Long Narrow Porch decor ideas

Summer is in full swing here in Virginia and we have been spending a lot of time on our porch. This is our first rental with a screened in porch and I must say, it’s a game changer. I have it on the top of our list of things I want when we purchase a home. We have had a sun room (or “Florida room”) in the past, and while I do love that, it also gets very hot in the Summer, thanks to the greenhouse effect (we like to call it God’s magnifying glass). The downside to a screened in porch though is there is a good chunk of the year where it is just too cold to enjoy, so it’s definitely a trade off. Hey, I wouldn’t hate having both. But what I would definitely do is screen in any kind of porch area if we do happen to buy a home without one. It’s so nice not contending with gnats and mosquitos. And we eat almost every meal out there in the warmer months. A ceiling fan helps a lot at keeping things cool in a screened in porch or sunroom, even on the hottest of days

But I digress. You are probably here because you already have a porch of some kind. So let’s dive in…

Porches. Many people have them, but few people actually use them. I’ve been giving some thought as to why that is, and I think I’ve finally figured this one out.

One common thing I’ve noticed with a lot of homes is a porch that is narrow, and runs the width of the home. Usually as a front porch and/or screened porch on the back of the house. This long porch can often mean homeowners just…don’t know what to do with it furniture-wise, and thus, neglect fully utilizing this space. Which is a downer, y’all.

narrow porch with blue ceiling image source

Narrow Porch Layout Ideas

I think the biggest reason porches are neglected, is people don’t know how to decorate them in a way that makes them functional for the way they live. As a result, they either leave it bare or it’s a catch-all for hand-me-down furniture or bulky pieces meant for a patio, that clearly don’t fit. Yes, I do think you can use a narrow porch for entertaining, but it maaaay not be the spot where everyone can sit facing each other. What it can be though, is a great spot to serve drinks, throw up a swing, place a settee for naps or just show off your killer container garden.

I think the biggest take-away here is to stop thinking of a porch as one “room”. This can feel awkward and crammed when people are trying to get in and out of a space. Rather, think of a narrow, long porch as multiple little “zones”. If your entry is centered on your house, your front porch does NOT need to be identical on either side. It is possible to create balance without symmetry. Maybe you have a couple rocking chairs for people to relax in while they watch their children play in the yard. Maybe a cafe table in the corner for afternoon chess. On the other side is the spot you hang your hammock for beating the heat in the shade.

Is your brain doing cartwheels imagining all this? Walk with me, and let’s take a closer look…

On this porch, we see a comfortable chair for one with a place to set a drink, anchored by an outdoor rug. Just across is a casual area someone else could relax on a comfortable ottoman with pillows. No matching patio set, and yet it just…works. An eclectic porch is easy to pull off and definitely set’s a cool, relaxed vibe.

Let’s talk sattee. Preferably vintage. You can almost always find a place for them.

narrow porch ideas TumbleWeed and Dandelion image source

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This mid-century fiber glass set is BONKERS good.

fiberglass furniture on narrow porch image source

In this sunroom, we see an antique mantel doing wonders at creating “living room” vibes and a focal point that’s worth talking about.

rattan sattee on narrow porch with mantel image source

Vintage furniture that doesn’t match, keeps things interesting in this gorgeous sunroom.

When the floor, walls and ceiling are painted a dark color, it creates such a moody atmosphere. String lights and a geometric rug are taking it home in this sunroom, with multiple zones for relaxing…

black screened in porch by Jersey ice cream co.

If you have a view worth watching, you’ll want furniture that brings the focus in that direction. Less talking, more watching. On the other hand, if your house is facing the road, maybe ask yourself if this is really the place you want to sit in a rocking chair? Maybe try seating that faces another direction. Think about what you want to look at while you are out there and you will find yourself using this space more and more.

Can’t find the right furniture that speaks to you? Consider going custom, like this home-owner did with rope suspended daybeds. So dreamy…

daybeds suspended by rope on narrow porch image source

And AHHH…the swing. Quintessential for a porch. There are so many options these days that you are almost sure to find one that fits.

modern neutral porch with swing image source

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porch with rope swing and blue ceiling image source

A curtain adds drama, privacy and creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere for entertaining.

porch with curtains and swing and blue ceiling image source

Maybe a porch is the perfect space you carve out for yourself? A hammock is all you need…

If you have the width, I highly suggest a dining area.

dining table on narrow porch image source

dining table in screened in porch image source

It doesn’t have to be big, even a small cafe table is so nice for morning coffee or an evening cocktail. It’s also a great place to serve appetizers that keeps folks out of the kitchen while you prep dinner.

A sideboard or buffet is another piece to consider for serving drinks…

For extra long or wrap-around porches, consider using drapes as room dividers, particularly in areas where there isn’t really a view (like a neighbors house). A lightweight, outdoor fabric will allow you to catch a breeze but add some separation to your space.

These come in ready-made forms, but a custom pinch pleat drape like this one feels so luxurious and hotel-worthy…

rattan club chair on porch with curtain Serenbe Showhouse image source

And really makes you wonder…what’s behind that curtain? Am I right?

BTW how great is this black and white striped, painted floor? The contrast really makes the furniture pop.

painted floor on porch porch with curtains image source

Sometimes there isn’t a ready-made furniture solution. In this porch, filled with windows, that was just the case. So the designer came up with a clever solution to create a custom bench that serves as storage.

screened in porch with storage bench image source Sarah Richardson Design

Sometimes there isn’t enough space for much more than a bench. In this case, play up the atomosphere anyway. Even just walking through a porch to get to an entry way sets the tone for the house, or leaves your guests with a magical feeling upon their exit.

Try adding lights to the ceiling for an unexpected surprise at dusk…

narrow porch decor ideas with lights image source

Carefully placed LED or solar powder lanterns can create an ambient glow and illuminate a walkway in the best way. WAY better than a flood light if you are talking entertaining (nothing crushes a vibe like having every oriface of one’s being illuminated upon exiting your home)…

narrow porch decor ideas with lanterns image source

And an extra narrow porch is a great spot to add potted plants. Love these simple, tiered plant stands…

Even if seasonal flowers are all you have on your porch, that’s totally fine. Sometimes less is more and I think with a very tight porch like this, that’s exactly the way to go.