32 Small Screened-In Porch Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Regardless of how tiny your space is, there are small screened-in porch ideas that can make your space feel like a welcome respite from the world.

Screened-in porches allow you and your family to enjoy the outdoors all year long with their protection from any harsh weather conditions and pesky bugs. Even with limited square footage, you can maximize the space on your screened-in porch with a few creative furniture and decor ideas, as well as budget-friendly and DIY-ready tips. You can transform your screen porch with simple additions like furniture, storage, outdoor rugs, ambient lighting, and decor.

Below, we're sharing 32 well-designed small screened-in porches that'll inspire you to revamp your space today.

Use Folding Furniture

Instead of purchasing a regular side table, consider styling your screened-in porch with a folding table like this one. It can easily be tucked away if you need to free up space for additional visitors.

Make It Rustic

Give your screened-in porch a rustic touch with a faux mantel. Search thrift stores and secondhand furniture shops for vintage chic pieces like this one. It's an easy DIY project and budget-friendly if you can find a thrifted mantel.

Lay Down a Rug

Lay down a decorative rug on the screened-in porch, just like you would indoors. This is an easy way to incorporate color into the space. Select an outdoor rug for easy maintenance.

Opt for a Dining Bench

To accommodate a greater number of people on a small screened-in porch, consider introducing a dining bench to the mix. This one can easily hold three to four people. You can go for a built-in option or find a bench that fits the space.

Replicate Your Living Room

Design your screened-in porch as a true outdoor living room. Bring in a table lamp, throw pillows, and wall art to create a space that feels well-curated and stylish.

Say Yes to Storage

A rustic-style hutch will look right at home on the screened-in porch and provides lots of valuable storage for decorative and functional items alike. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option if you find one secondhand. Paint yours a cheerful color for some added charm.

Get Clever With Decor

On this screened-in porch, wicker baskets double as art, adding a country cottage touch to this space. Think outside the box a bit when it comes to decor; there are so many clever possibilities and many you can find just by shopping your house.

Pick Practical Pieces

Chairs with removable covers are great for the screened-in porch—if the fabric gets damaged from the elements, you can simply wash the cover in your washing machine to revive your seating instantly.

Make Use of a Coffee Table

Adding a coffee table to your screened-in porch will come in handy if you plan to eat some of your meals out there but do not have space for a separate table. Additionally, this piece makes for a great serving station if you're hosting people for drinks or appetizers.

Bring Out a Daybed

Why not enjoy the best of both worlds with a daybed? This versatile furniture piece serves as a sofa when friends stop by but provides a nice place to lounge and enjoy some shut-eye on lazy weekend afternoons.

Cozy Up With a TV Show

If you like the idea of watching TV and movies from the comfort of your screened-in porch, you can always install a television, as seen here. Movie night just got way cozier.

Have Fun With Paint

To add some fun to your screened-in porch, paint the door leading back into your house in a peppy hue, like this bright yellow. This DIY project is a great opportunity to experiment with a color you've always been wanting to use indoors but have been nervous to try out.

Purchase a Bistro Table

Don't underestimate the power of a small bistro table on the screened-in porch. It provides you with somewhere to eat, sip coffee, work on a laptop, and read—don't fret if you can't fit a larger dining table in your space.

Choose a Dazzling Light Fixture

Replacing a builder-grade light fixture with something more decorative and on-trend will transform your screened-in porch in an instant. Here, a beautiful rattan fixture instantly makes a statement.

Make a Splash With Art

Treat your screened-in porch like any other room of the home and display some art on the walls. You can adhere frames using Command strips or stick-on hooks if nails are not an option. Try DIY art on wood for an affordable, weather-resistant option.

Shop Your Own Home

Alternatively, hang a woven basket on the wall for a bit of rustic flair. You may be able to shop your home to find the perfect accessory.

Brighten Your Porch With a Sconce

Installing a sconce on the porch will come in handy as you sit there to read or sip tea in the evenings. With so many styles of sconces to choose from, you should have no problem sourcing one that complements your existing aesthetic.

Style a Console Table

A console table with two lamps instantly warms up this screened-in porch and brings the indoors out. Take a cue from your living room arrangement and think about what you can replicate on the porch.

Pick Your Priorities

If you plan to mainly use your screened-in porch for dining, it may be worth forgoing other types of furniture in order to select the largest table and chair setup possible. This porch has plenty of space for the entire family to sit and eat together.

Think Double Duty

Let your furniture serve double duty when possible. This wicker storage bench doubles as a chic coffee table on this screened-in porch.

Don't Forget a Tray

If you like to entertain often, be sure to keep a tray on your screened-in porch; this will come in handy as you gather food and drinks from the kitchen and bring them outside for your guests to enjoy.

Layer Rugs for a Cozy Touch

Note that you can layer rugs on your screened-in porch the same way you might in the living room. Layering always makes a room feel more cozy and collected. Look for outdoor rugs for an affordable, long lasting solution.

Plug in Some String Lights

If you plan to relax and socialize on your screened in porch at night, string lights are a must. They add instant ambiance and energy to any outdoor space.

Use a Dresser for Storage

Dressers aren't just for bedrooms anymore. If you're in need of a storage solution on the screened in porch, consider placing a small chest out there. The drawers will be excellent for housing all kinds of supplies: gardening tools, candles, and so much more.

Relax on a Porch Swing

If your screened-in porch is spacious enough, consider installing a porch swing. Everyone in the family will enjoy being able to read and lounge on this piece of furniture.

Replace Unsightly Flooring

If you're not pleased with your screened-in porch's flooring, note that you can always incorporate some new tile to make your space feel more custom. Here, geometric gray and white tile adds plenty of intrigue to this small porch.

Bring in Some Wicker

Note that wicker furniture is often an excellent pick for smaller porches, given that it is often more compact in size—and, of course, is full of charm.

Go Green With Fake Plants

If you like the look of plants on your screened-in porch all year long but worry about being able to care for live plants, consider decorating with some faux options. There are so many realistic-looking fake plants of all kinds on the market these days; no one will be able to tell the difference!

Add Overhead Lighting

You can add a chandelier to a small screen porch just as you would to an indoor space. The ambient lighting creates a jewel box effect, especially when you're short on square footage. This is also an easy DIY project to tackle yourself if you feel comfortable installing a light fixture.

Install a Removable Screen

If you have a small space that could be a screen porch, consider installing a removable screen like on this houseboat. It's a small porch space, but the screen makes it usable even when the sun is beating down.

Decorate With a Classic Camp Feel

This screen porch feels like an outdoor living room thanks to rich textures and classic camp-inspired decor. You feel like you're in a woodsy New England retreat with the wood beams overhead, the navy and white color palette, and the buoys hanging from the walls.

Add a Bar Cart

If you plan on entertaining frequently, make it easy on yourself by having a bar cart at the ready. This bar cart can be rolled away from the screens when weather is bad but it's built from outdoor-ready wicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a 10x10 screened porch?

To build a brand new 10x10 screen porch, you could pay between $2,500 and $12,000. To renovate an existing structure, expect to pay between $1,660 and $2,400.

Is it better to have a screened porch or sunroom?

It depends on your preference and climate! If you want year-round use and don't live in an area with a pleasant climate, then a sunroom could be better. However, if you have mild weather, then a sunroom could be lovely for most of the year.

What kind of furniture do you put in a screened-in porch?

While a screen porch has a roof and some weather protection, it's best to use outdoor furniture. If there's a strong storm, rain could make its way onto the screen porch, and you're better off with weather-resistant furniture.

Plus, there's exposure to heat and cold that indoor furniture isn't always prepared to handle.

Read Next: 27 Porch Ceiling Ideas That'll Have You Looking Up

Read the original article on The Spruce.