Screened In Porch Exterior Christmas Decorating

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When mesh screens became available in the 1880s, the screened-in porch was born—and with it, an ideal spot for outdoor living with indoor comforts. Finally, a place to watch the sun set on a late June evening and admire fall foliage with a blanket and a cup of tea as the seasons change. And the best part? You could do it all without mosquitos buzzing in your ears. Think of it as a sunroom with a breeze, or a patio without direct exposure to the elements. A well-designed enclosure is "somewhere you'll actually want to hang out and a place to take pause," says general contractor and designer Meredith Still. So we talked to the pros to learn how to create the breezy yet modern bonus room of your dreams.

Step 1: Decide How Often You'll Use It

analisse taft gersten's screened in porch

Designer Analisse Taft-Gersten's family uses their screened-in porch from "mid-May to mid-September" for breakfasts and dinners.

William Abranowicz / Art + Comme

Just summer? Then your only issue will be beating the heat! Keep the space cool by planting trees nearby for shade, or install a ceiling fan to get the air moving.

Whenever it's nice out? Consider retractable curtains on the exterior of your screens to insulate the room during cooler months.

365 days a year? Still suggests adding easy-install acrylic or vinyl sheets from a brand like Porch Enclosure Systems to make the room fully indoor come winter. Also, you might want a fireplace.

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Step 2: Choose a Weatherproof Floor

Setting a strong foundation makes all the difference. Read about designers's top four flooring material picks, starting with the least expensive.

screend in porch concrete flooring

Concrete $

Affordable and edgy, concrete floors add a bit of grit. But while they're relatively easy to pour yourself, the material is prone to cracking. Hide imperfections with an indoor/outdoor rug.

screend in porch tile flooring

Tile $$

A great way to incorporate pattern and color, and super easy to clean. Consider that tile can get more slippery than other materials when wet.

screend in porch brick flooring

Brick $$

Often found on preexisting patios that were turned into screened-in porches, brick floors are more slip- and stain-resistant than concrete.

screend in porch wood flooring

Wood $$$

According to Still, the best decking hands-down is element-resistant ipe wood. Worried about termites? Opt for yellow cedar or redwood. Budget conscious? Composites can be a great alternative.

Step 3: Shop for a Screen

There's more to life than plain mesh. Choose a screen that suits your lifestyle and needs. Here are a few of the best options on the market.

In this laid-back porch by Architect Bill Ryall, extra-tall screens let in tons of air and light. Design By Kris Cochran, Good Living.

John Hall

Ready-Made Fiberglass: Affordable and easy to install, these offer plenty of airflow and visibility, but can let in some unwanted critters and pollen.

Metro Screenworks Fiberglass Screen , $152 BUY NOW

Flexible and Cut to Size: Worth the splurge if your openings are custom-sized, they'll ensure the frames don't bend and stretch (or break).

Phifer Pet Resistant Screen, $26 9 BUY NOW

Pollen Resistant: Sniffle prone? Still recommends tightly woven PollenTEC screens, which trap particles. Note: Less airflow does mean less breeze.

Metro Screenworks Pollen and Dust Filter Screen, Price Upon Request LEARN MORE

UV Filter: If the space gets lots of sun, choose a screen with built-in solar protection or cooling properties. Keep in mind they can decrease visibility.

Suntex 90 Solar Screens, $60 BUY NOW

Step 4: Beat the Elements

To comfortably use your porch in less-than-ideal conditions, install features that provide climate control and improve air quality. "Yes, adding a screened-in porch will definitely obstruct some portion of the light entering adjacent rooms. Also, depending on the type of screen you get, the screens themselves can also limit the amount of light that enters the porch and adjacent rooms. One way to circumvent this is to add skylights to your screened-in porch such as Velux," says Still. So smart design will help optimize your porch without ruining adjacent lighting vibes.

design by kris cochran, porch with fireplace

Jane Beiles

Outdoor Ceiling Fan A total game changer, "It'll keep you cool when a breeze just isn't doing the job, and chase away flying insects," says explains Build.com project expert Maverick Watson. An air purifier can also help with pollen and pollution control.

Split Unit More affordable than installing fully ducted AC units, mini-splits from brands like LG and Mitsubishi can cool your space in warmer months and provide heat when the temperature drops.

Fireplace or stove Fireplaces look great, but you might have to meet extra building codes to add a chimney. Consider a wood-burning stove or portable infrared patio heater for less hassle.

Bug-proof Lighting "Avoid incandescents, as they attract the most bugs," Watson says. Instead, he suggests installing LEDs in a warm color temperature (bonus: They set the mood!). "The best lighting for an outdoor space are pendants, wall sconces, and ceiling lights. Outdoor pendants and outdoor wall sconces are made to withstand harsh weather conditions while still offering a touch of elegance, and multiple ceiling lights spaced roughly 8' apart look great for large, covered spaces," says Watson.

Step 5: Choose Furniture

With only screens between your porch and the elements, outdoor patio furniture and fabrics are the safest bet. Think about your climate. "Strong winds can send lightweight aluminum furniture flying, and dry, hot temperatures can cause wood to crack and splinter," explains Watson. And while "wicker doesn't hold up well under constant exposure to moisture," resin wicker, which mimics rattan, is a great alternative because it resists high winds, humidity, and dry heat.

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Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.

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