Spring is (finally!) here... and so are the April showers. Don't let a string of gray and rainy days impede your enjoyment of the outdoors. The next best thing to lounging alfresco is enjoying free time on a covered porch where you can admire your landscaping while shielded from the weather. After a harsh winter, your covered porch could probably use some love with a style refresh. Adding new furniture or fresh houseplants is a low-lift way of outfitting your space, while covered porch ideas like incorporating drapery or new flooring can revamp an outdated design.
Whether you're looking to furnish your covered porch as a living room, dining area, or poolside haven, we gathered 25 designer outdoor spaces that fit the bill. Take inspiration from these vibrant outdoor living spaces and embrace the tips and tricks designers have for creating a hang-out that works for multiple seasons. No matter your style or budget, there are myriad covered porch ideas that are sure to suit your fancy. From bohemian oases to family-friendly hangouts, read on for 25 covered porch ideas that will refresh your home's outdoor spaces for spring and summer.
To fully weather-proof your covered porch, consider installing doors. This wall of sliding glass doors in Amy Pigliacampo's home can open completely when the weather allows, turning this solarium into an extension of the backyard.
Spending more time outdoors is great for your health, but sometimes you want fresh air AND the ability to binge-watch your favorite shows. Add all the creature comforts of your living room, like a cozy sofa and a television, to make the most of every season.
No matter how covered your porch is, your furnishings should always be prepared for the elements. Use outdoor materials and fabrics, like designer Ryan Austin Hagood did here, to ensure longevity.
Throughout the scalding summer months, ensure your covered porch has good airflow with a chic ceiling fan. Here, designer Alexander Reid opted for a slim model that doesn't distract from the pattern-filled design scheme.
A welcoming and restful covered porch relies on plush seating to draw guests. This home (formerly belonging to Melissa McCarthy) was designed by Ryan Austin Hagood and features a pair of wicker armchairs ideal for a morning coffee.
Your covered porch should be designed as intentionally as an indoor space, but it also needs to connect to your natural surroundings. Taking inspiration from the lush landscape, designer Whitney Leigh Morris filled this space with potted plants and a pair of vertical produce gardens.
Designer Caroline Rafferty could almost touch the ceiling of this covered porch, it was so low. Embracing the cramped quarters, she outfitted this space as a cozy and colorful lounge, complete with an outdoor bar.
If your covered porch isn't backyard-adjacent, like this balcony, add fake grass! Designer Celerie Kemble aimed to build a space that could double as a putting green for the homeowner to practice on.
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Choose Durable Materials
Aimée Mazzenga
A covered porch often sees as much wear-and-tear as fully outdoor spaces. Ensure yours can be cleaned easily by opting for performance fabrics, tile or stone flooring, and other durable materials like rattan or metal.
Similar to your indoor spaces, your covered porch needs wall art! Here, architect Kevin Asbacher hung various printed plates to help give the walls life without having to worry about a painting or frame being affected by weather or rain.
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Add a Covering
John Merkl
Covered porches are typically attached to the side of your home. But if you're looking to hang out deeper into your backyard, add a pergola for sun and weather protection. Here, the steel structure calls attention to the 10-foot-tall “windows” and vineyard views in this lounge by Sheldon Harte.
Interior designer Pamela Harvey used drapery in this patio decor idea to ease the transition between indoors and out. The Sunbrella performance fabric panels provide shade and create dimension.
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Blend Indoor and Out
Carmel Brantley
By using the same color schemes and flooring materials, designer Janie Molster bridges the gap between this Florida home's indoor and outdoor spaces. Here, a wide-open floor plan allows for a seamless transition when moving around the outdoor dining room.
If you're working with a three-season space, like this sunroom by Wendy Labrum here, add visual interest to the windows to help add architectural character. The square window panes also help the abundance of green outdoors to not overwhelm the indoor neutral color palette.
Inspired by Marrakesh, designers Erin Coren and Lina Galvão layered pillows, rugs, and throw blankets to give the upper patio of our 2024 Whole Home an eclectic and cozy feel.
A covered porch doesn't have to be filled with greenery or furniture to be functional. Take inspiration from designer Janie Molster and opt for a simple swing sofa instead. Ideal for relaxation and gathering alike, this space is meant to prioritize the coastal surroundings.
HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier played up their Mississippi home’s Victorian roots with a gingerbread railing and decorative brackets for this front, covered porch. A set of rocking chairs allows them to welcome guests in ultimate comfort.
In Breegan Jane's California home, the outdoor patio gives major vacation energy. This tranquil gathering space not only has ocean views, but a Jacuzzi, roaring sound system, and marine-grade TV to ensure every night spent outdoors is a memorable one.
Designers Erin Coren and Lina Galvão knew this home's trio of porches didn't need another seating area. Instead, they chose to outfit this area as an outdoor dining room. A weather-resistant table and performance-upholstered banquette ensure the furniture will last through any summer storm.
An outdoor space is a luxury, but without lighting, it's made obsolete when the sun goes down. Take inspiration from this space by Ome Dezin and install various lighting sources—like this durable pendant and wall-sconce—to keep the party going all night long.