Decorate your screened-in porch like a second living room to turn it into a functional gathering spot, rather than an afterthought. From modern finishes to furniture, lighting, decor, and bonus features like outdoor fireplaces, TVs, and more, there are a variety of ways to elevate this indoor-outdoor entertaining space.
Check out these modern screen porch ideas for inspiration.
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01
of 24Hang Modern Wall Decor
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott
Decorate the walls of your screened-in porch with sculptural objects, baskets, or art for a modern feel. This screened-in porch combines all-white shiplap walls, painted window trim, and beadboard ceilings for a bright and clean look that highlights the view to the outdoors.
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02
of 24Paint the Ceiling Haint Blue
Give your screened-in porch a Southern sensibility by painting the ceiling haint blue. This tradition was started by enslaved Gullah Geechee people, who believed that the light blue color that echoed the sky and sea helped to chase away ghosts.
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03
of 24Add Eclectic Touches
Decorate your screened-in porch with mixed patterns, plants, and boho-style touches like a rattan hanging chair for an eclectic modern look. Hang some art on the wall to enhance the indoor-outdoor feel.
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04
of 24Lay Down an Area Rug
Anchor your screened-in porch seating with a large rug for a cozy feel. Outdoor area rugs come in a variety of colors and patterns that will allow you to personalize the look.
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05
of 24Layer Lighting Sources
Create an indoor living room feel with layered lighting. Hang a pendant, add a table lamp, or install a floor lamp next to a reading chair that allow you to use the space on rainy days or after dark.
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06
of 24Hang Some Curtains
Hang outdoor curtains to give your screened-in porch an inviting feel. Curtains will help you regulate glare and add privacy when needed while softening the space.
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07
of 24Decorate With Plants
Decorate your screened-in porch with plants to enhance the indoor-outdoor feel. Choose a mix of modern planters for an elevated feel.
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08
of 24Install an Indoor-Outdoor Bar
Install an indoor-outdoor bar counter beneath interior-facing windows on a small and narrow screened-in porch. Paint it dark for a cozy feel, and add wall heaters to make the space usable when temperatures drop.
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09
of 24Hang a Mirror
Caitlin Higgins for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Hang a mirror on the wall of a small narrow screened-in porch to reflect views and light. It will give the porch an indoor feel while creating the illusion of more space.
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10
of 24Favor Modern Furniture
Decorate your screened-in porch with sleek furniture, whether you favor midcentury modern style or something more contemporary. Pair black furniture with trim on screen walls for a sophisticated feel, and add pops of color with throw pillows in an outdoor fabric for durability.
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11
of 24Try a Farmhouse Look
Give your porch a Southern or modern farmhouse-inspired look with shades of white on finishes, furniture, and decor. This space has a light and airy feel with white paint, wainscoting, and wicker furniture.
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12
of 24Divide Into Zones
Design by O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting
Divide a large screen porch into zones to create a multifunctional space that the whole family can share. This screened-in porch has a bar counter, a large dining table, and a lounge space with an outdoor fireplace and TV to keep everyone together and entertained.
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13
of 24Add Boho Style
Set up a casual seating area that kids will love on your screened-in porch with floor pillows and black and metallic accents. Paint dated brick walls white for a light and bright refresh.
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14
of 24Equip With a Kitchenette
Design by O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting
Turn your screen porch into a multipurpose space by installing a kitchenette. Ensure that you include a range hood to whisk away smoke, grease, and odors.
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15
of 24Set Up a Large Dining Table
Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis
Set up a large dining table on your screened-in porch to create a spot for summer dining and entertaining. Hang lantern sconces on porch columns to add balanced light for late-night gatherings.
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16
of 24Install a Pass-Through Window
Design by O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting
Create a link between your kitchen and screened porch by installing a pass-through window. Flip-up or bi-fold windows will make entertaining more seamless.
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17
of 24Hang a Cluster of Pendants
Blakely Interior Design / Photo by Andrea Pietrangeli
Anchor your screened-in porch dining table with a cluster of woven pendant lights. These budget-friendly and lightweight accessories will add warmth and ambient lighting after dark.
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18
of 24Maximize Natural Light
Maximize natural light on a screened-in porch with vaulted ceilings by installing skylights. Paint simple modern porch railings in a creamy shade of white to match porch columns for an open and airy feel.
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19
of 24Build an Outdoor Fireplace
Dodson Interiors / Giles Campbell Architects / Photo by Sonya Sellers
Make your screened-in porch functional in more seasons than just summer with an outdoor fireplace. Modernize traditional red brick walls with gray floor tiles and a curved sofa.
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20
of 24Install Retractable Screens
Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis
Take advantage of modern technology to make your screened-in porch extra functional. Fully retractable screens will allow you to open up your porch at the touch of a button when mosquito season is over.
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21
of 24Incorporate French Accents
Decorate a traditional screened-in porch with French furniture like a folding table and chairs for a timeless look. Access the porch with French doors, and decorate with a simple vase of fresh flowers for an at-home bistro feel.
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22
of 24Use Black and White Decor
Decorate a small screened-in porch with black-and-white finishes, furniture, and decor for a classic look. Mix patterns on rugs, pillows, and upholstery to add interest to the two-tone decor scheme.
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23
of 24Create a Coastal Feel
Design by O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting
Add warmth to your screened-in porch with weathered wood-clad ceilings and woven furniture or decor accents. Layer striped upholstery and rugs for a modern coastal feel.
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24
of 24Add an Interior Screen Door
Caitlin Higgins for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Install a screen door between your porch and interior to give you the option to leave it open to welcome breezes while keeping bugs out. This will make a small screened-in porch feel more connected to the inside for a more spacious overall feel.