If you’re looking for simple screened in porch ideas, this small back porch might offer a bit of inspiration. The space is long and narrow, but with a few practical choices it became a comfortable place to sit, read, or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. The goal was to keep everything easy and low maintenance so the porch could be enjoyed throughout the warmer months without a lot of upkeep.
These screened in porch ideas come from our Sutton Place home and remain some of my favorite ways to create a simple outdoor retreat. Even though the porch was small, it was one of the most peaceful spots in the house. Here’s how the space came together.
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Starting With A Clean Slate
When I began arranging this screened in porch, the only thing in the space was a white chest. It was truly a blank canvas. Instead of filling the porch with lots of furniture and accessories, I focused on keeping the design simple and functional.Sometimes the best screened in porch ideas start with a clean slate. Beginning with an open space makes it easier to see how everything fits together and allows the porch to evolve naturally.
Choosing Low-Maintenance Materials
One priority was choosing pieces that could easily handle outdoor conditions. Every item, from the rug to the furniture, was selected with durability in mind. The rug was made from polypropylene, which means it could be cleaned easily with a hose. The chairs were resin and aluminum, and the table was a sturdy metal that held up well in changing weather. If you’re collecting screened in porch ideas that will last from season to season, weather-friendly materials make all the difference.
Designing For A Narrow Space
Because the porch was long and narrow, arranging the furniture took a little thought. I created two simple areas: a small sitting space centered around the chest, and a dining area with a round table and bistro chairs. Adding a rug helped define the seating area and made the space feel more inviting. When looking for screened in porch ideas for a small or awkward layout, thinking in zones can make the entire porch feel more intentional and comfortable.
Keeping The Budget Simple
This porch came together by mixing a few new pieces with items I already had. The round table was the main investment, but the rest of the space was completed with practical choices and reused cushions and pillows. When considering screened in porch ideas on a budget, it often helps to invest in one or two sturdy pieces and build the rest of the space around them.
A Quiet Little Retreat
Even though this screened in porch was small, it became one of my favorite places to relax with a book or a quiet cup of coffee. A few simple pieces and a classic blue and white color palette made the space feel comfortable and welcoming. I hope these ideas have inspired you to create a space that fits your life and makes you happy. If you enjoy outdoor decorating ideas, you might also like these front porch decorating ideas or this guide to backyard patio design for creating simple spaces to enjoy at home.
Shopping Sources
set of white resin wicker chairs | navy gingham pillow covers (similar) | wicker chair cushions (similar) | bistro chairs (similar) | fern wreath | round white bistro table | similar blue & white outdoor rug (choice 1) | similar blue & white outdoor rug (choice 2)
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Your porch is beautiful!
I’m sure it’s your favorite place in the warmer months.
Can you tell me where you purchased the blue lamp shade or did it come with the lamp?
Thank you
Hi Carol…I actually covered that lampshade myself with leftover fabric. So I didn’t buy it. Thank you for your interest!
Thank you for the inspiration Ann, I have to do a porch makeover myself so this will help!
A beautiful space!! Love that you don’t “over-do” your spaces. I’ve always believed less is more. Enjoy your summer on the porch.
I am in love with the basket bee skep! I may have to go searching for one myself! Love your porch,
Ann, I just love that your are cost-conscious as well as thinking of easy maintenance. Your posts are always so useful for me. My parents had a screened-in porch and practically lived out there in the summers. Yours is just gorgeous.
Ann,
Your blue and white porch is classic. The maintenance free aspect caught my attention. Our back porch is open, not screened in, and everything gets dirty quickly.
I love all your blue and white home decor!
Judith
You are such a lovely person. You are so talented and I love all of your ideas! I just purchased a set of your Christmas tree pillows from Society 6 and I can’t wait to put them out on my front porch rockers for the Christmas season. And please keep those e-mails coming because It’s something I look forward to on my weekends.
Hello, I love On Sutton Place, you cover all the bases! I look forward to every e mail……..
Greetings from Vermont! new subscriber here. ..I’m decorating my front porch in blues and will study your blog till I get it right! LOL
Welcome Suzanne!
LOVE your screened in porch and can’t believe that rug is polypropylene. Great tips and all that blue makes me so, so, so happy x
Ann, Thanks for inviting me to your back porch. I love blue for summer. And you have created a summery sanctuary that will work well into the fall! Just beautiful! My favorite words in this post are “maintenance free”!
YOU GO GIRL! I love being outside in the summer until the humidity sets in and then I just want a place like yours to rest and read!
Stunning!
Beautiful summer decor inspiration!
Ann, your porch is stunning! It is so cool, fresh and inviting. Summer living at its finest!
It’s beautiful. I hope your husband or someone enjoys the space with you.
Ann your porch is just beautiful! I am in love with your rug and the new furniture! Everything looks so fresh and inviting and the perfect place to sit and relax. ;)
Lovely Colours and very nice setup you have there
Ann,
Ok, I’m so drooling over all your decor. Your rug and the bistro chairs are so pretty and add such a light and summer touch. I love how you shared your budget and how you built the room from scratch, it’s awe-inspiring!
Ann, your ideas in all of your blogs always catch my eye. I really enjoy your decorations. I hope the weather stays comfortable in your area and you can enjoy your beautiful porch. It has been around 90 degrees here,a little to warm for porch sitting.
I found vase with blue horizontal stripes (similar but nor the same) by putting “blue stripes vase” into an Amazon search. I did not buy it but I saw someone ask about it. The porch is lovely.
It’s all very lovely, Ann.
Such a beautiful screened porch, Ann! You made great use of your space and I love that everything you chose is weather resistant. Thanks so much for joining today’s tour!!
Love the blues, Ann! It seems to be my favorite color of late. Everything is well done!
Beautiful and serene!
I’ve always loved screened porches and love how you’ve decorated yours. Everything about it just makes my heart smile. There’s something about blue and white that always looks so fresh and welcoming. I love your style. Thank you for sharing your space with all of us.
ann, what a pretty porch showered in all that pretty blue. enjoy it.
SO beautiful, Ann!
The porch is beautiful and so inviting and love all the accessories, particularly the old iron gate and the blue striped pitcher and the beehive!
Ann, what a perfect makeover!! The porch is lovely and welcoming and the easy upkeep is such a bonus! Yet you didn’t sacrifice style at all. I particularly love the vignette around the chest and that great piece hanging above it. Well done!!
Happy Memorial Day Ann!
I’m happy to see the chest and gate with your pretty new porch furniture. Easy care a good thing too!
Kathleen in Az
Ann, your porch is just so beautiful! What a lovely job you have done! I enjoyed reading your “gate” story! How nice! Hope you get lots of time to enjoy your lovely porch this summer! Blessings!
I was just telling my urban daughter about your site. You have such classic tastes and your ideas are so appealing to everyone’s lifestyle.
That looks like the perfect place to seek refuge from the sun, flee from mosquitos…and just to enjoy! Lovely, Ann! ;)
Very sweet and fresh porch remodel. It looks like the perfect place to spend summer mornings and evenings, or as a respite after some serious gardening. Very inviting!
Lovely Ann! You have an eye for decorating and making you’re home fresh and inviting.
Such a lovely, refreshing living space!
Hummingbird Bread Recipe My niece made this and it quickly disappeared, the recipe also calls for cream cheese frosting. It makes 2 8X4 pans and can be kept in the refrigerator. Didn’t know if you wanted all this information. Marcia
1/2 C butter, softened
3/4cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 flour
1t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 1/2 cup mashed bananas
1 t vanilla
1t found cinnamon
8 oz crushed pineapple with juice
1 c shredded coconut
1/3 c chopped pecans
Your porch turned out lovely.Love the gate over the chest.Enjoy your new tranquil space.
Love the old metal gate on your porch.
Just want to share that I’ve made small bouquets of hosa leaves and daisies for the table for book club. They will also be eating your recipe for strawberry cheesecake parfait.
I enjoy your decorating and food and know the book group will too.
Have you ever made Hummingbird bread?
Marcia
No…what is hummingbird bread? It sounds interesting!
I love all your pieces and how that gorgeous rug pulled it all together! Enjoy your beautiful space!
Shelley
So beautiful and inviting!
What a most beautiful porch Ann! You did an amazing job with your budget. I am in love with those chairs with the navy and white polka dots! So fun! You have a beautiful way of mixing patterns to create a most lovely space….and must say I have always love the gate over the chest! Have a great Holiday Ann! Thanks as always for your wonderful inspiration!
Love it all! What a wonderful retreat to relax in and enjoy. I like that it’s not overly done as you say with pillows, and other decor. It’s just the right amount and low maintenance. Thx for sharing your talents!
It is sooo lovely! You did a great job!
What a wonderful “sanctuary “. As much as I love porches and the wonderful colors of blue and white. I get teased about all my blue and white color schemes but it is always very crisp and clean looking. Plus all flowers go with blue and white. That’s why God made the sky blue.
Enjoy that area of your home Ann. We all need a quiet place
Enjoy the season
Sandi
Ann, I hear ya about making things easy. I love your blue and white choices and I’m really the only one who uses our deck. Occasionally my husband may come out for a few minutes.
Love all of your details, the other sites were wonderful too
Ann .. your porch is so beautiful…. I love everything but mostly I love your gate that your Daughter gave you…… were you put it under your Grandma’s chest. It all means Family and you have made a very comfortable place to enjoy your garden. What a lovely place to just chill. I really have to go to World Market!!! They do not have this store in Ontario.
Love it Ann! Let the summer begin!
I always love blue and white, hope to order the navy pillows today.
What a shame that only you uses this
lovely space, since it is so peaceful. A lovely respite from your gardening,
I can practically taste ice tea already.
Carol
So pretty!! Hope you get to spend lots of time enjoying your porch this summer!!
I always enjoy the inviting charm that your home exudes Ann and I would sit on your porch with you any summer day!