | | available in fabrics that will stand up to outdoor |
| lighting needs to be taken into consideration. | | | | wear. Patterns that are colorful will promote a |
| Candles, lanterns and outdoor rope lights are all | | | | more fun feel, while more muted patterns will add |
| great choices for low-wattage porch lighting. | | | | a sophisticated tone to the porch's decor. |
| However, be prepared with the bug spray for | | | | 9. Waterproofing |
| insects that are attracted to the lights. | | | | Creating a safe, waterproof spot to store porch |
| 4. Plants | | | | accessories is critical for keeping cushions and |
| Even without a green thumb, having a few live | | | | other porch decor looking good longer. A |
| potted plants on the porch is a great way to tie | | | | waterproof, outdoor storage bin is a great option. |
| the yard to the porch. Planted palms, ficus trees | | | | Keep rain in mind when selecting porch decor, |
| and ferns are all good for shaded areas of the | | | | because chances are that at some point, the |
| porch. Hanging baskets filled with flowers are also | | | | items on the porch will be exposed to wet |
| an option for porch railing decor. | | | | weather. |
| 5. Theme | | | | 10. Fun |
| If you want to create a theme for your porch, | | | | Above all, create a porch that is fun to hang out |
| choose one that is comfortable, but also fun. | | | | on. Bright colors, cheerful accents and patterns will |
| Colorful stripes, patriotic colors, a nautical theme, | | | | all help to create a fun mood. Decorate the porch |
| or a tropical decor are all great choices that lend | | | | with items that make you happy and it will |
| themselves to porch decor. Whatever theme you | | | | become your favorite place to spend time during |
| choose, use it in moderation for the best results. | | | | the summer months. |